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Windows 11’s hidden modern Run dialog (Win+R) gets a slimmer design, but it’s still not rolling out
Winsage
April 27, 2026

Windows 11’s hidden modern Run dialog (Win+R) gets a slimmer design, but it’s still not rolling out

Windows Run, accessed via the Win + R shortcut, is being tested for a modern design update in newer preview builds of Windows 11. The updated version features a slimmer design similar to a floating search bar, with a new 'Run' icon and a centered text field. This modern variant will be optional, allowing users to switch back to the classic version if desired. Microsoft is also exploring additional advanced features for the modern Run dialog, which maintains comparable performance to the legacy version.
What is Windows K2? Inside Microsoft’s big plan to SAVE Windows 11 and win back trust from users.
Winsage
April 26, 2026

What is Windows K2? Inside Microsoft’s big plan to SAVE Windows 11 and win back trust from users.

In March, Pavan Davuluri, the president of Windows, acknowledged the need to address significant "pain points" within Windows 11 to restore user trust and improve its reputation by late 2026 and into 2027. Microsoft aims to optimize Windows 11 for competitive gaming performance against steamOS and is implementing upgrades to File Explorer, including “instant filename search.” Windows Update is being improved for reliability, with updates planned to occur monthly. Efforts to debloat Windows 11 will reduce memory usage and the operating system's footprint. The K2 initiative focuses on enhancing user experience by reintroducing features like movable and resizable Taskbar and leveraging the WinUI 3 framework for performance improvements. A new System Compositor for WinUI 3 aims to reduce latency and memory overhead, with a 60% performance increase planned for the rebuilt Start menu. Microsoft will eliminate ads from the Start menu and adjust default settings for the Widgets Board. The K2 initiative is ongoing, shaping the future of Windows 11 without a defined completion date, with changes already being rolled out and more expected to be previewed over the summer.
"Average Steam Deck framerate" graph shows PC game developers how their Verified titles really run on Valve's handheld — Will users ever see this data
AppWizard
April 26, 2026

“Average Steam Deck framerate” graph shows PC game developers how their Verified titles really run on Valve’s handheld — Will users ever see this data

Valve has introduced new beta Steamworks tools for game developers as part of its Steam Deck Verified Games initiative. These tools allow developers to monitor average framerates over the past 30 days and access user survey results regarding the Verified status of their games. Participation in data collection is opt-in, ensuring user privacy. The user survey appears after at least ten minutes of gameplay, allowing users to agree or disagree with a game's Verified status and provide feedback on various criteria. The Steam Deck Verified program assesses game compatibility based on four criteria: Controller input, Display, Seamlessness, and System support. Games are rated as Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown, with these ratings displayed in the Steam store. Valve may potentially make the collected data accessible to the public in the future.
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.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
April 26, 2026

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena review (2009)

Wes Fenlon reflects on the legacy of older video games, particularly The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, expressing nostalgia for its innovative gameplay mechanics, including stealth and melee combat. He compares its level design to that of Batman: Arkham Asylum and suggests that Riddick influenced future licensed games. Fenlon notes the unavailability of both Riddick titles in the current market and speculates that Vin Diesel could help resolve licensing issues for a revival. He describes the immersive gameplay experience, where players embody Riddick and navigate a dynamic environment filled with various types of guards. The game features a mix of stealth and conventional shooting mechanics, with a variety of weapons, including a tranquilizer gun and the Scar gun. Fenlon critiques the level design in later stages and the checkpointing system, which lacks quicksave options. Despite these flaws, he appreciates the game's adult themes and humor, highlighting its significance in video game evolution.
“Your apps should update themselves” — Winget-AutoUpdate is the missing piece for automatic app updates on Windows 11
Winsage
April 26, 2026

“Your apps should update themselves” — Winget-AutoUpdate is the missing piece for automatic app updates on Windows 11

The Windows Package Manager (winget) traditionally requires users to manually execute commands like "winget upgrade --all" to update applications, while the Microsoft Store only provides automatic updates for Store apps. The WAU Settings GUI enhances the winget experience by introducing a graphical user interface that allows users to configure automatic updates without scripts. Users can set schedules, manage allowlists and blocklists, and receive notifications for completed updates. Winget-AutoUpdate (WAU) is designed for users who frequently install applications via winget and want a maintenance-free system, operating quietly in the background to automate updates.
Go straight to sell! Windows second-chance setup hawks Microsoft services at IT's expense
Winsage
April 26, 2026

Go straight to sell! Windows second-chance setup hawks Microsoft services at IT’s expense

Months after acquiring a laptop, users may encounter a prompt from Windows 11 stating, “You’re almost done setting up your PC.” This leads to a series of inquiries about adopting Microsoft’s recommended browser settings, linking a phone for SMS notifications, and acknowledging Office installation. Users may feel compelled to click through these prompts, which can include advertisements, such as for Xbox Game Pass Premium at .99 per month. This series of prompts is referred to as the Second Chance Out of Box Experience (SCOOBE), which can resurface due to Windows updates and may lead to unnecessary support calls and potential unauthorized subscriptions in organizational settings. Users can disable SCOOBE by adjusting settings in Windows or Group Policy, but ongoing vigilance is required due to the evolving nature of Microsoft’s software.
Fix: You'll need a new app to open this windowsdefender link
Tech Optimizer
April 26, 2026

Fix: You’ll need a new app to open this windowsdefender link

The message “You’ll need a new app to open this windowsdefender link” indicates issues with the Windows operating system when the Windows Security app fails to launch via the windowsdefender protocol. This can prevent users from accessing the security dashboard, despite Microsoft Defender continuing to operate in the background. Common scenarios leading to this error include clicking on Virus & Threat Protection, trying to open Windows Security from the Start menu, interacting with a Defender notification, or following the uninstallation of third-party antivirus software. Root causes may include corrupted Windows Security app registration, damaged system files, third-party antivirus interference, misconfiguration of the Security Center service, or malware interference. To resolve the issue, users can verify that required services are running, repair system files using SFC and DISM, re-register the Windows Security app, check for third-party antivirus conflicts, and perform a repair installation of Windows. Specific steps include checking the status of the Security Center and Microsoft Defender Antivirus Service, executing repair commands in CMD, re-registering the Windows Security app using PowerShell, uninstalling third-party antivirus software, and performing an in-place upgrade if necessary.
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