shutting down Archives

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Windows 11 won’t let you shut down? Change this setting right away!

Windows 11 has a safety feature that prevents the system from shutting down or restarting if there are open applications, in order to protect unsaved data. This can lead to delays and error messages for users attempting to restart their PCs.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Bethesda gave Oblivion Remastered game keys to the entire Skyblivion development team and ‘made it clear that they have no intention of shutting down our project’

Bethesda did not terminate the Skyblivion project and instead provided game keys for Oblivion Remastered to the modding team. The Skyblivion team expressed gratitude for this support. Despite the competition from Oblivion Remastered, they maintained a positive outlook. Oblivion Remastered launched successfully, surpassing 150,000 concurrent players on Steam within 12 hours and receiving overwhelmingly positive user reviews.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Supermoves dev Makea is shutting down

Makea Games, the developer of Supermoves, has ceased operations immediately, as announced by CEO Tomi Toikka on the game's official website. The decision follows a lack of significant engagement with Supermoves, which launched in August and saw a decline from 50 concurrent players at debut to just two recently. Founded in 2022, Makea Games aimed to create a universe through user-generated content. Despite the closure, Toikka expressed gratitude to the community and collaborators, emphasizing the lessons learned and the ambition to build again.

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Nintendo made its own Switch emulator… for the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 will use emulation to achieve backwards compatibility with original Switch games.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Intel Unison, a powerful free app bridging Android phones and PCs, is shutting down

Intel Unison will cease operations on June 30, 2025. The app has been recognized for transforming Android tablets into external displays and allowing users to make calls, send texts, and transfer files from Windows PCs. While some features can be replicated with Microsoft Phone Link, many users prefer Intel Unison for its comprehensive experience. Lenovo Aura platforms will continue to support Intel Unison until the end of 2025. The app requires Windows 11 machines with at least version 22H2 and a minimum of a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, but it is also compatible with non-Intel machines. Certain Intel Evo 13th-generation and later devices came pre-installed with Intel Unison. Users will need to switch to Microsoft Phone Link for connectivity between Android devices and Windows PCs after the discontinuation.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

No, Microsoft Isn’t Shutting Down OneNote (Just One Version of It)

OneNote for Windows 10 is set to be discontinued on October 14. Users whose version displays "OneNote for Windows 10" will be affected, while those using other versions will not. The desktop version of OneNote is available for free and offers additional features, such as offline notebook saving. Microsoft will implement measures to encourage users to switch, including pop-ups and slower syncing speeds. Support for OneNote for Windows 10 will cease in October, with no further security updates provided. Users are encouraged to consider alternative note-taking solutions if they are currently using OneNote for Windows 10.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

How To Secure Windows on a Mid-Sized Business Budget

Access provides advice on IT challenges, career transitions, and workplace dynamics. A mid-sized company faced a ransomware scare due to a user opening a malicious attachment but recovered data without paying the ransom. To enhance security in a Windows environment on a limited budget, the following steps are recommended: 1. Evaluate data storage by centralizing it on servers rather than individual workstations to improve security and simplify backups. 2. Implement the principle of Least Privilege Access, limiting user access to only necessary resources to reduce potential damage during attacks. 3. Utilize Microsoft's AppLocker to control which applications can run on Windows desktops, blocking unauthorized software. 4. Set up a ransomware kill switch using a custom PowerShell script to monitor for suspicious activities and trigger defensive actions if ransomware is detected.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Spectre Divide maker Mountaintop is shutting down

Mountaintop Studios, the developer of Spectre Divide, is closing down due to challenges in maintaining its player base and generating revenue after an initial surge of 400,000 players following the game's release in September 2024. The studio explored options such as seeking a publisher or additional funding, but these efforts were unsuccessful. They plan to take Spectre Divide offline within the next 30 days and will refund players who made in-game purchases. CEO Nate Mitchell expressed gratitude to the community and acknowledged the dedication of the indie team in developing the game, which was intended to be innovative and original. Despite improvements made after critical feedback, the game did not achieve financial success. Mountaintop Studios was founded in 2020, and Mitchell reflected on the invaluable experience gained during their journey, despite the outcome not meeting their hopes.

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

Industry vet Verdu departs Netflix

Mike Verdu has officially left Netflix, where he had been leading its gaming division since 2021 before overseeing generative artificial intelligence initiatives. He was replaced by Alain Tascan from Epic Games. Following Verdu's departure, Netflix has been adjusting its gaming strategy, including shutting down its Team Blue studio and experiencing talent departures, such as Joseph Staten and Chacko Sonny. Additionally, layoffs occurred at Night School Studio, indicating ongoing restructuring within Netflix's gaming operations.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Enable old Classic Notepad in Windows 11 24H2 without AI and modern UI

Users can restore the classic Notepad experience by disabling the .txt execution for notepad.exe in the App execution aliases settings. To launch the legacy version, they can use the Windows Run dialog and type notepad.exe. Microsoft has introduced a ChatGPT-based "Rewrite" feature in Notepad, requiring a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription for access, while core functionalities remain available without an account. To enable the classic Notepad in Windows 11, users should check if it is installed, remove the association with the new Notepad, and associate .txt files with the legacy version. They can also create a Start menu shortcut for the classic Notepad. To revert to the new Notepad, users can delete the classic shortcut and adjust settings in the Registry Editor and App execution aliases.