release Archives

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Dell PCs are shutting down after Windows 11’s July update, Microsoft admits and blocks it

Microsoft has blocked the Windows 11 July 2026 update (KB5101650) on certain Dell PCs due to issues causing unexpected shutdowns, diminished performance, excessive heat, and battery drain. The problems are linked to the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver, which affects power management. The complications stem from an optional June 2026 update (KB5095093) that introduced changes impacting the performance of some Dell PCs. Microsoft has not provided a list of affected models but is working with Dell to resolve the issue. The July update has been preemptively blocked from installation on incompatible devices, and a resolution is expected soon.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Microsoft: Some Dell PCs shut down after recent Windows updates

Microsoft has temporarily halted the rollout of the Windows 11 security updates for certain Dell devices due to reports of shutdowns and performance issues linked to the KB5101650 cumulative update. The issues began after the installation of the June 23, 2026, preview update (KB5095093), which caused a conflict with the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver. Affected Dell systems are showing a yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager and may experience unexpected shutdowns, poor performance, increased heat, and battery drain. Microsoft is working with Dell to resolve the issue and will not distribute the KB5101650 update to impacted systems until a fix is implemented.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Cursor Flaw Lets Malicious Cloned Repositories Trigger Windows Code Execution

Cursor, a development tool, has a security vulnerability that allows arbitrary code execution by simply opening a project repository on Windows. This flaw, reported by AI security firm Mindgard, is due to the presence of a file named git.exe in the project root, which Cursor executes automatically without user prompts. Mindgard demonstrated this vulnerability by renaming Windows Calculator to git.exe and placing it in the project root, leading to multiple instances of Calculator launching upon opening the repository. Cursor has not yet released a patch or advisory for this issue, which was first reported on December 15, 2025, and remains in the latest version, 3.11, released on July 10, 2026. Users are advised to implement workarounds, such as using AppLocker or Windows App Control to block executables by name and path. Other vendors, including GitHub and Google, have encountered similar vulnerabilities, but none have released fixes. The issue highlights the risks associated with untrusted search paths in software development.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Researcher Drops New Windows Zero-Day PoC Hours After Microsoft Patch Tuesday

Security researcher Chaotic Eclipse has released a proof-of-concept exploit called LegacyHive, which targets a vulnerability in the Windows User Profile Service. The exploit requires standard user credentials and a third username, potentially an administrator account. It can mount the target user hive in the current user classes root and is designed to reduce the risk of public exploitation. The exploit works across all supported desktop and server versions of Windows, including those updated with the July 2026 Patch Tuesday release. Microsoft is investigating the findings related to LegacyHive. Microsoft has patched 622 vulnerabilities, including two privilege escalation flaws in SharePoint Server (CVE-2026-56164, CVSS score: 5.3) and Active Directory Federation Services (CVE-2026-56155, CVSS score: 7.8), which are actively exploited threats. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has included these vulnerabilities in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies to implement fixes by specified deadlines. CISA has also noted active exploitation of several SharePoint Server vulnerabilities, including CVE-2026-32201, CVE-2026-45659, and CVE-2026-56164, which allow unauthorized access to vulnerable instances. CVE-2026-56164 enables attackers to send crafted network requests to access functions that should require authorization, leading to privilege escalation without prior authentication. Additionally, CVE-2026-55040 (CVSS score: 9.1) allows remote unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication on a vulnerable SharePoint server, enabling unauthorized operations.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Google might be preparing a much-needed redesign for the Android Auto media player

Google is testing a redesigned Android Auto media card that focuses on more accessible playback controls instead of large album art. The new layout includes quick-access buttons like Like, Shuffle, and Repeat, but this functionality is limited to vehicles with larger infotainment displays, while smaller screens will have a simplified version. The upgrade features a compact design with blurred album art in the background and track details below. It may also include app-specific shortcuts for different audio applications. The redesign aims to improve user experience by reducing the need to navigate through the full app for frequently used features. The new media player is part of recent Android Auto builds, but an official release date is not confirmed, and its launch is uncertain.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Microsoft pauses Windows 11’s July update for some Dell devices because they’re randomly shutting down

Microsoft has halted the rollout of the Windows 11 July update for select Dell devices due to issues from the June preview update, which caused overheating and unexpected shutdowns. The June 23, 2026, preview update (KB5095093) led to problems such as unexpected shutdowns, decreased performance, increased heat generation, and accelerated battery drain for some Dell machines. The July update, which contains the same problematic code, is not optional, prompting Microsoft to pause its release for affected devices until a resolution is found. Users of impacted Dell models can continue with Windows Update without downloading the flawed update.

BetaBeacon

July 15, 2026

One of Android’s best PC game emulators just got a feature modders will love

A new GameNative update, version 1.1.1, has added Nexus Mods support, allowing users to mod their PC games and play them on their Android phones. The update also includes support for multiple controllers, hot-swap support, improved visibility in the controller layout editing screen, GOG-powered recommendations, support for Steam collections, and more.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Verity Minecraft mod surpasses 4.9 million downloads in under a month as viral horror sensation continues

Verity, a character in Minecraft, gained popularity after a viral video amassed over 20 million views since its release in May 2026. On June 16, PnTMC released the Verity - Bedrock Edition mod on CurseForge, which received 4.9 million downloads in 28 days, allowing players to interact with Verity. The Undertalelover mod, also for Bedrock Edition, has 2.8 million downloads, while VarmiteYT's Java Edition mod has over 800,000 downloads in under two weeks.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Fighting game developer previously accused of sexual harassment confirmed to be working on Avatar Legends a week before release

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is set to be released on July 23, developed by Gameplay Group International. Mike Zaimont, known for his work on Skullgirls and Indivisible, is involved in the game's development, which has sparked controversy due to past allegations of sexual misconduct. The game's publisher, Paramount, confirmed Zaimont's participation, leading to disappointment among fans of the Avatar franchise. Koh, a contributor to the Korra comics, expressed his dismay over Zaimont's involvement. The development team faces the challenge of addressing public perception while aiming to meet high expectations for the game.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

How to get Nightstar Sand in Palworld

In Palworld, Nightstar Sand is a mid-game crafting ingredient required for various tech tree recipes starting at level 56. It can be primarily found in the Dessicated Dunes, particularly at night, where players can glide from the Searing Dunes Watchtower to locate glowing sand nodes. Feybreak Island beaches have a higher abundance of Nightstar Sand but are more challenging for lower-level players. The Dessicated Dunes also contain sparse deposits around the Tower of the PIDF. Nightstar Sand is used in crafting items such as the Advanced Bow, Beam Sword, Metal Detector, and Double Air Dash Boots, with specific quantities required for each recipe.