tool Archives

Winsage

August 24, 2026

‘I’m so glad I quit Windows a while ago’: new app promoting Bing is proving controversial, as Microsoft bribes people to use Edge

Microsoft has launched a referral program for its Edge browser, allowing users to earn 500 Microsoft Rewards points for each friend they invite to switch to Edge, with a maximum of 7,500 points per month. To qualify, the invited friend must be a new user, sign into Edge, and use the browser for at least two days within the first two weeks. Additionally, a new application called 'Microsoft Recommended Search' has been discovered, designed to change the default search engine to Bing across various browsers, raising concerns among users about Microsoft's promotional strategies.

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Fake Microsoft security scans trick victims into uninstalling their antivirus

A surge of fraudulent websites claiming to verify antivirus software functionality has emerged, using the name SysScan and misleadingly asserting that Windows no longer supports third-party antivirus solutions. These sites conduct fake security scans, gather personal information, and set up a refund scam. Eleven such websites were found hosted on a single server, executing similar deceptive tactics. They can access basic browser data but cannot conduct genuine security scans. Microsoft continues to support third-party antivirus software, and legitimate refund processes do not require uninstalling security tools. The scams instruct users to remove their antivirus software to facilitate further manipulation and to collect information about the antivirus in use. The customer information forms collect extensive personal data and are designed to send this information to a Telegram bot API. Victims are promised a refund call after submitting their information, which is part of the scam's manipulation. Signs of such scams include claims of deep problems with the computer, consistently negative diagnostic results, requests to uninstall antivirus software, and demands for banking information. If affected, victims should disconnect from the internet, remove remote-access tools, and contact their bank. The hosting IP address for these sites is 157.230.180.90, with multiple associated domains listed.

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Malwarebytes Review 2026: Safe, But is Free Tier Enough?

Overall Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐ Protection: 4.3 ⭐ Performance: 3.9 ⭐ Features: 4.4 ⭐ Support: 4.8 ⭐ Value: 4.2 ⭐ Pricing starts at .99 for the first year, verified August 2026. Malwarebytes earned the AV-TEST TOP PRODUCT award in March-April 2026, scoring 17.5 out of 18 points. It successfully removed all infections in remediation tests and had no false detections across 1.5 million legitimate samples at AV-TEST. The software can coexist with other antivirus solutions and offers a free version with limited features. The free version lacks ongoing protection after 14 days, while the paid version provides real-time protection. Malwarebytes has a privacy policy stating it does not sell customer data and collects only necessary identifiers. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, having raised a total of 0 million, including a recent investment from Vector Capital in September 2022. It acquired AzireVPN in November 2024. Malwarebytes offers various plans, including Standard, Plus, and Total, with consistent renewal pricing. The Windows version includes comprehensive features, while the Mac version targets adware and browser hijackers. The Android app provides scanning capabilities and phishing protection, and the iPhone app focuses on scam text filtering. Customer support is efficient, with quick responses.

AppWizard

August 24, 2026

The best Android weather app isn’t on the Play Store. Here’s how to install it

Breezy Weather is a free, open-source weather app for Android that is not available on the Play Store due to the developers' decision to avoid listing fees and personal identification requirements. To download Breezy Weather, users need to visit its GitHub page, download the APK file, and enable installation permissions on their device. Alternatively, users can download it from F-Droid, which is a Play Store alternative for free and open-source applications. Keeping Breezy Weather updated requires manual checks or enabling notifications for updates, while F-Droid offers a more seamless update process. Obtainium is a sideload manager that can simplify the update process by monitoring apps for new versions. Breezy Weather allows users to customize their experience with 50 different weather data sources and 13 widget options, providing extensive functionality without ads.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft Edge is ending support for MDAG and WIP in Windows 10

Microsoft has phased out support for Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG), starting with its deprecation for Office applications in November 2023 and for the Edge browser in December 2023. By April 2024, MDAG was removed from Edge and other browser stores, and it was completely eliminated from Windows 11, version 24H2. Microsoft is finalizing the retirement of MDAG by discontinuing support in Edge entirely. The advisory MC1459132 indicates that this phase affects Microsoft Edge users on Windows 10, as Windows Information Protection (WIP) was already phased out in favor of Microsoft Purview in 2022. Organizations using WIP are advised to transition to Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Endpoint DLP, and Intune app protection policies. Users of MDAG should utilize Edge's built-in security features and consider other isolation solutions. Support for WIP and MDAG will officially end by September 2026, and functionalities related to them will stop in Microsoft Edge 154 and later versions. IT administrators are encouraged to begin migration activities to avoid disruptions.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft highlights useful Microsoft Account feature Windows 11 users could miss

Many readers and developers express dissatisfaction with the Microsoft Account requirement for Windows 11. Microsoft advises users to unlink or remove devices from their Microsoft Account, especially after upgrading or retiring old machines, as the Microsoft Store limits accounts to 10 devices. Users can manage their devices through the Microsoft Account online portal, and unlinking or removing a device frees up space for new ones. Unlinking does not delete the account, and removing a Windows user account from a PC only clears sign-in information from that device. Microsoft recommends backing up data and resetting a device before removal when selling or donating. Users should periodically review their linked devices and can designate trusted devices to streamline sign-ins, while also implementing additional security measures like two-step verification.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Windows 11 is modernizing a mouse indicator that hasn’t changed since the Windows XP

In the 1990s, locating the cursor on a Windows screen was challenging, leading to the introduction of a feature in the early 2000s that allowed users to press the Ctrl key to highlight the cursor, which became popular with Windows XP. This feature is being modernized in Windows 11, where users can activate a new Mouse Indicator by navigating to Windows Settings, selecting Accessibility, and toggling the “Mouse Indicator” on. The updated Mouse Indicator, which still activates with the Ctrl key, includes a circle animation and an optional feature to keep the indicator visible until dismissed using Win+Ctrl+Shift+M. Microsoft is also refreshing other features in Windows 11, such as the AutoPlay feature, which now remembers user preferences and presents a new WinUI-based dialog. The Properties sheet is being redesigned to incorporate modern WinUI elements, and a new Print Management app is expected to be released soon.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

Google’s Android Pulse App Appears on Play Store: What is it?

Google has introduced the Android Pulse app, which serves as a service tool for the "System Diagnostic tool" designed for Android devices. The app has surpassed 10 million downloads and is pre-installed on Google’s Pixel devices. It functions to define anomalies within the system and aids in distributing rules for anomaly detection, helping to identify unusual activity and diagnose bugs within the Android operating system.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

Can the Epic Games Store turn things around? ‘I don’t see how they can recover at this point,’ says Newzoo analyst

In February, Epic Games announced plans to enhance the Epic launcher, aiming for a five-fold increase in startup speed by June, along with improvements to the storefront, such as personalized game recommendations and easier access to categories and patch notes. Market analyst Emmanuel Rosier expressed doubt about Epic's ability to compete with Steam, noting that players often collect free games without engaging with them. He suggested that Epic has overextended itself by competing on multiple fronts but acknowledged positive developments in Fortnite, particularly its integration of characters from other franchises and new gameplay elements focused on collection. Despite these advancements, Rosier remains skeptical about Epic's recovery in the marketplace.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Ultimate Modpack Tier List: Best Minecraft Modpacks Ranked By Difficulty And Server Requirements

Minecraft modding has developed into a diverse genre with various experiences for players. Modpacks can significantly differ in focus, such as magic and exploration versus factory automation. There are four primary categories of modpacks: 1. Casual exploration packs: Typically contain 80-120 mods and require 4-6GB of RAM, suitable for 2-3 players. 2. Tech and automation packs: Include 150-250 mods and need 8-10GB of RAM due to background chunk-loading. 3. Quest-driven expert packs: Require a minimum of 8GB of RAM, ideally 10-16GB, along with a robust multi-core CPU. 4. Kitchen-sink packs: Combine hundreds of mods for a varied experience. Server requirements vary; casual exploration packs may run on 4GB of RAM, while kitchen-sink packs can consume 12GB or more. Choosing a hosting provider is crucial, especially for tech-heavy packs, as free options often have RAM limitations. Players should ensure the server has adequate RAM based on the modpack, as even lightweight packs can use up to 6GB with multiple players. Each modpack has a unique flavor and difficulty level, making it important for players to align their choice with their preferred playstyle and server capabilities.