pause feature Archives

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Windows Task Manager Creator Dave Plummer Calls for Halt to New Windows 11 AI Features for Better Stability

Dave Plummer, the creator of the Windows Task Manager and Pinball game, has expressed concerns about Windows 11, criticizing Microsoft's focus on integrating new artificial intelligence features at the expense of system stability. He argues that stable releases should prioritize fixing critical bugs over adding new functionalities. Plummer references the period around Windows XP Service Pack 2, when Microsoft halted new feature introductions to enhance security and stability in response to major security threats. He advocates for a similar approach for Windows 11, urging Microsoft to pause feature additions until the system is stabilized and existing issues are resolved. Plummer emphasizes the need for Microsoft to focus on improving user experience by prioritizing fixes over new features, particularly for power users.

Winsage

December 13, 2025

Non-ESU Windows 10 can’t pause updates anymore, including if Windows 11 install starts accidentally by user

Windows 10 users not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are unable to pause updates, as the "Pause updates for 7 days" option is grayed out. This issue can occur if users initiate an upgrade to Windows 11. Typically, the inability to pause updates arises after multiple pauses or due to organizational restrictions, but in this case, it affects users who haven't paused updates at all. As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of support, with only ESU-enrolled devices receiving security patches until October 2026. A new cumulative update is available for ESU users, but non-ESU users cannot access it. Users are prompted to install updates immediately, and if they do, the system may indicate that previous security updates have failed to install. Windows 10 now defaults to installing the 25H2 update for users upgrading without ESU enrollment, and the pause feature is unavailable during this process. Microsoft has made the Consumer ESU program accessible to regular users, allowing enrollment through Settings. Users can enroll for free with a Microsoft account, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or purchase a one-year ESU license.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Android scam protection: How new screen sharing warnings and a 30-second pause safeguard bank app users from call scams | – The Times of India

Fraudsters are using screen sharing during phone calls to impersonate bank representatives and extract sensitive information from users, leading to unauthorized transactions. In response, Android has launched a pilot program in the U.S. to enhance user security against these scams. The program automatically detects when a call from an unknown number coincides with screen sharing on a banking app, displaying a warning and offering an option to end the call. This feature is available on Android devices running version 11 and above. It includes a 30-second pause before users can continue interacting with the call, disrupting the scammers' tactics. The feature was previously tested in the U.K., where it successfully helped users terminate risky calls and avoid financial losses. Major financial service providers, including popular fintech apps and banks, are supporting the U.S. rollout of this scam protection.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Ex-engineer blasts Microsoft – argues it must fix Windows 11 ‘until it doesn’t suck’, never mind about AI

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft software engineer, has expressed concerns about Windows 11's direction, advocating for a focus on stabilizing and enhancing performance rather than adding new features, particularly AI-related ones. He compares the current situation to the response to the Blaster worm in 2003, when Microsoft halted feature development to address security vulnerabilities and bugs. Plummer believes Microsoft should prioritize improving Windows 11's performance and usability for power users before introducing new features. He notes that the current emphasis on AI capabilities may detract from addressing core functionalities and that shareholder value seems prioritized over user experience. There is a call for Microsoft to refine Windows 11's underlying code and resolve performance issues, although the feasibility of pausing feature development for an entire release cycle is questioned.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

Europa Universalis V (PC) Review

In 1993, French game designer Philippe Thibaut released the tabletop game Europa Universalis, which focused on the geopolitical dynamics of European powers from the late 15th century to 1792. The game was complex, featuring nearly 1500 counters and extensive manuals, with some sessions lasting over 60 hours. Thibaut collaborated with Paradox Development Studio to adapt the game for PC, launching the video game version in late 2000, which introduced real-time gameplay with a pause feature and an open-ended structure. As of 2025, the franchise has evolved to include four mainline titles and a spin-off, culminating in Europa Universalis V, which introduces a new starting date of April 1, 1337, and ends on December 31, 1836. The game features a detailed world map with 28,570 locations and 1,523 playable nations. New features include a revamped military system, balancing estates, and scripted situations that reflect real-world events. Despite advancements, Europa Universalis V has a high barrier to entry, particularly for newcomers, and may require additional content to reach its full potential. The game has shown stability on mid-range systems, though performance on handheld devices may be lacking.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Minecraft has finally added a pause button after 16 painful years

Mojang has introduced a pause function in the Bedrock edition of Minecraft, allowing solo players to take breaks without worrying about in-game threats. This feature is not available in multiplayer settings. Previously, players had to find safe spots to avoid dying when interrupted by real-life events. The update also includes new social functionalities, enabling players to showcase their statistics, screenshots, and achievements on a revamped profile page.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Minecraft releases a brand new update with a highly requested feature – Could this be a game-changer? | Esports News – The Times of India

The "Spring to Life" update for Minecraft Bedrock Edition, released on March 25, introduces a long-awaited pause feature for single-player local worlds. This feature allows players to pause gameplay, addressing a significant limitation of the Bedrock version. The pause function is only available in worlds owned by the player and will automatically resume if another player joins. Mojang is gradually rolling out the pause function over the next two weeks. The update also includes new animal variants and blocks.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Visual novel x pachinko game Jump the Track announced for PC

Seed by Seed has announced a new game called Jump the Track, set to launch on PC via Steam in 2025. The game combines elements of a visual novel and pachinko, featuring a character named Sam who navigates the gig economy in an absurd comedy style. Players influence the narrative by rolling a ball, leading to various outcomes. Key features include a solo experience, control options for mouse or gamepad, a game length of two to three hours, moderate to easy difficulty, a pause feature, and mature language content. An announcement trailer is available for viewing.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Deadlock players are learning they can pause the match for the entire lobby, and some are using it for evil

The pause feature in Deadlock, a new game from Valve, has generated mixed reactions among players. Popular Twitch streamer ohnePixel used the pause to engage in real-life gambling, referring to it as "mental warfare." While some players find humor in this, others raise concerns about the feature's impact on gameplay integrity and momentum. Discussions within the community suggest a need for moderation, with some advocating for limiting pauses to one per game per player, especially given the game's early access status. The effectiveness of reporting misuse of the pause feature has also been questioned, as it may undermine legitimate pauses.