performance Archives

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

AnyPS5 Reaches PS5 Game Menu on PC, No Emulator [2026]

A developer named boykopovar has created an open-source tool called AnyPS5 on GitHub, which aims to convert PlayStation 5 games to run natively on Windows and Linux systems. AnyPS5 can load a PS5 game's logo and reach its main menu on PC hardware but crashes before the menu becomes interactive. The tool uses a method called relinking, which reformats PS5 executables into native Windows or Linux files and provides replacement libraries to mimic PS5 system libraries. There is currently no public build available, and the developer has stated that a public release will only occur after a successful game launch. Sony has not made any public statements or taken legal action regarding AnyPS5. The project operates under the GPL-2.0 license, but the legal implications of using it with actual PS5 games remain unclear. Historical trends suggest that console emulation projects typically take years to mature, but AnyPS5's shared architecture with PCs may offer a potential shortcut.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

I finally figured out why Windows 11’s menus feel so slow—and the fixes that take seconds

Windows 11 users experience delays in right-click menus and context options due to a combination of factors, including the MenuShowDelay registry setting, UI transition animations, and the hybrid shell architecture. The MenuShowDelay setting introduces a default pause of 400 milliseconds before submenus appear. Users can improve performance by modifying this setting to a range of 0 to 100 milliseconds, disabling animation effects and transparency, and adjusting the power mode to "Best performance." Additional tweaks include using the Performance Options panel, enabling Task Manager's Efficiency Mode, auditing startup programs, and ensuring graphics drivers are up to date. These adjustments can enhance responsiveness without requiring advanced technical skills or third-party software.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

Google researcher explains why Windows NT “puts Linux to shame,” and imagines an alternate history where it won

Laurie Kirk, a Google researcher and former Microsoft reverse engineer, argues that the Windows NT kernel is superior to Linux in several aspects, particularly in its architecture for managing resources and access permissions. She emphasizes that her critique focuses on the system architecture rather than the user interface of Windows 11. Kirk raises concerns about Linux's suitability for AI agents due to its complex security model, while praising NT's object-based design and security framework. She speculates on an alternate history where Microsoft had created an "Open NT," allowing for customizable components, but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining forks in operating systems. Critics of NT highlight its performance and reliability issues, while Linux's open-source nature has contributed to its dominance in servers and cloud computing. Kirk suggests that future operating systems may need to balance the defined resource types of NT with the flexibility of Linux, especially as AI technology evolves.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Microsoft just rethought its entire AI strategy: What the new Copilot means for Windows & your everyday workflows

Microsoft is evolving its offerings in artificial intelligence, particularly with updates announced at its Copilot event, which signify a shift towards a more integrated Microsoft 365 experience. The latest version of Copilot aims to create a cohesive workspace that connects documents, conversations, data, and tasks, making AI more accessible for everyday users and enterprise customers. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of keeping humans "in the flow of work" and creating systems that learn continuously. Key features include Autopilot, a digital teammate that manages tasks across Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and other applications, allowing users to focus on strategic initiatives. At the core of these advancements is Microsoft IQ, a unified intelligence layer that connects data and workflows throughout the Microsoft ecosystem. Microsoft is also introducing a plugin registry for custom integrations and implementing FinOps for AI to optimize spending. Regular consumers can access these features based on their M365 Premium or Pro subscriptions, with further developments expected at Microsoft Ignite in November.

BetaBeacon

September 26, 2026

Qualcomm could be planning to supercharge PC game emulation on Android

Qualcomm is exploring the possibility of adding DirectX 12 support to future Snapdragon mobile chips, potentially improving PC game compatibility and performance on mobile devices.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Is Windows 11 good enough yet?

A viewer on The Full Nerd asked if perceptions of Windows 11 might change after five years. The author, who initially embraced Windows 11 but became disillusioned due to ads and performance issues, has recently had a positive experience with the Dell XPS 13 laptop. Despite having only 8GB of RAM, the laptop performs well with multitasking, maintaining responsiveness even with multiple applications open. However, the Task Manager shows that memory usage starts at 6GB even when idle, indicating that Windows 11 consumes significant resources. The author speculates that ongoing critiques may have led to optimizations in software from companies like Google and Microsoft.

Tech Optimizer

September 26, 2026

Norton 360 for Gamers vs Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes [2026]

Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security achieved perfect scores from AV-TEST in June 2026, while Malwarebytes had a 100% real-world protection rate in AV-Comparatives’ testing but with a higher false-positive rate. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for PC gamers as it minimizes frame-rate impact to 0-2% during gameplay. Norton 360 for Gamers includes features for streamers and competitive players but has a higher renewal price. Malwarebytes Premium is noted for its minimal resource usage but lacks a dedicated game mode. The pricing for Norton 360 starts at .99 for the first year and increases to .99 upon renewal, Bitdefender starts at .99 for a single device, and Malwarebytes Premium aligns closely with Norton’s entry price but does not include a VPN. In FPS testing with Cyberpunk 2077, Norton showed a 2-3% drop, Bitdefender a 0-2% decrease, and Malwarebytes under 1%. Norton uses a hybrid detection model, Bitdefender employs cloud-based scanning, and Malwarebytes focuses on behavior-based detection. Norton offers gamer-tag dark web monitoring and a bundled VPN, while Bitdefender has limited VPN features on standard tiers and Malwarebytes lacks these protections.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

My favorite $6 RPG on Steam just got a beastmode free ‘Enhanced Edition’ update

FlyKnight is a first-person RPG inspired by classics like King's Field and Lunacid, priced affordably. It recently received a free update called the GOTY/Enhanced/Definitive Edition, which includes multiple difficulty levels, item and enemy randomization, four new weapon types, performance improvements for Steam Deck users, and various refinements. The game features a unique combat system with locational limb damage, allowing players to target specific weak spots. The gameplay is slow-paced and skill-demanding, focusing on distance control and perfect blocks. The game is currently available at a limited-time sale price until September 30.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

#1 Best-Selling Steam Game Just Achieved Something No PC Game Has Since Palworld

The top-selling title on Steam from September 8 to September 22, 2026, is War Dogs, which has achieved significant sales and a peak of over 428,000 concurrent players. It ranks as the 36th biggest title on Steam and has received a "Very Positive" rating based on an 82% approval rating from nearly 52,000 user reviews. War Dogs is an online tactical first-person shooter featuring three teams in strategic combat, emphasizing collaboration and requiring players to invest time to master its mechanics. The game is currently in early access and is priced at .99, with expectations for a higher retail price upon final release.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

Norton 360 for Gamers vs Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes [2026]

Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes have adjusted their antivirus products to mitigate the negative effects on gaming performance. In June 2026, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security both received a perfect AV-TEST score of 18 out of 18, while Malwarebytes achieved a 100% real-world protection rate in AV-Comparatives testing, though it had more false positives. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for gamers due to its low frame-rate impact of 0-2%, while Norton 360 offers features for streamers and competitive players, and Malwarebytes serves as a lightweight secondary scanner. The value of gaming accounts has increased, making them targets for cybercriminals, with malware campaigns like Vidar 2.0 accounting for 41% of gaming-related malware detections. New malware families such as Katz and Bee specifically target Discord and gaming platforms. In terms of performance, Norton showed a 2-3% FPS decrease in Cyberpunk 2077, while Bitdefender's impact was only 0-2%, and Malwarebytes had less than 1% impact. Norton and Bitdefender are tied in detection capabilities, both scoring 18/18 in AV-TEST, while Malwarebytes had a 92.4% offline detection rate and 98.3% online. Norton includes a no-log VPN and gamer-tag monitoring, while Bitdefender offers identity protection without specific gamer-tag monitoring. Malwarebytes lacks a VPN and password manager. Pricing varies, with Norton starting at .99 for three devices, Bitdefender at .99 for one device, and Malwarebytes at .99 for one device. To switch antivirus solutions, users should back up their license keys, use removal tools, and ensure game-aware modes are active. Each product has unique strengths: Norton excels in gamer-tag monitoring, Bitdefender minimizes CPU usage, and Malwarebytes is lightweight but lacks additional features.