PC users Archives

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Microsoft Recall finally launches for AI PC users, along with some other new features, almost one year after Copilot+ was announced

Microsoft has reintroduced its Recall feature, initially designed for Qualcomm Snapdragon X-powered laptops, which captures snapshots of users' desktops to help locate old documents, images, and web pages. Enhanced security measures have been implemented, including Windows Hello sign-in, data encryption, and isolation protocols, with all data processed locally on users' devices. Recall is an opt-in feature that can be removed. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced an AI-powered Windows search mechanism that allows users to search for files by description. These features are currently exclusive to devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors, with support for AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V series chips expected later this year. Users without compatible hardware must rely on traditional file management methods.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Touhou Spell Carnival Game’s PC Version Launches on May 7

Idea Factory International plans to release the game Touhou Spell Carnival for PC users via Steam on May 7. The game was launched in North America on November 19 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4, with a simultaneous digital release in Europe and a physical edition debuting on December 3. A Digital Deluxe edition includes a digital art book and soundtrack, while a Limited Edition features a collector's box, figures, a hardcover artbook, a soundtrack, a reversible cover sleeve, and a trading card. The game includes Japanese audio and text options in English, French, and Spanish. It is scheduled to launch in Japan in June 2024 after a delay from April 2024.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

I disabled these 5 Windows services to improve my PC performance

Windows operating systems have numerous background services that can consume system resources and slow down performance. Users can improve responsiveness by disabling non-essential services. 1. Windows Search: Indexes files and data for quick searches; can tax CPU and RAM. To disable: press Ctrl + R, type services.msc, locate Windows Search, stop the service, and set Startup type to Disabled or Manual. 2. SysMain (formerly Superfetch): Preloads frequently used applications into memory but can lead to unnecessary disk activity on SSDs. To disable: access services.msc, find SysMain, stop the service, and set Startup Type to Disabled. 3. Windows Update Delivery Optimization: Shares update files with other PCs, consuming bandwidth. To disable: go to Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options and turn it off. 4. Remote Desktop Services: Enables remote connections, which can drain resources and pose security risks. To disable: locate Remote Desktop Services in services.msc, stop it, and set Startup type to Disabled. 5. Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects usage data and can transmit sensitive information. To disable: turn off the service and navigate to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & Feedback to disable Diagnostic data. Additional services that may be disabled include Print Spooler, Fax, Bluetooth Support, and Windows Error Reporting Service for further performance optimization.

Tech Optimizer

April 12, 2025

I abandoned third-party antivirus tools, and here’s what I do instead

The author has transitioned from using third-party antivirus solutions to relying on Windows Security, which is built into Windows 10 and 11, due to its effectiveness and lack of cost. They emphasize the importance of keeping Windows Security updated and performing regular virus scans for added peace of mind. Ransomware protection features, such as Controlled Folder Access, are highlighted as essential. The Microsoft PC Manager app is recommended for optimizing system performance and security. The author advocates for good security hygiene, including avoiding suspicious emails and enabling two-factor authentication, as effective practices to maintain security without third-party antivirus software.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

New Epic Games Store Free Games Save PC Users $150

This week, the Epic Games Store is offering three free games for PC gamers, including River City Girls, a 2019 title developed by Arc System Works and WayForward, which is considered one of the best free offerings from the store in 2025. River City Girls features solo or local co-op gameplay, where players control the protagonists' girlfriends, Kyoko and Misako, as they seek revenge after their partners are captured. The game is noted for its vibrant 16-bit aesthetics and engaging soundtrack. Additionally, this week's offerings include Arcadegeddon and a bonus of 5,000 in-game Arcoins, while players logging into Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms through the Epic Games Store can receive a free bonus pack valued at . The total value of this week's free games is .

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos Game’s PC Version Launches on April 30

Idea Factory International will launch the motorcycle action game, Neptunia Riders VS Dogoos, for PC via Steam on April 30 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The game was previously released on January 28 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in the Western market. A special "Magazine Edition" will be available, including a physical game, digital version, artbook, posters, stickers, official soundtrack, reversible cover sleeve, exclusive trading card, and in-game costumes. Players can control six characters across 15 stages while collecting Dogoos. The game features English and Japanese audio, with text options in English, French, and Spanish. It was originally launched in Japan in June 2024.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft releases KB5055523 update to fix a glut of Windows 11 problems

Microsoft has released the KB5055523 update for Windows 11, which includes various fixes and enhancements. Key improvements include a fix for the Explorer context menu issue, increased reliability of ctfmon.exe, and resolution of a Kerberos authentication problem related to RC4 encryption. New features for Copilot+ PC users include an improved Windows Search with semantic indexing, natural language search for cloud-stored photos, enhanced communication capabilities with live captions and real-time translation, and support for real-time translation into Simplified Chinese on Snapdragon-powered devices. The update also addresses issues with machine password rotation in the Identity Update Manager, updates for Daylight Saving Time in Chile, and unexpected behavior in the PcaUiArmUpdate feature. KB5055523 will be automatically installed for users.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

Grand Theft Auto V comes to Game Pass for PC and console

Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 200 million copies since its release in September 2013. It will return to Xbox Game Pass on April 15th, offering the Expanded & Enhanced edition with advanced ray-traced graphics for both console and PC users. The game will not be a permanent addition to Game Pass, typically available for three to six months before being rotated out.

Winsage

April 6, 2025

Celebrating 30 Years Of Windows 95 At VCF

The 30th anniversary of Windows 95 will be celebrated with an exhibit at VCF East 2025 on April 5, 2025, in Wall, NJ, featuring nine period-correct computers configured to run various versions of the operating system. The exhibit is curated by Commodore Z and Ms-Dos5, who faced challenges in networking the machines, including a notable incident with a Thinkpad 760e. It will showcase classic software programs such as Kidpix, MS Paint, Lego Island, LucasArts Full Throttle, Duke Nukem 3D, Word 97, and Space Cadet Pinball, along with original software boxes from the 90s. The exhibit includes all major versions of Windows 95, from the Chicago beta 73g to Windows 95 C / OSR2.5.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Cyberpunk 2077 publisher offering multiple free games through April

Gamers can claim free games through Prime Gaming in April 2025. The available titles include: - Mafia III: Definitive Edition (available now) - God’s Trigger (10 April 2025) - The Last Spell (17 April 2025) - Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (17 April 2025) - Beserk Boy (17 April 2025) - Wild Country (17 April 2025) - Thief Gold (24 April 2025) These games can be retained even after the Amazon Prime subscription ends.