operating system Archives

Winsage

October 22, 2026

Windows 11 cuts back some AI features — but that’s overshadowed by a Microsoft exec admitting the design team is using… AI

Microsoft is streamlining some Copilot features in Windows 11 by removing certain options from the right-click context menu. Users can still access Copilot features through the 'Ask Copilot' icon. Diego Baca, Microsoft's Vice President of Design for Windows, mentioned that AI has accelerated the design team's workflow, allowing designers to contribute to code fixes, which has received mixed reactions online. Critics have expressed skepticism about Microsoft's coding practices and raised concerns about software reliability, linking these issues to the introduction of AI. The dissatisfaction appears to stem from ongoing problems with Windows 11's bug testing and update reliability rather than the use of AI itself.

Tech Optimizer

October 21, 2026

I use Bitdefender Total Security to protect all of my devices, and it’s down to $28 at Newegg

Bitdefender Total Security is currently available on Newegg for .99, down from its original price of .99, using the promo code EPF56892. This subscription covers up to ten devices across multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS) and includes features like ransomware protection, a limited VPN, and parental controls. The deal represents a savings of approximately 72%. The subscription is for one year and does not require a long-term commitment.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Why Windows 11 keeps 64-bit files in System32 and 32-bit files in SysWOW64, according to Microsoft

Microsoft does not produce a 32-bit edition of Windows 11 but supports 32-bit applications through two system folders: System32 for 64-bit files and SysWOW64 for 32-bit files. The WOW64 file system redirector directs 32-bit applications to SysWOW64 when they request System32. On a Windows 11 26H2 system, both folders contain kernel32.dll, but the files differ in size. The System32 folder contains files corresponding to the operating system's architecture, while SysWOW64 is reserved for 32-bit applications. A 32-bit process cannot load a 64-bit DLL, necessitating the WOW64 redirection. There are six subfolders within System32 that 32-bit applications can access without redirection. Microsoft has announced that 32-bit Arm applications will no longer be supported on Arm PCs, and only x86 applications will continue to operate through Prism emulation.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

How to Change Windows 11 Clock Font, Size, and Color

Windows 11 does not provide built-in options to customize the taskbar clock's font, size, or color. To achieve this, users need a third-party tool called Windhawk along with its Taskbar Clock Customization mod. Testing on Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 confirmed that the mod allows changes to the clock's font family, size, weight, and color. The mod requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (version 22H2 or newer) and must be installed from windhawk.net. Users need internet access for the initial mod load, as Windhawk downloads necessary debug symbols. Windhawk is open-source, and while generally safe, code injection may trigger antivirus alerts. Users can revert to the default clock by disabling or removing the mod through Windhawk.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Why you can finally stop paying for antivirus software? – Innovation Village

Since the launch of Windows 8 in 2012, Microsoft has integrated antivirus protection into the operating system, making it unnecessary for users to pay for essential protection. Microsoft Defender Antivirus has improved significantly, achieving a score of 6 out of 6 in AV-Test's July–August 2026 results, successfully detecting 100 percent of threats. Modern cyber threats primarily involve social engineering rather than traditional viruses, prompting third-party antivirus companies to offer core protection as a free tier while promoting premium subscriptions with additional features. Many users find that third-party antivirus software can degrade their computing experience due to nagware, performance hits, and inferior bundled tools compared to standalone services. Microsoft Defender, along with modern web browsers that provide anti-phishing security, is sufficient for most users.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel rolling out with 21 fixes

The Android 17 QPR3 preview is set to launch in March 2027, with Beta 2 now available for Google Pixel devices. This update resolves various issues, including: - Intermittent device crashes and reboots during normal usage. - Persistent text in the Internet Quick Settings tile when mobile data is active without Wi-Fi. - Media output dialog failing to recognize the monochrome system theme with external audio devices. - Misalignment of pin icons next to pinned apps in the share sheet. - Unexpected API lint and source compatibility check errors from internal PublishedApi declarations. - Unexpected device shutdowns during WhatsApp video calls. - Overlapping lock screen notifications with UI elements causing stuttering animations. - Cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services failing on Dish Network. - Screen recording freezing after screen rotation. - Abnormally small rendering of system UI, fonts, and apps regardless of display size settings. - Display turning black and unresponsive after ending a phone call. - Terminal app failing to launch the Linux development environment virtual machine post-installation. - Wi-Fi Aware errors when establishing data paths after network request release. - Paired watches ringing after an incoming call is answered. - Airbnb app failing to connect when sending messages. - Misalignment of Bluetooth subtitle in Quick Settings. - Unexpected closure of the app drawer when switching keyboard languages. - Bluetooth pairing failures due to connection timeouts. - VoLTE, VoNR, and Wi-Fi calling unavailable on the IT&E network. - High idle battery drain from motion sensors remaining active post Face Unlock or camera use. - Wi-Fi Calling unavailable on the OXIO network. Users can report issues via the Android Beta Feedback app or the Android Beta community on Reddit. System images for Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 are available for various Pixel devices, and interested users can join the Android Beta Program for an on-device OTA experience.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

“We expect more from ourselves, too”: Microsoft’s design boss of Windows 11 admits the OS needs work, while AI is helping his team fix its inconsistencies

Diego Baca, Microsoft's Vice President of Product Design, discussed the company's use of artificial intelligence to enhance design processes, noting that AI has significantly accelerated the productivity of the design team and enabled designers to contribute directly to code fixes for improved quality and consistency. He acknowledged the ongoing issue of design consistency in Windows 11 and recognized user expectations for a more cohesive experience, expressing a commitment to improvement. Baca's remarks reflect a shift towards greater transparency in addressing user concerns and invite dialogue about user experiences and expectations.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft To Block ReFS-Formatted USB Drives And External Storage On Windows Starting January 2027

Starting in January 2027, Windows will block ReFS-formatted USB drives and external storage devices by default as part of a security initiative. This change will affect Windows 11, supported Windows 10 installations, and Windows Server. The rollout will occur in two phases: 1. On October 13, 2026, an initial security update will introduce auditing for affected ReFS volumes, allowing them to mount but recording them in the Event Viewer. 2. In January 2027, Windows will prevent affected ReFS volumes from mounting unless overridden by an administrator. This change will not erase the contents of affected drives, but users may lose access to their files. Microsoft has stated that this move aims to reduce exposure associated with unsupported storage configurations. Most users are unlikely to notice immediate effects, as common USB drives use FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, which are not subject to this restriction. Users with ReFS-formatted external storage should consider transferring their files to a supported format before the deadline. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a registry and Group Policy setting, RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy, to allow for configurable restrictions.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Xodus Nexus Project Opens Access to PC Catalog Game Pass on devices running Linux and SteamOS operating systems

The independent developer community has made progress in improving gaming on Linux and SteamOS. The open-source Xodus Nexus project, created by enthusiast domsvoboda, is an unofficial graphical launcher that allows users to browse, download, and launch games from services like Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass without using Windows. It uses a modified Xodus backend and a Nexus runtime environment based on Proton, enabling interaction with the file system and Microsoft gaming services. Users can authorize their Xbox accounts, and the application supports cloud save syncing for compatible titles. Notable games that have been successfully launched include Forza Horizon 6, Gears of War: E-Day, Sea of Thieves, and Avowed. The latest version, v0.3.8, adds Xbox achievement tracking, playtime monitoring, and recent activity displays, and allows users to add installed games to their Steam library as third-party shortcuts. The project is independent, with no formal ties to Microsoft, Valve, or the core Xodus team, and game compatibility remains inconsistent. Support for the Steam Deck and integration into Game Mode is experimental, and some features may require a touchscreen or mouse for initial login or interaction.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft Confirms October Windows Updates Can Break Exchange Server Email Services

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows Server security updates released on October 13, 2026, may disrupt Exchange Server email services, affecting on-premises systems running Exchange Server 2016, 2019, and the Subscription Edition. The disruptions can include blocked webmail access and undelivered messages. Microsoft has identified four specific Windows updates linked to these issues: KB5126646 for Windows Server 2025, KB5126655 for Windows Server 2022, KB5126651 for Windows Server 2019, and KB5126868 for Windows Server 2016. Symptoms may include inability to log into Outlook on the web, messages stuck in the Outbox, increased mail queues, and failed mailbox access. A critical error to monitor is MapiExceptionMdbOffline, and affected systems may log Event ID 1006. The October updates introduced a default limit of 512 simultaneous Endpoint Lookup calls, which can be exceeded under heavy Exchange workloads. Microsoft has provided a registry workaround to increase this limit and suggests monitoring for recurring failures. The disruption coincides with the end of the final paid update period for Exchange 2016 and 2019, with future updates limited to the Subscription Edition.