smaller updates Archives

Winsage

April 28, 2026

I investigated Windows 11’s massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.

Windows 11 updates have significantly increased in size, with monthly cumulative updates often exceeding 4GB and some approaching 5GB. One update can expand to nearly 9GB when extracted. Microsoft has shifted to delivering Latest Cumulative Updates (LCUs), which include all previous fixes, leading to larger update sizes over time. The introduction of Checkpoint Cumulative Updates aims to reduce this growth by establishing periodic baselines, but the effectiveness has been mixed. The May 2025 cumulative update saw a size increase from approximately 6.5GB to nearly 9GB, with new MSIX files related to semantic search and on-device AI contributing to this growth. Windows Update uses applicability logic to minimize download sizes for users, but enterprises must download full packages, resulting in increased storage costs. The average yearly storage cost for enterprises rose from about 11 GB in 2024 to 52 GB by 2026. Users can check their actual download sizes through the Windows Update settings and Event Viewer logs.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

A new Minecraft mob might have leaked thanks to a holiday decoration, and I already love it based on its name alone

Hallmark is set to release a holiday ornament featuring a new character named Blub for Minecraft, available starting October 10. A listing for the "Minecraft Blub Ornament" has appeared on Hallmark's website, generating excitement among fans. Speculation exists that Blub may be linked to the upcoming Minecraft Dungeons 2 or a future update to the main Minecraft game. Fans are sharing creative interpretations of Blub's appearance, with one concept depicting a blue bunny. The gaming community is eager for more information about Blub and its potential role in the Minecraft universe.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

Hytale devs hire Minecraft modders behind incredible Create mod, teasing that it “opens the door to automation and a whole lot more” in their sandbox RPG

Mojang is focusing on smaller updates for Minecraft, including the Tiny Takeover drop and the upcoming Chaos Cubed. The developers of the Create mod are collaborating with Hypixel Studios on Hytale, an expansive sandbox RPG inspired by Minecraft that has been in development for nearly a decade and entered early access in January. Simon Collins-Laflamme from Hypixel Studios confirmed that the Create mod team is now part of Hytale's core design team, which may lead to innovative gameplay features. The community has responded positively to this collaboration, expressing hope for its potential impact on the game.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Minecraft introduces Herdcraft, Mojang’s latest annual joke update, and suddenly I’m a pseudo-summoner with a sentient inventory to command

Mojang has released its annual April Fool's snapshot called Herdcraft, which humorously eliminates the traditional inventory system by scattering items throughout the game world. Players must now use leads to manage their items, similar to handling pets. The community has responded positively, discussing potential future features inspired by this update. Mojang's lead developer mentioned that smaller updates like Herdcraft feel more sustainable and contribute to a dynamic development cycle. While past April Fool's updates have not always been integrated into the game, there is hope that Herdcraft could inspire meaningful gameplay enhancements.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Minecraft’s switch to smaller game drops doesn’t rule out “more transformative updates”

The Tiny Takeover update is the ninth 'game drop' from Mojang since the company adopted a strategy of smaller, more frequent updates in 2024. This approach allows for a sustainable development model, enabling different teams to focus on various projects simultaneously. The update emphasizes art and sound design for baby mobs, while previous updates targeted different gameplay aspects. Mojang plans to continue releasing updates that cater to diverse play styles, ensuring there are appealing options for all players. The company is also working on larger transformative updates, such as the Vibrant Visuals graphics refresh for Minecraft Java.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Minecraft Fans Split Over Update 26.1 and Chaos Cubed Reveal

Mojang has released Minecraft update 26.1, known as the Tiny Takeover, which includes new sound variants for animals, redesigned baby mobs, and the Golden Dandelion flower that stops mob aging. The upcoming Chaos Cubed update has generated significant debate, with criticism focusing on the new mob, the Sulphur Cube, which some players feel lacks utility in single-player mode. Suggestions have been made to enhance the cube's functionality, such as introducing a craftable material from it. Community reactions to Chaos Cubed are based on a preview, and the final details may change before its release. Some players acknowledge that Mojang is currently working on back-end updates, which may result in fewer content additions. The juxtaposition of the smaller update with the anticipation for Chaos Cubed has led to mixed reactions from the community.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

“Trying to build a skyscraper with hand tools”: Minecraft devs swore off yearly updates after giant Caves and Cliffs patch pushed them to the brink

Mojang has abandoned its annual update commitment due to challenges from the Caves and Cliffs update and is now implementing a more agile approach with smaller, more frequent updates. In 2024 and 2025, the studio released four updates each year. Additionally, Mojang is advocating for improved chat moderation on Minecraft anarchy servers to promote a healthier gaming environment.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

Minecraft fans slam “worst drop yet” as update details revealed

Minecraft's latest update has been finalized for release, but the community has reacted negatively, calling it the "worst drop yet." Players have welcomed new biomes and features in recent updates, but the upcoming baby mob update has faced criticism for its perceived lack of depth and substantial additions. Following the announcement, social media was filled with dissatisfaction, with users expressing disappointment over the limited changes and comparing it unfavorably to past updates. Despite some acknowledgment of the new baby mobs, the overall sentiment remains critical. The update is expected to be released in Spring, but no specific date has been confirmed.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

World War 1 survival horror Conscript gets a ‘huge’ update that adds a hardcore mode, redesigned levels, new items and gear, and much more

Conscript, a World War I survival horror game, received a commendable score of 83 from reviewer Alexander Chatziioannou for its portrayal of a French soldier's journey through the Battle of Verdun. Developer Jordan Mochi is releasing a substantial update titled Conscript: Director's Cut, which includes new items like a craftsman's kit and a dog collar that prevents rat spawning, inspired by historical practices. The combat system has been improved with features such as moving while aiming and enhanced melee attacks. Additional updates include changes to the late-game economy, placeable map markers, and an improved records screen. To celebrate the update, publisher Team 17 is offering a 66% discount, reducing the price to $/£6.79.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Minecraft is changing how it handles update version numbers — but what does that mean for us players?

Since the Tricky Trials update in June 2024, Minecraft has been at version 1.21, as Mojang Studios shifted to more frequent, smaller updates instead of large annual releases. Mojang is revamping its version numbering system to better reflect this new update cadence, with the latest game drop titled "The Copper Age" designated as version 1.21.9 for Java Edition and 1.21.110 for Bedrock Edition. The first snapshot for the upcoming Mounts of Mayhem update will be labeled as 25.4-snapshot-1. The familiar "Minecraft 1.x.x" format will be retired, with the Mounts of Mayhem update scheduled for release on December 9 and the first update of the new year recognized as Minecraft 26.1. Mojang has also pledged to eliminate code obfuscation from Minecraft: Java Edition to enhance the modding experience.