rollback Archives

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Windows App forgets how to log in with first security update of the year

Microsoft's January security update, released on January 13, 2026, has caused connection and authentication failures for users of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, particularly affecting those using the Windows App. The update has resulted in credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections across all supported Windows versions, from Enterprise LTSC 2016 to Windows 11 25H2, as well as Windows Servers from 2019 to 2025. Microsoft is investigating the issue and plans to release an out-of-band update soon. Users have been advised to either uninstall the update or use the Remote Desktop Client or the Windows App web client as workarounds. Reports indicate persistent issues, including an "Unable to Authenticate" error when attempting to connect via the Windows App. Microsoft has also made a Known Issue Rollback available to address these credential problems.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft Permits Admins to Uninstall Copilot With Conditions

Microsoft has introduced a policy allowing Windows administrators to remove the Microsoft Copilot app from managed devices running supported Windows 11 builds (Enterprise, Pro, and Education versions). This ability is not available for consumer devices or managed Home PCs. The app can only be uninstalled if it was pre-installed by Microsoft and has not been accessed in the past 28 days. Administrators can find the setting in the Group Policy Editor under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows AI > Remove Microsoft Copilot App. Organizations can reinstall Copilot if needed. The policy aims to provide greater control over AI integration in response to user feedback and compliance considerations.

Tech Optimizer

January 8, 2026

These 5 expert-tested antivirus programs are less than $30 right now

Numerous antivirus providers are currently offering exceptional deals on reliable software, with prices comparable to a year’s subscription to Netflix's premium plan. Antivirus coverage is crucial as the financial repercussions of a malware attack can exceed the cost of subscriptions. Available antivirus solutions protect against malware, viruses, spyware, and phishing attempts, and may include features like a VPN, password manager, and identity protection. Comprehensive packages can support protection for up to 10 devices, with notable options including Norton 360 Premium, McAfee Total Protection, and Bitdefender Total Security. These programs provide robust real-time protection across various operating systems and include enhancements such as webcam protection, hardened browsers, and ransomware rollback.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Rainbow Six Siege X seemingly compromised again as players hit with brain rot-inspired 67-day ‘bans’

Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege X has experienced multiple security breaches, leading to the game being taken offline, a server rollback, and a temporary marketplace shutdown. Following a significant hack that flooded players with in-game currency, a subsequent incident involved players receiving false notifications of in-game bans for harassment, with absurd durations like 67 days. Players also encountered modified messages mimicking standard reporting notifications. The official server status page indicates ongoing authentication and matchmaking outages, with connectivity marked as 'degraded.' Ubisoft has not yet provided a detailed response to these hacking attempts.

Winsage

December 30, 2025

These Changes Stopped Windows Updates From Wrecking My PC Performance

Windows updates can enhance system stability and performance, but they often lead to issues such as stutters and slowdowns due to the unpredictable nature of how updates affect system behavior. Microsoft's release notes do not provide comprehensive details about changes, which can include adjustments to task scheduling, background services, and driver interactions. Independent driver updates, particularly for GPUs and chipsets, can also impact performance negatively. Users have reported significant performance declines after updates, sometimes requiring hotfixes. To manage updates effectively, users can treat Windows updates as optional, be conservative with driver updates, stabilize power management settings, and ensure rollback options are available. This approach can lead to a more predictable and stable system performance.

Tech Optimizer

December 29, 2025

Best antivirus software of 2025: security, speed, pricing

In 2025, the best antivirus software includes: - MacKeeper: Best for Mac users, cryptocurrency holders, and identity protection. Key features include real-time protection against malware, ID Theft Guard, adware cleaning, built-in VPN, and system performance tools. Pricing starts around €9.86/month. - Norton 360: Best for families and multi-device protection. It offers advanced malware protection, a VPN, cloud backup, Dark Web monitoring, and parental controls. Pricing is approximately .50–/month. - Bitdefender: Best for aggressive ransomware protection with minimal CPU load. It features ransomware recovery, advanced threat detection, multi-layer malware defense, and a secure password manager. Pricing starts from .99–.99/year. - McAfee: Best for identity theft monitoring and financial protection. It includes effective malware detection, credit checks, and privacy tools. Pricing ranges from .99–.99/year. - Surfshark One: Best for lightweight antivirus combined with privacy tools. Key features include real-time antivirus and a VPN. Pricing starts from €1.69-€4.19/month. - Avast: Best for free antivirus features. It offers free real-time protection and a Ransomware Shield. The free version is available, with premium starting around .99/year. - AVG: Best for beginners needing a simple, effective free antivirus. It provides real-time threat protection and ransomware defense. The free version is available, or .68/year for advanced features. - Malwarebytes: Best for removing active malware and adware. It excels in malware cleanup and fast scans. Pricing starts from .49/year. - TotalAV: Best for strong first-year pricing and antivirus + privacy bundle. It protects against malware and includes a VPN. Pricing is approximately .00 for the first year, renewing at .99/year. Pricing information is based on rates available in December 2025.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Rainbow Six Siege X servers are back online after a hack completely shut down the game — Ubisoft rolling back free ultra-rare skins and billions of credits

Rainbow Six Siege servers and primary services have resumed operations after a hacking incident that led to a complete shutdown of the game. Players may experience a wait queue as services come back online. Those who accessed the game after December 27th at 19:49 UTC might temporarily lose access to their accounts due to measures taken to address the unintended distribution of in-game rewards during the hack. Players who did not log in between December 27th at 10:49 UTC and December 29th should see no changes to their inventory. Ubisoft is conducting an ongoing investigation into the breach, which is expected to continue for two weeks, and the Rainbow Six Siege marketplace will remain closed until further notice. The hacking incident allowed attackers to access the game's backend systems, enabling them to ban and unban players and distribute unlimited in-game credits and exclusive skins. Some players reported receiving up to two billion R6 credits and rare skins typically reserved for developers.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Daemon Bride: Additional Gain for PC launches December 30

Developer Team ARCANA will release the PC version of the 2D fighting game Daemon Bride: Additional Gain on Steam on December 30, priced at 2,980 yen, with a 10 percent promotional discount until January 14, 2026. The game will be available in English and Japanese. Daemon Bride: Additional Gain is an enhanced version of the original Daemon Bride, which was first released in Japanese arcades on November 24, 2011. Set in 2025, the game features 17 angels and demons in combat, with online play supported by rollback-compatible net code. Notable enhancements include the first home port from the arcade version, the introduction of the boss character Dies Irae Deus as a playable character, support for both 16:9 and 4:3 screen ratios, high-resolution custom upscaling, a comprehensive training mode, and an in-game guidebook titled “Primer of Duel.”

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong

Windows 11 Point-in-Time Restore is a recovery feature that captures snapshots of the system's state, including system files, applications, settings, and user data, allowing users to revert to a recent stable state when issues arise. It operates automatically once activated, using Volume Shadow Copy technology for comprehensive backups. The feature can quickly reverse changes made within the last 72 hours, addressing problems like faulty driver installations without requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. However, it has limitations, such as storing restore points locally for a maximum of 72 hours, not recovering long-deleted files, and requiring significant storage space. To enable it, users must use ViveTool to unlock the feature, configure settings for snapshot frequency and retention, and access restore options through the Windows Recovery Environment if needed. It is particularly useful for casual users who frequently modify their systems but may not suffice for power users needing comprehensive backup solutions.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Best PC Games on Steam for 2026

PC gaming offers flexibility and exclusive titles, with Steam as the primary platform. Notable games include: - Role-Playing Games: - Baldur's Gate 3: Over 60 hours of gameplay, based on Dungeons & Dragons. - Disco Elysium - The Final Cut: Political storytelling and RPG mechanics. - Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: Expanded storylines and refined combat. - Persona 5 Royal: Nearly 100 hours of gameplay with turn-based battles. - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Expansive world and compelling narrative. - Action and Adventure Games: - Diablo IV: Loot-driven combat and high replayability. - Doom: The Dark Ages: Medieval reimagining of the classic series. - Red Dead Redemption 2: Cinematic open-world experience. - Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered: Urban playground with fluid traversal. - Resident Evil 4 Remake: Updated visuals and refined controls. - Returnal and South of Midnight: Unique roguelike and action-adventure experiences. - Trek to Yomi: Cinematic side-scrolling combat inspired by Akira Kurosawa. - Fighting and Competitive Titles: - Street Fighter 6: New mechanics and accessibility options. - Tekken 7: New combat systems and rollback netcode. - Guilty Gear Strive: Simplified systems for newcomers. - The King of Fighters XV: Classic 2D combat with modern graphics. - Strategy, Simulation, and Multiplayer Games: - Dota 2: Competitive MOBA with over 100 heroes. - Gears Tactics: Turn-based combat from the Gears of War franchise. - Super Mega Baseball 3: Strategic depth in baseball gameplay. - Fire Pro Wrestling World: Comprehensive wrestling simulation. - Indie Games: - Hades II: Magic-based combat and multiple replay paths. - Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Family-friendly platforming with stunning visuals. - UFO 50: Anthology of retro-inspired indie games. - Vampire Survivors: Addictive gameplay with minimalistic presentation. Many games are compatible with the Steam Deck, with verified titles running smoothly and others possibly requiring setup. Online connectivity may affect gameplay, especially for titles reliant on it. All mentioned games are available for Windows PCs.