technical issues Archives

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Grand Theft Auto 5 is Coming Back to PC and Xbox Game Pass on April 15

Grand Theft Auto 5 will return to Xbox and PC Game Pass on April 15, allowing players to access both the standard and Enhanced Edition. The Enhanced Edition, released in March, has received mixed reviews on Steam, currently holding a "Mixed" rating with over 33,000 user reviews. Enhancements include graphical upgrades, new vehicles, and activities like the Wildlife Photography Challenge, along with an initial boost of GTA 000,000 for new players. Since its release in 2013, GTA 5 has sold over 210 million copies globally, contributing to over 440 million units sold across the entire GTA franchise. Rockstar is also developing Grand Theft Auto 6 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with no announcements regarding a PC version.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053656 update released with 38 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5053656 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, featuring 38 enhancements, including real-time translation capabilities for Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors. This update addresses authentication issues and blue-screen errors, and is classified as an "optional non-security preview update." It introduces live captions and real-time translation support for over 44 languages, enhances Windows Search with improved capabilities, and fixes issues related to the MsiCloseHandle API and boot menu entries. The update also phases out the Location History feature and acknowledges known issues affecting Citrix components and Roblox on Windows Arm devices. Users can install the update via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update upgrades systems to build 26100.3624. Windows 11 24H2 is broadly deployed and accessible to all users.

AppWizard

March 10, 2025

Hall of fame: These are the Android apps I’ve been using the longest

Viber is a messaging app that has remained consistently used due to its reliability and the preference of the user's social circle. Weather & Radar is a weather application that provides accurate forecasts and useful features like a 14-day forecast and air quality reports. You Need A Budget (YNAB) is a financial management app that has helped the user save money and prepare for expenses over a decade, despite its learning curve and subscription cost. Bitwarden is a password manager that effectively stores login credentials and has proven to be superior to other alternatives tried by the user. Docusign is a document signing tool that has been used for nearly a decade, valued for its ease of use despite occasional technical issues.

AppWizard

March 7, 2025

Rise of the Ronin PC review: an engrossing action-RPG plagued by technical issues

Rise of the Ronin has transitioned from a PS5-exclusive title to a PC release, featuring enhanced frame rates, support for DLSS, XeSS, FSR upscaling, ray tracing, and ultra-wide support. However, it struggles with optimization on PC, leading to inconsistent performance, frame rate drops, stuttering, and muddled textures. Koei Tecmo plans to release a day-one patch to address these issues. Performance problems are linked to heavy VRAM usage, even on powerful graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 4070 Super. The core gameplay includes a combat system focused on parrying and stamina management, with engaging encounters and exploration. The game features impressive draw distances and a dynamic day-night cycle but suffers from visual shortcomings, such as less polished character models and animations. Its file size is 143 GB, which may deter some players. The game is available at a discounted price of .99 on PC, appealing to those interested in the Souls-like formula and Japanese culture. Players prioritizing performance and visual fidelity may want to wait for optimizations.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Microsoft goes native with Copilot once more

Microsoft has updated its Copilot app for Windows, now presenting it as a native XAML application. The update includes a side panel for initiating conversations and a conversation history list. Users can ask specific questions about their PCs, receiving tailored responses. A new shortcut key, Alt + Space, has been introduced for users without a dedicated Copilot key. The update is being rolled out to Windows Insiders via the Microsoft Store, with plans for broader availability in the coming weeks. Currently, the app's capabilities are limited, but it aims to enhance user interaction with their PCs through a conversational interface.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

WhatsApp down as thousands of app users struggling to send messages

On a Friday afternoon, WhatsApp experienced significant outages affecting at least 68,000 users globally, along with issues on Facebook Messenger, Facebook, and TikTok. The disruptions began around 3:12 PM, primarily impacting users in London, Manchester, and Glasgow. Users reported difficulties sending messages (55%), server connection issues (34%), and problems with the app (11%). Many turned to X (formerly Twitter) to discuss the outage. By 6 PM, WhatsApp confirmed the issue had been resolved. This incident follows previous outages at Meta, including one in December affecting over 100,000 users and another in October 2021 that left billions without access for nearly six hours, resulting in a significant financial loss for Mark Zuckerberg.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Is Facebook Messenger down right now? App hits technical issues after WhatsApp outage

Facebook Messenger is experiencing significant technical difficulties, with 92% of user complaints related to sending messages, 5% unable to receive messages, and 2% reporting overall app issues. Glasgow is the hardest hit area in Scotland, with other major UK cities like London and Manchester also affected. Users worldwide are facing similar problems. This incident follows outages reported by WhatsApp users. Additionally, several banking applications, including those from Lloyds Banking Group, are experiencing outages, impacting customers' access to their accounts on payday. Frustrated customers have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Windows 11 pirates have a new and unlikely ally

Microsoft Copilot has begun sharing a method to activate Windows 11 without a legitimate license, a process that has been circulating since 2022. Users have successfully reproduced this activation method by executing a script provided by Copilot. However, Copilot includes a warning about the risks associated with using such scripts, which may violate Microsoft's terms of service and lead to legal repercussions. The risks highlighted include potential legal issues, security risks from malware, system instability, lack of official support, inability to receive updates, and ethical concerns regarding software piracy.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds review

Monster Hunter Wilds is an action game developed and published by Capcom, focusing on battling colossal creatures and crafting gear from their remains. It is priced at £60 and features multiplayer capabilities. The game introduces a streamlined quest structure and a cinematic narrative within a seamless world, enhancing immersion. It offers 14 weapon types with new mechanics, such as Focus Strike finishers and Offset Attacks, improving combat dynamics. Notable monsters include Rey Dau and Arkveld, and the game features a seasonal system affecting monster behavior and resource availability. Players can set up portable camps for convenience, but there are concerns about losing the franchise's identity due to automation in travel and technical issues like crashes during loading screens. The game was reviewed on an NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super with an Intel Core i7 14700KF and 32 GB RAM.