reopening Archives

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Paint (25H2)

Microsoft has updated Paint significantly with the rollout of Windows 11, enhancing both its user interface and core functionalities. Key updates include the introduction of a Dark mode, an updated Text tool, layer capabilities similar to Photoshop, and support for transparent PNG files. Paint now features AI-driven tools, some of which require a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription, while others are accessible on any PC or require a Copilot+ PC. Customization options in Paint are limited; users cannot disable any image creation or editing features but can change the app theme and configure watermark settings for AI-generated content. The toolbar can be set to auto-hide, and users can view their work in full screen by pressing F11. New features include the ability to save projects with multiple layers, a Remove background tool, an Image Creator for generating images from text prompts, and a Generative erase tool for removing objects from images. Copilot+ PCs unlock additional features that operate locally, such as Object select, Sticker generator, Cocreator, and Generative fill, which requires specific hardware capabilities.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Notepad (25H2)

Microsoft has transformed its Notepad text editor in Windows 11, introducing features such as a tabbed user interface, basic session state management, a "Recent files" option, and AI-driven writing tools. Notepad now supports Markdown markup language for light formatting and includes customizable settings for themes, fonts, document opening preferences, and the ability to disable certain features. Users can access AI writing tools through a Copilot button, which requires a Microsoft account and an active Microsoft 365 subscription. The classic Notepad version is still available, allowing users to revert to the previous interface, although it cannot be set as the default app for text files.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Android XR’s latest update now lets you pin apps to your walls on Galaxy XR

Chrome Unboxed offers a membership option called Chrome Unboxed Plus, providing an ad-free experience and access to a private Discord community. Google has rolled out new features for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, enhancing user immersion and navigation. Users can now pin applications to their physical walls, and sessions automatically restore when the headset is put back on. An experimental feature called auto-spatialization allows 2D apps to be transformed into a 3D experience. The library of immersive apps for Android XR has more than doubled, exceeding 100 apps. A new Labs feature enables users to see their physical hands while interacting with virtual content. Additionally, Android Enterprise support is now available for XR, aiding organizations in deploying headsets for training and collaboration.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

What Is Conhost.exe?

Conhost.exe, or Console Window Host, is a legitimate Windows system process responsible for managing the display and behavior of console windows such as Command Prompt and PowerShell. It facilitates text rendering and manages input/output interactions with the graphical user interface. Each time a console application is launched, a new instance of conhost.exe is created, and multiple instances can appear in Task Manager based on active console applications. To verify the authenticity of conhost.exe, it should run from C:WindowsSystem32 or C:WindowsSysWOW64, have a valid Microsoft Windows Publisher digital signature, and not make outbound network connections. High CPU usage or unusual behavior may indicate malware masquerading as conhost.exe. Troubleshooting steps for issues related to conhost.exe include running a malware scan, checking for Windows updates, updating device drivers, and using the System File Checker. Disabling conhost.exe is not advisable as it is essential for the functioning of console applications.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

MLB App Download For Android: Free & Easy

The official MLB app is available for free on Android devices, providing real-time game updates, in-depth statistics, breaking news, and the option to stream games (some features may require a subscription). It allows fans to follow their favorite teams and players, access detailed player stats, team performance metrics, standings, and historical data. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store by searching for "MLB" and tapping the "Install" button. Upon launching, users will find a clean design with sections for scores, schedules, news, and teams. Core features are free, but live game streaming requires an MLB.TV subscription. Common issues include the app not loading scores, crashing, or notification problems, which can often be resolved by checking the internet connection, clearing the app's cache, or adjusting notification settings.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

HP Smart App On Windows: Setup & Troubleshooting

The HP Smart app is a software application designed to enhance interaction with HP printers, allowing users to print, scan, copy, and manage their printers from a computer or mobile device. The installation process on Windows involves downloading the app from the Microsoft Store, installing it, launching it, and adding the printer. Common issues include the app not finding the printer, crashing or freezing, scanning difficulties, and printing problems, with various troubleshooting solutions provided for each issue. Tips for maximizing the app's functionality include using mobile fax, editing photos, printing from social media, and utilizing cloud printing. Keeping the app up-to-date is important for performance and security, with options for automatic and manual updates available through the Microsoft Store and HP support.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Football Manager 26 is never being saved as the game just flubbed its most important sales period

January typically sees a surge in player engagement for Football Manager due to the reopening of the transfer window and the return to regular routines after the holiday season. However, this year, the expected increase in activity for FM26 has not materialized. Currently, only 29.78 percent of user reviews for FM26 on SteamDB are positive, making it one of the lowest-rated games on the platform, in contrast to FM24's 89.48 percent approval rating. FM26 has around 33,500 concurrent players, with a 24-hour peak of approximately 55,800, and an all-time high of 84,909 shortly after its November launch. Despite attracting players, recent data shows a flat trend in early January, with a slight decline of about 0.9 percent in peak player numbers over the past month. December saw a peak concurrency drop of over 31 percent from November, and FM26 ranks around #83 for daily active users and #119 in top sellers on Steam. Twitch viewership has also been low, with peaks of roughly 1,400 viewers. Historically, January has been crucial for Football Manager, as it is a time for players to engage with the game more deeply, but this year's stagnation in player activity is unusual and may impact the game's ecosystem and community engagement throughout the year.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074109 issues: black screen, freezes Outlook POP, breaks Azure Virtual Desktop, LocalizedResourceName (desktop.ini)

Windows 11 KB5074109 has caused several issues for users, particularly those with Nvidia GPUs, including black screens, Outlook freezing with POP accounts, and problems with File Explorer's desktop.ini settings. Users have reported random black screens and desktop freezes after installing the update, with some finding temporary relief by changing their monitor's DisplayPort mode. Outlook Classic has been problematic, remaining active in the background and freezing shortly after opening, prompting users to terminate the process in Task Manager or uninstall the update. Additionally, the update disrupts Azure Virtual Desktop functionality, leading to sign-in failures and connection issues. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and is investigating solutions, including a Known Issue Rollback for AVD. The update also breaks the LocalizedResourceName directive in File Explorer, preventing folder name customization. Users can uninstall the update through Settings, but this may expose them to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

December 12, 2025

New Windows RasMan zero-day flaw gets free, unofficial patches

Free unofficial patches are available for a newly identified Windows zero-day vulnerability that allows attackers to crash the Remote Access Connection Manager (RasMan) service, which operates with SYSTEM-level privileges and manages VPN and remote network connections. This denial-of-service flaw was discovered by ACROS Security while investigating a previously patched privilege escalation vulnerability (CVE-2025-59230) in RasMan. The new zero-day has not yet received a CVE ID and affects all Windows versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11, including Windows Server 2008 R2 through Server 2025. The vulnerability can be exploited by unprivileged users due to a coding error in how RasMan processes circular linked lists, leading to a crash when a null pointer is encountered. ACROS Security is providing free micropatches through its 0Patch service until Microsoft releases an official fix. Users must create an account and install the 0Patch agent to apply the micropatch automatically.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Users report ‘AR Drawing’ ad freezing YouTube Android app

YouTube users are experiencing issues with an advertisement for the "AR Drawing" app by Hypernova Limited, which fails to load and forces viewers to exit and restart their videos. Complaints have surged, particularly on Reddit, with users reporting the ad reappearing frequently and buffering indefinitely. This problem primarily affects Android users and is not indicative of a broader issue with YouTube's ad system. Users have tried clearing their cache and restarting devices without success, and YouTube has not yet acknowledged the problem. The app is still in development and promotes early access for feedback.