Windows 7 Archives

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Microsoft says KB5120998 Windows update resets desktop settings

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting some Windows devices after the installation of the KB5120998 preview update released on August 27, 2026. This issue primarily impacts Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, causing desktop settings, including wallpaper and themes, to reset or be lost, often resulting in a solid black background. Users are unable to manually restore their customized settings due to the issue preventing the correct loading of settings. The KB5120998 update was intended to enhance the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows search but inadvertently introduced complications, including changes to mouse settings that cannot be restored. The update is optional but installs automatically for users with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" feature enabled. A similar bug occurred in February 2020 with the KB4539602 update, which disrupted desktop wallpaper functionality.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Microsoft extended Windows 10, but Nvidia just made the extension meaningless for gamers

Windows 10 will receive support until October 2027 under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, with approximately 30% of PCs still operating on this system. Nvidia will stop releasing Game Ready Drivers for Windows 10 in October 2026, and from November 2026, users will not receive game-related fixes or optimizations. Security updates will remain available until at least October 2029, but the lack of patches for new bugs may affect gaming experiences. HP reports that around 30% of PCs are still running Windows 10, and the company expects these users to transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware. Microsoft acknowledges that the growth of Windows 11 has slowed and is focusing on enhancing its features.

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 95’s taskbar didn’t come from Steve Jobs’ NeXT Dock, and a former Microsoft VP explains what did

The Windows 95 taskbar was not inspired by the NeXT Dock, as clarified by former Microsoft executives Joe Belfiore and Brad Silverberg. Instead, its design was influenced by a Microsoft project called Cairo, which aimed to provide users with easy access to information. The taskbar was created to address usability issues from Windows 3.1, specifically to help users keep track of minimized windows. In 2021, with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a centered taskbar and later allowed it to be repositioned to any edge of the screen, reflecting a commitment to user experience.

Winsage

August 31, 2026

Why Windows stopped including fun games like Minesweeper, Solitaire, and Pinball

Microsoft integrated games into the Windows operating system from its early versions, starting with Reversi in Windows 1.0 in 1985 and introducing Solitaire in Windows 3.0 in 1990. Over the years, various versions of Windows included a range of built-in games, peaking with Windows Vista and Windows 7, which featured titles like Chess Titans and Mahjong Titans. However, with the release of Windows 8, Microsoft removed classic games from the operating system and transitioned to an app-centric model, directing users to the Windows Store for gaming. The Microsoft Solitaire Collection became a single app, while other games were made available as separate downloads. This shift marked a change in how Microsoft approached gaming, moving from integrating games as part of the OS to treating Windows as a platform for independent applications and services.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

MuMu Player 6.0 vs LDPlayer 14 vs BlueStacks: Android Gap

Three Android emulators have emerged: MuMu Player 6.0, LDPlayer 14, and BlueStacks 5.22. - MuMu Player 6.0, released by NetEase on July 7, 2026, is the only mainstream emulator operating on Android 15. - LDPlayer 14 transitioned from beta to full release on June 25, 2026, utilizing Android 14 after previously using Android 9. - BlueStacks 5.22 operates on the Android 9 Pie framework, which it adopted in 2021. MuMu Player is designed for gacha and open-world mobile games, while LDPlayer focuses on lightweight design and multi-instance capabilities. BlueStacks caters to a broad audience with lower system requirements. MuMu Player 6.0 is free on Windows, while its macOS version requires a subscription after a trial. LDPlayer and BlueStacks use a freemium model with optional paid tiers for ad-free experiences. LDPlayer 14 requires 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, while MuMu Player and BlueStacks support older Windows versions. All three emulators support multi-instance functionality, but LDPlayer has specific RAM recommendations for this feature. As of August 2026, there have been no significant reports of bans associated with any of the emulators.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remaster System Requirements – CDPR Drops Windows 7 and Windows 10 Support

CD Projekt RED has announced the story expansion "Songs of the Past" for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and plans for a remaster of the original game. The remaster will be available for purchase on Battle.net due to a partnership with Blizzard. The system requirements for the remaster specify that it will only support Windows 11, with minimum requirements including an Intel Core i5-8400 CPU, GTX 1660 GPU, and 12 GB RAM, while recommended requirements include an Intel Core i7 8700K CPU, RTX 2060 Super GPU, and 16 GB RAM. The remaster is set to release on September 29, 2026, and the expansion is expected in 2027. Modder HalkHogan is collaborating with CD Projekt RED on the remaster.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Windows 8 Remastered concept may make you forget your hate for the controversial OS

Windows 8 Remastered is a new concept by YouTuber AR 4789 that combines modern design with the original Windows 8 interface. It features a desktop experience with Live Tiles and Widgets, a traditional Taskbar with a Start button, and a redesigned lock screen. The File Explorer has been overhauled with Fluent Design principles and larger tiles, while the Charms bar has received cosmetic enhancements. The concept also includes Snap Assist and a redesigned Windows Settings app that retains personalization options from Windows 11. It is designed to work across various devices, catering to both touch-friendly and traditional desktop users.

BetaBeacon

August 26, 2026

LDPlayer 14 vs LDPlayer 9 vs BlueStacks: 21% FPS Gap [2026]

LDPlayer 14 has moved to an Android 14 kernel, allowing newer titles that reject Android 9 installs to run natively. BlueStacks allows users to spin up separate instances running different Android versions, giving flexibility to users. LDPlayer 14 has introduced Eco Mode and an updated LDMultiplayer manager for running multiple accounts in parallel. LDPlayer 9 remains the stable version listed on LDPlayer's homepage and has a mature ecosystem of community macro and script tools. BlueStacks offers multiple Android versions from a single install, catering to users with a game library spanning old and new titles.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows XP turns 25 today, and the nostalgia hits hard

Windows XP celebrates its 25th anniversary today, having been released to manufacturing on August 24, 2001, and to consumers on October 25, 2001. It marked a significant transition for Microsoft by combining consumer and business operating systems onto the Windows NT kernel, moving away from the older Windows 9x-based systems. The operating system was supported until April 8, 2014, nearly 13 years after its launch. Windows XP is noted for its iconic design and has left a lasting impact on personal computing, representing a blend of modernity and nostalgia.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 10 cutoff could push 400 million working PCs toward e-waste heap

Microsoft will end standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 400 million PCs that may not meet the new eligibility criteria for Windows 11, which include TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and modern processors. This could lead to a potential increase of 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste if these devices are discarded. Users may need to invest in new hardware or alternative operating systems, despite their current machines still functioning adequately. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program until October 12, 2027, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which will be supported until January 2032. Users can also consider transitioning to Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older computers.