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Winsage

September 19, 2026

Microsoft’s research boss reveals why Windows 11 features don’t show up, and his fix half works

Windows 11 has introduced new features such as a resizable Start menu, a movable taskbar, and the option to remove Bing from Windows Search. Users report not seeing significant changes after updates, leading to frustration. Marcus Ash, the design and research lead for Windows & Devices, acknowledged this issue, explaining that features may not appear immediately due to gradual rollouts. Users can enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, but this does not guarantee instant access to new features. The September 2026 update includes a movable taskbar, a smaller taskbar option, and the ability to disable Bing results in Windows Search, though immediate visibility of these changes is not assured. Microsoft is also testing new features with Windows Insiders, including a customization tool for the context menu, enhanced File Explorer performance, a reduction in memory footprint for devices with 8GB RAM and above, a new WinUI-based Run dialog, a revamped Properties dialog, a redesigned pop-up for connected drives, the ability to remap the Copilot key, and improvements to Bluetooth connections and headset calls.

Tech Optimizer

September 19, 2026

Set Up Bitdefender Antivirus Free: 13 Steps [2026]

Bitdefender Antivirus Free was upgraded to version 27.0.62.355 on September 11, 2026, introducing a new Advanced Threat Defense driver that enhances behavioral monitoring capabilities. The free version is designed for Windows only and promises to remain free indefinitely, lacking features found in paid versions such as anti-tracking tools and a full vulnerability scanner. The installation requires Windows 10 or 11, at least 2GB of free disk space, a local administrator account, an active internet connection, and a Bitdefender Central account. Users must remove any existing antivirus software before installation, and the installation process typically takes 60 to 75 minutes. Bitdefender Free covers one Windows device and offers robust malware detection capabilities, particularly with the Advanced Threat Defense layer. It is recommended to schedule regular scans and check the Notification Center for quarantined items. If uninstalled, the dedicated uninstall tool should be used to avoid leftovers that could interfere with future installations.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

These 4 built-in Windows tools helped me build a self-healing PC

Windows operating systems include built-in tools for maintaining PCs, allowing users to monitor system health, repair corrupted files, and recover from boot failures with minimal intervention. Task Scheduler automates maintenance tasks by triggering them based on schedules or events, accessible via the Start menu or taskschd.msc. It can activate tasks at fixed intervals, on startup, during idle periods, or in response to Event Viewer entries. Tasks should run with the highest privileges and can be configured to execute regardless of user sign-in status. The Settings tab allows missed tasks to run as soon as possible. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility that repairs the component store, essential for installing updates and restoring system files. It offers three inspection levels: CheckHealth, ScanHealth, and RestoreHealth, with the latter requiring an internet connection for downloading replacement files. DISM logs operations in C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log. SFC (System File Checker) verifies and repairs core operating system files using Windows Resource Protection. The command sfc /scannow checks all protected files, while /verifyonly provides a report without changes. SFC's effectiveness depends on the integrity of the component store, making it essential to run DISM first. Results are logged in C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced in Windows 11, addresses boot failures by connecting to the internet to find solutions when repeated boot failures are detected. QMR is enabled by default on unmanaged devices and can continuously check for fixes. It is designed to respond to widespread issues rather than unique problems and may not work effectively on older hardware or without a network connection. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive approach to system maintenance in Windows 11, ensuring the operating system remains healthy and efficient without additional software.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

Give your PC a Windows 11 Pro upgrade for less than $10

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9. This limited-time offer is valid until September 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The operating system includes features such as Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, Azure AD integration, and Copilot, an AI-powered assistant.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Why ESG reporting standards matter in the Android and mobile tech ecosystem

ESG reporting standards are becoming increasingly important in mobile technology, affecting various aspects such as data management, material sourcing, energy consumption, privacy, supply chain dynamics, and product accountability. The lifecycle of mobile devices involves raw material sourcing, component manufacturing, device assembly, shipping, marketing, sales, updates, repairs, trade-ins, and disposal. Companies must understand ESG standards to create coherent sustainability narratives and may need to disclose supplier practices, carbon emissions, and governance documentation when partnering with larger firms. Consumers are now asking more questions about the longevity of software updates, repairability, data collection, packaging design, and the accountability of product creators. The rise of connected devices complicates ESG reporting due to extended product lifecycles and the need for ongoing software support. Companies should track product lifespan estimates, warranty data, repair trends, and update schedules to improve product quality and ESG reporting credibility. Emerging tech companies can start their ESG journey by cataloging product claims, consolidating evidence, designating ownership of records, and reviewing product lifecycle information. Global sustainability frameworks exist but may not align with consumer needs for straightforward product information. Successful mobile tech companies will need to bridge formal reporting requirements with accessible product-level communication. Trust and transparency in practices will increasingly influence consumer choices in mobile technology.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Revealed: How Russia use mobile ‘super-app’ Max to spy on its citizens

A new messaging and payment app called Max has emerged in Russia, developed by VKontakte, and has become the country's most utilized messaging platform. Max integrates various services, including banking and government services, and has been adopted by tens of millions of Russians. It features extensive surveillance capabilities, allowing it to take screenshots, access information without consent, impersonate users, and potentially conduct cyberattacks. The app's adoption has been largely mandatory, particularly among state employees and students. Despite its rise, Max has not replaced Telegram as a primary news source, and users have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance. Experts warn that Russia's swift implementation of digital control strategies reflects a growing trend of digital authoritarianism.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Google Contacts could soon support a smart new way to share Calling Cards

Google's Contacts app is developing a feature that will allow users to share their Calling Cards with new acquaintances without needing an initial phone call. The latest version of the app (4.88.28.981523105) is integrating Calling Card images into Virtual Contact File (VCF) files, enabling seamless sharing of visual business cards. Users can select the “Share contact” option, which will display the Calling Card image prominently. A new toggle for the Calling Card option will be included by default when choosing details to share. Users can send the enriched VCF file via platforms like Quick Share, WhatsApp, or email. This feature applies to both the user's own Calling Card and those of any contacts in their address book. Recipients can easily import the VCF file in Google Contacts, where the Calling Card image will be displayed. However, recipients need the Google Contacts app to fully import the Calling Card data.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

The Pixel Weather widget now lets you catch up on the forecast with a single tap

Google has updated the Pixel Weather app, introducing a refresh button on the home screen widgets that allows users to manually update weather information. This button is located in the top-right corner of the larger Weather widget and also refreshes the smaller widget if both are in use. Additionally, the app's design has changed, removing tiny arrow buttons for navigating hourly and daily forecasts, allowing users to swipe left or right over the cards instead.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

No RCS, no problem: Chat themes in Messages are now available for standard texts

Google Messages has expanded its customization capabilities to include standard SMS conversations, allowing users to set custom chat themes. This feature, which was previously available only for RCS chats, has been quietly rolled out, enabling users to access chat themes in non-RCS chats. Users can find the chat themes option in the three-dot menu or by navigating to the contact info page. The customization applies only to the individual who sets it, rather than affecting all participants in a chat. This update enhances the visual appeal of SMS conversations without imposing changes on others.

AppWizard

September 18, 2026

Android users are getting important Google system updates

Google has released system updates designated as Google System Updates 26.36 for September 2026, applicable to various devices including smartphones, tablets, Android TV, Google TV, Android Auto-compatible vehicles, and Wear OS gadgets. - Bug fixes have improved stability in account management services for smartphones. - Location sharing capabilities have been enhanced in account management for smartphones and Wear devices. - New features for developers have been introduced to facilitate better integration with Google Maps on smartphones. - Devices can now be set up regardless of their operating system for a streamlined onboarding process. - Developers have new features to enhance device connection processes within their applications for smartphones and Wear devices. - New functionalities for location- and context-based processes have been added for developers on smartphones. - Bug fixes related to system management and diagnostic services have been addressed across cars, PCs, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - Updates to system management services have improved device updateability for cars, smartphones, TVs, and Wear devices. - The update allows real-time price adjustments in the shopping basket for PC and smartphone users during checkout. - Smartphone users switching to a new device will receive a notification to re-add their Google Wallet cards for mobile payments. These updates are distributed through the Play Store and are set to automatically install on Android devices. Users can manually initiate the download through Settings > System > Software Updates > Google Play system update.