PC Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC

Windows update KB5043145 caused some users to experience the blue screen of death instead of performance improvements. Before rolling back updates, users should check for adequate hard drive space, restart the system, attempt to reinstall updates, disconnect non-essential hardware, check for conflicts in Device Manager, ensure antivirus software is not interfering, and verify that the Windows Update service is activated. To troubleshoot update issues, Windows 11 users can run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings, while Windows 10 users can access it through Update & Security. Users can also utilize system restore points to revert to a previous state, use the Reset Windows Update Tool to repair update components, manually install updates from the Microsoft update catalog, or reset and restart update services via command prompt. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary, though it could result in data loss.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Can the Snapdragon 8 Elite run Popular PC Games?

The realme GT 7 Pro, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, has demonstrated the capability to run AAA PC games like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag at 60 frames per second with a GPU usage rate of around 70%. Videos have also shown the device running Assassin’s Creed Rogue and Grand Theft Auto V. The gaming performance is facilitated by an upcoming application called GameFusion, which is designed for running demanding games on mobile devices. The developers of GameFusion have faced scrutiny for past work on the EggNS emulator and have introduced a paid subscription model. There is an ongoing partnership with GameSir, and details about GameFusion's availability and business model are currently unclear.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

First Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered PC Patch brings performance and stability improvements

Nixxes has released Patch 1.1 for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which includes bug fixes and performance enhancements. Key fixes include resolving a crash related to mouse and keyboard controls, addressing disappearing or flickering shadows in Meridian for ultrawide resolutions, and correcting a floating bow issue during cinematics. The update also aligns the audio volume of pre-rendered cut scenes with gameplay. Improvements have been made to Steam Input, HUD markers for objectives, and various user interface elements, alongside general performance and stability enhancements. A PSN account is required to access the remaster, and there are no plans to remove this requirement. The update will be automatically downloaded via Steam.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered PC Patch 1.1 Introduces Various Performance and Stability Improvements

A new patch (1.1) for the PC version of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has been released, enhancing the gaming experience with several key fixes and improvements. The patch resolves audio issues in pre-rendered cutscenes, addresses a bug with disappearing or flickering shadows in Meridian on ultrawide resolutions, ensures HUD markers for objectives render correctly with custom field of view, and implements improvements to Steam Input. The development team is working on future patches for further refinements. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is available on PC and PlayStation 5 globally.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Take-Two CEO says Grand Theft Auto 6 is on track for ‘fall’ next year, GTA 5 has sold over 205 million, and ‘PC will be more and more a part of [our] business going forward’

Take-Two Interactive reported net bookings of .47 billion for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, within its projected annual target of .55 to .65 billion. The company attributed its success to the popularity of its franchises, particularly Grand Theft Auto and Borderlands. Grand Theft Auto 5 has sold over 205 million units globally, and Grand Theft Auto Online's membership in the GTA+ service has grown by 35% over the past year. Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 67 million units. The anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected in the fall of 2026 at the earliest. The recent Borderlands film has been criticized but positively impacted catalogue sales.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2024

Rust, the hit PC survival game, is coming to mobile

Rust, a popular open-world survival game, is coming to mobile. It is known for its realistic gameplay and intense clan warfare. The mobile version is expected to be released no earlier than late 2025.

Tech Optimizer

November 7, 2024

4 reasons why Windows Security alone isn’t enough to protect your PC

Microsoft's Windows Security suite, also known as Windows Defender, has evolved since 2006 into a more robust security tool. However, it has limitations: 1. Web protection is limited to Microsoft Edge, with the SmartScreen feature not available for Chrome or Firefox users. 2. There is no built-in VPN; a VPN service is only available through a paid Microsoft 365 subscription with a 50 GB monthly data cap. 3. It lacks an integrated password manager, leaving users to rely on third-party solutions for password management. 4. For business users, it does not provide endpoint protection or automated response capabilities, which are essential for recovering from attacks like ransomware or DDoS. Microsoft offers Defender for Endpoint as a paid service, but many businesses may still need third-party antivirus solutions for comprehensive protection.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Death Stranding: Directors Cut out now on Xbox Series Consoles

505 Games has announced that Death Stranding: Director's Cut is now available on Xbox Series X|S, currently on sale for 50% off at £17.49 in the UK. The game includes the 'Play Anywhere' feature, allowing access to both console and PC versions. Enhancements include high frame rate performance modes, a dedicated photo mode, and ultra-wide support for PC. The game features crossover content from Valve's Half-Life series and CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077. The release follows a five-year exclusivity period with Sony, which has now ended. A sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, is in development exclusively for PlayStation 5. Kojima Productions has reportedly re-acquired the rights to the Death Stranding franchise, allowing for potential future releases on Xbox. Additionally, Hideo Kojima's upcoming project, OD, was announced for Xbox consoles, featuring a cast that includes Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schaffer, and Udo Kier.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

Snapdragon 8 Elite phones shown running PC games with no sweat, but is it legit?

GameFusion is a new application that allows users to play PC games locally on Android devices, demonstrated with titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Assassin’s Creed Rogue running smoothly on devices with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Realme executive Xu Qi Chase showcased Assassin’s Creed Rogue operating at 60 frames per second on a flagship smartphone. The app is developed by the creators of the EggNS emulator, which has a controversial history involving allegations of code theft. GameSir has acknowledged its connection to the EggNS team, and GameFusion may be integrated into its GameHub application. Users may need specific GameSir controllers to fully utilize GameFusion.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11’s market share hits all-time high — Microsoft’s $30 extended support charge beyond Windows 10’s imminent death won’t cut it

Windows 11 has captured a market share of 35.55% as of October 2024, while Windows 10 holds 60.97%. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported a 3% growth in global PC shipments in Q2 2024, with approximately 64.9 million units sold. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support for an additional year at a cost. A public interest petition has been initiated urging Microsoft to reconsider the end of support for Windows 10.