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Windows 11’s best utilities are merging — and it's more polished than macOS
Winsage
December 31, 2025

Windows 11’s best utilities are merging — and it’s more polished than macOS

The third-party file explorer, Files, has integrated with PowerToys Peek in version 4.0.24, enhancing user experience by allowing seamless file previews. This integration began rolling out during the festive week between Christmas and New Year’s. The update also includes a feature for faster file and folder creation with prefilled default names, improvements to the Omnibar with a shadow for suggestions, and text wrapping in the Status Center for longer folder names. Users can now use AND and OR operators for tag searches. Additionally, several fixes were made, including resolving crashes in Dual Pane mode and during git branch switching, as well as correcting display issues with PNG-based .ico files. Files is available for free on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft now runs resource-hogging AppX Deployment Service at Windows 11 startup
Winsage
December 17, 2025

Microsoft now runs resource-hogging AppX Deployment Service at Windows 11 startup

Microsoft released a cumulative update for Windows 11, designated as KB5072033, which included a change to the AppX Deployment Service (Appxsvc), setting it to automatic startup to improve reliability. This change was not initially mentioned in the release notes but was later added, noting that it aims to enhance reliability in isolated scenarios. Users have expressed concerns about high resource consumption linked to this service, particularly on lower-spec machines. The update also introduced a standardized format for Windows Update titles to improve readability, announced that there will be no non-security preview update in the latter half of December 2025, and noted that Secure Boot certificates for most Windows devices will expire starting in June 2026. Additionally, Windows Updates will not include updates for Microsoft Store applications, with enterprise users advised to consult Configuration Manager for updates.
Sins of a Solar Empire 2 gets a massive diplomacy overhaul that makes wars 'economically ruinous'
AppWizard
December 13, 2025

Sins of a Solar Empire 2 gets a massive diplomacy overhaul that makes wars ‘economically ruinous’

Ironclad Games has been providing updates and downloadable content for Sins of a Solar Empire 2 since its launch last year. Recent enhancements include new scenarios, improved population mechanics, better tutorials, and visual effects. The latest update, titled Diplomatic Repercussions, focuses on improving diplomacy by reworking the artificial intelligence of non-player character factions to make them more intelligent and friendly, increasing their likelihood of forming alliances. A revamped diplomacy menu now shows critical modifiers for proposals, and players can trade influence points for negotiations or intelligence. The update also features new quick-start options, a redesigned research and tech-tree menu, and decorative orbital shuttles. These changes aim to address player concerns about the previous diplomacy system's significance.
Sideloading apps on Android 16 QPR2 has a much nicer-looking UI
AppWizard
December 4, 2025

Sideloading apps on Android 16 QPR2 has a much nicer-looking UI

Google has updated the Android Package Installer with a new Material 3 Expressive design language, aligning it with the visual overhaul of Android 16. The Package Installer now has a more intuitive layout, centering the app name and icon to emphasize installation actions. New button styles include Filled Buttons for primary actions like “Install” and “Open,” and Elevated Buttons for secondary actions like “Cancel” and “Done.” The installation progress bar features a new Material 3 Linear Progress Indicator, and the dialog’s title font size has been increased for better readability. However, the permission dialog for sideloading apps has not been redesigned and still uses the older button style. Users need to install the Android 16 QPR2 update to access these enhancements, as the Package Installer cannot be updated through Google Play System Updates.
You can finally force most apps to dark mode on your Pixel; here's how
AppWizard
December 4, 2025

You can finally force most apps to dark mode on your Pixel; here’s how

Google has introduced the Expanded Dark Mode feature for Pixel phone users with the rollout of Android QPR2 in early December. This feature allows users to enforce a dark theme across most applications, even those without native dark mode support. The Expanded Dark Mode is available on all Pixel models that have received the Android QPR2 update, including Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro/9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, and 10 Pro/10 Pro XL. To enable it, users must ensure their device is compatible and running the December update (version number starting with BP4A.251205.006). They can then activate the feature by going to Settings > Display & touch > Dark theme and switching to Expanded dark mode. While the feature enhances accessibility and readability, its effectiveness varies across applications. Some apps, like Transavia, adapt well, while others, such as Amazon and certain banking apps, do not display the dark theme effectively. Mapping applications like Citymapper and IDF Mobilités also show limited improvement. The Expanded Dark Mode is considered an improvement over the previous color inversion toggle and the Override force-dark option, offering a better experience for many users, although those using graphic-heavy apps may prefer the Standard Dark Mode.
Microsoft: KB5070311 triggers File Explorer white flash in dark mode
Winsage
December 2, 2025

Microsoft: KB5070311 triggers File Explorer white flash in dark mode

Microsoft has acknowledged a glitch with the KB5070311 preview update that causes bright white flashes when launching File Explorer in dark mode on Windows 11. The issue occurs not only when opening File Explorer but also during actions like navigating to Home or Gallery, creating new tabs, toggling the Details pane, and selecting 'More details' while copying files. As a temporary solution, Microsoft recommends disabling dark mode. The KB5070311 update also resolved a bug that caused the explorer.exe process and taskbar to become unresponsive after certain notifications and addressed search failures in File Explorer on some SMB shares. Additionally, Microsoft had previously confirmed a critical bug affecting File Explorer and the Start Menu on Windows 11 24H2 devices with cumulative updates since July 2025.
Windows 11 update names got simpler, drops YYYY-MM. Now, IT admins are going mad
Winsage
November 2, 2025

Windows 11 update names got simpler, drops YYYY-MM. Now, IT admins are going mad

Microsoft has introduced a new naming convention for Windows Update titles, moving away from the YYYY-MM format and the term cumulative. The October 2025 optional update is now labeled as “Security Update (KB5034123) (26100.4747)” instead of the previous detailed titles that included the release date and specific Windows version. This change has raised concerns among IT professionals and users, as it complicates the identification of updates and may lead to confusion between different types of updates. IT administrators have expressed frustration over the lack of critical information in the new titles, which they believe hinders troubleshooting and update management. Microsoft has acknowledged the feedback but remains committed to the new naming scheme, while updates accessed through the Microsoft Update Catalog or WSUS will retain their original naming structure.
Google fixes one of the Clock app's most confusing redesigns
AppWizard
October 27, 2025

Google fixes one of the Clock app’s most confusing redesigns

Google has been refining its Android applications with the Material 3 Expressive design. The Google Clock app has reduced support for wallpaper backgrounds to improve the readability of alarm times, reintroducing a solid background for the alarm screen in version 8.3. This change addresses user concerns about visibility against certain backgrounds. The app is also transitioning away from Assistant branding, with routines now simply labeled as “Routines.” Additionally, a new feature involving a pulsing animation for the time display is expected, although the rollout timeline is uncertain.
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