refinements Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Hooray, Microsoft is making File Explorer faster, but it’s still slower than Windows 10 and consumes more RAM. Boo

Microsoft is testing a preloading feature for File Explorer in Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, available on the Dev and Beta channels. Feedback on this new functionality has been mixed, indicating that while improvements are being made, they have not yet met user expectations. Further refinements are needed for Windows 11, with hopes that the preloading feature will enhance performance when it officially launches in the regular Windows Update scheduled for 2026.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

New Manor Lords update leaves players “seriously impressed” as beloved city builder drops to lowest-ever price on Steam

Manor Lords, developed by Grzegorz Styczeń under the name Slavic Magic, has released a major update, version 0.8.046, which includes over 350 fixes and numerous quality-of-life enhancements. Key changes involve resource management, with players able to protect specific resource areas and a new maintenance system based on a durability counter. Additionally, worker behavior has been refined, and the update includes balance changes, AI improvements, and nearly 150 bug fixes. The game is currently priced at .99 / £22.74, its lowest price to date.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 heralds the dawn of Intelligent Computing

Windows 11 Version 25H2 was released on November 30, 2025, marking a shift from traditional operating system upgrades to a model where Windows is treated as a living service that evolves through feature updates. This version integrates artificial intelligence, notably through the Copilot tool, enhancing user interaction by providing intelligent assistance. The update also improves performance, reliability, and security, addressing increasing cyber threats with fortified default settings and better encryption. Design refinements enhance user experience and accessibility, while energy efficiency optimizations contribute to sustainability. The retirement of Windows 10 in October 2025 emphasizes the importance of Windows 11 as the future platform, with no immediate plans for a Windows 12 release.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Updating and removing your Windows 11 apps is about to get a lot less frustrating

Microsoft is testing two significant upgrades for Windows 11 through its Windows Insider channels: 1. A dedicated App Updates page in Settings that allows users to update installed applications without going through the Microsoft Store. 2. Enhanced support for uninstalling Store-managed apps directly from the Store Library with a single click. The new App Updates page will enable updates for Store apps, standalone applications, and enterprise tools from the same interface, potentially reducing fragmentation in app management. However, early testing revealed that the "Check for updates" button did not yield results. These updates are currently limited to Windows Insider builds, with broader availability expected as Microsoft refines the features. Additionally, Windows 11 is evolving with enhancements such as Copilot-powered features, a more efficient right-click menu, and a streamlined copy-paste experience.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

I forced myself to run Windows 11, and to be honest, I don’t miss much about Windows 10

Windows 10 reached the end of its support, prompting an upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 is faster, with performance improvements claimed to be up to 2.3 times quicker than Windows 10, particularly on modern hardware. Boot times improved from 40 seconds to under 20 seconds. Battery life enhancements are reported, especially for modern devices. The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for a better user experience, allowing app uninstallation directly from the Store. The Start menu and Taskbar have been redesigned, with a more organized layout that enhances usability. The new context menu includes dedicated icons for frequently used functions. The classic Control Panel is missed, as its functionality has largely moved to the Settings app, which some find less simple. Overall, the upgrade to Windows 11 is considered worthwhile despite some areas needing refinement.

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

The dev that saved Minecraft’s most exciting sandbox successor warns it’s “not good enough, I genuinely mean it”

Simon Collins-Laflamme, the founder of Hytale, has revived the game after it was shelved by Riot Games. He assembled a team of over 30 developers and stated that the game is not yet polished. Collins-Laflamme emphasized the importance of transparency, admitting that Hytale is not good enough in its current state. The team decided to use an older game build instead of a newer cross-platform engine, which would have delayed progress. He acknowledged the lack of game progression mechanics and expressed a desire for more time to enhance the experience. Collins-Laflamme is open to feedback and sees it as crucial for improvement. He is confident that the game will be acceptable at release but recognizes the challenges ahead, including bug fixes and design refinements.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel while both channels have the same updates. The Xbox full screen experience is now available for additional Windows 11 PC form factors, accessible through Task View, Game Bar settings, or the Win + F11 hotkey. Point-in-time restore is introduced for both channels, allowing users to revert their devices to a previous state. Fluid dictation is now available for voice typing users on NPU devices, enhancing the dictation experience. Vivo Android phone users can resume browsing activity from their phone to their PC, and users of Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo can continue working on M365 Copilot app files across devices. The context menu in File Explorer is being refined, and users can now uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store. Fixes include resolving taskbar issues, internet connectivity problems, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include the virtual keyboard not being visible for controller users and some applications exhibiting unexpected behavior with the Xbox full screen experience.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows Insider Program Releases Copilot Actions, New Release Preview Builds

The Windows Insider Program has introduced Copilot Actions, an AI feature in the Copilot app for Windows 11, allowing users to specify tasks for an AI agent to perform. This feature is currently experimental and requires the latest version of the Copilot app (1.25112.74 or higher) to access. Additionally, new Release Preview builds for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 have been released, transitioning users to build 26200.7296 (25H2) or 26100.7296 (24H2) with cumulative update KB5070311. Key features in these builds include Windows Studio Effects for USB webcams, enhancements to Click to Do, improvements in the Agent in Settings, updates to File Explorer, Desktop Spotlight enhancements, Drag Tray improvements, Settings updates, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for external fingerprint sensors, Share enhancements for OneDrive files, mobile device management improvements, Quick Machine Recovery updates, and Widgets enhancements. A new Canary build for Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28000.1199) is also available, but it does not introduce new features or significant changes.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Google’s Gemini App Revamp: Inside the Android Redesign Reshaping AI Interfaces

Google has updated its Gemini app for Android, introducing a redesigned homepage, a true black dark theme, and a new ‘My Stuff’ feature. The update aims to enhance user experience by making interactions more intuitive and organized, following a previous redesign in September. The gradual rollout starts with select users on Android. The black dark theme is optimized for OLED screens, reducing eye strain and improving battery efficiency. The ‘My Stuff’ hub centralizes user-generated content, addressing organization issues from earlier versions. The update aligns with Google’s broader AI strategy, integrating with services like YouTube and Google Maps. The app now supports better organization tools, including a refreshed conversation view. Users have praised the dark theme and streamlined interface. Analysts suggest these updates could be pivotal in the AI race, enhancing Gemini's competitiveness against rivals like OpenAI. Some users have noted minor rollout delays, indicating a need for wider availability.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

Steam’s biggest survival game warns players must “pivot or die” as transformative new update unleashes an extreme wipe

Facepunch Studios released the November Rust update, emphasizing a "Pivot or die" approach. The update revamps the progression system by introducing a comprehensive wipe of all blueprints and reducing the costs for tech tree and research unlocks: Common from 20 to 15, Uncommon from 75 to 30, Rare from 125 to 60, and Very Rare from 500 to 120. Scrap crafting costs have been removed from workbenches. The update also introduces new features such as powered Storage Adaptors, a Mini Fridge with 18 slots, expanded CCTV integration, and the return of monument puzzles. Adjustments have been made to helicopters, including the inability to repair in-flight and restrictions on using healing foods while piloting. The painting menu has been revamped, and off-ground foliage now reacts to moving objects. Regular blueprint wipes may be considered based on player feedback.