Users Archives

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s built-in apps are getting quiet but welcome improvements

Microsoft has released a preview version of an upcoming Windows update for members of the Windows Insider Program, enhancing several pre-installed applications including Calculator, Camera, Clock, Media Player, Notepad, Paint, Photos, and Sound Recorder. The Calculator update includes improved accuracy for square root calculations, better readability in high-contrast designs, right-to-left language support for Arabic and Hebrew, and a fix for startup issues. The Sound Recorder enhancements feature an accurate live waveform display for Bluetooth recordings, a streamlined interface, immediate access to the "Highlight" button, disabled tags for WAV recordings, a smoother deletion process for multiple recordings, and a fix for a memory leak issue. Additional features include watermarks for AI-generated images in the Photos app, a zoom slider in the Camera app, customizable subtitles in Media Player, and a 15-minute delay option for alarms in the Clock app.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

AMD Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2 WHQL Drivers Face Issues on Windows 10, Hotfix Available

AMD unveiled its Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2 WHQL Drivers, featuring day-one support for games like Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced and DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations, and introducing FSR Upscaling 4.1 for RDNA 3 GPUs. Users on Windows 10, particularly with Radeon RX 7000 and RX 9000 series GPUs, reported installation issues, especially those under the Extended Security Updates program. AMD released a hotfix, Adrenalin Edition 26.6.3, to address these installation problems, which is available for download on their website.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Windows Update Will Start Showing New Insider Channel System to all Windows 11 Users

The Windows Insider Channel system is expanding to all Windows 11 users via Windows Update, allowing non-Insiders to join the program. The previous Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels will be replaced by the Experimental and Beta Channel options. The Experimental Channel will introduce new features first and allow user feedback to shape developments, while the Beta Channel will provide early access to upcoming features but will discontinue controlled feature rollouts. Microsoft recently released five new builds across the Beta and Experimental Channels, including a new taskbar size setting in the Experimental build 26300.8758 to enhance taskbar customizability.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Minecraft Adventure Maps — okay so let me just tell you what actually works

Adventure maps in Minecraft allow players to experience curated gameplay without survival mechanics or resource gathering. These maps are designed in Adventure Mode, preventing players from altering the environments. They vary in length and complexity, with some lasting only 20 minutes and others several hours, often featuring custom dialogue and narratives. Quality adventure maps can be found on platforms like Planet Minecraft, MCPEDL, CurseForge, and the Minecraft Marketplace. It's important to check version compatibility to avoid glitches. Recommended adventure maps include Herobrine’s Mansion, Diversity 3, SkyBlock, The Forgotten, Chronos, and Parkour Paradise. Multiplayer maps should be labeled as such to avoid common issues like skipped puzzles and disrupted story pacing. Installing maps differs between Java and Bedrock editions, with Java scanning the saves folder and Bedrock requiring the opening of a .mcworld file. Players may face issues like command blocks failing or visual discrepancies due to missing resource packs or version mismatches. To evaluate a map's quality before downloading, check the download count and read comments for potential bugs. Java and Bedrock maps are not interchangeable, so verifying the edition and compatibility is crucial for a smooth experience.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Gemini’s new Google Play Store integration lets you chat to find Android apps, games

The Gemini app for Android has integrated with the Google Play Store, enabling users to engage in conversational browsing to discover apps and games. Users can ask Gemini for recommendations on various types of apps, and it responds with curated results, including Play Store cards with ratings and download counts. Users can initiate app installations directly from these cards or follow up with commands to install apps. Additionally, Gemini allows users to search for and purchase in-app items, subscriptions, or digital gift cards, but can only recommend items for apps already installed on the user's device. The integration requires users to enter specific prompts to connect to the Play Store, and its availability may vary across devices.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft gives Windows 10 users a reprieve by extending security updates another year

Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 personal computers until October 12, 2027. This extension was noted in a revised support document and aims to give users more time to transition to Windows 11 while still receiving security updates. The ESU program, launched in June 2025, was initially set to conclude in October 2026. Currently, Windows 10 powers approximately 26% of desktop Windows PCs globally, with around 1 billion PCs still running it, according to Dell COO Jeffrey Clarke.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Don’t Tell Anyone But Windows 10 Will Get Another Year Of Updates

Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 by an additional year, allowing users to continue receiving critical updates without the immediate need to transition to Windows 11. Users already enrolled in the ESU program can maintain their current operating system without additional steps, while those not yet signed up can access the updates by purchasing an ESU license through a Microsoft partner, enrolling in a volume licensing agreement that includes ESU, or utilizing a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) for subscription-based access.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft Office lifetime license deal for Windows and Mac

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for a one-time payment of .97, reduced from 9.99. Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021 is priced at .97, down from 9. This promotion runs through June 28 during StackSocial's Deal Days. The Windows version includes eight applications, while the Mac version includes five applications. Both licenses allow offline access without monthly subscription fees.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

Banking Apps, No Google, and a Locked Bootloader: How iodé Makes Privacy Android Work for Everyone

Brian from iodé discussed the project's goal of creating a user-friendly, privacy-focused Android distribution. Key features include a tracker blocker that enhances user privacy and two app stores—F-Droid and Aurora Store—to address app compatibility concerns. Users can uninstall pre-installed apps and experience reduced notifications and ads. iodé promotes sustainability by encouraging the use of refurbished devices and aims to support a wider range of devices beyond just Google Pixels. The user base is estimated at over 10,000 individuals across various countries, with a focus on privacy and usability. iodé offers integrated privacy features and monthly security updates, supporting over 60 devices.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates for a second year — program now ends on October 12, 2027

Microsoft has extended its free consumer Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by an additional year, with the new deadline for critical security patches set for October 14, 2027. The ESU program was originally scheduled to end on October 12, 2026. Devices already enrolled in the program will automatically transition to the new date. Approximately 400 million active PCs are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. IDC forecasts a 10% to 20% rise in prices for PCs, tablets, and smartphones through the end of 2026. Third-party solutions, such as unofficial Windows 10 micropatches from security firm 0patch, will be available through 2030.