Vaults Archives

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Your BitLocker-secured Windows PC isn’t so secure after all – unless you do this

Microsoft's BitLocker encrypts personal files on Windows hard drives to protect against unauthorized access in case of loss or theft. The BitLocker recovery key is essential for decrypting data, but Microsoft has confirmed it will comply with valid legal requests for access to these keys if they are stored in the cloud. This was highlighted during an FBI investigation in Guam, where Microsoft provided recovery keys related to a COVID unemployment fraud case. Microsoft receives about 20 requests for BitLocker keys annually, but many cannot be fulfilled if users do not store their keys in the cloud. The Guam case is the first known instance of Microsoft providing encryption keys to law enforcement, contrasting with a previous request from the FBI in 2013 that was declined. Users can choose to store their keys locally or in Microsoft's cloud, but storing them in the cloud carries risks of unauthorized access. For optimal security, it is recommended to save the recovery key on a USB stick or external drive, encrypting the file if necessary, and avoiding cloud storage. Users should check their BitLocker settings in Windows 11 or 10 to manage their recovery keys and consider removing any keys stored in the cloud.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Bethesda remembers its free-to-play Fallout game exists on Steam, tosses in “years of content” and a Prime show season pass

Fallout Shelter, a free-to-play base builder launched on PC in 2017, has received its largest update yet, introducing a new season pass system. This update includes content previously exclusive to the mobile version, such as new questlines, characters, weapons, and themes. The first season pass, titled 'Viva New Vegas,' features limited-time 'experimental vaults,' familiar characters, outfits, and rewards to enhance vault dwellers' morale. Players can also engage in the 'Power Struggle' questline with eight missions and new characters. The update celebrates the 25th anniversary of Fallout with a six-quest chain 'Searching in the Dark' and introduces new vault dwellers and adversaries. The base season pass is priced at £10, with additional premium content available for another £10. The update is now live on Steam, allowing players to enjoy the game for free.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Syncthing Android App Ends in 2024: Community Forks Tackle Google Hurdles

Syncthing, an open-source file synchronization tool, faced discontinuation of its official Android app in late 2024 due to Google's strict Play Store policies and lack of maintenance. In response, the community developed the Syncthing-Fork as an alternative, which integrates the core Syncthing engine and offers enhancements for Android users. The fork's development is now maintained under the researchxxl/syncthing-android repository on GitHub, addressing issues like file synchronization problems caused by Android's battery optimization features. Users have reported sync failures during device sleep, prompting discussions on workarounds. The fork has received positive feedback for its regular updates and compatibility with other tools, although challenges remain, such as intermittent issues with larger file transfers. Community involvement has been crucial for ongoing development, with contributors exploring new features and improvements. The fork is also available on F-Droid, providing an open-source distribution option.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

The Spy in Your Pocket: How Ordinary Android Apps Are Turning Into Dangerous Spyware

Numerous commonly used Android applications, often appearing harmless, can contain malicious code that functions as spyware. These applications, which include phone cleaners, file managers, and wallpaper apps, can record screens, capture keystrokes, access microphones and cameras without consent, and transmit data to unknown servers. Uninstalling these apps may not eliminate the threat, as they can remain hidden. Users often grant unnecessary permissions to these apps, inadvertently allowing cybercriminals access to personal data. Recent cybersecurity assessments indicate a rise in mobile malware attacks, particularly in India, where weak enforcement and low awareness contribute to the problem. Spyware can drain device resources, leading to rapid battery depletion and lagging performance. Additionally, these apps can steal personal information, enabling identity theft and ongoing repercussions. Trusting apps solely based on their presence in the Play Store is a misconception, as modern spyware can bypass initial checks. To stay safe, users should verify developers, decline unnecessary permissions, conduct security scans, avoid third-party APKs, and keep their devices updated.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Walmart MoneyCard® For Android

Walmart has launched a revamped MoneyCard app developed by Green Dot, featuring a user-friendly interface and various benefits for users. Key benefits include early paydays through direct deposit, cash back rewards on Walmart purchases, overdraft protection for eligible users, no monthly fees with qualifying direct deposits, and the ability to earn interest on savings in multiple vaults. The card can be used anywhere Debit MasterCard or Visa debit cards are accepted, with no minimum balance requirements or credit checks needed. Funding options include direct deposit, linking a bank account, cash reloads at Walmart, and mobile check deposits. Users must be at least 18 years old and complete identity verification to activate the card. ATM access is available with potential additional fees. The Walmart MoneyCard is issued by Green Dot Bank, a member of the FDIC.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Best Arc Raiders builds

In Arc Raiders, player encounters can be critical for survival, and skill mastery is essential for success. The game features a skill tree divided into three categories: Conditioning, Mobility, and Survival, each enhancing different gameplay aspects. Conditioning Skills: - Used To The Weight: Wearing a shield has less impact on speed. - Blast-Born: Hearing is less affected by explosions. - Fight Or Flight: Regain stamina when injured in combat. - Survivor's Stamina: Faster stamina regeneration when critically hurt. - Downed But Determined: Delays collapse when downed. - Turtle Crawl: Reduced damage taken while downed. - Back On Your Feet: Health regeneration kicks in when critically hurt. - Gentle Pressure: Quieter breaching. - Proficient Pryer: Quicker breaching of doors and containers. - Unburdened Roll: First dodge roll after shield break costs no stamina. - A Little Extra: Breaching generates additional resources. - Loaded Arms: Weapon's weight has less impact on encumbrance. - Effortless Swing: Melee abilities consume less stamina. - Sky-Clearing Swing: Increased melee damage to drones. - Flyswatter: One melee attack can destroy wasps and turrets. Mobility Skills: - Nimble Climber: Enhanced climbing and vaulting speed. - Marathon Runner: Reduced stamina cost for movement. - Youthful Lungs: Increases maximum stamina. - Carry The Momentum: Sprinting after a dodge roll costs no stamina briefly. - Effortless Roll: Dodge rolls require less stamina. - Heroic Leap: Further sprint dodge rolls. - Vaults On Vaults On Vaults: Vaulting no longer consumes stamina. - Crawl Before You Walk: Increased crawling speed when downed. - Vigorous Vaulter: Vaulting is unaffected by exhaustion. - Vault Spring: Jump at the end of a vault. - Slip And Slide: Enhanced sliding distance and speed. - Sturdy Ankles: Reduced fall damage from non-lethal heights. - Calming Stroll: Stamina regenerates while walking as if standing still. - Off The Wall: Increased distance for wall leaps. - Ready To Roll: Extended timing window for recovery rolls when falling. Survival Skills: - Agile Croucher: Increased movement speed while crouching. - Revitalizing Squat: Enhanced stamina regeneration while crouched. - In-Round Crafting: Ability to craft items while topside. - Good As New: Increased stamina regeneration while under healing effects. - Stubborn Mule: Stamina regeneration is less impacted by over-encumbrance. - Three Deep Breaths: Faster recovery after stamina-draining abilities. - Minesweeper: Defuse nearby mines and explosive deployables. - Looter's Instincts: Faster loot reveal when searching containers. - Silent Scavenger: Quieter looting. - Suffer In Silence: Reduced noise while moving when critically hurt. - Broad Shoulders: Increased maximum carry weight. - Traveling Tinkerer: Unlocks additional field crafting options. - One Raider's Scraps: Chance to find extra field-crafted items when looting. - Looter's Luck: Potential to reveal double the items while looting. - Security Breach: Ability to breach security lockers. Effective Builds: 1. Perpetual Motion: Focuses on speed and agility with key skills like Used To The Weight and Marathon Runner. 2. Pack Horse: Maximizes inventory capacity with skills such as Broad Shoulders and Looter's Luck. 3. Gunslinger: Emphasizes close-quarters combat with skills like Fight Or Flight and Minesweeper.

AppWizard

September 20, 2025

New FPS Roguelike Galactic Vault Announced For PC

MeepMeep Games has announced a new fast-paced FPS roguelite game called Galactic Vault, where players assume the role of a former special operations operative infiltrating high-security tech vaults to steal advanced technology. The game features procedurally generated levels with various enemies and bosses, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Players can customize their loadouts as they progress, unlocking new upgrades and crafting powerful weapons. Death in the game leads to progression, allowing players to learn new abilities and advance to more secure vaults. A demo is planned for release, but no specific date has been announced.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Hollow Knight Silksong Twisted Bud location and how to use

The Silksong Twisted Bud is an item in the game Hollow Knight: Silksong that is essential for unlocking one of the game's endings. It can be found in Bilewater, northwest of the Bellway, with the most efficient route being through the Whispering Vaults. Players must navigate through a hidden area, defeat enemies, and break through vines to obtain it. To use the Twisted Bud, players must present it to Greyroot in Shellwood after completing the Rite of the Pollip and collecting Silksong Pollip Hearts. This will unlock the Rite of Rebirth wish, which curses Hornet and affects gameplay. Players can choose to continue with the curse or seek to cleanse it, impacting the ending they achieve. It is recommended to acquire the Twisted Bud later in the playthrough to avoid frustration during Act 3.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

All Hollow Knight Silksong Pale Oil locations

Hornet can find Pale Oil in three locations in Silksong. 1. Whispering Vaults: The first Pale Oil is located in the Cogwork Core, accessible after defeating the Cogwork Dancers. Players must navigate through the Cogwork Core to reach the Whispering Vaults, where they can solve a box puzzle to obtain the oil. 2. Choral Chambers: The second Pale Oil is obtained from Loyal Mergwin in the Choral Chambers after completing the wish "The Great Taste of Pharloom." This involves several tasks, including retrieving items from various locations and delivering them to Mergwin. 3. Putrified Ducts: The third Pale Oil is acquired after completing the wishes "Lost Fleas" and "Ecstasy of the End" during Act 3. Players must participate in the Flea Festival and excel in three minigames to break a piñata that contains the Pale Oil. Players can exchange the collected Pale Oil with Pinmaster Plinney for upgrades that enhance weapon damage.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

The Rogue Prince of Persia review

Players are introduced to a roguelite experience in "The Rogue Prince of Persia," developed by Evil Empire and published by Ubisoft, priced at £25. The game features essential abilities like dashing and special attacks from the start, and includes a magical pendant that allows the Prince to resurrect upon death. Players navigate battles against an invading army, facing challenges from formidable bosses. After each defeat, players return to an oasis to interact with characters rescued from the Huns, although the dialogue can be repetitive. The game excels in action sequences, offering dynamic moves and fluid combat with unique weapon special attacks. Movement mechanics allow chaining of wall runs, jumps, and dashes. The soundtrack combines Persian trap and Middle-Eastern folk instruments, enhancing gameplay. While some medallions may not align well with available weapons during runs, the core mechanics remain engaging. The franchise continues to emphasize fluidity in movement and combat.