printer Archives

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

PC Bundle Offering 39 Games At $61 Saving For Limited Time Only

PC gamers can celebrate Pride Month with the Townsqueer Vol. 1 bundle, which includes 39 games and zines focused on LGBTQ+ themes. The bundle is priced at a significant discount compared to purchasing the games individually, and proceeds are shared among creators. Notable titles in the bundle include "Tell Me Why," featuring a trans protagonist, and various other games and zines that highlight diverse queer experiences. The bundle is available on itch.io, with options to purchase individual titles.

Winsage

June 13, 2026

For June, Patch Tuesday means an IT scramble

A systematic approach to testing is essential following the latest updates. The process begins with installing the .NET SDK update, then building and executing representative applications to ensure existing projects compile and run without issues. For SQL Server users, the GDR update must be installed on the appropriate branch, followed by a service restart and standard transaction execution to verify stability. Backup and restore verification is also necessary, including checking the health of Always On availability groups and testing patch installation and removal. The Readiness team recommends prioritizing testing for Remote Desktop this month due to its frequent patches and high-risk classification. The focus should be on printer redirection, followed by general connectivity, RemoteApp functionality, clipboard and device redirection, gateway access, and licensing considerations. The next priority is validating NTLM authentication updates, including domain and standalone logon processes, file-share access, and application sign-in capabilities. Other updates are security-focused with no functional changes, requiring routine regression testing across networking, Hyper-V, storage, and graphics components. Office remains MSI-only, with Click-to-Run installations unaffected by these updates. The updates for .NET and SQL Server complete the landscape for developers and database administrators.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Windows Ready Print is Microsoft’s biggest overhaul of Windows printing in years

Microsoft is introducing Windows Ready Print (WRP), a new printing model that aims to modernize the printing experience on Windows by integrating contemporary communication standards like the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and Universal Print. WRP will manage newly installed printing devices by default starting in July 2026, while older printers and OEM drivers will still function on newer Windows releases. The initiative focuses on simplifying printing processes and enhancing reliability, with new options for customization available in Windows printer preferences. Users and administrators can choose to enforce or disable WRP-based print management. Additionally, new policies in Group Policy Editor will allow for the selection or blocking of drivers through WRP. The initiative is supported by the Mopria Alliance to improve security and compatibility in printer management across devices.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft wants to end printer driver headaches with Windows Ready Print

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Experimental build 26300.8553, which includes customizable Start menus, enhanced search functionalities, and a refined Taskbar. A significant upgrade is the rebranding of the Modern Print Platform to Windows Ready Print, aimed at modernizing and securing the printing process. Microsoft is phasing out support for third-party printer drivers via Windows Update, transitioning to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and the native Windows IPP printer driver. Starting July 2026, new printer installations on eligible devices will default to Windows Ready Print, though users can choose between Windows Ready Print and the traditional OEM process. This setting can be adjusted through the printer preferences in Settings and modified via Group Policy. Users can also enable Windows protected print mode to default to Windows Ready Print.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

I got tired of hunting through Windows for every setting, so I built my own control center

The utility created simplifies Windows management by consolidating various settings and diagnostics into a single interface. It provides an overview of system metrics such as DNS latency, system uptime, and temporary file accumulation. The application includes dedicated pages for health checks, network insights, services, scheduled tasks, drives, drivers, power plans, gaming toggles, privacy settings, and taskbar configuration. Each diagnostic is executed through PowerShell scripts, with results displayed in a user-friendly format. The utility maintains transparency by creating .reg backups before modifying the registry and allows users to revert changes easily. It is open-source, lightweight, and designed for personal use rather than debloating. The program's structure enables users to inspect and modify scripts, ensuring clarity and control over system adjustments.

Winsage

May 16, 2026

I got tired of hunting through Windows for every setting, so I built my own control center

The utility developed streamlines access to Windows diagnostics and tweaks, consolidating functionalities typically spread across various settings panels into a single interface. It features an overview page with key system metrics and organized sections for health checks, network details, services, scheduled tasks, drives, drivers, power plans, gaming settings, privacy options, and taskbar adjustments. Each diagnostic is executed via PowerShell scripts that output JSON data for display. The application ensures transparency in registry changes by creating .reg backups before modifications and allows users to revert changes easily. It focuses on practical tweaks rather than debloating, maintaining a lightweight design without extensive features. The tool is open source and available on GitHub.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Microsoft: Some Teams users can’t join meetings after Edge update

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with its Edge browser affecting users trying to join Teams meetings, documented under incident report TM1288497. A restart of the Teams client may serve as a temporary workaround. Microsoft is analyzing diagnostic data and monitoring service changes to address the problem. This issue follows a previous bug where an Edge update disrupted the right-click paste functionality in Teams, with a fix scheduled for the next platform update. Additionally, Microsoft reverted a service update that prevented some users from launching the Teams desktop client. Ongoing challenges related to Universal Print sharing have also emerged due to changes in the Microsoft Graph API code.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Microsoft is going after every part of Windows 11’s legacy UI in major design update

Microsoft plans to revamp various design elements of Windows 11, including the "Installing Windows 11" screen, which has been criticized for being functional but misaligned with the overall aesthetic. The design director indicated that while this screen is not a priority, it remains on their agenda. Windows 11 still contains legacy UI features, with some interfaces resembling Windows 8 and even Windows 3.1. Microsoft is migrating all Control Panel settings to the Windows 11 Settings app, but faces challenges due to the need to ensure compatibility with various network and printer devices and drivers. The company is taking a careful approach to this transition.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday release for April is a whopper

A series of updates have been released, focusing on system integrity and performance. Users should perform verification tasks, including installing, uninstalling, and repairing MSI packages, connecting and disconnecting cloud sync providers, and enrolling devices in Intune or MDM solutions. The Common Log File System driver (clfs.sys) is receiving a follow-up patch, along with updates to Storage Spaces (spaceport.sys) and app isolation file system drivers (bfs.sys, wcifs.sys). Users should also run Windows Update installation and rollback cycles, install and uninstall applications, and verify data integrity through backup solutions. For Storage Spaces, creating a pool with mirrored and thin virtual disks and ensuring clean deletion is necessary. April's updates for Office target MSI editions, including Excel 2016 (KB5002860), PowerPoint 2016 (KB5002808), Office 2016 shared libraries (KB5002859), and SharePoint Server editions from 2016 to 2019. These updates do not apply to Click-to-Run deployments like Microsoft 365 Apps. Users should validate complex Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, SharePoint document libraries, and the functionality of Office add-ins. Testing for two High Risk components is essential: changes to Kerberos may disrupt services using RC4 keytabs, and the Remote Desktop client update requires validation of clipboard functionality, printer redirection, and session reconnection. Validating Secure Boot and BitLocker is critical as CVE-2023-24932 key rolling progresses. Additionally, cloud sync testing is important due to five patches to the Projected File System driver, and regression testing is needed for dual afd.sys updates and VPN/IPsec patches across remote-access infrastructure. Office updates are limited to MSI editions.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

My full guide to Pragmata after spending 18 hours shepherding my space daughter

Pragmata features a blend of nostalgia and innovation in gaming, with early levels that have a linear design and complex currencies. A notable gameplay mechanic is hacking, which increases damage to enemies and turns them into 'OPEN' targets, especially useful against bosses. The weapon system allows players to equip four types of firearms, with some functioning as consumables. Healing is managed through limited Repair Canisters, which can be replenished at the Cradle hub area. The Shelter serves as a central hub for upgrades and interactions, with players able to enhance it and unlock new facilities. Various activities and collectibles are available, including challenge arenas and hidden items. A New Game+ mode becomes available after completing the main storyline, allowing players to restart with all gear and upgrades, alongside a more challenging difficulty setting. The game has an approximate playtime of ten hours for the main story and up to 20 hours for full completion.