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Windows App forgets how to log in with first security update of the year
Winsage
January 15, 2026

Windows App forgets how to log in with first security update of the year

Microsoft's January security update, released on January 13, 2026, has caused connection and authentication failures for users of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, particularly affecting those using the Windows App. The update has resulted in credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections across all supported Windows versions, from Enterprise LTSC 2016 to Windows 11 25H2, as well as Windows Servers from 2019 to 2025. Microsoft is investigating the issue and plans to release an out-of-band update soon. Users have been advised to either uninstall the update or use the Remote Desktop Client or the Windows App web client as workarounds. Reports indicate persistent issues, including an "Unable to Authenticate" error when attempting to connect via the Windows App. Microsoft has also made a Known Issue Rollback available to address these credential problems.
2026 Shift: Professionals Ditch Windows 11 for Linux’s Speed and Savings
Winsage
January 12, 2026

2026 Shift: Professionals Ditch Windows 11 for Linux’s Speed and Savings

Professionals are increasingly moving away from Windows 11 to various Linux distributions due to dissatisfaction with performance issues and intrusive features in Windows. A 2025 analysis showed Linux distributions outperforming Windows by an average of 19.5% in everyday tasks. Performance tests indicated that SteamOS, a Linux-based platform, often matched or exceeded Windows 11 in gaming performance. Linux's lightweight nature and superior system administration tools appeal to those managing servers and virtual environments. Security concerns regarding Windows 11, including privacy issues and forced updates, have led users to prefer Linux's open-source model, which allows for greater transparency and customization. Economic factors also play a role, as Linux is free and open-source, eliminating licensing fees associated with Windows 11. User-friendly distributions like Linux Mint facilitate the transition for new users, and community support helps address common challenges. Large organizations are increasingly adopting Linux for its stability and responsiveness, while the Linux community fosters rapid improvements and adaptability. User feedback highlights privacy, performance, and customizability as key benefits of switching to Linux.
Repurposing an 'Obsolete' Windows 10 Laptop into a Thin Client, Part 1 -- Virtualization Review
Winsage
December 12, 2025

Repurposing an ‘Obsolete’ Windows 10 Laptop into a Thin Client, Part 1 — Virtualization Review

42% of desktop systems were still operating on Windows 10 as of mid-October 2025, leaving millions of devices unsupported and vulnerable to security risks. Organizations are considering either investing in new Windows 11 devices or repurposing old PCs into thin clients. The RepurpOS thin-client operating system can revitalize aging hardware, such as the Dell E7440 laptop, which is available for around 0 on platforms like eBay. RepurpOS requires modest hardware specifications: an Intel or AMD x86 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 4 GB of persistent storage. It is offered through a subscription model that is more affordable than Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates for Windows 10. The installation process for RepurpOS is straightforward, and it supports various remote desktop protocols, including Citrix, Horizon, and AWS. Testing with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) shows that modern implementations provide fast and secure remote access with features like Adaptive Graphics and GPU-accelerated rendering.
Microsoft fixes Windows Explorer white flashes in dark mode
Winsage
December 11, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows Explorer white flashes in dark mode

Microsoft resolved an issue in Windows 11 where users experienced bright white flashes when launching File Explorer in dark mode after installing the KB5070311 update. This glitch affected various actions within the application. The KB5072033 cumulative update fixed this issue, improving the experience in File Explorer. Additionally, the KB5072033 update addressed network connectivity loss on virtual machines and introduced enhancements to Windows PowerShell, including warnings for potentially harmful scripts. Microsoft also acknowledged a bug affecting system components like File Explorer and the Start Menu during the provisioning of Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices. Furthermore, Microsoft is testing a feature to preload File Explorer in the background to enhance performance.
Google is making playing PC games on Android XR as easy as opening an app
AppWizard
December 8, 2025

Google is making playing PC games on Android XR as easy as opening an app

Google has introduced PC Connect, a feature that allows users to stream their computer's display to the Android XR headset, facilitating seamless connectivity between multiple computers. This feature enhances user experience by simplifying access to media and applications directly through the headset. Users can launch the PC Connect app from the XR headset, enabling easy access to PC-hosted games and applications. Additionally, users can utilize Google's AI assistant, Gemini, while interacting with PC content, as it can observe the PC display and respond to queries. Beta access to PC Connect has begun for Galaxy XR headset owners.
Top Malware Sandboxes in 2025: Essential Tools for Security Analysts
Tech Optimizer
November 9, 2025

Top Malware Sandboxes in 2025: Essential Tools for Security Analysts

Malware sandboxes have become essential tools in cybersecurity as they allow for the safe testing of suspicious files, revealing hidden threats that traditional antivirus software may miss. Unlike traditional antivirus, which primarily identifies known viruses, sandboxes enable the execution of potentially harmful files in a controlled environment to analyze their behavior. Prominent malware sandbox tools in 2025 include ANY.RUN, Cuckoo Sandbox, Joe Sandbox, Hybrid Analysis, and VMRay, recognized for their effectiveness in threat analysis and mitigation. The integration of artificial intelligence into these sandboxes enhances threat detection by automatically identifying suspicious actions and generating comprehensive risk reports. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards cloud-based sandboxes, which provide advantages such as managing large data volumes, scalability for larger enterprises, and faster malware testing through automation.
Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass
AppWizard
October 24, 2025

Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass

Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.
Google Pixel 10 Debuts GPU-Accelerated Linux Apps in Android Terminal
AppWizard
October 21, 2025

Google Pixel 10 Debuts GPU-Accelerated Linux Apps in Android Terminal

Google has introduced a feature in its Pixel 10 smartphone that allows Linux applications to run efficiently on the Android platform, utilizing GPU-accelerated rendering within Android’s Terminal app for near-native performance. This capability, part of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 update, is exclusive to the Pixel 10 and is made possible by the integration of the Gfxstream library. The Pixel 10's Tensor G5 processor and PowerVR GPU facilitate this advancement, which enhances app performance and expands Android's utility for professional workflows. However, challenges such as compatibility issues and the need for further optimization remain. There is speculation about whether this feature will be available on older Pixel models or non-Google devices, depending on collaborations with chipmakers like Qualcomm. The advancement could accelerate the convergence of mobile and desktop operating systems, particularly benefiting developers in fields like AI and machine learning. Despite ongoing GPU-related issues in gaming, the integration of GPU acceleration may lead to more ambitious applications in the future.
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