update Archives

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Don’t panic if Windows 11 reboots multiple times for security updates, here’s why it’s happening

Windows PCs are experiencing multiple reboots during the installation of monthly cumulative updates, particularly due to updates related to Secure Boot certificates and accompanying firmware updates. Microsoft is rolling out the Secure Boot certificate update to millions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices, with users who haven't received the certificates expected to do so soon, unless firmware limitations arise. Microsoft has acknowledged that multiple reboots may occur during this rollout. The August 2026 Patch Tuesday update addressed around 400 security vulnerabilities and included a Secure Boot certificate update for a wider range of devices. It is advised not to delay updates beyond three days to avoid potential AI-driven security threats. The August 2026 Update also activates the Low Latency Profile for app launches and improves file size displays in File Explorer. Reports indicate that devices lacking the Secure Boot 2023 certificate have successfully received it following this update, and Microsoft will continue deploying certificates via Windows updates in the coming months.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

After years of requests, Windows 11 is dangerously close to bringing back full taskbar freedom — top, left, right, or bottom

Windows 11 users can now relocate the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen with the latest Insider Preview builds. This feature will be included in the September Patch Tuesday update, but is available immediately to those in the Release Preview Channel. The update also allows for a smaller taskbar option, enhancing screen space for smaller devices. Key features in Build 26100.9267/26200.9267 include: - Taskbar customization with new positioning options and a smaller taskbar option. - Enhanced Start menu with size options, renaming of the Recommended section to Recent, and a redesigned settings page. - Improvements to Windows Search, including a simplified interface and automatic indexing of frequently used folders. - Updates to File Explorer for faster launch times and touch scrolling support. - General design updates with modernized progress indicators. - New Windows Share feature for discovering apps from the share window. - Enhanced security with just-in-time privileges for administrative tasks. - Improved responsiveness when switching between virtual desktops. - Updates for display settings and brightness reliability. - Reliability improvements for Task Manager and Windows Update behavior. - Network improvements for VPN-related issues. - Enhanced typing reliability with the Japanese IME. - Introduction of the ML-KEM algorithm for TLS key exchange. - Removal of the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line utility in future versions.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 adds App lock to Pixel

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 introduces a native App Lock feature for Pixel devices, allowing users to secure applications by long-pressing them and selecting the App Lock option from the Actions menu. Accessing locked applications requires authentication via Fingerprint Unlock or PIN. Key points include that notification content will be concealed when an app is locked, widgets and shortcuts for the locked app will be removed from the home screen, and AI agents with access to the app can still access its data. Users can manage app security settings through Settings > Security & privacy > App lock. The update is scheduled for rollout in December.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Pixel Journal gets some handy upgrades, and may soon tidy up your rambling entries

Pixel Journal has received an update that includes customizable reminders allowing users to set personalized reminder times at 7 AM, 2 PM, and 9 PM. The app now features two media layouts: a Compact arrangement for grouped images and a Full layout for individual photos and videos. A new confirmation process for deleting entries has been implemented, requiring user confirmation before deletion and offering a brief Undo option. The app has expanded its integration with Health Connect to access sleep data, enabling personalized writing prompts based on users' physical activity and sleep patterns. Additionally, Google is reportedly developing an AI-powered Auto format feature that will refine journal entries after they are written or dictated, with two modes: “Simple” and “Expressive.” Users will need to write a minimum number of words to utilize this feature.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Minecraft Update 3.46 Released on August 14

Mojang has released a hotfix for Minecraft, updating the game from version 26.41 to 26.43, recognized as Minecraft update 3.46. This update includes fixes for multiple crashes during gameplay and issues with missing assets when loading into a world due to network connection changes. Additionally, cloud world storage on Windows has been temporarily disabled to address recent issues.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Minecraft Bedrock 36.41/42/43 Applied via Update 1.056

Mojang released hotfixes for Minecraft Bedrock versions 26.41, 26.42, and 26.43 on August 14, appearing as Minecraft update 1.056. The update includes fixes for several crashes that could disrupt gameplay and resolves issues related to missing assets during world loading, especially with fluctuating network connections. Cloud world storage has been temporarily disabled on Windows platforms to address identified issues.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

What’s new in Minecraft? Third Drop 2026 features and more details

Mojang is preparing to release the Third Drop of 2026 for Minecraft, which will introduce several new features, including: - A new biome called the Dappled Forest, characterized by poplar trees with vibrant orange, yellow, and red leaves, and a forest floor with dirt blocks, leaf litter, red shrubs, and brown mushrooms. - A new wood set featuring poplar trees that produce planks and slabs with a warm grey hue. - Abandoned camps scattered throughout the Dappled Forest, constructed from wool stairs, containing lootable chests or barrels, and sometimes hidden maps leading to other structures. - New furniture and building blocks, including wool stairs, wool slabs, wool cushions, and straw beds, which can be used for sleeping without changing spawn points but are single-use and cannot be placed in the Nether or the End. - Concrete slabs and stairs as additional building materials. Mojang is currently testing these features through snapshots for player feedback.

BetaBeacon

August 14, 2026

DS Emulator MelonDualDS Just Got A Rebrand & A Lighter Sibling “For Android Handhelds With Limited Performance”

Recent developments in the DS emulation space include a significant update to the melonDualDS emulator, which has been rebranded to WatermelonDS. The new version features a revamped user interface, RetroArch shader presets, and an experimental Vulkan FastPath. Additionally, a lighter alternative called Seedless has been introduced, based on the DraStic r2.6.0.4a core and designed for modern Android handhelds with physical controls and dual-screen functionality. Sapphire Rhodonite, the developer, also plans to release a Linux version of Seedless in the future.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

‘This one just needs a script’: Researchers find ultimate Windows kill switch which can disable antivirus w…

Researchers from the University of Birmingham and Durham University discovered a vulnerability in consumer DDR4 and DDR5 memory chips, termed "Download more RAM," which allows attackers to misreport memory configuration, potentially doubling the perceived RAM. This manipulation enables unauthorized access to memory allocations, bypassing Windows' Virtualization-based Security (VBS) and Hypervisor-Enforced Code Integrity (HVCI), and disabling antivirus software. The vulnerability affects major manufacturers like Corsair, G.Skill, and ADATA, which collectively hold over 55% of the high-performance memory market. Microsoft has patched the vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2026-23670, with a medium severity score of 5.7/10, in the April 2026 Patch Tuesday update. Corsair has introduced a feature to enable write protection on their memory modules, and other tools are available for additional protection.

AppWizard

August 14, 2026

Galaxy phones are finally letting users remove this longtime Microsoft app

The latest update to One UI 9.0 allows Samsung Galaxy users to completely uninstall the pre-installed Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard app, which was previously non-removable due to a bundling agreement between Samsung and Microsoft. Users can now reclaim approximately 55MB of storage by uninstalling SwiftKey. Additionally, newer devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy A57 are shipping without SwiftKey pre-installed, indicating a potential end to the bundling agreement.