XP Archives

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Microsoft finally bids farewell to PowerShell 2.0

Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of PowerShell 2.0, as confirmed through a recent update from the Windows Insider program. PowerShell 2.0, which debuted with Windows 7 and was included in several other versions, has been deprecated since 2017 but remained available for backward compatibility. Most current Insider Preview builds of Windows 11 have removed PowerShell 2.0, and it has also been deprecated for Windows Server. Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for its removal from the server operating system.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

Just days after joining Game Pass, the Xbox PC edition of Call of Duty: WW2 is taken offline for “an issue”

The PC version of Call of Duty: WWII has been taken offline due to security concerns related to remote code execution (RCE) hacks that allow unauthorized code execution on players' PCs. This issue has led to fears of malware installation and data breaches. The game's removal from online access has caused frustration among players, who criticize the lack of transparency from the Call of Duty team regarding the vulnerabilities. While the game is still available for installation on Xbox PC and the Microsoft Store, it is currently not accessible online. The Xbox version remains available, and concerns persist about the potential for similar vulnerabilities in other older titles.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Windows 11 adoption spikes despite Microsoft’s free ways to stay on Windows 10

Microsoft's Windows 11 has been available for nearly four years and features a modern interface but lacks some popular features from Windows 10, such as taskbar repositioning. Security updates for Windows 10 will end on October 15, 2025, prompting users to either upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a fee. Recent data from StatCounter shows that in the US, Canada, and the UK, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in market share, although globally, Windows 11 holds 47.98% compared to Windows 10's 48.76%. From March to May, market shares were stable, but in June, Windows 11's adoption increased by over four percentage points while Windows 10's declined. Windows 7 is the third most used version of Windows with a 2.19% share, followed by Windows XP at 0.43%, and Windows 8 and 8.1 at 0.31% and 0.28%, respectively. StatCounter's data comes from over 1.5 billion sites globally, providing insights into operating system trends.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

The popularity of Windows 10 has plummeted

As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share has decreased to 48.9 percent from 53.2 percent the previous month, while Windows 11's share has increased from 43.2 percent to 48 percent. Earlier versions like Windows 7, XP, and 8 have significantly lower shares at 2 percent, 0.4 percent, and 0.3 percent, respectively. In Russia, Windows 10's market share slightly decreased from 74.8 percent to 74.6 percent, with Windows 11 at 19.6 percent. The decline in Windows 10's market share is attributed to the upcoming end of support in October 2025, prompting users to switch to Windows 11. Tom's Guide suggests using the Windows Backup feature for continued updates on Windows 10 after support ends.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Demonic sci-fi RPG Illusion City is one of those timeless pixel art games that still looks incredible in GIF form 34 years later

Pasokon Retro highlights the significance of Illusion City, a 1991 RPG developed by Micro Cabin for multiple platforms including PC-98 and MSX Turbo R. The game features a narrative set in a world of shady corporations and demons, blending magic with technology. Players engage in turn-based battles while navigating a well-crafted story that emphasizes visual detail and character expression. The protagonist, Tian Ren, is introduced through a dynamic animation, and the game showcases vibrant environments and intricate animations during combat. Illusion City is noted for its rich storytelling and immersive atmosphere, remaining influential in the realm of retro gaming.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Tested: Is reinstalling Windows to boost performance a modern PC myth?

Will Smith's investigation found that a fresh installation of Windows 11 is not essential for optimal performance. He compared his customized setup with a clean installation and observed almost no performance difference, with only a 3 percent difference in single-core tasks and slight variations in multi-threaded applications. In some cases, the older setup performed better, such as Adobe Premiere running 8 percent faster. Gaming performance showed mixed results, with slight advantages for the older setup in certain scenarios, although some games did perform better on a fresh installation. Overall, unless a computer has excessive startup programs and unwanted software, a Windows refresh may not provide significant performance improvements as it once did.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Rainbow Six Siege X director says free currency gain has been ‘buffed’ after complaints: ‘The goal wasn’t to make it a harder grind for players’

Ubisoft is implementing changes to the Renown currency in Rainbow Six Siege X in response to player feedback about reduced Renown rewards, especially after match losses. This decline in rewards has raised concerns among veteran players regarding a potential shift towards monetization in the game's free-to-play model. Renown is crucial for unlocking new operators and acquiring skins without additional costs. Ubisoft's Karpazis acknowledged the community's concerns and stated that they are analyzing data to ensure XP boosters remain effective. Players can expect further adjustments as the developers listen to feedback. Siege X features a new 6v6 mode called Dual Front, which allows for respawns and combines attackers and defenders on the same team.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Rainbow Six Siege X director says free currency gain has been ‘buffed’ after complaints: ‘The goal wasn’t to make it a harder grind for players’

Ubisoft is responding to player feedback about changes in Renown currency in Rainbow Six Siege X, which has seen diminished payouts, particularly after match losses. This change coincided with the game's transition to a free-to-play model. The introduction of a new cosmetic bundle available only with premium R6 Credits has raised concerns about increased monetization. Ubisoft is also aware that XP boosters have become less effective under the new progression system and is evaluating player feedback on this issue. Siege X is an evolution of the existing game, featuring a new 6v6 mode called Dual Front that allows for respawns and includes both attackers and defenders on the same team.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Before Windows 10 goes EOL, I’m testing three alternative Linux distros to save my 6-year-old laptop from the landfill

The CachyOS installer offers an aesthetically pleasing yet somewhat confusing installation experience, particularly regarding the Bootloader selection, where the default is Systemd-boot instead of the more familiar Grub. Additionally, the additional package installer lacks sufficient context, which may confuse users. The installation process has become more streamlined compared to the past, where users had to deal with multiple ISO images and CDs. Now, one can easily create a Live USB using software like Rufus, Raspberry Pi Imager, or Balena Etcher. A Live USB allows users to test the operating system before installation and serves various purposes such as troubleshooting and data recovery. The author is installing CachyOS on a Lenovo X390 laptop with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-8265U.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

FBC: Firebreak patch aims to improve the game’s early hours, which ‘do not provide a good experience,’ Remedy admits

Remedy has acknowledged that FBC: Firebreak did not meet expectations but believes many issues are fixable. A recent patch introduces balance changes to improve gameplay, including making Lost Assets easier to locate and allowing new players to start at Clearance Level 3 for the introductory job, Hot Fix. The patch also includes significant overhauls to core systems, enhancing progression and rewards, with recalibrated unlockable costs and streamlined gear progression. New players can now begin at Clearance Level 3 for the first Job, and must complete a full three-zone run at CL3 to unlock subsequent Jobs. The Operational Requisition has been divided into two categories: Essentials and Expressions, allowing players to access essential gear without unlocking unrelated items. Balancing changes include reduced construction times for certain items, increased health for enemies, and improved accessibility for the Stapler Corrupted Item. Audio issues have been addressed, including missing sound effects and music transition problems. User interface corrections include XP level indicators and crash issues in the Loadout menu. Gameplay improvements involve enhanced haptic feedback and visibility for Lost Assets. Visual enhancements include performance improvements and updates to environmental elements.