set Archives

Winsage

July 12, 2026

Microsoft is killing 15 products in 2026, including Windows 11 24H2 and Office 2021

Microsoft will discontinue support for several products in 2026, including: 1. Windows 11 24H2 (Home and Pro) - End of servicing on October 13, 2026. 2. Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 - End of support on October 13, 2026. 3. Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 - Final ESU year ending on October 13, 2026. 4. SQL Server 2016 - Extended end of support on July 14, 2026. 5. SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019, Project Server 2016 and 2019 - Support ends on July 14, 2026. 6. Microsoft Publisher - Retired after October 2026. 7. Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, Skype for Business Server - Final ESU cutoff on October 31, 2026. 8. Windows 11 Enterprise and Education 23H2, .NET 8, .NET 9, PowerShell 7.4 - End of servicing on November 10, 2026. 9. Windows 10 2016 LTSB and IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 - Extended support ends on October 13, 2026. 10. Windows 11 SE - Support ends on October 1, 2026. 11. Dynamics CRM 2016 and older versions - Lost support earlier in January 2026. 12. Microsoft Configuration Manager, version 2409 - End of support on June 6, 2026. 13. Visual Studio 2022 LTSC channels, versions 17.10 and 17.12 - End of support in January and July 2026, respectively. 14. InfoPath 2013, SharePoint Designer 2013 - End of support on July 14, 2026. 15. Azure service retirements - Occurring in late 2026. Organizations are advised to review their software landscape and plan for transitions to avoid disruptions.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

2026’s best RPG might look like Disco Elysium, but it was heavily inspired by Deus Ex, and its creator wants ‘to do a first-person game at some point’

Christoffer Bodegård began his journey into PC gaming with a DOS machine from his father and first played Disney's The Jungle Book. His passion for role-playing games was ignited by Dragon Age: Origins, which led him to explore many titles, including Planescape: Torment. After eight years of development, his game Esoteric Ebb launched in March to critical acclaim. Currently, he is playing Victoria 3, having logged around 400 hours, and previously played Abiotic Factor. The oldest games on his PC are Heroes of Might and Magic 3, King of Dragon Pass, Deus Ex, and Diablo 2, with Heroes 3 being a favorite. He has logged around 1,000 hours in Esoteric Ebb and is particularly fond of Europa Universalis IV, especially the Anbennar mod. Bodegård has never uninstalled Deus Ex, which greatly influences his design philosophy. He relies on Notepad++ for scripting and has improved his desktop organization from a cluttered state to a cleaner setup.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

We’re not quite done with 2026, but here are 9 videogame bangers that have defined the year so far

In 2026, the gaming landscape is marked by industry challenges, including layoffs and anticipation for major releases like GTA 6. Notable game soundtracks include: - Arcade – Screamer: Features a fusion of rock and electronic elements, particularly in the Arcade mode selection track. - Eatin' Rats – Mewgenics: Has whimsical lyrics and catchy melodies about cats on a culinary adventure. - Lone Wolf – Crimson Desert: Stands out with haunting choral elements. - Club Arch DJ set – 007 First Light: Includes a virtual DJ set by Chase & Status, adding gritty British charm. - Blood Moon – Life is Strange Reunion: Blends licensed music with original compositions, featuring haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentals. - Inner Child – Paralives: Evokes nostalgia with a twangy melody and whimsical undertones. - In Death We've Just Begun – Marathon: Showcases Poppy's ethereal voice with Son Lux's melancholic composition. - Cryogenic – In Falsus: Features a standout track by Camellia, combining dreamy vocals with an electronic beat. - Under the Lights – People of Note: Early impressions suggest it enhances gameplay and motivates exploration.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

Going from skull-cracker to safecracker in Dishonored 2

The author reflects on their experience playing Dishonored and its sequel, detailing their initial chaotic playstyle that led to a High Chaos ending. They express a desire to adopt a stealth approach in the game, facing challenges from the Chaos system and the deteriorating state of the city. In Dishonored 2, they aim for a flawless run without kills or detections, which requires extensive planning and execution. The Clockwork Mansion mission tests their resolve, particularly when confronting the character Kirin Jindosh and solving the Jindosh Lock puzzle. The author ultimately finds satisfaction in solving the puzzle independently, using creativity and notes to aid in their success.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

How to set custom folder icons in Windows 11 File Explorer

Many users enhance their Windows 11 experience with third-party applications, but the operating system also offers built-in customization options, such as setting custom folder icons in File Explorer. This feature allows users to personalize their navigation experience and improve efficiency. To change folder icons, users can download .ico files, right-click the folder, select Properties, go to the Customize tab, choose Change Icon, browse for the downloaded .ico file, and apply the changes. The process is quick and reversible. For better visual appeal, users can select "View > Extra large icons" in File Explorer. Additionally, the Object Desktop package provides further customization options.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a 4-pixel upgrade. It sounds like a joke, but it actually matters.

Windows 11 is set to receive a slightly larger search box in the Start menu, increasing its height by four pixels to enhance the search experience. This change is currently in preview and may be rolled out to all users. Microsoft is also addressing design inconsistencies in Windows 11 through the Windows K2 project, which aims to refine the operating system's aesthetic and performance. The initiative may lead to improvements in RAM usage and overall visual appeal, contributing to a more polished user experience.

TrendTechie

July 12, 2026

Релиз BATorrent 4.0 — BitTorrent-клиента, созданного на C++, Qt 6 и libtorrent-rasterbar

In mid-June 2026, BATorrent released version 4.0, a lightweight BitTorrent client developed with C++, Qt 6, and libtorrent-rasterbar. The source code is available on GitHub under the MIT license, with builds for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Key features include support for magnet links, resumable downloads, sequential downloading, customizable file priorities, and an automatic RSS download feature. The client prioritizes user privacy with no telemetry or analytics, and the only outgoing request is a release check on GitHub. The user interface includes three themes, a real-time speed graph, a detailed tabbed panel, drag-and-drop support, and multilingual options. Privacy features include a PT mode for anonymous connections and a one-click Tor proxy setup. Notifications are integrated with Telegram and Discord, and key improvements in versions 4.0 and 4.1 include an interactive tour, automatic launch after updates, refined protection against automatic updates, and the ability to add torrents via URL.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

Console-exclusive Silent Hill game finally gets PC release 14 years later

Aleksey Shevchenko, a Russian developer, has announced an unofficial PC port of Silent Hill Downpour, originally released in 2012 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This port will feature enhanced graphics with resolutions up to 1440p and support for 60 frames per second, along with improved lighting and shadow effects. It will include both controller and keyboard/mouse support, quick-save and quick-load options, and the ability to skip cutscenes. The port will also restore previously cut content, including deleted cutscenes, dialogues, notes, quests, 3D models, weapons, and a teased deleted boss fight. A specific release date has not been provided, but it is expected to launch in autumn. Players will need to own the original game to access the port. The original Silent Hill Downpour received mixed reviews, with criticism of its combat mechanics and technical issues but praise for its character depth and storytelling.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

Microsoft wants to integrate your smartphone more natively across Windows 11’s user experience

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 user experience by improving the integration of smartphones through significant upgrades to the Phone Link feature. Key upgrades include enhancements to the Phone Companion feature in the Start menu, allowing users to view recent activities and notifications without launching the app. A new smartphone flyout will be tested in the Taskbar's system tray, displaying a phone icon for connected devices and offering quick access to settings and file sharing. Clipboard history synchronization between the phone and PC is also being considered, enabling users to access a comprehensive list of copied content. Additionally, a standalone Messages app for Windows 11 is in development, allowing users to sync SMS conversations and respond directly from their PC. These features are in the exploration and prototyping stages, with feedback from Insiders expected before any final decisions are made. Microsoft aims to create a cohesive ecosystem where smartphones and PCs work seamlessly together.

Winsage

July 12, 2026

Microsoft wants to integrate your smartphone more deeply with Windows 11: Plans major UX enhancements that will make your PC and phone more seamlessly connected

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 shell and user experience by integrating smartphone features more seamlessly. Significant upgrades are planned for Phone Link, which will evolve into a more native experience. The Phone Companion feature in the Start menu will allow users to view recent activities without launching the Phone Link app, enabling easy scrolling and detailed information on hover. A new smartphone flyout is being tested for the system tray, featuring a phone icon that provides an overview of the phone's status and quick access to functions like Do Not Disturb and file sharing. These features are in the exploratory stages, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to integrating Phone Link capabilities into Windows, allowing access to phone files and using the phone's camera as a webcam.