update Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a problem causing system crashes and gaming disruptions on Windows 11 devices, specifically related to game launch failures and freezing with "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The issue affects various games, including ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and is linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been identified as the cause of these complications. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected devices, starting on August 26, 2026, and it may take up to 24 hours to reach all impacted devices. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices that do not automatically receive the fix, a temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has stated that disabling this registry key should not lead to unintended behavior.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft “Resolves” Windows 11 Crashing Games with a Registry Hack

Late last week, reports emerged about gameplay disruptions linked to the Windows 11 August update, causing issues like forced crashes, unexpected freezing, and device restarts. Microsoft identified the interaction between gaming applications and RGB peripherals as the cause. They released a workaround involving a registry modification to prevent the inpoutx64 driver from loading, which resolved the issue temporarily. This workaround specifically targets devices with the inpoutx64 driver enabled and the game ARC Raiders installed. Users can disable the driver by modifying the registry key HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesinpoutx64, changing the Start value to 4, and restarting the computer. Microsoft is also working to block RGB peripherals for the game MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls and has addressed similar issues for THE FINALS. The driver block will be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates and future releases.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Did A New Google ‘Pulse’ App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Does

A new app called Pulse has been released on the Play Store, quickly reaching over 10 million downloads. It is an existing Google system service that became more visible in the settings app following a recent update and has been in place since March. Pulse may collect information related to app performance but does not share data with third parties. It can be accessed on Pixel devices through Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services. Disabling system services like Pulse could disrupt features, so it is advisable to keep it installed. Pulse helps monitor resource usage in Android, including battery drain, memory usage, and CPU activity, and is part of Google's efforts to track issues within the operating system. Google plans to implement stricter measures against apps that excessively consume resources.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft Issues Windows 11 Version 26H2 to Release Preview

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2 (Build 26300.9278) in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of its general availability later this year. This version will be delivered as an enablement package, allowing for seamless integration of new features and enhancements. Users with PCs in the Release Preview channel can manually install this version. Key features for business users include Windows Backup, app actions from the Taskbar, and improvements to File Explorer. Organizations can deploy Windows 11 version 26H2 using Windows Update client policies and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Updates to the ISOs on the Windows Insider Program download site will also reflect this new version.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Windows Search still can’t find half my files, because Microsoft fixed the wrong part

Windows 11's native Search feature has been improved with a new indexing system that automatically indexes frequently accessed folders. The latest build, 26100.9267, allows search results to appear after two keystrokes and is more forgiving of typographical errors. Users can choose between web or store suggestions. However, issues persist, such as files remaining invisible in indexed folders. Users have two indexing options: Classic mode, which covers limited locations, and Enhanced mode, which indexes all partitions but may affect battery life and CPU usage. Many users prefer third-party alternatives like Everything, which indexes files directly from the NTFS Master File Table without requiring mode selection. Despite improvements, the overall search experience in Windows remains unsatisfactory.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows Weekly 998: Laptop Fort

Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed various updates from Microsoft and the tech world, including new Insider builds, OneDrive for Mac enhancements, advancements in AI, and Xbox gaming news. A significant upcoming update for Windows 11, referred to as version 26H2, is anticipated. OneDrive for Mac will receive a native sync engine, and Proton Mail will introduce automatic category filtering. Bill Gates warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence, while Adobe Firefly launched new capabilities for music and sound generation. The .NET Conf 2026 is scheduled for November, with .NET 11 expected to release. In gaming, Xbox is testing disc-to-digital entitlements, and the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 is available for 9. A limited edition Xbox Series X25 console is rumored for November, and the Xbox 25th Anniversary Collection is confirmed for November 13. IKEA has launched Xbox-inspired furniture, and Rockstar Games is preparing to reveal GTA VI. Nvidia has expanded GeForce Now to Firefox. Google will allow users to filter news in the Discover feed, but the advice is to seek diverse viewpoints. PowerToys 0.101 has been released, and Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac is now available. This week's RunAs Radio episode features a discussion on PowerShell 7's security features. SpiceBox Spiced Whisky is recommended as a seasonal drink.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft finalizes Windows 11 version 26H2 for general availability: Next version of Windows 11 enters final preview phase before rollout begins

Microsoft has begun rolling out Windows 11 version 26H2 to testers in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, marking the final testing phase before general availability. This version is similar to version 25H2 and built on the same platform as earlier releases. Users will receive an extended support period of 24 months, while commercial customers will have 36 months of support. The update includes enhancements to the Start menu and a revamped Windows Search pane.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Goes Into Release Preview Channel

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2, build number 26300.9278, in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders. This update focuses on extending the support cycle for users transitioning to 26H2. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, activating essential features with each new release cycle. Enablement packages (eKBs) are crucial for the update mechanism, allowing users on versions 24H2 or 25H2 to upgrade to 26H2 with a simple eKB, while users on older branches like 22H2 and 23H2 will undergo a full feature update. Additionally, the KB5120996 update has been released for Windows 11 26H1, specifically for Windows-on-Arm devices, aligning with enhancements in the KB5120998 update for the 24H2 and 25H2 branches, which include taskbar and Start Menu customization and overall performance improvements.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Final NVIDIA GeForce Game Ready Driver for Windows 10 Goes Out in October

NVIDIA plans to provide GeForce Game Ready drivers for Windows 10 until October 2026, marking the end of support for the operating system in this capacity. The last Game Ready Driver compatible with Windows 10 will be released in October 2026, after which no game and feature updates will be provided. However, NVIDIA will continue to deliver critical security updates for Windows 10 until October 2029.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft is blocking the problem to fix Windows 11 KB5121003 restarts, crashes

Microsoft addressed printing issues and gaming-related complications linked to recent .NET Patch Tuesday updates. The problems were associated with RGB applications and the inpoutx64 system driver, which caused compatibility issues when certain games were launched. Microsoft has implemented a block to prevent the inpoutx64 driver from loading on affected devices, specifically targeting systems with the driver enabled and ARC Raiders installed. Users will receive a notification after the block is implemented, and the game should launch without further issues. The block is also being extended to systems running MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, while the issue with THE FINALS has been resolved. The resolution is being distributed automatically, and users need to restart their devices after the fix is applied. For enterprise-managed devices, IT administrators must manually apply the fix. Microsoft provided a temporary workaround by suggesting users disable the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry. Users can change the Start value in the Registry Editor to 4 to disable the driver and may need to restart their devices for changes to take effect. Users are advised to back up the Registry before making modifications, and they can restore the driver by reverting the Start value back to its original setting.