quality assurance Archives

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Firefox looking into Android bug sending users back a page

Many Firefox users on Android are experiencing a glitch where the browser unexpectedly navigates back to the previous page while reading, often returning them to Google search results. This issue occurs after a page has fully loaded, with users reporting it happens approximately 50% to 70% of the time. The bug can cause Firefox to jump back two or three pages, disrupting browsing history. Standard troubleshooting methods have not resolved the issue, which appears linked to clicking links from Google search results. Mozilla's mobile engineering team is aware of the problem and is tracking it through a bug report on Bugzilla. Initial tests by Mozilla's Quality Assurance team did not replicate the issue, but many affected users are on Samsung Galaxy phones with Android 16 and One UI 8.0. The problem coincides with recent updates to Firefox, and users have found a temporary workaround by opening links in new tabs. Mozilla is encouraging users to test Firefox Nightly and Beta versions and is collecting logs from affected devices to investigate further.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

Unscheduled updates fix critical bugs in Windows 11

On January 19, 2026, Microsoft released unscheduled security and stability updates for Windows 11 in response to significant errors that emerged after routine updates, which affected system functionality. Users reported issues with shutting down, hibernation failures, and authentication challenges with Remote Desktop and other remote applications. Microsoft rolled out out-of-band updates KB5077744 and KB5077797 to address these problems, impacting Windows 11 version 25H2, Windows 10 version 22H2, and Windows Server 2025. The updates also fix issues related to improper shutdowns and unreliable hibernation in Windows 11 version 23H2 when the Secure Launch feature is enabled. Recent incidents are part of a pattern of update-related challenges across various Windows versions, leading to criticism of the quality assurance processes for Windows updates.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

The Latest Monster Hunter Wilds PC perf drama explained

A Reddit post by user de_Tylmarande claimed that purchasing downloadable content (DLC) could improve frame rates in the PC version of Monster Hunter Wilds. Testing revealed that the performance issues were due to a bug related to the game's frequent checks for DLC presence, particularly in specific hub areas. Using a mod called "Less DLC Checks," which integrates with the RE Framework modding tool, players observed significant performance improvements: 11.4% at maximum settings, 20% at high settings, and 25.6% at low settings when DLC checks were blocked. The performance hit primarily occurs near a Support Desk felyne, indicating the availability of DLC. Capcom has not officially addressed the issue, and while the narrative about DLC enhancing performance was debunked, it raises concerns about the company's quality assurance processes.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Valve’s Steam Machine will have “fewer constraints” for games to be Verified than Steam Deck — plus, an explanation for that weird Steam Controller puck

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.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Microsoft in 2025: year in review

In 2025, Microsoft faced challenges including a slow migration to Windows 11 after the end of Windows 10, with many users opting to stay on the older system due to free Extended Security Updates. The anticipated rush to Windows 11 did not occur, partly because many older PCs did not meet the new system requirements. Microsoft increased its focus on AI integration in Windows 11, but this initiative faced backlash from users concerned about unnecessary features and existing bugs. The annual upgrade brought only minor improvements, and persistent bugs continued to affect user experience, particularly for gamers, who faced disruptions amid rising competition from platforms like SteamOS. Additionally, a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass led to subscriber cancellations, although revenue remained high. Xbox console sales dropped by 70% year-on-year, while the Surface hardware division did not achieve the same success as the previous year, with new devices failing to generate excitement.

Winsage

December 30, 2025

5 big problems with Windows 11 that I really hope Microsoft fixes in 2026

Microsoft's Windows 11 has faced numerous challenges in 2025, including bugs affecting core functionalities, leading to user frustration. The company has acknowledged these performance issues and started a data collection effort to address them, resulting in some improvements like a fix for File Explorer's sluggishness. However, many users still experience responsiveness issues, particularly with the right-click menu. For gamers, Windows 11 introduced features like Auto HDR, but the potential of DirectStorage remains largely unused, with recent updates causing gaming-related glitches and crashes. Microsoft has recognized the need for improvement in gaming performance amid competition from platforms like SteamOS. The quality assurance process for Windows 11 has been criticized due to bizarre bugs and interface inconsistencies, prompting calls for Microsoft to enhance its testing processes. Users have expressed a desire for the company to focus on fixing existing issues rather than prioritizing AI integration. Additionally, users are frustrated with the presence of advertisements in the operating system, seeking a more streamlined interface free from excessive promotional content.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

Steam client under Windows fully converted to 64-bit, support for 32-bit ends in 2026

Valve has transitioned the Steam client on Windows 10 and Windows 11 to a fully native 64-bit architecture, ending support for 32-bit Windows installations. Users on 32-bit systems will receive security updates and bug fixes until January 1, 2026, after which the Steam client will be considered insecure. Less than one percent of active Steam users are affected by this change. The shift to 64-bit allows for better RAM access, improved stability, and eliminates the need for the WoW64 compatibility layer. The update also includes technical enhancements such as a fix for H.265 game recording on Nvidia 50 series graphics cards, support for Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and improved chat moderation features. Valve has ceased support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 as of the end of 2024.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Microsoft fixes Message Queuing issue in new update

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update to fix a Message Queuing (MSMQ) issue that arose after the December 2025 update. This patch is available for several Windows versions, including Windows 10 22H2 ESU, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, and Windows 10 LTSB 2016, as well as various Windows Server versions from 2008 to 2019. The issue primarily impacted enterprise environments, while users on Pro and Home editions were "very unlikely" to experience it. The root cause was a change requiring MSMQ to have write access to areas typically restricted, leading to message queuing disruptions and misleading error logs. Microsoft documented the known issue on December 12, 2025, after several days of recognition, during which administrators had to implement workarounds. The update addresses the problem but raises concerns about Microsoft's quality assurance practices, especially given MSMQ's importance in corporate infrastructures. Users expressed dissatisfaction due to service disruptions caused by the issue.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 on PC will now take up 85% less space thanks to reduced installation size

Arrowhead Studios has reduced the installation size of the PC version of Helldivers 2 to 23GB, down from 154GB, by optimizing asset management with Nixxes. This reduction involved eliminating duplicated assets, which previously aimed to enhance loading times for players using mechanical hard drives. The studio confirmed that the majority of loading time is due to level generation rather than asset loading, and the differences in loading times between the new and old versions are minimal. A "slim version" is currently available for testing, with plans to make it the default version after confirming stability. The legacy version is expected to be discontinued next year.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft confirms KB5064081 update hides Windows 11 lock screen password icon

Microsoft has acknowledged that a recent update, KB5064081, has inadvertently concealed the password sign-in option from the lock screen in Windows 11, affecting some users. The update was released at the end of August 2025, and while not all users are impacted, it has raised concerns about accessibility. The password icon is not visible when multiple sign-in options are enabled, but users can still log in by hovering over the area where the icon should appear. Microsoft has not provided a fix or timeline for resolution.