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5 ways your Windows updates are about to get a lot less painful
Winsage
April 29, 2026

5 ways your Windows updates are about to get a lot less painful

Microsoft is implementing changes to the Windows Update process in Windows 11 to address user frustrations. Key updates include: 1. Users can delay updates indefinitely by selecting specific end dates for pauses, extending up to 35 days at a time. 2. The Power menu will now include options for "Update and shut down" and "Update and restart," giving users more control over when updates are finalized. 3. Microsoft is consolidating updates to reduce the number of restarts to one per month. 4. Users will no longer be forced to install updates during the setup of a new Windows PC, allowing updates to occur in the background. 5. Microsoft will provide more detailed information on updates, particularly for driver updates, by clarifying the device class in the titles. These changes are expected to be tested in the Windows Insider program before being released to the general public.
Steam Controller is incompatible with all your Game Pass games, but a community fix could save the day
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Steam Controller is incompatible with all your Game Pass games, but a community fix could save the day

Valve has announced the release of the Steam Controller, set to launch on May 4, 2026. The controller is designed to work with anything running Steam but does not support other gaming platforms or launchers. It requires the Steam client to be running for full functionality, including the use of both analog sticks. The controller can operate without the Steam client for basic trackpad and keyboard operations, but features like the Steam on-screen keyboard are only accessible when the client is open. Non-Steam games must be launched through Steam to be played with the controller. The Steam Controller does not natively support console devices such as Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch. While there are tools to add non-Steam games to a Steam library, they do not provide Steam Input support. Community initiatives may emerge to extend support for the new controller.
Microsoft stopped protecting Windows 10 — The fix is only $10
Winsage
April 29, 2026

Microsoft stopped protecting Windows 10 — The fix is only $10

Windows 10 support ended in October 2024, leaving systems vulnerable to security threats. A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, regularly priced at 9, with the offer expiring on May 3 at 11:59 PM. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as Microsoft Copilot, TPM 2.0, BitLocker encryption, Smart App Control, biometric recognition, Snap Layouts, improved memory management, DirectX 12 Ultimate, Windows Sandbox, and Hyper-V.
This brutal 95%-rated Postal spin-off is one of Steam's greatest boomer shooters, and it's just $1 right now
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

This brutal 95%-rated Postal spin-off is one of Steam’s greatest boomer shooters, and it’s just $1 right now

The Postal series is known for its chaotic gameplay and controversial humor, with the latest release, Postal: Brain Damaged, developed by a new team. This game shifts from the traditional open-world format to a focused first-person shooter style, reminiscent of Quake and Doom. It features absurd humor, modern gameplay mechanics, and nostalgic graphics, while maintaining the series' signature elements, such as the ability to pee on demand. Postal: Brain Damaged is currently priced at / £1 as part of the Build Your Own Adrenaline Bundle from Fanatical, which allows players to select three games for / £3. Other games in the bundle include titles like Blind Fate: Edo no Yami and Sniper Elite V2 Remastered.
Here's How Microsoft's New Windows Insider Channels Work
Winsage
April 28, 2026

Here’s How Microsoft’s New Windows Insider Channels Work

Microsoft has transformed its Windows Insider program by introducing three new channels: Experimental, Beta, and Release Preview. The Experimental channel combines the previous Dev and Canary options, allowing users to test new features with less stability. The Beta channel has been updated to ensure all users receive the same features simultaneously, eliminating gradual rollouts. The Release Preview channel offers the least risk, providing access to updates before their official release. Users now have more control over the features they trial, with the ability to enable or disable specific features through a new "Feature flags" page. Additionally, switching between channels has been simplified, allowing smoother transitions without needing a complete PC wipe, except when moving to the Experimental Future Platforms channel.
Top 10 Security Suites with VPN Included in 2026
Tech Optimizer
April 28, 2026

Top 10 Security Suites with VPN Included in 2026

Purchasing a VPN can lead to a minor reduction in internet speed, but advancements like optimized protocols (e.g., WireGuard) have made this less of a concern. Acquiring a comprehensive cybersecurity suite is generally more cost-effective than separate VPN and antivirus software, and these suites are designed to minimize software conflicts. Many well-known security packages, such as Norton and McAfee, offer licenses that cover multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS). While no cybersecurity software is completely impervious to attacks, these suites significantly reduce risk and defend against various threats. It is recommended to enable a VPN when using public Wi-Fi, and many users opt to keep their VPN active continuously for enhanced privacy and security.
I turned my $1,000 phone into a 1995 desktop computer with this quirky Android launcher
AppWizard
April 27, 2026

I turned my $1,000 phone into a 1995 desktop computer with this quirky Android launcher

Most Android launchers focus on functionality, with options like Microsoft Launcher for productivity and Senior Home for a decluttered interface. The author struggles with organization, preferring a chaotic arrangement of apps and files. They decided to transform their Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra into a Windows 95 homage, inspired by nostalgia for the operating system. The community on the r/windows95 subreddit celebrates this legacy. To achieve the transformation, the author used Launcher95, which offers a free and paid version. The app provides a home screen reminiscent of Windows 95, featuring a Start button, alphabetical app listing, and customization options. While initially a novelty, the author found useful features like quick links to webpages. Launcher95 may not suit everyone, especially those with many apps, but it offers a unique charm and can promote a simpler digital experience when used minimally.
A Japanese visual novel where you're a pet hamster doted on by three sisters is back on Steam
AppWizard
April 26, 2026

A Japanese visual novel where you’re a pet hamster doted on by three sisters is back on Steam

The game "I got reincarnated… as a hamster!" is set to launch in the third quarter of this year after facing a postponed release originally planned for winter 2025. It was pulled from Steam due to unforeseen circumstances. The game is also expected to be available on the Epic Games Store and DLsite. It features adult themes and is not a family-friendly title, contrasting with games like Baldur's Gate 3. The romantic elements in the game have generated mixed reactions among players.
I explain how to use this simple Windows 11 tool to get automatic app updates forever
Winsage
April 26, 2026

I explain how to use this simple Windows 11 tool to get automatic app updates forever

Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission when users buy through links in their articles. Windows 11 users often seek efficient application management, leading to the use of the Windows Package Manager (winget). The command "winget upgrade --all" requires user initiative, while the Microsoft Store only updates Store apps. This gap led to the development of Winget-AutoUpdate (WAU), which simplifies the update process. Initially designed for users familiar with scripts, WAU now includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it more accessible. The GUI allows users to toggle automatic updates, set schedules, and manage allowlists and blocklists. Users can create "excludedapps.txt" and "includedapps.txt" files for managing updates. WAU is particularly useful for those who frequently install applications via winget and want to automate updates. Once configured, WAU runs in the background, providing timely notifications without manual intervention. It is a free solution that addresses update management challenges for winget users on Windows 11, transforming manual updates into an automated process.
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