Windows Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Xbox Backward Compatibility Is Finally Bringing Original Xbox Games to PC

Xbox has announced the early release of backward compatibility for original Xbox games on PC, allowing players to purchase and enjoy four classic titles: Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available via the Xbox PC app and included in all Xbox Game Pass plans. Players who own digital copies on Xbox can transfer their licenses to PC without repurchasing. The games can be installed locally, and Xbox is enhancing them with PC-specific improvements, including up to 4x resolution upscaling and customizable settings. Achievements for these titles will be introduced later this year.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC

Microsoft is reviving classic Xbox titles for PC gamers through an initiative called "Xbox Backwards Compatibility on PC." The initial rollout includes four games: Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Fusion Frenzy, all designed to run natively on Windows PCs. Crimson Skies is priced at ten dollars but is currently available only for streaming via Game Pass. Accessing these titles requires the latest version of the Xbox Insider build, leading to some user difficulties. Despite this nostalgic initiative, Xbox faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness against rivals like PlayStation and Valve's Steam, compounded by recent layoffs within its development teams.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Xbox Is Bringing Backward Compatible Games To Your Windows PC

Microsoft has announced the early release of its Xbox backward compatibility program for Windows PCs and portable handhelds, allowing players to access four classic Xbox games: "Fuzion Frenzy," "Blinx: The Time Sweeper," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge," and "Conker: Live and Reloaded." These games can be purchased individually or accessed through Xbox Game Pass. The program will support Xbox achievements, which will be activated later this year, and offer customizable graphics settings. Minimum system requirements for PCs include Windows 11, updated drivers, 8GB of RAM, a minimum 4 Core CPU, and a compatible GPU.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Xbox brings back compat to Windows: Microsoft pledges 4 games on PC for the first time, soon with achievements

Xbox Vice President Jason Ronald announced plans to expand the Xbox backward compatibility program to include PC, allowing Xbox games to run on Windows for the first time. This initiative involves new emulation technology and aims to enhance game preservation and accessibility. Currently, the program supports four games, with potential for future expansion. Xbox is also investing in dual-platform license entitlements through Xbox Play Anywhere to facilitate a seamless experience between console and PC users.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Microsoft is Modernizing Decades-Old Properties Window in File Explorer

Microsoft is updating the File Properties window in Windows 11's File Explorer to use the WinUI 3 framework, aiming to improve design consistency across the operating system. This change addresses longstanding user interface inconsistencies caused by a mix of legacy frameworks, including elements from Windows 7. The transition to a desktop-only WinUI 3 framework is intended to reduce application latency and enhance the user experience. All desktop elements are expected to operate on the WinUI 3 framework for the first time since Windows 11's launch in late 2021. Additionally, the classic Win32 Control Panel is being gradually integrated into the modern Settings app, with careful consideration to avoid disruptions.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

This $10 Windows upgrade could save you from buying a new laptop

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, valid until July 26. It is designed to enhance older PCs with features like a user-friendly interface, advanced search capabilities, innovative snap layouts for multitasking, and integration of Microsoft's AI-powered assistant, Copilot. The operating system also provides seamless access to Microsoft Teams and enhanced security measures, including biometric logins and encrypted authentication.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Redmond’s reaper cometh: October 2026 set to bury a graveyard of Microsoft products

October 2026 will see the end of support for several Microsoft products, including Office LTSC 2021, which requires organizations to transition to LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365 for continued support. Windows Server 2022 will exit mainstream support on October 13, 2026, while Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will also reach their end of life on the same date. The enterprise and education versions of Windows 11 23H2 will be supported until November 10, 2026. Publisher 2021 will be discontinued without a successor. Additionally, Entra ID Sign-In risk policies will be phased out on October 1, 2026, necessitating a transition to Conditional Access to maintain user and sign-in risk protection. SQL Server 2017 is scheduled for retirement in October 2027.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Still on Windows 10? You’re carrying 3x the security risk of Windows 11

A study by Lansweeper found that Windows 10 PCs have an average of 1,903 active security vulnerabilities, while Windows 11 systems have only 652 vulnerabilities. As of June 2026, nearly 20% of Windows PCs in the U.S. are still using Windows 10, despite Microsoft ceasing regular updates for it. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates until October 12, 2027. Security experts have urged users to upgrade to Windows 11 due to increasing vulnerabilities in Windows 10, while some data privacy experts recommend staying with Windows 10 for as long as possible.

Winsage

July 22, 2026

You can stop LG monitors that are reportedly installing bloatware on your Windows 11 PC, but the fix shouldn’t require this much effort

LG monitors are reportedly installing unwanted software, specifically McAfee bloatware, on Windows 11 systems without user consent when connected. This issue has been highlighted by Windows Latest, and the changelog of LG's monitor app on the Microsoft Store confirms the installation. A complex workaround exists for users to remove the software.

Tech Optimizer

July 22, 2026

Advanced SystemCare 19 Cleaned 3GB Hidden Junk From My PC

The user experienced a slow computer with prolonged startup times and storage shortages despite manual cleanup efforts, including emptying the Recycle Bin and using Windows Disk Cleanup. A deeper system scan revealed hidden junk files such as temporary files, browser cache, and outdated logs. The user then utilized Advanced SystemCare 19 Free, which effectively identified and removed 3GB of junk files, resulting in improved startup speed, program launch times, and overall performance. Advanced SystemCare also includes features like a registry cleaner, large file finder, disk cleaner, and app/extension cleaner, and it serves as a comprehensive system optimization suite with tools for enhancing boot time and protecting privacy. The software does not delete files automatically and should be used alongside antivirus software for complete protection.