storage space Archives

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 10 Users Can Still Get Free Security Updates. Here’s How

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in 2025 but will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU program at a cost, but free enrollment options are available through syncing settings with OneDrive or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment in the ESU program is open until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users must be on Windows 10 version 22H2 and have administrative privileges to enroll. The enrollment wizard is being rolled out gradually, and some users may not see the option immediately.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong

Windows 11 Point-in-Time Restore is a recovery feature that captures snapshots of the system's state, including system files, applications, settings, and user data, allowing users to revert to a recent stable state when issues arise. It operates automatically once activated, using Volume Shadow Copy technology for comprehensive backups. The feature can quickly reverse changes made within the last 72 hours, addressing problems like faulty driver installations without requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. However, it has limitations, such as storing restore points locally for a maximum of 72 hours, not recovering long-deleted files, and requiring significant storage space. To enable it, users must use ViveTool to unlock the feature, configure settings for snapshot frequency and retention, and access restore options through the Windows Recovery Environment if needed. It is particularly useful for casual users who frequently modify their systems but may not suffice for power users needing comprehensive backup solutions.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

GTA: Vice City is now playable right in your browser, 2002 title that once demanded Pentium 3 now runs in Chrome — requires upload of an original game file to save progress

DOS Zone has introduced a feature that allows gamers to play GTA: Vice City directly in web browsers without traditional installation, requiring users to upload an original game file for ownership verification. To enhance the experience, users must subscribe to the js-dos 8.xx service for cloud save functionality, enabling gameplay on any device with a modern browser. The original game had minimal hardware requirements, while the Definitive Edition requires significantly more robust specifications. The browser version of the game only needs 56MB to launch, with the rest loading dynamically. DOS Zone operates independently from Rockstar Games, and the upload process is a one-time requirement for players who can use game controllers and touch interfaces.

Winsage

December 15, 2025

Download SnapBridge for PC – Windows 7/8/10 & MAC

SnapBridge is an application developed by Nikon that connects compatible cameras to smart devices using Bluetooth Low Energy technology, allowing for automatic image transfers, remote camera control, GPS location tagging, cloud storage integration, and social media sharing. It automatically sends photos to a device as they are taken, resizing them to 2MP for quick sharing. Users can control camera settings remotely and embed GPS coordinates into images. SnapBridge offers 20GB of free cloud storage for images and allows for direct sharing on social media platforms. To use SnapBridge on a PC, users can employ Android emulators like BlueStacks or NoxPlayer, or use Nikon's Wireless Transfer Utility for wireless image transfers. Minimum system requirements for installation include Windows 7 or newer with at least 4GB of RAM and 5GB of free storage, or macOS 10.12 or later with similar specifications. Common issues include connection problems, slow performance, and image transfer failures, which can often be resolved by checking network settings or adjusting emulator resources. SnapBridge is free to download and use, compatible with many modern Nikon cameras, and transfers JPEG versions of images while retaining RAW files on the camera. The app requires about 100MB of storage, with additional space needed for transferred images.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Preorders Are Now Live For The Upcoming Minecraft-Inspired Pokemon Spinoff, Pokemon Pokopia

Pokémon Pokopia is set to release on March 5, 2026, featuring an open-world environment where players can cultivate a utopia for Pokémon. Preorders are available at retailers like Amazon and Walmart, with early buyers receiving an exclusive in-game Ditto rug. The game, first revealed in September 2025, takes place in a post-human landscape and follows a Ditto on a quest to rejuvenate the land. Players can explore various territories by transforming into different Pokémon and utilize crafting mechanics. Pokémon Pokopia will be the first Nintendo-published title for the Switch 2 to use a Game Key Card format, requiring approximately 10GB of storage space. The Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express card is available on Amazon for .99. Additionally, the Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle is restocked at a price of 9.99.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Complete Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

Upgrading to Windows 11 involves careful planning and preparation. Start by updating Windows 10 to ensure recent updates are applied. Acquire a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) for the installation process, and document current software licenses as some applications may require reactivation. Check for driver updates to ensure hardware compatibility with Windows 11. There are three main upgrade methods: 1. Windows Update Automatic Upgrade: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, check for updates, and if compatible, download and install Windows 11. This method retains files and applications and typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. 2. Media Creation Tool Installation: Download the Media Creation Tool, run it, and follow prompts to create installation media on a USB drive. This method is useful for upgrading multiple devices. 3. Clean Installation Process: Insert the USB drive with setup files, restart the device, boot from the USB, and follow the instructions for a custom installation. This method erases all existing data, so comprehensive backups are necessary. Effective planning is crucial, and it is advisable to start the upgrade process well before the deadline of October 14, 2025. This allows time for testing applications, training staff, and addressing hardware requirements. Ensure all devices are compatible to avoid security issues, and consider a robust data protection strategy, such as a 3-2-1 backup approach. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with genuine Windows 10 licenses. If a device does not meet the requirements, it cannot be upgraded. Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of the upgrade, retaining previous files. The upgrade process typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on various factors. Planning the upgrade early helps mitigate operational disruptions, allowing for staggered upgrades and reduced risks of security vulnerabilities as Windows 10 support ends.

Tech Optimizer

December 3, 2025

Wacatac Trojan: What Is It And How To Remove It

The Wacatac Trojan is a type of malware first documented in January 2020, known for disguising itself as benign software to trick users into installation. It operates under various aliases, including Trojan:Script/Wacatac and Trojan:Win32/Wacatac, and can connect to Command-and-Control (C2) servers for remote manipulation. Its capabilities include stealing credentials, evading antivirus detection, creating or joining botnets, causing system damage, enabling spyware functions, acting as Remote Access Tools (RATs), and downloading additional malware. Symptoms of infection include sluggish performance, program failures, unexplained storage reductions, and unfamiliar processes. Wacatac spreads through unofficial software, malicious web pages, and phishing emails. Removal is best achieved using reputable antivirus software, while prevention involves avoiding questionable downloads, practicing good digital hygiene, keeping software updated, backing up data, and using quality antivirus solutions. False positives can occur, where legitimate programs are mistakenly flagged as Wacatac.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 devs slash install size from 154GB to 23GB, thanks to the help of PC port veterans — ditching HDD optimization, 85% size reduction accomplished by de-duplicating game data

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the size of their game Helldivers 2 by 85%, from approximately 154GB to 23GB, through collaboration with Nixxes Software and the use of data de-duplication techniques. This results in a storage saving of around 131GB.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 Dev Worked With Sony Studio Nixxes to Create a ‘Slim’ Version for PC That Reduces File Size From 154GB to 23GB

Arrowhead has optimized Helldivers 2 for PC users by collaborating with Nixxes to create a "slim" version that reduces the game's file size from 154GB to 23GB, a reduction of 131GB or 85%. This change is part of a public technical beta for PC players. Arrowhead assured that the smaller file size would not significantly impact loading times, with minimal increases for players using mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs). Real-world testing showed that loading times are more affected by level generation than asset loading. Recent data indicated that only 11% of players were using mechanical HDDs. After the beta phase, Arrowhead plans to make the slim version the default for all players and phase out the legacy version next year, coinciding with the release of the 5.0.0 patch that introduces new content.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

In the nick of time, Helldivers 2 rolls out a “slim version” shrinking file sizes by a whopping 85% on PC: “It’s a low-risk way to save ~131GB of space on your drive”

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the file size of Helldivers 2 for PC by 85%, from 154GB to approximately 23GB. A public technical beta is currently underway, allowing select users to experience the new file size and provide feedback. Players can still matchmake with others and opt-out of the beta at any time. If successful, the slim version will become the standard, with plans to phase out the legacy version next year. The latest patch also includes balance changes and bug fixes, though some players are disappointed by the removal of the feature that allowed "Factory Striders" to be launched erratically.