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Microsoft finally gets around to fixing Windows 10 Recovery Environment after breaking it in October
Winsage
March 6, 2026

Microsoft finally gets around to fixing Windows 10 Recovery Environment after breaking it in October

Microsoft addressed an issue in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) that arose after the final update for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which disrupted WinRE functionality on some devices. The same update also caused accessibility issues for USB devices in Windows 11's recovery environment. Microsoft released an out-of-band patch, but some Windows 10 users continued to experience WinRE problems. The fix, KB5068164, targets Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2 and aims to resolve the issue preventing WinRE from starting after the October 14 update. Concerns about Microsoft's quality control have been raised due to the timing of the failure and the delay in providing a solution. Users of Windows 10 can rely on Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program, although the situation has caused doubts about the reliability of Microsoft's updates.
Windows 10 has been open to a severe recovery bug without this update
Winsage
March 6, 2026

Windows 10 has been open to a severe recovery bug without this update

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 and encouraged users to switch to Windows 11, using full-screen pop-up ads. The company introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to facilitate this transition. However, issues arose with the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), which faced significant problems around the same time Windows 10 was phased out, affecting Windows 11 users as well. Microsoft acknowledged these issues in February and released an emergency patch to fix them. On March 3, 2026, a recovery update for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2 was rolled out to address the WinRE malfunction. Following the end of support for Windows 10, Windows 11's market share increased to 72.78%. Microsoft plans to improve Windows 11 in 2026 based on user feedback, but Windows 12 is not expected to be released this year.
March builds on Google Home automations, expands Nest's Yale Lock support
AppWizard
March 4, 2026

March builds on Google Home automations, expands Nest’s Yale Lock support

Google Home is implementing significant updates in March, including improvements to the Gemini voice assistant's interaction with smart home devices through room-level commands. Users can now issue commands like "turn off the kitchen," targeting specific devices. The update introduces new automation triggers, such as "Security system is armed" and "Device is plugged in." Google is also expanding its partnership with Yale Smart Lock, allowing users to view lock history and receive notifications through the Google Home app. The Gemini update enhances voice assistant capabilities, utilizing users' home addresses for contextually relevant responses, and improving accuracy for commands related to notes, reminders, calendars, and alarms. Additional features include enhanced responses for informational queries, fewer interruptions during speech, increased reliability for automations, improved accuracy in playing new songs, and a new “Live Search” feature for Google Home Premium subscribers. A software patch for Nest Wifi Pro is also set to enhance security and performance. Gemini for Home was first unveiled in late 2022, with early access starting in October, and users have reported positive experiences with features like "Ask Home."
PoC Exploit Released for Microsoft Windows Error Reporting ALPC Privilege Escalation
Winsage
March 4, 2026

PoC Exploit Released for Microsoft Windows Error Reporting ALPC Privilege Escalation

A proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2026-20817, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Windows Error Reporting (WER) service, has been released by security researcher oxfemale on GitHub. This vulnerability allows low-privileged users to gain SYSTEM-level access through crafted Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC) messages. The flaw is located in the WER service's SvcElevatedLaunch method, which fails to validate caller privileges before executing WerFault.exe with user-supplied command line parameters. The CVSS v3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. It affects unpatched versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022 prior to the January 2026 update. Demonstrations have shown successful exploitation on Windows 11 23H2. Security teams are advised to monitor for unusual processes related to WerFault.exe, investigate missing SeTcbPrivilege in SYSTEM tokens, and review WER-related activities from low-privilege users. Immediate application of the January 2026 security patches is recommended, and a temporary workaround involves disabling the WER service.
Minecraft Update 3.33 Released for Bedrock Edition 26.3
AppWizard
March 3, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.33 Released for Bedrock Edition 26.3

Minecraft Bedrock Edition 26.3 was launched on March 2, recognized as update 3.33 for console gamers. The update includes fixes for a localization issue with items from the Mounts of Mayhem drop (MCPE-235956) and a crash that could occur when loading a world or Realm. A previous patch addressed an issue with add-ons that could cause crashes or missing textures (MCPE-235929).
Minecraft Bedrock 26.3 Released on March 2 Applies Update 1.043
AppWizard
March 2, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock 26.3 Released on March 2 Applies Update 1.043

Mojang released a new title update for Minecraft on March 2, known as Bedrock edition 26.3, available for download on consoles as Minecraft update 1.043 (complete version 1.043.000). The update addresses several important issues to enhance game performance, including: - Fixing the localization of certain items from the Mounts of Mayhem drop (MCPE-235956). - Resolving a crash that could occur when loading a world or Realm. - A previous patch corrected an issue with add-ons that could lead to crashes or missing textures (MCPE-235929). The update has not yet been released for last-generation consoles, specifically the PS4 and Xbox One, but this is expected to change soon.
A feature Windows 11 should have had on release is finally rolling out, says Microsoft
Winsage
March 1, 2026

A feature Windows 11 should have had on release is finally rolling out, says Microsoft

Windows 11 users will receive colored battery icons and percentage indicators with the KB5077241 update. This feature, initially previewed in late 2024 and expected to launch in November 2025, is now being rolled out more broadly after delays. The February 2026 update will activate these features for a wider audience. Users can access the update via Windows Update and enable the "Battery percentage" option in the Settings menu. This addition aligns Windows 11 with other operating systems like Android and macOS, enhancing the user experience by providing clearer battery information.
Alan Wake Remastered Update on PC for Version 1.33 Improves Visuals
AppWizard
February 27, 2026

Alan Wake Remastered Update on PC for Version 1.33 Improves Visuals

Remedy Entertainment released a significant patch for Alan Wake Remastered on PC on February 26, introducing several enhancements. Key updates include the addition of HDR, improved DLSS capabilities, and unlocked frame rates ranging from 200 FPS to 240 FPS. Gameplay improvements feature a command to skip the intro, refined camera functionality, and optimized weapon swapping. Visual enhancements include a new optional camera style, upgraded SDR to 10-bit, corrected FOV scaling, and fixes for rendering errors. UI updates consist of a new setting to scale the gameplay UI and resolution of multiple mouse input issues. There are no announcements for similar updates on console versions.
Minecraft Bedrock 26.2 Released as Minor Update 3.32/1.042
AppWizard
February 26, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock 26.2 Released as Minor Update 3.32/1.042

Mojang has released a minor patch for Minecraft, known as Bedrock edition 26.2 (Minecraft update 3.32/1.042), addressing various bugs with a small download size. The update resolves an issue with add-ons that could lead to crashes or missing textures (MCPE-235929). A previous patch corrected scaling values on specific devices (MCPE-234792). Players should not expect major new content following the recent 26.0 patch.
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