performance

Winsage
January 17, 2026
Users with Nvidia GPUs are experiencing decreased gaming performance after the January 2026 Windows update (KB5074109), which was intended to enhance security and address vulnerabilities. Reported issues include drops in frames per second (FPS), black screen freezes, display hangs, and driver crashes related to nvlddmkm errors. Nvidia has released a new GPU driver to address these problems. A temporary solution for affected users is to uninstall the KB5074109 update, although it is a security patch that may need to be reinstalled later. Users can also update their Nvidia drivers to the latest hotfix version and use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode for better results. It is recommended to pause Windows updates until a fix is provided by Microsoft.
Tech Optimizer
January 17, 2026
ClickHouse has secured 0 million in a Series D funding round led by Dragoneer Investment Group, with participation from investors such as Bessemer Venture Partners, GIC, and others. The funding will support global expansion and product development, focusing on AI infrastructure and application monitoring. ClickHouse currently has over 3,000 customers on its ClickHouse Cloud platform, with an annual recurring revenue growth exceeding 250% year over year. Recent adopters include Capital One, Lovable, and Airwallex, alongside established clients like Meta and Tesla. ClickHouse has acquired Langfuse, an open-source platform for LLM observability, and introduced a native Postgres service for integrating transactional workloads with its analytical engine. The company is also expanding its ecosystem and geographic reach through partnerships, including one with Japan Cloud and collaboration with Microsoft Azure.
Winsage
January 17, 2026
The Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central announced the launch of their subreddit, r/windowscentral, emphasizing the vibrant community engagement it offers. Reddit allows for fast-paced discussions, immediate access to news, and real-time feedback, enhancing their journalism. The subreddit provides a direct connection to readers, free from algorithmic barriers, and fosters a collaborative space for sharing insights, troubleshooting, and engaging in technical discussions. Following the subreddit will also grant users access to behind-the-scenes content, polls, and editorial debates, strengthening the community and supporting independent tech journalism.
AppWizard
January 16, 2026
Megabonk is a 3D auto-attacker game set to be released on September 18, 2025, priced at £8.50. It is developed and published by vedinand and will be available on platforms like the Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck. The game features a skateboarding skeleton named Calcium who battles monsters while performing kickflips. Players explore procedurally generated maps filled with treasures and enemies, with a ten-minute time limit to locate and defeat a boss. The gameplay includes auto-attacking, collecting experience gems, and enhancing skills. Megabonk has a lo-fi aesthetic that allows for many enemies on screen without performance issues and offers achievements and unlocks for players. The game encourages exploration and experimentation, with challenges that provide speedrunning opportunities.
Winsage
January 16, 2026
Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, expressed surprise at the longevity of Windows, criticizing it as poor-quality software. Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, noted the company's strategic shift towards Linux, driven by increasing game compatibility and the success of SteamOS. This pivot is part of a broader industry trend as developers recognize the value of alternative operating systems. GOG plans to embrace Linux more fully by 2026. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on integrating AI into Windows 11, which has faced criticism for not addressing foundational issues, particularly in performance and functionality.
AppWizard
January 16, 2026
Hytale, developed by former Minecraft modders, is a survival crafting game that serves as a spiritual successor to Minecraft. It retains familiar block-breaking and building mechanics but streamlines gameplay by allowing players to craft basic tools from easily collectible materials. Movement is enhanced with the ability to jump higher and utilize parkour mechanics. The game runs smoothly on high-performance systems, maintaining framerates above 60 even at maximum draw distance. Hytale features an engaging combat system with various weapon types and a diverse range of enemies. Building mechanics offer a broader selection of components, though some classic techniques may become obsolete. The Early Access version currently lacks clear direction, with the main hub area under construction and exploration revealing barriers in dungeons. Overall, Hytale presents thoughtful enhancements and a refreshing take on the survival crafting genre.
Winsage
January 16, 2026
In early 2023, Microsoft announced that official support for Windows 10 would end in 2025, with regular updates and security patches ceasing on October 14, 2025. Users have a little over two years to transition to Windows 11 or other operating systems. Some users have enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will also end in October 2026. A third-party service called 0patch offers ongoing protection for Windows 10 by providing micropatches for vulnerabilities. 0patch releases two to three micropatches each month, prioritizing vulnerabilities that are publicly known, actively exploited, and lack an official Microsoft fix. 0patch has a free version that provides critical zero-day patches and a paid Pro plan that includes legacy patches. The Pro plan costs €25 per year, while an Enterprise plan is available for €35 annually. 0patch plans to support Windows 10 until at least October 2030, depending on user demand. Users have reported some performance issues with 0patch, but the updates are lightweight and do not significantly affect system performance.
AppWizard
January 16, 2026
Valve announced the Steam Machine, set to release in early 2026, which will be powered by SteamOS and designed for living room integration. It aims to bridge the gap between PC gaming and consoles, boasting hardware specifications that rival current-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The Steam Machine will have a streamlined process for games to achieve the "Verified" badge, making it easier for developers to secure this status compared to the Steam Deck. The Steam Machine is expected to have a larger library of Verified games due to its enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the new Steam Controller will feature a puck accessory that serves as a wireless receiver and charger, designed to reduce Bluetooth interference.
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