Windows platform Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 12, 2026

NordVPN outpaces competitors in independent tests, with top marks for speed and malware protection

NordVPN received the highest AAA certification from West Coast Labs for its built-in antivirus tool, achieving a 99.1% malware detection rate. Artifact Security recognized NordVPN as the fastest and most reliable VPN provider in a global performance test, where it scored 91 and earned the Platinum award. In testing on the Windows platform, NordVPN recorded an average download speed of 271.9 Mbps and a peak median of 568.4 Mbps, with a tunnel establishment time of 1.8 seconds and a 98% success rate. All tested providers, including NordVPN, passed various leak tests without data escaping the encrypted tunnel.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Modders are working on porting Xbox and PC Game Pass to Linux

Xodus is an open-source project aimed at enabling Linux and macOS users to access Xbox PC and PC Game Pass subscriptions without Windows. Developed by the team behind the Heroic Game Launcher, Xodus builds on existing functionalities to allow gameplay from various platforms. The project has successfully created an Xbox authorization system for users to log in, verify licenses, and identify available Game Pass titles. However, challenges remain in launching games, requiring reverse engineering of Microsoft technologies like the Game Development Kit (GDK) and MSIXVC format. Compatibility issues are anticipated, particularly with older Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games, such as Forza Horizon 3. Additionally, launching games will necessitate the use of Linux technologies like Wine, DXVK, or VKD3D-Proton, complicating full compatibility with the Game Pass catalog.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xbox PC and Game Pass titles are coming to Linux through ‘Xodus’ — Heroic Launcher devs embark on new open-source reverse-engineering project

Xbox PC games face challenges on Linux due to Microsoft's proprietary Game Development Kit (GDK), affecting performance and Game Pass functionality. An open-source initiative called "Xodus," developed by the creators of Heroic Launcher, aims to reverse engineer components for Xbox PC games to run on Linux, focusing on modern titles using GDK and MSIXVC packages, but not older UWP games. Microsoft has recently brought four original Xbox titles to PC and may release Xbox 360 titles next year with an emulator, though it is unclear if they will use the GDK framework.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows is a drop in Microsoft’s ocean, no wonder it’s been ignored while Azure and LinkedIn eat the profit

Microsoft's fiscal year results for FY26 showed a 16% increase in stock price, adding nearly half a trillion dollars to its market value. The "More Personal Computing" segment reported billion in revenue with an operating income of .4 billion, reflecting a slight decline in revenue but an increase in operating income. Analysts estimate that Windows client revenue is just over 5% of Microsoft's total revenue, approximately billion for FY26, with an estimated income of around billion. The overall margin for the More Personal Computing category is about 27%. Azure has crossed the 0 billion revenue threshold, making it the largest product category within Microsoft. LinkedIn contributes an estimated billion to billion in income. Microsoft may prioritize investments in emerging technologies over Windows due to higher profits from other segments.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux

Project Xodus is an open-source initiative focused on reverse-engineering Xbox PC and Game Pass titles to enable their use on Linux and Mac systems. The project has made significant progress in Microsoft authentication and package decryption, allowing Linux users to download and process Xbox subscription games locally. The team has successfully reverse-engineered Microsoft’s identity services and license verification systems, unlocking encrypted MSIXVC game files and enabling the verification of game licenses and decryption of installation packages on non-Windows operating systems. Xodus serves as a translation bridge for Microsoft’s proprietary ecosystem services, providing custom proxy libraries for games to function as if they are running in a native Windows environment. It specifically targets modern games built on Microsoft’s GDK framework, excluding older titles using the Universal Windows Platform and those dependent on kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms. The project aims to improve access to Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck by facilitating direct local hardware execution, reducing reliance on cloud streaming and enhancing portable gaming experiences. Community feedback has been positive, with developers actively sharing updates and engaging with inquiries.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

Microsoft is updating even more parts of the Windows 11 UI with modern designs: Here’s what’s next on the list of overhauls

Windows has faced user dissatisfaction due to inconsistent user interface designs since Windows 8, which worsened with Windows 10. Windows 11, launched in 2021, introduced a consistent design language through the WinUI framework, modernizing various UI components and replacing older elements. Enhancements included a more consistent dark mode and updates to features like volume controls and context menus. Microsoft is revamping the File Properties dialog and the Start menu for improved speed and responsiveness while optimizing resource consumption. Context menus are also being redesigned for better customization and quicker access. Ongoing efforts aim to modernize legacy components of the OS, with a focus on performance and reduced memory usage.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Here’s when Windows 11 26H2 will roll out, and what’s actually new on existing PCs

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to be released in October 2026 as an enablement package, primarily serving as a servicing update to enhance stability for enterprise users rather than introducing significant new features. The support for Windows 11 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026, while 25H2 will be supported until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 26H2 will integrate into the existing servicing model of 24H2 and 25H2, allowing users to upgrade quickly with a small update size of 174KB. The system requirements for 26H2 will remain the same as its predecessors. New features include the rebranding of Windows Backup to "Windows settings backup and restore," which will automatically back up user settings and select personal files to the cloud by default. Another feature, Point-in-time restore, will be enabled by default for 26H2 users, allowing the creation of system restore points. This update aims to provide a consistent user experience and enhance business continuity without being a full operating system upgrade.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

How Valve’s desperation to escape Windows 8 turned it into a Linux powerhouse

In 2012, Valve's CEO Gabe Newell expressed concerns about Microsoft's control over the PC market due to Windows 8, prompting the company to explore Linux and develop SteamOS. Valve addressed the "chicken and egg" issue of game compatibility on Linux by introducing Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Windows games to run on Linux without separate versions. The company also began contributing to the Linux ecosystem by upstreaming improvements in graphical rendering and developing the RADV open-source Vulkan driver for AMD GPUs. Valve has made SteamOS available for free download and installation on personal computers, aiming to compete with Windows in the gaming sector and promote broader Linux adoption. As a result, Valve has become a significant player in the Linux landscape, enhancing the gaming experience and benefiting the open-source community.

Tech Optimizer

July 24, 2026

Microsoft steps in after LG monitors were found auto-installing apps with McAfee ads

McAfee's reputation has declined from being a trusted antivirus software during the MS-DOS era to facing user backlash against its advertising practices. The advertising partnership between LG and McAfee has ended following Microsoft's intervention, which prompted LG to remove McAfee promotions from its Windows Store app. This controversy arose when users reported that the "LG Monitor App Installer," automatically installed with new LG monitors, displayed McAfee promotions. Microsoft and LG aim to enhance the Windows ecosystem and improve customer software experiences. Several LG monitor models were identified as having inadvertently installed the app. The automatic installation feature used by LG is also employed by other companies, indicating a trend in the industry that raises concerns about user experience and promotional strategies.