PDF Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

This Good Lock module turns Samsung’s Gallery app into a more capable editor

Samsung's Gallery app now includes advanced editing features, allowing users to edit images and videos, create collages and GIFs, and remove backgrounds. A hidden feature called Gallery Labs offers album-entry locks and the ability to save images as PDFs. The Gallery Assistant, part of Samsung's Good Lock, enhances the app with batch processing capabilities and seven new tools: 1. Reduce size - compresses images and videos. 2. Rotate and flip - bulk rotation and flipping of images. 3. Image clipper - extracts subjects from images. 4. Add watermark - adds customizable watermarks to images. 5. Compare images - side-by-side comparison of similar images. 6. Save as PDF - converts images into PDFs with customizable options. 7. Print - simultaneous printing of multiple images. Gallery Assistant integrates with Enhance-X for improved image and video quality. Users can access it through the Good Lock app, and it allows rearranging tool order for convenience. Users appreciate its features but suggest improvements like format conversion and EXIF metadata editing.

Winsage

September 11, 2026

Microsoft fixes Teams, Outlook launch failures on ARM Windows PCs

Microsoft addressed a significant bug that affected the launch of Teams and Outlook on ARM-based Windows devices after updates from the August 2026 Patch Tuesday. The issue primarily impacted users of devices like the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 running Windows 11 24H2 or later, who had not installed necessary updates from the Microsoft Store. The bug caused Teams and Outlook to fail to launch or close unexpectedly following the installation of security updates released on or after August 11, 2026 (KB5121003). Classic versions of Outlook and other applications were not affected. A temporary workaround was suggested, involving updating the Auto Super Resolution Package. The bug was resolved through cumulative updates released on September 8, 2026 (KB5124012), and users were urged to install the latest updates for improvements and issue resolutions. Additionally, Microsoft acknowledged other issues related to updates from August, including disruptions in printing and PDF exporting due to .NET Framework updates, gaming problems from peripherals with RGB lighting, and alerts regarding Microsoft Defender Antivirus being disabled. They also fixed issues related to the loss of custom mouse settings and desktop configurations following the installation of the KB5120998 August 2026 preview update.

Winsage

September 11, 2026

Is this Windows 11’s new modern cursor? Microsoft quietly shows a redesigned pointer

Microsoft released Experimental Windows 11 build version 26340.9354, which includes a mock-up of a new Resume hovercard featuring a redesigned mouse pointer. The new pointer has a broader shape, a softer curve on its lower-left side, and a more symmetrical appearance, differing from the traditional thin tail-like extension of Windows cursors. Although Microsoft has not confirmed any changes to the system cursor, the release notes mention a known issue with cursor customization but do not address any redesign. Reports from June indicated that Microsoft was testing a new cursor as part of its Windows 11 modernization initiative. The mock-up resembles a Fluent icon, with a cleaner and wider shape compared to the classic Windows arrow. Despite this, the current developer documentation still refers to the traditional pointer as the "arrow cursor." Windows 11 has modernized many UI elements, but the pointer has remained largely unchanged, with limited customization options. The combination of the recent mock-up and previous reports suggests a potential transformation in the cursor design may be forthcoming.

AppWizard

September 10, 2026

Google Play Early Access Abused to Push Thousands of Deceptive Android Apps

Bad actors are exploiting Google Play's Early Access program to distribute misleading applications that promise money, rewards, and casino winnings. This program allows developers to gather user feedback on unreleased apps but lacks public reviews or star ratings, enabling malicious actors to launch numerous fraudulent applications without immediate scrutiny. An example is the app "Vice Streets: Open World," which mimics Grand Theft Auto, has over 1 million downloads, and recently disappeared from the store without reviews or ratings. These deceptive apps are often promoted on social media with misleading advertisements and promise cash rewards, but users face obstacles when trying to withdraw their earnings. The primary goal of these apps is to generate revenue through excessive advertisements while circumventing regulatory requirements for legitimate gambling apps. Additionally, various malware families targeting Android devices have emerged, including Hagaseca, Mantax Otax, StreamRat, and GoldFactory's use of the Gigabud banking trojan, highlighting ongoing security threats in the digital landscape.

Winsage

September 3, 2026

Microsoft Teams, Outlook fail to launch on ARM-based Windows PCs

Microsoft is addressing an issue affecting users of Microsoft Teams and the new Outlook on ARM-based Windows devices, specifically the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, following updates released since the August 2026 Patch Tuesday. Users may experience crashes and launch failures after installing security updates from August 11, 2026, particularly update KB5121003. This issue primarily affects newly set up or freshly imaged PCs that lack the latest Microsoft Store updates, while classic Outlook, Word, Excel, and other applications remain unaffected. Microsoft recommends updating the Auto Super Resolution Package as a temporary workaround. A permanent fix is being developed and will be included in a future Windows update. Additionally, Microsoft has acknowledged other issues stemming from the August updates, including problems with printing and PDF exports in certain applications, and has been rolling out fixes for system crashes and gaming problems linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. Customers are also advised to disregard alerts about Microsoft Defender Antivirus being disabled after the latest updates.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

August’s Windows 11 update breaks printers and PDFs. Microsoft explains why

Microsoft has acknowledged that users may encounter printing issues after installing the August 2026 .NET Framework cumulative update, particularly with applications that use certain fonts like Calibri. Some WPF applications may fail with a System.IO.FileFormatException when printing or generating PDF/XPS content. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround while investigating these issues. Additionally, the KB5121003 update has been linked to problems affecting the gaming community, which Microsoft is also addressing.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Microsoft: August updates break printing, PDF export in WPF apps

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue with the .NET Framework updates from August 2026, causing disruptions in printing and PDF export functionalities in certain applications, particularly those using the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) UI framework. After installing the update, some WPF applications may encounter a System.IO.FileFormatException when printing or generating PDF/XPS content with specific fonts, including Calibri. This issue affects various platforms, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server editions from 2012 to 2025. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround involving the Switch.MS.Internal.TtfDelta.DisableCmapAndSbitOverflowProtection AppContext switch, but cautions that it may expose systems to vulnerabilities. This situation is reminiscent of a similar incident in February 2021, where WPF applications and Visual Studio experienced crashes after Windows 10 cumulative updates. Additionally, on the same day, Microsoft offered a workaround for another issue caused by Windows 11 updates that led to crashes in certain games.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Microsoft shares workaround after Windows KB5120708, KB5120705, KB5120710 break printing

Microsoft released its monthly Patch Tuesday security updates, which included dynamic updates and new .NET Framework versions. Users of Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server are experiencing printing issues after installing the August 2026 .NET Framework cumulative updates, particularly with Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications that fail during printing tasks or when generating PDF or XPS documents. The problems are linked to specific fonts, notably Calibri, and may result in a System.IO.FileFormatException. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround involving an AppContext switch, but enabling this switch disables certain security protections from the August 2026 update, potentially exposing applications to vulnerabilities. No permanent fix or timeline for one has been provided.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

I found a free, open-source Android app that replaced 8 other apps I used to rely on

Image Toolbox is an open-source, free Android application that consolidates various media tools into a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple single-purpose apps. It features a user-friendly interface with four main tabs: Edit, Create, Image, and Tools. Key functionalities include: - Image Resizer and Converter: Allows users to resize images and convert formats with a preview of the final file size. - EXIF Remover: Offers bulk and selective removal of EXIF data from photos. - Background Remover: Provides automatic and manual modes for background removal. - PDF Editor: Includes tools for merging, rearranging, password protecting, and compressing PDFs. - Image Stitcher: Facilitates the stitching of images. - GIF Creator: Converts sequences of images into animated GIFs. - QR Code Generator: Creates customizable QR codes. - Collage Maker: Suggests templates and allows layout adjustments. Users can customize settings such as the app's theme, tool layout, and default save locations. The app has proven to be an efficient replacement for various specialized applications, streamlining media management on Android devices.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Windows 11’s legacy UI cleanup continues as Microsoft updates one of its oldest dialogs

Microsoft has introduced a revamped AutoPlay dialog box in the latest Windows Insider build, utilizing WinUI for improved performance and visual consistency. The updated AutoPlay interface supports dark mode and retains familiar functionalities, with notifications now docked in the notification center. A new accessibility feature, Open apps maximized, allows application windows to open automatically in a maximized state. Users can manage camera, microphone, and location access for desktop apps on an individual basis, with permissions reviewed in Settings > Privacy & security. Existing app permission decisions remain unchanged. PDF and non-HTML files can now be previewed in File Explorer, and the Microsoft Store update supports in-app purchases in packaged WinUI 3 apps. Recent builds have fixed taskbar animation issues and improved mouse cursor visibility in certain applications. The Settings section has been updated to display version numbers for packaged apps.