Regular Updates Archives

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

How to make sure your Android phone is secure

Android devices have various features to enhance security and privacy. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that nearly 75% of Americans have faced online scams, which have become more sophisticated, including vishing scams using AI-generated deepfakes. Android offers tools to mitigate these risks, such as AI-driven scam detection and theft protection. To safeguard devices, users should keep their software updated by checking Settings > About Phone for the current version and navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates for updates. App updates can be managed through the Google Play Store under Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. Securing Google accounts with two-factor authentication is recommended, which can be set up via the Google Account management page. Automatic backups can be enabled in Settings > Google > Backup. The Find Hub app helps track lost devices and can be configured in Settings > Location and Settings > Security. Android includes scam detection tools that alert users to potential scams in calls and texts, which can be activated in the Phone app settings. Privacy settings can be managed by adjusting app permissions in Settings > Apps and using the Permission manager in Security & Privacy. Users can opt out of data sharing with advertisers by navigating to Settings > Google > Ads. Google Play Protect scans for harmful apps and should remain enabled for safety. Theft protection features, such as Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, can be activated in Settings > Google > Personal & device safety.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Update Focuses on Extended Servicing, Not New Features

The forthcoming Windows 11 26H2 release will focus on recalibrating support cycles rather than introducing new features. Microsoft has implemented a shared servicing model for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 since late 2024, allowing for consistent updates across branches. Users on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 can transition to 26H2 with an enablement package (eKB), while those on older versions like 22H2 and 23H2 will receive it as a full feature update. The 26H2 version will reset the support cycle, providing 24 months of updates for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education versions, extending until October 2028 for Home and Pro and October 2029 for Enterprise and Education starting in 2026. The 26H2 update will not introduce new features, with a more comprehensive upgrade expected in Windows 11 27H2. Additionally, Windows 11 26H1 is designed for Windows-on-Arm devices using Snapdragon chips, with devices featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark expected to launch this fall.

Winsage

August 17, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 now crashing games and causing Windows Hello issues

A surge of reports regarding game crashes and launch issues on Windows platforms has prompted Microsoft to provide resources through its Update Catalog to assist users. Players have faced unexpected crashes and difficulties launching games due to factors like software incompatibilities and outdated drivers. The Microsoft Update Catalog offers driver updates, patch releases, and guides to help users troubleshoot these gaming issues.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

Old School RuneScape began when a dev ‘found the 2007 server in their desk drawer:’ 13 years later, it’s setting subscriber records for the long-lived MMO

In June, Jagex hosted its largest live event, the Deadman All Stars, a PvP tournament for Old School RuneScape (OSRS), outside the UK. Kieren Charles, the creative director of OSRS, noted that the game has grown significantly since its launch, stating, “The game's bigger now than it was in 2007.” OSRS surpassed the original RuneScape's age in 2013 and achieved an all-time high of over one million active subscribers last August. The decision to base OSRS on the 2007 version was influenced by player preference for what they considered the "golden age," despite initial interest in the 2006 version. OSRS is recognized as a pioneering example of officially-supported 'classic' servers, balancing community engagement with official support. Regular updates, including the upcoming Varlamore expansion in 2024, aim to keep the game fresh while maintaining its nostalgic essence. New content is approved through community votes, requiring a minimum of 70% approval. Charles emphasized the importance of community feedback, preferring to reject proposals rather than invest significant development time into unpopular features. He views his role as a caretaker of the OSRS legacy, focusing on what the community wants.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

You don’t need a TV app to stream 10,000 free movies on Google’s Freeplay right now

Google TV Freeplay has launched a catalog of over 10,000 on-demand movies and TV shows at no subscription cost, expanding its live channel lineup to over 300 channels. The library includes titles from studios like A24 and Lionsgate, featuring films such as Lady Bird and Seventeen Again, and is regularly updated. The service is integrated into supported Google TV devices, accessible without additional app installations, but is ad-supported. Currently, it is available only in the U.S. and requires a Google account and high-speed internet. This shift positions Freeplay as a competitor to subscription services like Netflix and free streaming platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Minecraft Drops Huge Update With Tons of Experimental Features

Minecraft has released a substantial update, Bedrock Edition 26.40, in August 2026, featuring numerous enhancements, bug fixes, and experimental features. Key additions include: - Abandoned Camp: A new structure found in various biomes, offering loot and new Straw Beds. - Dappled Forest: A new biome with Poplar Trees, various mobs, and updated fog settings. - Poplar Trees: Introduced with three color variations, yielding Poplar Saplings and new wood blocks. - Red Shrub: A new decorative plant that can be grown using Bone Meal. - Shelf Mushroom: A new mushroom type that grows on Poplar Trees and can be harvested for items. - New Blocks: Addition of Wool Stair and Wool Slab blocks in various colors. - Cushion: An interactive item available in 16 colors for players to sit on. - Straw Bed: A one-time use bed crafted from Hay Bales, allowing players to sleep without setting a spawn point. The update aims to enhance gameplay and creativity across all platforms.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Windows 11 Brings Back Popular Feature

Microsoft is testing a freely movable taskbar in the latest insider versions of Windows 11, allowing users to reposition it to the top, left, or right edges of their screens. This feature, previously available in Windows 10, was missing in Windows 11, leading to user criticism. Insiders can currently move the taskbar, and initial screenshots show that the Start menu adjusts accordingly. While there is no official release timeline, the feature's presence in the Beta channel indicates development is progressing, with speculation that it may be included in the upcoming Windows 11 26H2 update.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Moving the Microsoft Edge extensions ecosystem forward with Manifest Version 3

In 2020, Microsoft committed to Manifest Version 3 (MV3) for the Chromium extensions platform. As of now, 95% of the top MV2 extensions have transitioned to MV3 in the Edge Add-ons store. Starting in August 2026, Microsoft Edge will begin transitioning consumers away from MV2 extensions, aiming to complete this by the end of 2026, with enterprise deprecation expected in early 2027. Currently, only 58 MV2-based extensions show meaningful usage, and three of these lack an MV3 version. Notifications will be sent to users and developers regarding the transition, and MV2 extensions will gradually be disabled by default. Developers are encouraged to finalize their transition to MV3 and submit updates via Microsoft Partner Center.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

What Happens To Your Computer If You Skip Windows Updates

Windows operating systems have hidden functionalities and privacy enhancements introduced through regular updates, which are crucial for maintaining system security. Neglecting updates leaves known vulnerabilities open to exploitation by malicious actors, as Microsoft typically addresses security flaws only after they are identified. Windows Update is the primary mechanism for addressing these vulnerabilities. Unpatched systems become targets for cyber threats, leading to severe consequences such as remote code execution, privilege escalation, ransomware attacks, and boot-level compromises. The PrintNightmare vulnerability (CVE-2021-34527) was acknowledged by Microsoft after active exploitation was detected, leading to the release of patches. The WannaCry cyberattack in May 2017 affected over 300,000 computers due to an unpatched SMB flaw, highlighting the risks of outdated systems. Timely updates can prevent vulnerabilities that may lead to ransomware, credential theft, and other compromises. Users are advised to install updates promptly and avoid connecting unsupported versions to the internet.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Windows Insiders have one week to update their PCs, or else

Windows Insiders are advised to update their PCs to a recent build due to the release of new Windows Insider builds featuring a renewed flight certificate, which expires on August 11, 2026. The latest Experimental build includes this renewed certificate, and users must update to avoid receiving a warning message about their build expiring. Microsoft has provided a chart listing the minimum required builds for various channels, with specific builds available by July 31, 2026. Failure to update will result in the cessation of automatic updates and a warning message on the desktop. Users can update their devices through Settings > Windows Update.