software updates Archives

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft confirms latest Windows 11 update is tanking streaming app performance

Microsoft's August 2025 Patch has introduced over 100 vulnerabilities, including a zero-day exploit affecting Windows Kerberos. Users have reported significant performance declines in streaming applications, particularly OBS and NDI Tools, characterized by severe lag and stuttering during streaming sessions when using the NDI protocol. Microsoft acknowledged that these issues arise after installing the update, specifically noting that severe stuttering, lag, and choppy audio/video may occur when using NDI for streaming or transferring audio/video feeds between PCs. The NDI team confirmed a drop in traffic linked to the Reliable User Datagram Protocol (RUDP), which is the default communication method for NDI, with performance degradation observed exclusively with RUDP connections. Microsoft has suggested potential workarounds, but a definitive fix may take time to implement.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

With critical Windows 10 deadline weeks away, it’s the ideal time for a £250 Chromebook price crash

Microsoft will discontinue security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is available for £249 at Currys and offers a budget-friendly alternative with features such as an Intel Core 3-N355 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Currys provides a flexible payment plan for the Chromebook, and it operates on ChromeOS, which does not require regular updates. The device supports Wi-Fi 7 and includes a 1080p Full HD webcam, a 14-inch Full HD+ IPS display, and a long battery life of 10-15 hours. Purchasing the Chromebook also includes a complimentary 12-month trial of Gemini Advanced.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 10 support extension – lifeline or stay of execution?

Microsoft has extended security updates for Windows 10, allowing businesses more time to plan and manage migration without immediate disruptions. This extension helps IT teams mitigate short-term risks but may lead to complacency and delays in necessary upgrades. Organizations risk accumulating technical debt, becoming dependent on costly external partners, and missing out on innovations if they postpone migration. Maintaining outdated infrastructure can become more expensive than upgrading, and reliance on unsupported systems increases the risk of vendor lock-in. Continuous modernization is essential, and businesses should adopt strategies for migrating unsupported applications while ensuring operational continuity. The extension should be seen as a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution, emphasizing the need for ongoing modernization efforts.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1: What’s new after the Pixel 10 launch event?

Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 following the Pixel 10 series launch, aimed at developers. The update includes an expanded dark theme, auto-themed icons, and developer-focused APIs. The beta will run until Q4 2025, with QPR1 launching next month featuring Material 3 updates. The beta is available for compatible Pixel devices enrolled in the previous Android 16 beta, and new users can join via google.com/android/beta. The build number for the beta is BP41.250725.006, which includes the August security patch. Users must opt out of the beta program to transition to the stable Android 16 QPR1 update next month, which will introduce Material 3 design and additional features.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Microsoft Store disables opting out of automatic app updates

Microsoft has changed its approach to automatic updates for apps in the Microsoft Store, limiting users to a maximum delay of five weeks for updates. After this period, updates will be installed automatically, regardless of user preference. This change raises concerns about the balance between security and user control, as mandatory updates aim to enhance security and stability but may also lead to risks associated with automatic installations. Users may prefer to postpone updates due to potential dissatisfaction with changes in app functionality.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

Confirmed—These 20 popular Android apps are accessing your microphone, location and files without you knowing it… and thus spying on you

A study by Which? and Hexiosec analyzed 20 popular Android apps, revealing that many request excessive permissions beyond their core functionalities. Notably, Xiaomi Home requested 91 permissions, Samsung SmartThings 82, Facebook 69, and WhatsApp 66. TikTok and Temu also raised concerns for their permission requests, while Amazon defended its need for camera access for product scanning. Additionally, 16 of the tested apps attempted to display pop-up windows over other applications, indicating aggressive monitoring tactics. Users are advised to check app permissions, set them manually, deactivate background access, download official apps, and keep their devices updated to protect their privacy.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Windows 11’s new “Quick machine recovery” replaces Startup Repair, and it’s a game-changer

Over a year after the CrowdStrike incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in recovery processes, Microsoft announced the Windows Resiliency initiative in 2024, introducing Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11. Quick Machine Recovery allows the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to connect to the internet to download fixes from Microsoft’s servers when boot issues occur, potentially reducing recovery times significantly. This feature is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home editions and can be customized by Pro users. Quick Machine Recovery aims to facilitate faster resolutions during major outages, thereby minimizing downtime for critical services.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft patch Tuesday update fails to install

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with its August Patch Tuesday update affecting installations via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), specifically that the "August 12, 2025 Windows security update for Windows 11, version 24H2, might fail to install with error code 0x80240069 when installed via WSUS." This error complicates update management for organizations using WSUS. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue, which will be included in a future Windows update. Administrators can manually install the patch or use a provided group policy as a workaround. There is currently no timeline for when the installation issue will be resolved.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Millions of Android devices to lose updates on popular app – are you impacted?

Waze will no longer support devices running Android 9 and below, limiting updates to those on Android 10 or newer. This change will affect millions of users, including those using car navigation systems based on the Android platform. While Waze will still operate on older devices, users will miss out on new features, bug fixes, and may face increased lags and security vulnerabilities. The transition reflects a broader trend in the tech industry where software updates are increasingly tied to hardware capabilities. Users with older devices are encouraged to consider upgrading to enhance their experience and security.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

How many software updates will the Google Pixel 10 receive?

The Google Pixel 10 is anticipated to offer seven years of operating system upgrades and software updates, following the precedent set by the Pixel 8. The Pixel series is known for its regular Pixel Drops, which provide new features quarterly along with security patches. The Pixel 9 also has a commitment to seven years of updates, and the Pixel 10 is expected to maintain this standard. This extended support is supported by Google's Tensor G5 chipset, which enhances the longevity of software updates for Pixel devices.