PC enthusiasts Archives

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Steam Replay Is Here to Recap Your Year in PC Gaming

Steam Replay 205 provides PC gamers with a detailed breakdown of their gaming statistics from January 1 to December 14. It includes information such as the most-played games and the percentage of total playtime for each title, the number of times each game was launched, and the total number of games engaged with, with the average user playing four titles in the last year. It also tracks the number of demos explored, compares total games played this year to stats from 2024, notes the longest gaming streak, and identifies favorite genres. For Steam Deck users, it tracks usage of the device and input method preferences. Steam's analysis shows that 14% of playtime was spent on titles released in 2023, down from 15% in 2022, while 44% of playtime was on games released between 2018 and 2024, and 40% on older titles. These statistics account for 98% of total playtime, leaving 2% unaccounted for, potentially including time spent on demos or browsing. Users can access their Steam Replay at store.steampowered.com/replay or through the Steam desktop app, with options to share their statistics publicly.

Winsage

November 23, 2025

6 classic Windows XP apps I miss

Windows XP was a pivotal moment in personal computing, characterized by a unique charm and user-friendly built-in tools. Six notable applications from this era include: - Windows Movie Maker: A user-friendly video editing tool with drag-and-drop functionality that introduced many to video editing. - Windows Media Player: Known for its clean interface and swift performance, it featured iconic visualizations and a library view that many modern media applications struggle to replicate. - MSN Messenger: A popular messaging tool that allowed for self-expression through custom emoticons and personalized screen names, influencing modern messaging platforms. - Space Cadet Pinball: A built-in game that became a cultural touchstone for Windows XP users, evoking fond memories associated with the operating system. - Winamp: A lightweight music playback application known for its customizable interface and robust performance, creating a personal experience for users. - Microsoft Plus!: A premium customization pack that offered wallpapers, themes, and updates for core applications, adding charm to the operating system. These applications marked a groundbreaking moment in software development, shaping user interactions with technology.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

5 third-party tweaks Microsoft needs to implement into Windows 11 natively

Windows 11 has evolved since its launch, but many users feel it lacks certain features. Third-party enhancements can improve the operating system. StartAllBack allows users to customize the Start menu and taskbar, resize icons, re-enable classic context menus, and restore quick access to the Control Panel. PowerToys is a collection of utilities from Microsoft that enhances Windows 11 with tools like PowerRename, a Color Picker, and Keyboard Manager, but these are not included by default. EarTrumpet simplifies audio management, allowing users to switch devices and adjust levels more easily than the default sound settings. Everything (Voidtools) offers a fast alternative to Windows Search by indexing files quickly and providing real-time results. OneCommander modernizes file management with a dual-pane interface, keyboard shortcuts, and cloud service integration. Many of these enhancements could benefit a wider audience if made available for users to enable as needed, rather than being pre-installed.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

The Deus Ex mod that’s a better sequel than Invisible War just got a mondo-update, and playing it couldn’t be easier

Aspyr has released an official remaster of Deus Ex, which has received mixed reactions from the gaming community. In response, many players have turned to Deus Ex: Revision (DX:R), a fan-driven modernization of the original game available on Steam. DX:R includes a compilation of mods, reimagined maps, and gameplay enhancements while allowing players to disable new features for a classic experience. Recently, it received its first update since 2023, improving the game by fixing bugs and adding memory-assistance features, including a password/keycode toggle for terminals. Additionally, The Nameless Mod (TNM), a total-conversion mod launched in 2009, has received a significant update after three years of development. This update includes new levels, secrets, items, and gameplay modes, as well as features from the DX:R update like the password manager. TNM can be installed through the DX:R Steam Workshop, and players can choose to play with the original maps from the 2009 version.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Destiny Code Demo appears on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store

aNCHOR has released a complimentary demo version of Destiny Code for PC, available for download on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Players can provide feedback through a dedicated support form to help improve the demo and the upcoming full release, which will initially launch through Early Access. The demo supports Japanese, English, and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified). The game follows Hart Grancer, an agent infiltrating an academy, who must teach a group of girls while uncovering a conspiracy related to the "Grimforge."

AppWizard

September 29, 2025

PC Gaming Show @ TGS 2025 Coverage

The PC Gaming Show at TGS 2025 showcased over 30 upcoming PC games. Key announcements include: - Nightdive Studios is remaking "Blood," set to launch on December 4th. - "Earth Must Die," a point-and-click adventure, features a voice cast including Ben Starr and Tamsin Greig; release date TBA. - A demo for "Minos," where players build labyrinths, is available now. - "Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth," a sequel to Snufkin, is in development. - "Awaysis," a dungeon brawler, has playtest sign-ups available. - "Billie Bust Up," a 3D platformer, has a new gameplay trailer; release date TBA. - "Yakuza Kiwami 3" will launch on February 11th, 2026, featuring an alternative storyline. - "Gravebound," an online extraction shooter, has a free playtest available now. - "Kaiju Cleanup" has playtest signups available. - "HOTEL BARCELONA" is out now, blending horror and action. - "Mars Tactics" will release in May 2026. - "CLAWPUNK," a roguelite, is set to launch on November 14th. - "Killing Floor 3" will receive a major update on Halloween. - "Farmbotic," a co-op farming game, is launching in 2026. - "Denshattack!" is a train stunt game coming in 2026. - "Doomspire," a roguelike deckbuilder, is out now. - "MotionRec," a puzzle platformer, is coming later this year. - "Mind Diver," a mystery adventure, is out now. - "JOIN US," a cult simulation game, is set for 2026. - "Threads of Time," a visually stunning title, has no release date yet. - "Soulmask" will leave Early Access in Q4 2025. - "Outward 2" is set for a Summer 2026 release. - "House Flipper 2" will introduce a Pets DLC next year. - "OKU," a narrative-driven game, has no release date yet. - "Morbid Metal," a single-player hack and slash roguelite, will open playtests soon. - "Huntsman," a horror game featuring giant spiders, is set to release in November 2025. - "RAEV: Kingdom on the Distant Shores" is coming in 2026. - "Absolum," a beat 'em up roguelite, launches on October 9th. - "Task Time," a competitive party game, has a playtest available now. - "BrokenLore: DON'T LIE," a psychological horror game, is in development.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 SSD failures could be caused by glitchy drive firmware – here’s what you need to know

Recent investigations by the PCDIY group in China suggest that SSD failures may be linked to the use of pre-release Phison firmware intended for engineering rather than consumer use. Phison's U.S. General Manager, Michael Wu, stated that many reports of disappearing SSDs stem from media testing on hardware with early firmware versions, which differ from those provided to consumers. Tests by PCDIY indicated that SSD failures related to the Windows 11 update were associated with pre-release firmware. There is speculation that SSD manufacturers may have shipped drives with outdated firmware due to a failure to implement updates. While most affected drives are Phison-based, issues have also been reported in SSDs without Phison controllers. Consumers are advised to ensure their drives are running the latest firmware and to verify firmware versions in Windows' Device Manager.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

Borderlands 4 is near, Final Fantasy Tactics is back — PC gaming is stacked in September

Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to release on September 4, 2025, and has already broken the concurrent player record on Steam. Borderlands 4 will be released between September 11 and 12, 2025. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is scheduled for September 30, 2025. Silent Hill f will launch on September 25, 2025, and Dying Light: The Beast will be released on September 19, 2025. Other notable titles include Firefighting Simulator: Ignite on September 9, Dead Reset on September 11, Chrono Gear: Warden of Time on September 12, No, I'm Not a Human on September 15, Strange Antiquities on September 17, DeadWire and Formula Legends on September 18, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree on September 18, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter on September 19, Endless Legend 2 on September 22, Blade & Soul Heroes on September 24, Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian all on September 25, EA SPORTS FC 26 and Hotel Barcelona on September 26, and Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny on September 30, 2025.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 95 release was 30 years ago today, the first time software was a pop culture smash

Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the public three decades ago, marking a significant moment in tech history with a midnight launch event that attracted large crowds. The operating system combined Microsoft’s DOS and Windows products, introducing a new user interface featuring the Start Button. The official system requirements included an Intel 386DX processor, 4MB of RAM, a VGA display, and 55MB of hard drive space, with recommended specifications for enhanced features being a 486 or better CPU and 8MB of RAM. Windows 95 was packaged in a box with 13 to 15 floppy disks, and consumers could purchase a full installation or an upgrade from Windows 3.1, with a CD version also available. The launch price was , which is approximately 0 today, and on its first day, it generated million in sales, with one million copies shipped by the fourth day. By its one-year anniversary, Microsoft had shipped 40 million units globally. Windows 95 also influenced gaming, with 10 of the 11 top PC game publishers adopting it, and it coincided with the rise of web browsers optimized for the platform.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 is getting some big upgrades to tackle dreaded boot failures – and help novices set up their new PC

Windows 11 has released a new preview build, 26200.5622, in the Dev channel, introducing several features aimed at improving user experience. Key additions include Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) for recovering from boot failures, a PC-to-PC migration feature for easier transitions to new devices, a new option in Phone Link to mirror Android phone screens from the Start menu, enhancements to the widgets board with a navigation bar, and a Click to Do feature for drafting text in Word using Copilot on Copilot+ PCs. These features are in early testing and may be included in the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 release.