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Windows 11 is breaking Legacy Media Player features to push you to a modern app that uses 3x more RAM
Winsage
August 19, 2026

Windows 11 is breaking Legacy Media Player features to push you to a modern app that uses 3x more RAM

Microsoft is reducing the functionality of Windows Media Player Legacy in the latest update, Windows 11 Experimental Build 29648.1000, by restricting caption controls. Users can no longer enable captions in the legacy player and are prompted to switch to the modern Media Player instead. This change was first noted by Windows enthusiast Xeno Panther and indicates a deliberate move by Microsoft to encourage users to adopt the newer application. In the previous Experimental Build 26340.9212, captions were still operational, but the latest build has removed options for Off and Defaults, leaving only "On if available." When attempting to activate captions, users receive a message stating that captions cannot be enabled in Windows Media Player Legacy. The modern Media Player does offer enhanced caption customization features, such as font size and color adjustments, but it has been criticized for its performance issues. The modern app takes longer to open videos and consumes significantly more RAM while idle compared to the legacy version. Additionally, the modern Media Player requires users to purchase HEVC Video Extensions to play HEVC files, which the legacy player supports without additional costs. Despite these changes, the Legacy Media Player still retains features like library view and CD burning, and it remains an optional feature in Windows 11. Microsoft has previously removed other functionalities from the legacy player, such as the Sync tab in 2023. As users look for alternatives, third-party open-source media players like VLC and mpv are becoming more popular, with mpv recommended for its performance and minimal interface.
Everything you need to head back to school with a new Dell PC is here — fast Windows laptops with essential accessories on sale
Winsage
August 19, 2026

Everything you need to head back to school with a new Dell PC is here — fast Windows laptops with essential accessories on sale

Dell's official store is offering discounts on PCs, with back-to-school deals providing savings of up to 0. The new Dell XPS 13 laptop features a 13.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, weighs 2.2 lbs, and is powered by a standard 65W USB-C AC adapter. It includes a built-in webcam for Windows Hello face unlock and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The student pricing for the XPS 13 is 9.99, while the standard price is ,199.99.
Windows 11 is getting a major privacy upgrade, blocks apps spying on your camera and mic with new controls
Winsage
August 19, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a major privacy upgrade, blocks apps spying on your camera and mic with new controls

Windows 11 has introduced individual privacy controls for desktop applications, allowing users to manage access permissions for apps like Chrome and Steam through Settings > Privacy & security. This change enables users to selectively grant or deny access to features such as the microphone, camera, and location for each app, moving away from the previous system where traditional Win32 software was grouped under a single toggle. With the latest Experimental build (26340.9212), apps like Edge and Brave now have separate toggles for microphone, camera, and location access. Additionally, a new centered system dialog prompts users for permission when a desktop app attempts to access the microphone or camera for the first time. These features are still in testing and may not be universally available.
11 Of The Best Retro Emulators For PC Gamers
AppWizard
August 18, 2026

11 Of The Best Retro Emulators For PC Gamers

Emulators are applications that allow older gaming console games to run on modern PCs, making retro gaming accessible despite the scarcity of original consoles and unavailability of many classic games on modern platforms. Emulators like RetroArch provide a unified interface for various retro consoles, while Dolphin emulates GameCube and Wii games, MelonDS is known for Nintendo DS titles, mGBA is the leading Game Boy Advance emulator, Super ZSNES enhances SNES gaming, Rosalie's Mupen GUI is designed for Nintendo 64, Flycast is the top Sega Dreamcast emulator, PCSX2 is the best for PlayStation 2 games, PPSSPP is the go-to for PSP, MAME emulates arcade games, and DOSBOX Pure Unleashed is for MS-DOS games. Each emulator offers unique features and improvements over original hardware, enhancing the gaming experience.
Microsoft is killing this 25-year-old Windows tool. Your scripts might break
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Microsoft is killing this 25-year-old Windows tool. Your scripts might break

Microsoft is phasing out the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool, which will be entirely absent from existing Windows PCs following the latest preview update. WMIC, a command-line utility for extracting system information and performing administrative tasks, is being removed, although the underlying Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) framework will remain supported. Users relying on older management and automation scripts that utilize WMIC may face challenges, as commands associated with WMIC will no longer function after the update.
Upgrade your home PC with Windows 11 Pro for $10 (Reg. $199)
Winsage
August 18, 2026

Upgrade your home PC with Windows 11 Pro for $10 (Reg. $199)

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, down from its original price of 9, until August 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT. It includes features such as BitLocker for full-device encryption, Windows Sandbox for secure application testing, and Hyper-V for creating virtual machines. User-friendly upgrades include Snap layouts, virtual desktops, and voice typing. The installation requires specific hardware, including TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor. The standard version of Windows 11 may suffice for average users, but Windows 11 Pro is recommended for those needing enhanced security and virtualization options.
The 32-year-old Windows placeholder that Microsoft says is now a permanent feature
Winsage
August 18, 2026

The 32-year-old Windows placeholder that Microsoft says is now a permanent feature

The Windows Format dialog box was initially created in late 1994 by Microsoft engineer Dave W. Plummer as a temporary solution during the transition from Windows 95 UI to Windows NT. It has remained largely unchanged for over three decades, retaining many of the same options and layout, despite the advancements in Windows 11's design. The dialog box has effectively functioned over the years, leading to a lack of updates or complaints from users. Additionally, the FAT32 format limit of 32GB, also established by Plummer, persisted until it was raised to 2TB in 2024, although the maximum file size remains at 4GB. Windows 11 features many elements from older versions, including the Windows 7 personalization menu and the Disk Management utility, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and functionality.
Microsoft just rebuilt one of Windows 11's oldest tools in modern UI, rollout starts in the next few days
Winsage
August 17, 2026

Microsoft just rebuilt one of Windows 11’s oldest tools in modern UI, rollout starts in the next few days

Microsoft has transitioned its newly designed Print Management tool into the Release Preview channel for Windows 11, moving it closer to general availability after initial appearances in Beta and Experimental builds. The new Print Management app, built on WinUI 3, replaces the outdated MMC-style console and features a modern layout with a user-friendly interface. It serves as a comprehensive management system for administrators, allowing oversight of printers, print queues, drivers, ports, and print servers. The rollout schedule includes an optional update anticipated for late August and integration into the regular September cumulative update. However, the timeline may be subject to delays. The updated application maintains essential administrative functionality while simplifying tasks such as renaming printers and customizing displayed information. Some legacy elements remain, requiring administrative privileges to launch the app. Microsoft is actively modernizing Windows 11's user interface, including the Print Management tool, as part of a broader initiative to replace outdated components.
Latest Fanatical bundle is offering 25 Steam Deck-friendly games worth $798 for just $22
AppWizard
August 17, 2026

Latest Fanatical bundle is offering 25 Steam Deck-friendly games worth $798 for just $22

Fanatical's Best of Killer bundle offers a collection of 25 games compatible with the Steam Deck, allowing gamers to select titles individually. The pricing structure includes three tiers: .20 each for five to nine games, each for ten to nineteen games, and [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: For Steam Deck enthusiasts eager to expand their gaming library without straining their finances, Fanatical’s Best of Killer bundle presents an enticing opportunity. This carefully curated collection features 25 games, all compatible with Valve’s acclaimed handheld console. While these titles are equally enjoyable on traditional PCs, the added benefit of handheld compatibility makes this bundle particularly appealing. Prices and savings are subject to change. Click through to discover the current deal prices. What does the bundle offer? In true Fanatical fashion, the Best of Killer bundle is designed with flexibility in mind. Gamers can select the titles they wish to purchase, allowing them to bypass any games that do not pique their interest. The pricing structure is tiered, rewarding buyers with greater savings as they add more games to their cart. Purchasing five to nine games costs .20 each. Opting for ten to nineteen games reduces the price to per title. For those who choose twenty or more titles, the cost drops to an impressive [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: PC Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More Table of Contents If you’re a Steam Deck owner looking to try some new games without putting a dent in your wallet, then Fanatical’s Best of Killer bundle is definitely worth checking out. It’s a packed collection of 25 games compatible with Valve’s popular handheld. Of course, they’re all great for regular PC gamers on a laptop or desktop, but the handheld compatibility is a nice bonus. Prices and savings subject to change. Click through to get the current deal prices. Custom URL Learn more --> What does the bundle offer? As we’ve come to expect from a Fanatical bundle, the Best of Killer bundle is fully customizable, meaning you can hand-pick the games you want to pay for, rather than being forced to buy the entire bundle – this way, you can ditch any games you’re not interested in. Fanatical has also divided the price into three tiers, and the more games you select, the more you’ll save. Five to nine games cost $1.20 each, but adding 10 to 19 games to the cart will bring the price down to $1 per title. And if you select 20 or more titles, the price will drop to just $0.95. For the complete bundle, which includes 25 Steam Deck-friendly titles (22 individual titles and one trilogy), you’ll have to pay just $21.84, which is 97% less than the original value of $797.85. Latest PC & Tech deals Prices correct as of July 10th, 2026. Here’s a complete list of games included in Fanatical’s Best of Killer bundle, along with their Steam Deck compatibility status.  GameSteam Deck compatibilityOriginal priceSniper Elite 5Playable$49.99Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe EditionVerified$89.99Zombie Army 4: Dead WarPlayable$49.99Strange Brigade – Deluxe EditionPlayable$79.99POSTAL 4: No RegertsPlayable$19.99Chernobylite Premium EditionPlayable$55.10Zombie Army TrilogyVerified$44.99Gori: Cuddly CarnageVerified$21.99Sniper Elite V2 RemasteredPlayable$34.99Choo-Choo CharlesVerified$19.99Children of Morta: Complete EditionVerified$28.97Bramble: The Mountain KingVerified$29.99Redout 2Verified$29.99POSTAL: Brain DamagedVerified$19.99Moonlighter: Complete EditionVerified$26.98Creatures of AvaVerified$24.99Evil Genius 2: World Domination Deluxe EditionVerified$59.99EverholmPlayable$19.99Stray PathPlayable$14.99Dark EnvoyVerified$29.99Beyond: Two SoulsVerified$19.99Dawnsbury DaysPlayable$4.99Heavy RainVerified$19.99 If you’re interested in getting more games for less, we recommend checking out Fanatical’s Favorites bundle, which can help you score 20 Steam Deck games for just $54. " temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].95 each. The complete bundle, which includes 25 Steam Deck-friendly titles—comprising 22 individual games and one trilogy—can be acquired for just .84. This represents a staggering 97% discount from the original value of 7.85. Latest PC & Tech deals As of July 10th, 2026, the following games are included in Fanatical’s Best of Killer bundle, along with their compatibility status for the Steam Deck: Game Steam Deck Compatibility Original Price Sniper Elite 5 Playable .99 Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition Verified .99 Zombie Army 4: Dead War Playable .99 Strange Brigade – Deluxe Edition Playable .99 POSTAL 4: No Regerts Playable .99 Chernobylite Premium Edition Playable .10 Zombie Army Trilogy Verified .99 Gori: Cuddly Carnage Verified .99 Sniper Elite V2 Remastered Playable .99 Choo-Choo Charles Verified .99 Children of Morta: Complete Edition Verified .97 Bramble: The Mountain King Verified .99 Redout 2 Verified .99 POSTAL: Brain Damaged Verified .99 Moonlighter: Complete Edition Verified .98 Creatures of Ava Verified .99 Evil Genius 2: World Domination Deluxe Edition Verified .99 Everholm Playable .99 Stray Path Playable .99 Dark Envoy Verified .99 Beyond: Two Souls Verified .99 Dawnsbury Days Playable .99 Heavy Rain Verified .99 For those looking to maximize their gaming experience while minimizing expenses, Fanatical’s Favorites bundle offers another attractive option, featuring 20 Steam Deck games for just ." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].95 each for twenty or more titles. The complete bundle costs .84, a 97% discount from the original value of 7.85. The bundle includes games such as Sniper Elite 5, Zombie Army 4: Dead War, and Heavy Rain, with various compatibility statuses for the Steam Deck.
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