removals Archives

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

‘No Future Updates’—Google Will Confirm Play Store App Deletion

Google is enhancing the security of its Play Store by removing high-risk and low-quality applications and will soon notify users when an app has been deleted from the Play Store. This notification will inform users that the app will no longer receive updates, which is crucial for security as unpatched apps can be exploited. Currently, users only receive alerts about significant security threats, but the new feature aims to improve user awareness regarding app removals. The change comes amid rising cyber threats, with a recent report indicating that vulnerability exploitation is a major risk. Previously, users were not notified about app removals, leaving them unaware unless they found out through other means.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Google May Add Play Store Alerts For Removed Android Apps

Google has implemented a new feature in its Play Store that notifies users when an app has been removed from the marketplace. This update informs users that the app will no longer receive updates, including security fixes, which could leave them vulnerable. The notification will detail each deleted app and its removal from Google Play. There is uncertainty about whether the update will allow users to delete these apps directly. This initiative responds to a shift in the threat landscape, where exploiting vulnerabilities has become the primary method of breaching devices, surpassing stolen credentials. Recent reports highlighted the necessity for user notifications, citing a new ad fraud campaign involving 453 apps that were installed 24 million times before removal. Previously, users had no formal notification system for app removals.

AppWizard

May 27, 2026

Google could soon flag the dead Android apps hiding on your phone

Google is developing a new notification system for the Play Store that will inform users when an installed app has been removed, providing tailored messages based on the number of affected apps. Currently, Google Play Protect only alerts users about harmful apps but does not notify them about apps that are voluntarily removed or delisted for policy violations. The new system aims to address this gap by notifying users that apps will no longer receive updates, which is a concern for security and functionality. There is no specific timeline for the release of this feature, and the findings are based on code snippets that may not all make it to the final version.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

How to Remove Microsoft Edge (Windows 10 and 11)

Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows can be complex due to its integration as a system component, especially in Windows 10 and standard Windows 11 installations. Edge may not have a straightforward Uninstall button in the Settings page, but methods exist for uninstallation, including using Edge's own installer or command-line approaches. In the EU, users may find an easier uninstall option in Settings due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). To uninstall Edge, users should check their Windows version and region, install a replacement browser beforehand, and be aware that updates might reinstall Edge. Elevated permissions are typically required for uninstallation methods. Method A involves using Edge's setup.exe in uninstall mode from its Installer directory, which is widely compatible. Method B allows for a Settings-based uninstall in certain EU Windows 11 builds influenced by DMA. Method C uses PowerShell to remove Edge partially but may not be effective on newer builds. Method D suggests disabling Edge instead of fully uninstalling it for better system stability. Advanced techniques exist but carry risks, including potential system integrity issues. Users should consider application dependencies and the likelihood of Windows updates restoring Edge. For enterprise environments, policy-based control is preferred over complete removal. The EU DMA is driving changes toward a more modular Windows architecture, allowing for greater user choice regarding browser components.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Google Play Store could soon warn you about dead Android apps on your phone

Google is working on enhancing its notification system for app removals from the Play Store. Currently, users do not receive alerts when an app is removed for reasons other than serious security violations. The latest version of the Google Play Store (v51.4.19) contains code indicating a new feature that will notify users when an installed app has been removed, informing them that the app will no longer receive updates. Notifications will vary based on the number of affected apps, providing clear communication to users. These features are still in development and may not be guaranteed for public release.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Valve Just Made Some Big Changes to Steam Tags, And The New Additions Shed Light on Recent Trends

Valve updated Steam's tagging system on May 18th, removing 28 outdated tags, introducing 17 new ones, and adjusting existing categories. The new tags include Bullet Heaven, Desktop Companion, Organizing, Cleaning, Decorating, Wuxia, Xianxia, Falling Blocks, Espionage, Samurai, Zoo, Wolves, Capybaras, Animals, Cult, Poker, and Language Learning. The retired tags include 3D Vision, Ambient, America, Blood, Crowdfunded, Cult Classic, Documentary, Drama, Dungeons & Dragons, Electronic, Experience, Feature Film, Foreign, GameMaker, Games Workshop, Illuminati, Kickstarter, LEGO, Masterpiece, Mature, Movie, Narration, NSFW, Roguevania, RPGMaker, Warhammer 40K, Web Publishing, and Well-Written. Existing tags like Clicker and Conversation were rebranded to Incremental and Dialogue Heavy, respectively. The updates aim to improve user navigation and reflect current gaming trends.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

PUBG is removing several weapons from the game, and you could be due compensation

Players who owned QBU skins between 2020 and 2026 may be eligible for compensation as PUBG is set to remove several weapons, including the QBU and Mosin Nagant, from the game. The compensation will include in-game currencies such as BP, Credits, and G-Coins based on the skins possessed. For instance, the Seabeast Mosin Nagant skin will yield 200 G-Coins, while the Firestarter QBU skin will reward 1,490 G-Coins. The update also introduces a new Payday game mode and aims to streamline weapon offerings by removing underutilized guns.

Tech Optimizer

May 1, 2026

All-in-one privacy bundle handles your VPN, antivirus, and data broker removal for $92

Surfshark One+ with Incogni is a comprehensive online privacy solution that combines a VPN, antivirus protection, and personal data removal services. The two-year plan is currently priced at .99, reduced from its regular price of 9.40. The Surfshark component includes a VPN, real-time antivirus protection, and Surfshark Alert for data breach notifications, while Incogni handles the removal of personal information from over 420 data brokers. Incogni has processed over 245 million removal requests, verified by Deloitte, and offers identity theft coverage of up to million. The service supports up to five devices and is compatible with various operating systems.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Hades 2, the Award-Winning Sequel, Lands on Xbox Game Pass Soon

Hades 2 has been recognized as one of CNET's best games of 2025, winning Best Action Game at the 2025 Game of the Year awards and Best Game on Steam Deck at the Steam Awards. It will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting Tuesday. Xbox Game Pass offers a library of games for a monthly fee, with the premium Game Pass Ultimate subscription providing access to hundreds of games, including new releases on launch day. DayZ, a multiplayer survival game, is now available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, and PC Game Pass. Endless Legend 2, a fantasy strategy game, has been added to Game Pass Premium. FBC: Firebreak, a first-person shooter, is also new to Game Pass Premium. Planet Coaster 2, a park management game, is part of Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Tiny Bookshop, a management game, is available on Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Football Manager 26 has been added to Game Pass Premium. Hades 2 is set to launch on April 14, continuing the story of Melinoe. Replaced and The Thaumaturge will also debut on April 14. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will be available on Game Pass Premium starting April 16, along with EA Sports NHL 26. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will launch on April 17. Little Rocket Lab and Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato will be new to Game Pass Premium on April 21, along with Vampire Crawlers. Kiln will launch on April 23. Game Pass Essential has added two new titles as of April 8. Five games, including GTA 5, will be removed from Game Pass on April 15.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Remember when Mastercard pressured Steam to remove a bunch of NSFW games? The FTC says that’s not cool—sort of

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has addressed concerns to the CEOs of major financial service companies, including Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and Stripe, regarding the potential denial of services to customers based on political or religious beliefs. The letters warn that such practices could lead to investigations and enforcement actions. This initiative follows an incident involving Valve, where Mastercard was alleged to have pressured the company into removing adult-themed games from its Steam platform, although Mastercard clarified it did not directly influence the removals. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson emphasized the importance of ensuring all law-abiding individuals can engage in commerce. The situation is further complicated by an executive order from former President Donald Trump, which raised concerns about financial institutions surveilling individuals involved in conservative activities. Ferguson urged Mastercard's CEO to prevent unlawful debanking practices by its network members. There is uncertainty regarding a proposed rule change that may not significantly alter the discretion financial institutions have in customer-related decisions. Inquiries have been made to Valve and the FTC about the implications of these letters for adult video games on the Steam platform.