regular users Archives

AppWizard

December 16, 2025

Facebook Messenger is no longer available as a desktop app

Facebook Messenger's desktop versions for Mac and Windows have officially ceased operations. Users attempting to access the app will be redirected to the Facebook website or the Facebook desktop app, depending on their operating system. Mac users will be directed to the Facebook website, while Windows users will be directed to the Facebook desktop app, where they can continue their conversations with the same features. Messenger users without a Facebook account will be redirected to Messenger.com to log in. Concerns about chat history are addressed, with Meta stating that chat history can be saved if users took the necessary steps to ensure secure storage was enabled before the cutoff.

Winsage

December 13, 2025

Non-ESU Windows 10 can’t pause updates anymore, including if Windows 11 install starts accidentally by user

Windows 10 users not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are unable to pause updates, as the "Pause updates for 7 days" option is grayed out. This issue can occur if users initiate an upgrade to Windows 11. Typically, the inability to pause updates arises after multiple pauses or due to organizational restrictions, but in this case, it affects users who haven't paused updates at all. As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of support, with only ESU-enrolled devices receiving security patches until October 2026. A new cumulative update is available for ESU users, but non-ESU users cannot access it. Users are prompted to install updates immediately, and if they do, the system may indicate that previous security updates have failed to install. Windows 10 now defaults to installing the 25H2 update for users upgrading without ESU enrollment, and the pause feature is unavailable during this process. Microsoft has made the Consumer ESU program accessible to regular users, allowing enrollment through Settings. Users can enroll for free with a Microsoft account, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or purchase a one-year ESU license.

Tech Optimizer

December 7, 2025

K7 Antivirus Flaw Lets Attackers Gain SYSTEM-Level Privileges

A security vulnerability, designated as CVE-2024-36424, has been found in K7 Ultimate Security antivirus software, allowing low-privileged users to escalate their permissions to the SYSTEM level, thus gaining full control over affected Windows devices. The flaw arises from inadequate access controls in the named pipe K7TSMngrService1, which allows limited permission programs to communicate with higher-privileged programs. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to disable antivirus protection or execute malicious code with SYSTEM privileges. K7 Computing has released several patches to address the issue, but researchers have found ways to bypass these protections. The vulnerability affects K7 Ultimate Security version 17.0.2045 and potentially earlier versions, prompting organizations to upgrade to the latest patched version.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Creating your own Android wallpaper isn’t hard, and it’s totally worth it

A recent poll by Android Authority found that among respondents, 32% create wallpapers using images from their cameras, 7% use drawing apps or wallpaper creators, 9% let their phones generate wallpapers, 23% rely on wallpaper apps, 27% download wallpapers from the internet, and 2% indicated other methods. Users can create personalized wallpapers through drawing, photography, or by using smartphone features that generate wallpapers automatically. Online tools like Canva and Kapwing are also available for those who want to design their own wallpapers.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

The top 2 Linux distros Windows 10 users are fleeing to right now

On October 14, Windows 10 was discontinued, leading to user frustration due to hardware requirements for Windows 11. This has resulted in a resurgence of the Linux community, with Zorin OS and Bazzite attracting former Windows users. Zorin OS achieved one million downloads in two months, with 78% from Windows machines, while Bazzite recorded approximately 150,000 downloads in a month, totaling a petabyte of downloads. Zorin OS appeals to regular users with its productivity tools, while Bazzite caters to gamers with its gaming support and security features. This trend indicates a shift in user preferences towards Linux, with projections suggesting a rise in Linux's market share by 2026. The advantages of Linux include security, stability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

YouTube quietly revives in-app private messaging, six years after discontinuing it

YouTube is testing a revival of its in-app private messaging feature, nearly six years after it was discontinued due to low adoption rates. The new initiative allows users to share videos, Shorts, and live streams with friends and is currently limited to select markets and users aged 18 and older. Safeguards such as invite-only conversations, unsend options, and the ability to block or report inappropriate content are included. YouTube's initial messaging feature was launched in 2017 and discontinued in 2019. The renewed feature aims to enhance direct engagement for content creators and provide a streamlined way for regular users to converse about videos. The pilot phase is ongoing, with no timeline for a broader rollout announced yet. YouTube's move to reinstate private messaging aligns with current trends as it faces competition from platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Android’s Most Controversial Feature is Not Going Away—For Now

Google has decided to maintain the option for sideloading unverified apps on Android, despite initially planning to eliminate it. This decision follows backlash from developers and users. The new sideloading framework will cater to advanced users who can acknowledge the risks of installing unverified software. Google may enhance the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool to facilitate this process, which will include warnings about the risks. The changes aim to improve user safety by preventing regular users from installing unknown applications, as sideloading has been exploited for malware distribution. Google plans to roll out this feature early next year and encourages developers to enroll in a new identity verification system for apps distributed outside the Play Store. The verification process will be less rigorous for students and hobbyists to promote innovation while prioritizing safety.

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.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta Shuts Down Messenger App for Windows and Mac

Meta is retiring its standalone Messenger applications for Windows and Mac PCs, simplifying support for its tools. Users will receive in-app notifications about the deprecation and have a 60-day window to use the app before it is removed. After the period, access to the Mac Messenger app will be blocked, and users are encouraged to uninstall it. Meta assures users that their chat history will be preserved if secure storage is enabled and a PIN is set up. The desktop Messenger apps were launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance connectivity, but usage did not meet expectations. Users can still access Meta's messaging features through their web browser on desktop PCs.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 life support ends Oct. 14. Here’s what will happen.

Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2023, meaning users will no longer receive free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. While Windows 10 will still function, the lack of cumulative updates may expose systems to vulnerabilities. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive virus definition updates until 2028, but relying solely on it may not ensure comprehensive security. Users may face compatibility issues with older applications as developers shift towards Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for regular users, offering critical security patches until October 13, 2026, available for free under certain conditions or for a one-time fee for others. Enrollment is open until the program concludes in 2026.