shutdown Archives

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

Take-Two forces shutdown of Grand Theft Auto multiplayer modding platform Rage:MP

Rage:MP, a multiplayer platform for Grand Theft Auto 5, will undergo a structured shutdown following a cease-and-desist order from Take-Two Interactive. Rockstar Games and Take-Two have designated FiveM as the only authorized platform for GTA 5 multiplayer modding. As part of the shutdown process, server owners are advised to transition to FiveM. Key dates include the discontinuation of public access to the Rage:MP server toolkit, no acceptance of new community servers, the shutdown of the public server listing on June 1, and the cessation of all remaining services, including the game client and server toolkit, on August 31.

Winsage

May 23, 2026

Microsoft says you should pause Windows 11 Updates when you need to work, as it tests greater controller

Microsoft is shifting its approach to Windows updates, responding to user frustrations about receiving update notifications during critical work hours. The company is currently testing more nuanced controls for updates with Windows Insiders, including a "Pick a date" feature that allows users to pause updates for up to 35 days, with the option to extend the pause indefinitely. Retail Windows 11 users can pause updates for up to five weeks, after which updates will automatically download without further pause options. Microsoft acknowledges that the frequency of updates can disrupt workflows for its 1.6 billion users, many of whom view mandatory updates as interruptions. The time required for updates has increased due to larger cumulative update packages, which can exceed 4GB, and the complexity of the operating system. To improve user control, Microsoft is testing a new power menu that separates update and shutdown options, allowing users to power down without installing updates. Additionally, updates will now include device class information in their titles for better user awareness. These changes aim to streamline the update experience and address long-standing user complaints.

Winsage

May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why they matter for 2026

Microsoft has released several preview builds of Windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program in early May 2026, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key updates include: 1. Taskbar position settings: Users can now reposition the Taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen with build 26300.8493. 2. Modern Run dialog: A redesigned Run dialog was introduced in build 26300.8346, featuring a modern aesthetic and support for light and dark modes. 3. Share interface with suggestions: App suggestions for Azure Active Directory users have been added to the Windows Share interface. 4. File Explorer improvements: Enhancements have been made to address loading issues and improve the "Favorites" section and thumbnail displays. 5. Widgets changes: Default settings for Widgets have been adjusted to minimize distractions, including disabling hover opening and Taskbar badges. 6. Windows Search box with improved results: The search interface will prioritize local apps and files over web results starting with build 26300.8493. 7. New spinner design for core experiences: A unified donut-style spinner animation has been introduced for various core experiences. 8. Touchpad gesture controls: New precision touchpad gestures have been added to adjust scroll and zoom speeds. 9. Home to Pro Education free upgrade: Eligible K-12 organizations can upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro Education at no cost. 10. Task Manager with new NPU visibility: The Task Manager now includes columns for "NPU" and "NPU Engine" in relevant tabs. 11. Voice Typing on the touch keyboard: The touch keyboard's Voice Typing feature has been updated with a new button and animations. 12. Windows Update overhaul: Users can skip updates during setup and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks starting with build 28020.2134. 13. Shared Audio feature: The new "Shared Audio" feature allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one computer using Bluetooth LE Audio technology.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

Controversial racer Lego 2K Drive is getting delisted soon, with its servers set to be shutdown in 2027

Lego 2K Drive is set to be delisted on May 19, 2026, three years after its launch. The multiplayer features will become inactive on May 31, 2027, due to the expiration of vehicle licenses and possibly insufficient revenue. The game will still allow single-player access after the shutdown. The game was well-received for its open-world racing and vehicle customization but faced criticism for its monetization strategy.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

Another metaverse is set to die in June

Meta's VR platform, Meta Horizon Worlds, is set to close in June. Hololive's metaverse initiative, Holoearth, will cease operations on June 28. Project lead Ikko Fukuda expressed gratitude to the community and acknowledged challenges in meeting expectations. The team will refund any unused Holocoin or Creator Points, and premium currency sales and user-generated items will be discontinued.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Android Apps on Windows 11: Safe Alternatives After WSA

In 2025, Microsoft announced it would discontinue support for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), making Android applications non-functional on Windows 11. This decision surprised many users in Indonesia who relied on these applications. HP developed a guide outlining secure alternatives to WSA, which included reputable Android emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and NoxPlayer, as well as native Windows alternatives such as Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 apps. Users were advised against unverified APK sideloading, unofficial emulators, and modified apps due to security risks. Microsoft’s end of support means no further security updates or bug fixes will be provided, and integration with the Amazon Appstore will cease. Users can continue using WSA apps, but they will be exposed to potential security threats. To migrate data from WSA, users were instructed to inventory apps, research alternatives, and export app data before performing a clean uninstall. Best practices for running Android apps safely on Windows included downloading from official sources and keeping software updated.

Winsage

May 9, 2026

Windows 11 is changing how Windows Update works — here are the 5 things Microsoft says will matter most

Microsoft is making changes to Windows Update in Windows 11 to improve the user experience. Key updates include: 1. Users can now pause automatic updates indefinitely, although they must reschedule the pause before the initial 35-day limit expires. 2. The Power menu will clearly separate update-related actions from standard power options, allowing users to choose "Update and shut down" or "Update and restart" without unintentionally installing updates. 3. Driver updates will have more descriptive labels, and a collapsible "Available updates" section will organize updates awaiting installation. Microsoft plans to consolidate updates into a single monthly cycle to reduce required restarts to one per month. 4. A new system will automatically resolve installation issues during updates, reducing the need for user intervention. 5. Users can skip system updates during the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE), but doing so will prevent the download of the latest drivers, features, or security patches until updates are manually triggered or resumed automatically.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Indie shooter devs pull a reverse-Concord: No one played their game, but they ‘make it free to play and keep the servers online indefinitely’ anyway

Blindfire, a multiplayer first-person shooter, has officially launched after a year and a half in early access. The game features a unique mechanic that requires players to use their senses and technology to detect opponents. Developers Double Eleven have made the game free-to-play to ensure the servers remain operational for years, despite active development concluding about a year ago. The full release includes a final update with two new weapons, achievements, new skins, and full haptic support. An "Audio Aim Assist" feature has been added for blind and partially sighted players, providing audio cues for orientation and enemy detection. The developers expressed pride in their work, despite not achieving mainstream success, and the community hopes for self-hosting options in the future.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

Defender yanks root certs as Windows updates blocks backups

Microsoft's Defender anti-malware tool update version 1.449.425.0 removed two DigiCert root digital certificates, leading to false positives that flagged them as severe malware (Trojan:Win32/Cerdigent.A!dha). This incident was later identified as a false positive, and updating to version 1.449.430.0 or later reinstates the certificates. The issue may be linked to a DigiCert employee encountering disguised malware. Additionally, Windows updates from April 14 caused third-party backup applications to malfunction due to the addition of vulnerable psmounterex.sys kernel driver versions to a blocklist. Users experienced difficulties with mounting backup image files, and Microsoft referenced a vulnerability rated 9.3 out of 10 in the driver. Other affected software includes Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud and UrBackup server. Microsoft has not explained the delay in adding the vulnerable driver to the blocklist, and other recent update-related issues have also been reported.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

Microsoft to Enable Windows 11 Updates to Be Skipped During Install or Even Paused Indefinitely by Users

Microsoft is enhancing the out-of-the-box experience for Windows 11 users by allowing them to skip updates during initial installation on consumer devices. Users can now pause updates for up to 35 days and re-enable this pause multiple times. Additionally, the shutdown and restart options during update installations have been revamped, allowing users to shut down or restart their devices without triggering the update process. These changes aim to provide users with greater control over their update experience while maintaining security.