screen

Winsage
August 24, 2026
Microsoft's update for Windows 11, designated “KB5121003,” has caused issues for users with RGB peripherals, leading to system freezes, game crashes, and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. The problems are linked to drivers associated with RGB lighting, particularly a driver named “inpoutx64,” which disrupts system stability when certain games are launched. Affected games include Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, with BSOD errors citing “EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION.” Microsoft has suggested a workaround involving temporarily disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows registry, but users are cautioned about potential complications. Disabling this driver may affect the functionality of RGB features on peripherals, and re-enabling it carries risks as well.
AppWizard
August 24, 2026
Ray Chase began his gaming journey on a DOS computer and was influenced by shareware games from his grandfather, including Duke Nukem 1 and 2, Ken's Labyrinth, and Wolfenstein 3D. He is a voice actor known for roles in hundreds of games, including Noctis in Final Fantasy 15 and Cyclops in X-Men '97. He is currently involved in the dating simulator Date Everything and is working on its next chapter. Chase enjoys playing Deltarune Chapter 5, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Mina the Hollower, praising their unique features. He has logged 600 hours in Slay the Spire, which he played from early access to release, and considers it one of his favorite games alongside Brotato. He uses Reaper and Audacity for voice recording and maintains a tidy desktop with minimal items.
Tech Optimizer
August 23, 2026
Splashtop has launched its antivirus product, Splashtop Shield, after over two decades in remote access solutions. The antivirus received a four-star rating but is still being refined. It offers remote care capabilities for families, with various licensing options: an Individual license for two computers, a Family Lite license for up to five devices, and a full Family subscription for ten devices. Pricing is competitive within the market. Splashtop Shield enhances security by blocking unapproved remote access tools and provides a control console for family members to manage antivirus settings. In testing, it scored 7.8 out of 10 for malware protection, lower than competitors, and blocked 86% of malware-hosting URLs. It excelled in phishing protection, detecting 99% of fraudulent attempts. The Family Guardian feature allows comprehensive control over family members' antivirus settings, facilitating remote assistance. However, the antivirus component lacks the robustness of established competitors, and its performance raises concerns.
Winsage
August 23, 2026
In September 2026, Microsoft will release an update for Windows 11 that enhances user control over the interface with new customization options. Users will be able to relocate the Taskbar to the top of the screen, modify the size of the Start menu, and disable web results from Windows Search. These features are part of the Windows K2 initiative and will be rolled out gradually across devices.
Winsage
August 23, 2026
In the 1990s, locating the cursor on a Windows screen was challenging, leading to the introduction of a feature in the early 2000s that allowed users to press the Ctrl key to highlight the cursor, which became popular with Windows XP. This feature is being modernized in Windows 11, where users can activate a new Mouse Indicator by navigating to Windows Settings, selecting Accessibility, and toggling the “Mouse Indicator” on. The updated Mouse Indicator, which still activates with the Ctrl key, includes a circle animation and an optional feature to keep the indicator visible until dismissed using Win+Ctrl+Shift+M. Microsoft is also refreshing other features in Windows 11, such as the AutoPlay feature, which now remembers user preferences and presents a new WinUI-based dialog. The Properties sheet is being redesigned to incorporate modern WinUI elements, and a new Print Management app is expected to be released soon.
Tech Optimizer
August 23, 2026
Antivirus software does not guarantee complete safety for computers, especially if the software is no longer supported. As software ages, it becomes vulnerable to security risks, and once support ends, new vulnerabilities are not addressed. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning users will not receive security updates, increasing the risk of exploitation. Users can identify Windows 10 by checking if the Start button has four black squares. Upgrading to Windows 11 may not be possible for older computers due to hardware limitations, and replacing outdated devices is often recommended. Seeking professional advice is advisable if there is uncertainty about the operating system or upgrade options.
AppWizard
August 23, 2026
A new Android malware threat, codenamed Manic, poses significant risks to Ukrainian banks, government services, and messaging applications, with a reach extending to Russian and European financial institutions, global fintech platforms, cryptocurrency services, and military communication channels. Manic combines Android banking malware and mobile spyware, targeting sensitive applications and enabling comprehensive device takeover. It features a novel Wi-Fi mesh technique for data relay through compromised devices and utilizes phishing sites and dropper apps. The malware originated in February 2026, with initial development leading to its first deployment by late May. It monitors 169 package IDs related to banks, payment services, and messaging applications, primarily affecting Ukrainian targets but also impacting applications in Russia and Europe. Manic can infiltrate commercial and military messaging apps, track locations, monitor notifications, and collect files. It exploits Android's accessibility services to capture sensitive data and employs a store-and-forward relay mechanism for data exfiltration through nearby compromised devices. Google has stated that no apps containing this malware are found on Google Play, and Android users are protected by Google Play Protect.
Winsage
August 23, 2026
3D Pinball was a space-themed game included in Windows XP since its debut in 1995. It was removed with the launch of Windows Vista due to a bug in the code that caused the game to be unplayable, not because of legal issues as commonly believed. The bug occurred during the transition of Windows XP to 64-bit architecture, where the ball would drop into the launcher and fall through the plunger. Microsoft engineer Raymond Chen, who worked on the project, noted that the original code was largely undocumented, making it difficult to fix. The game was licensed from Cinematronics and Maxis, which limited Microsoft's rights to bundling it within Windows and its Plus! packs, preventing a standalone release. Attempts to revive the game were hindered by these legal constraints. As of 2022, no official version of 3D Pinball has been included in Windows 11, and the licensing situation remains complicated due to the acquisition of Cinematronics and Maxis by Electronic Arts.
Winsage
August 22, 2026
Windows 11 users are experiencing system instabilities, including game freezes, crashes, and blue screen errors, following the KB5121003 update. The issue is linked to RGB software that conflicts with essential system components. Affected online multiplayer games, such as Arc Raiders and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, are particularly impacted, with players encountering "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The problematic driver, often named "inpoutx64," is associated with RGB lighting control and operates in kernel space, leading to vulnerabilities that anti-cheat mechanisms aim to mitigate. When the driver is blocked, it causes critical errors resulting in system crashes. Microsoft has suggested temporary workarounds using compatible programs like SignalRGB or OpenRGB to manage RGB devices without triggering anti-cheat alerts. Users are encouraged to report issues through the Feedback Hub for resolution prioritization.
Search