uninstall Archives

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Windows 11’s August Patch Tuesday update brings several important changes, and I break down the biggest ones

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice. File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings. The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

‘The last time I liked everything about a game was probably Baldur’s Gate 3’: Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, talks us through the games installed on his PC

Raphaël Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, was inspired to enter the gaming industry after playing Ultima 7, which led him to co-found Arkane in 1999. The studio's first game was Arx Fatalis, and it has since produced titles like Dishonored and Prey, with their latest project being Weird West. Colantonio is currently playing Mewgenics, having previously completed Cyberpunk 2077 and enjoyed Baldur's Gate 3. He has revisited Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth for enjoyment and research. Colantonio has logged 649 hours in Wasteland 2 and expresses nostalgia for Thief, Fallout, and Deus Ex, noting their influence on his work. He uses DaVinci Resolve for video editing and DiskState for managing hard drive space. Colantonio maintains a tidy desktop with minimal icons and folders.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Quick ways to clear cache and fix software conflicts on Android phones

Modern Android smartphones can experience sluggish behavior over time due to the accumulation of temporary data files or conflicts between applications. To enhance performance without a factory reset, users can follow these six methods: 1. Clear individual app cache by navigating to settings, selecting the app, and choosing the clear cache option. 2. Wipe browser cache and saved cookies by accessing browser settings, going to the privacy menu, and selecting the clear browsing data option. 3. Use built-in device care and optimization tools found under "device care" or "storage optimization" in settings to remove unnecessary files and cache. 4. Boot into safe mode to identify problematic third-party apps by pressing and holding the power button and selecting the safe mode prompt. 5. Reset app preferences to fix permission bugs by navigating to the main Apps menu, tapping the menu icon, and selecting the reset app preferences option. 6. Keep the system and apps fully updated by checking for system updates in settings and ensuring all installed apps are up to date in the Google Play Store.

Tech Optimizer

July 26, 2026

How to Stop McAfee from Running on Windows

McAfee offers features such as file scanning, network traffic filtering, VPN services, and browser warnings to protect users. Users can pause Real-Time Scanning by opening the McAfee app, selecting Real-Time Scanning under My Protection Widgets, and turning it off. To disable the Advanced Firewall, users must access the Advanced Firewall section in the app and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the app and clicking Turn off. To prevent Secure VPN from reconnecting, users can toggle it off in the Home tab and set Auto Connect to Never connect automatically. Browser protection features can be managed by toggling off McAfee WebAdvisor in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Users can block fake McAfee popups by adjusting notification settings in their browsers. To prevent McAfee startup helpers from opening, users can manage startup settings in Windows. To completely remove McAfee, users should uninstall it through Settings or Control Panel and follow the prompts. If remnants remain, the MCPR tool can be used for complete removal. Microsoft Defender will reactivate automatically after McAfee is uninstalled.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

How to Use WorldEdit in Minecraft Java and Bedrock

WorldEdit is a tool for Minecraft that has different requirements for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Users must select the correct version for their Minecraft edition. For Java Edition, WorldEdit can be downloaded from EngineHub or Modrinth, while Bedrock Edition requires a separate add-on. To install WorldEdit on Java Edition, users need to download the appropriate .jar file and place it in the server's plugins or mods folder, depending on the platform. Command access must be granted based on world or server settings, and users can select blocks for editing using various commands. Basic edits can be made using commands like //set, //replace, and //undo. For Bedrock Edition, users must download the add-on package, enable experimental features, and use semicolon commands for editing. The add-on also includes item shortcuts and management commands for access. The main differences between Java and Bedrock versions include the installation process, permissions, and command prefixes.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

14 Easy Fixes to Make Windows 11 Feel Faster

Many Windows 11 PCs experience performance decline over time due to background processes and unnecessary files. To enhance performance without reinstalling Windows, consider the following strategies: 1. Uninstall unnecessary software (bloatware) via the Start menu or Installed Apps section. 2. Limit startup processes using Task Manager to disable rarely used applications. 3. Clean up disk space by enabling Windows' Storage Sense for automatic cleanup. 4. Check for viruses and spyware using Microsoft Defender or dedicated malware removal software. 5. Change power settings to Best Performance in Settings > System > Power & Battery. 6. Identify and fix resource-hogging processes using Task Manager. 7. Keep Windows updated by checking Settings > Windows Update. 8. Run troubleshooting utilities by searching for "troubleshoot" in the Start menu. 9. Use Microsoft PC Manager for a one-click performance optimization. 10. Consider adding more RAM if your device allows it. 11. Install an SSD for faster application launches and improved startup times. 12. Adjust system appearance settings for Best Performance. 13. Ensure adequate cooling to prevent overheating. 14. Turn off search indexing to free up system resources. 15. Disable Windows' Tips and manage notifications to reduce processing demands. 16. Enable Game Mode in Settings > Gaming for optimized gaming performance.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2026

Don’t bog down your PC with extra antivirus protection

A 75-year-old reader experienced slow internet despite upgrading to a 2-gigabit connection and a new router. She suspected that the Zone Alarm antivirus software she installed with her new laptop might be causing the issue. After being advised to uninstall Zone Alarm, she reported improved internet performance. The situation highlighted that third-party security software can hinder performance, and it's important to manage security software properly to avoid conflicts.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Spotted the new Android Developer Verifier app? Read this before you uninstall it

The "Android Developer Verifier" is a system service from Google that verifies whether an app being sideloaded is associated with a verified developer account. This app is part of Google's strategy to implement sideloading restrictions to protect users from social engineering scams. A verified developer account has undergone legal identity and background checks to ensure apps can be traced back to legitimate individuals or businesses. The app is automatically installed on certain devices, such as the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra, through Google System Updates, and users cannot opt out of it. Currently, the app is inactive for most users, with registration requirements beginning in select regions on September 30. Uninstalling the app may not prevent its reinstallation. The updated sideloading process requires users to enable Developer mode, confirm they are not being coerced, restart their device, wait 24 hours, and authenticate before installing an APK. Although this process may seem cumbersome, it aims to disrupt scammers' tactics. Users can still sideload via ADB, which is exempt from the new restrictions. Keeping the Android Developer Verifier on the device is advised until the sideloading restrictions are fully implemented.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

‘The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters’: David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses the games on his PC

David Szymanski is the creator of the game Dusk, which was released in 2018 and is inspired by classic first-person shooters like Doom and Quake. He initially developed short horror games before achieving success with Dusk. Szymanski has also created a submarine horror game called Iron Lung, which gained recognition after being adapted into a film by YouTuber Markiplier. He categorizes the history of first-person shooters into distinct eras, labeling the '90s as the silver age and the late '90s to mid-2000s as the golden age. He enjoys survival crafting games like The Forest and Subnautica but has not finished them. The oldest game installed on his PC is Doom, which he considers nearly the best FPS ever made. His most-played game on Steam is Counter-Strike 2, with 324 hours, and he has spent 186 hours on Elden Ring. Szymanski would never uninstall Infra, which he describes as his comfort game. He uses GIMP as an essential non-gaming software tool and has a relatively tidy desktop with nine icons.

Winsage

July 19, 2026

How to install apps on your Windows 11 PC with Windows Package Manager (winget)

Windows 11 users can download applications using the Windows Package Manager (winget) via the command line, bypassing traditional web browser navigation. Winget is integrated into Windows 11, modern Windows 10, and Windows Server 2025, simplifying application management. To use winget, users can open the Command Prompt, check for installation with "winget --version," search for applications with "winget search [app name]," and install them using "winget install [app name]." Users can also specify installation directories and utilize commands to list installed applications, show details about specific apps, and uninstall applications.