Windows 11 is introducing dark mode support for various applications and features, including file-operation dialogs and the Hyper-V Manager tool. Recent updates have applied dark mode to several key dialogs within Hyper-V Manager, such as the New Virtual Machine, Export Virtual Machine, Import Virtual Machine, New Virtual Hard Disk, Edit Virtual Hard Disk, and the virtual machine settings page. The Virtual Switch Manager and Virtual SAN Manager also now support dark mode. These features are currently available in Windows Server and Windows 11 preview builds but are not yet in the production channel. Hyper-V Manager allows users to choose between light and dark themes, although switching requires a restart of the application. Microsoft plans to extend dark mode to more legacy areas of Windows and is working on rebuilding certain dialogs using WinUI, with dark mode support already appearing in preview builds for various components.
Valve's game Deadlock, currently in invite-only testing, has reached a peak concurrent player count of 262,145, surpassing Team Fortress 2's previous record of 253,997. This milestone coincided with the release of six new community-chosen heroes. The game's success reflects its popularity in the MOBA genre and highlights Valve's ability to innovate in game development.
Causality Chain is a series at PC Gamer that explores the connections between history, culture, and video games. The concept of area-of-effect spells in video games began to develop in the 1980s, with the Wizardry series introducing spells that could target multiple enemies. Ultima 3 featured a noxum spell that allowed for multiple fireballs aimed at different foes, and by 1985, Ultima 4 included a tremor spell affecting all adversaries on screen. Wizard's Crown, released in 1986, showcased a fireball affecting surrounding enemies, and Ultima 5 added cone-shaped spells in 1988. That same year, SSI acquired the license to create official D&D games, leading to the release of Pool of Radiance, which introduced a true area-of-effect fireball spell that could harm party members.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free was upgraded to version 27.0.62.355 on September 11, 2026, introducing a new Advanced Threat Defense driver that enhances behavioral monitoring capabilities. The free version is designed for Windows only and promises to remain free indefinitely, lacking features found in paid versions such as anti-tracking tools and a full vulnerability scanner. The installation requires Windows 10 or 11, at least 2GB of free disk space, a local administrator account, an active internet connection, and a Bitdefender Central account. Users must remove any existing antivirus software before installation, and the installation process typically takes 60 to 75 minutes. Bitdefender Free covers one Windows device and offers robust malware detection capabilities, particularly with the Advanced Threat Defense layer. It is recommended to schedule regular scans and check the Notification Center for quarantined items. If uninstalled, the dedicated uninstall tool should be used to avoid leftovers that could interfere with future installations.
Windows operating systems include built-in tools for maintaining PCs, allowing users to monitor system health, repair corrupted files, and recover from boot failures with minimal intervention.
Task Scheduler automates maintenance tasks by triggering them based on schedules or events, accessible via the Start menu or taskschd.msc. It can activate tasks at fixed intervals, on startup, during idle periods, or in response to Event Viewer entries. Tasks should run with the highest privileges and can be configured to execute regardless of user sign-in status. The Settings tab allows missed tasks to run as soon as possible.
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility that repairs the component store, essential for installing updates and restoring system files. It offers three inspection levels: CheckHealth, ScanHealth, and RestoreHealth, with the latter requiring an internet connection for downloading replacement files. DISM logs operations in C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log.
SFC (System File Checker) verifies and repairs core operating system files using Windows Resource Protection. The command sfc /scannow checks all protected files, while /verifyonly provides a report without changes. SFC's effectiveness depends on the integrity of the component store, making it essential to run DISM first. Results are logged in C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log.
Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced in Windows 11, addresses boot failures by connecting to the internet to find solutions when repeated boot failures are detected. QMR is enabled by default on unmanaged devices and can continuously check for fixes. It is designed to respond to widespread issues rather than unique problems and may not work effectively on older hardware or without a network connection.
Together, these tools provide a comprehensive approach to system maintenance in Windows 11, ensuring the operating system remains healthy and efficient without additional software.
Neowiz has filed a trademark in the European Union for a project named "Wonders of O," which is likely a sequel to the game Lies of P. The trademark includes categories such as "virtual reality game software." The post-credits scene of Lies of P featured a woman in ruby slippers, suggesting a connection to the Wizard of Oz and a potential boss fight against a Cowardly Lion. Lies of P received a positive reception in 2023, with a rating of 74% from PCG news writer Lincoln Carpenter.
Google has launched Android Auto version 17.7, available through the stable channel. Users can manually install the update by downloading the APK installer. The update includes a new green icon for Android Auto, particularly for Google Pixel 10 Pro XL users, but lacks significant front-facing changes. Previous features, such as a new weather experience with an animated raccoon character, are still in development and not included. A more substantial update is expected by the end of the year, introducing widgets and support for video applications. The complete build for the current update is Android Auto 17.7.6636.
A tree instructs the narrator to deliver a note to the King, despite the absence of a monarch in the current playtest of A Short Quest. The playtest reveals various mysteries, including a pond that offers blueberries for jumping, a hidden note about a glyph cipher, and an encounter with a ghost wizard. Players engage with the environment to discover item functions without a quest log or map, leading to potential unintended consequences. The narrator finds a broken sword that allows parrying and hints at undiscovered uses, while even a simple rock can serve as a defensive tool. The Steam page mentions upcoming tools and companions, such as axes, daggers, and a pet dog. Skill trees for weapons and spells suggest diverse combat strategies, and a bandit advises targeting enemy knees. The developer, Silent Moon, describes the experience as a brief adventure, serving as a precursor to the anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6.