accounts Archives

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Microsoft VP Signals Windows 11 Forced Account Requirement Could Be Removed

Scott Hanselman, Vice President at Microsoft, discussed the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for setting up Windows 11, which applies to both Home and Pro editions. This requirement was introduced with the 22H2 update in 2023 and has faced criticism as it prevents the creation of local accounts without an internet connection. There are unofficial workarounds to bypass this requirement, but they are not officially supported by Microsoft. Internal debates at Microsoft exist regarding the necessity of this account requirement, with some advocating for its removal while others support its continuation. No definitive timeline or commitment for changes to the account requirement has been provided by Hanselman or Microsoft.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 now supports display refresh rates up to 5,000Hz after its latest update — Here’s why that matters for everyone, not just gamers

On March 26, Microsoft released a non-security preview update for Windows 11, known as KB5079391, which included display enhancements such as support for refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz, improved auto-rotation, HDR reliability, and increased power efficiency for USB4-connected monitors in sleep mode. However, the update was retracted on March 27 due to installation issues. The update aims to support refresh rates up to 5,000 Hz, aligning with trends in hardware development, including reports of 2,000 Hz displays expected by 2030. Additionally, the update introduced "rich image descriptions" for Copilot and Copilot+ PCs using the Narrator feature and improved the design of dialog boxes in the Accounts settings menu. It is applicable to Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1.

Winsage

March 29, 2026

Windows 11’s push for mandatory Microsoft accounts is hitting a nerve with users who say the change complicates setup, privacy, and basic PC ownership

Microsoft is addressing performance, reliability, and user experience issues in Windows 11, following criticism over features like the intrusive Copilot, advertisements, inconsistent updates, and sluggishness. The recent Windows 11 version 22H2 update requires Home and Pro users to sign in with a Microsoft account, which has faced backlash. Scott Hanselman, Microsoft’s Vice President, hinted at the possibility of removing this requirement. A poll conducted by Windows Central revealed that 55% of respondents prefer a local account option, 35% want both account options available, while only 7% would continue using a Microsoft account if a local option were offered, and 3% were indifferent to the requirement.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

I ditched Google Drive and Photos for this privacy-focused app, and I couldn’t be happier

Rita El Khoury is transitioning from Google Drive to Proton Drive due to privacy concerns. A poll indicated that 62% of respondents would consider moving away from Google Drive for security reasons. El Khoury values Proton Drive's end-to-end encryption, which ensures only users can access their files, unlike Google Drive, which lacks this feature. She appreciates Proton Drive's unified interface and minimalist design in Proton Docs, but notes its limitations, such as fewer convenience features and only 5GB of free storage compared to Google Drive's 15GB. The choice between the two services depends on individual priorities regarding privacy and features.

Tech Optimizer

March 27, 2026

Bogus Avast website fakes virus scan, installs Venom Stealer instead

A deceptive website impersonating Avast antivirus tricks users into downloading Venom Stealer malware, which steals passwords, session cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet information. The site conducts a fake virus scan, falsely reporting threats to encourage users to download a malicious file named Avastsystemcleaner.exe. This file mimics legitimate software and operates stealthily, targeting web browsers to harvest credentials and session cookies. It also captures screenshots and sends stolen data to the command-and-control domain app-metrics-cdn[.]com via unencrypted HTTP. The malware employs evasion techniques to avoid detection and is part of a long-standing cybercrime tactic that exploits user trust in security software. Indicators of compromise include the file hash SHA-256: ecbeaa13921dbad8028d29534c3878503f45a82a09cf27857fa4335bd1c9286d, the domain app-metrics-cdn[.]com, and the network indicator 104.21.14.89.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Pro World of Warcraft player disconnects mid-fight because he forgot to renew his subscription before Midnight’s world first race: ‘I actually bought a WoW token, I forgot to use it’

During a live-streamed raid in the World of Warcraft community, a player named Imfiredup was logged out mid-boss fight due to an expired subscription. This incident occurred during the world first race for the Midnight expansion and was witnessed by viewers on Twitch. The raid leader, Maximum, humorously acknowledged the situation, prompting laughter from the team. Imfiredup later admitted he had purchased a WoW token but forgot to use it. The incident reflects a common issue in high-level gameplay where players manage multiple accounts, leading to potential oversights regarding subscription statuses. Other players in the raid also expressed concerns about their own account statuses.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Phishing Campaign Targeting Messaging Apps’ Users

A phishing campaign targeting users of messaging applications has been reported by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This campaign exploits human behavior rather than software vulnerabilities, leading to the compromise of thousands of accounts worldwide, despite encryption. Attackers impersonate official support accounts and use social engineering tactics to prompt users to click on malicious links, request verification codes, or suggest account recovery actions. If users comply, attackers can take control of their accounts and may deploy malware. Platforms like Signal have been specifically targeted, but the tactics can apply to various messaging applications. Recommendations for users include being cautious with suspicious messages, avoiding unknown requests, carefully checking links, monitoring group chats for fake accounts, using built-in security features, and reporting incidents promptly.

Tech Optimizer

March 25, 2026

This Norton Deal Makes Premium Cybersecurity Worth It

Norton’s premium suites, traditionally seen as luxury cybersecurity options, are now more accessible due to a recent promotional offer. This package includes antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, and dark web monitoring, all in one subscription. It offers real-time protection and simplifies cybersecurity management through a single interface. The VPN protects data on public Wi-Fi, while the password manager enhances security by securely autofilling credentials. The deal allows protection for multiple devices under one subscription. However, it is a paid plan with renewal pricing returning to the original rate, and some features may not be included in every package. The software may consume more system resources than free alternatives, and users seeking basic malware scanning might find the additional tools excessive. The promotion encourages consumers to invest in cohesive cybersecurity solutions rather than relying on free tools.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Google Tests Unified Gemini Interface On Android

Google is experimenting with a streamlined interface for its Gemini assistant on Android devices, aiming to reduce clutter and enhance consistency. The redesigned sidebar includes a dedicated Settings & Help section, organizes key items like Scheduled Actions and Notebooks, and features collapsible sections for tidiness. The header has been compacted to create a more spacious typing area. The app now prominently displays the last-used extension, enhancing transparency about the tools utilized for user queries. The model switcher has been relocated to the app header, decluttering the input area and defaulting to the “Fast” model for most queries. These changes are part of a broader effort to unify the Gemini experience across app and web platforms, with the Google app version 17.11.54 beta indicating a phased rollout of these features.

TrendTechie

March 25, 2026

Кинобизнес / Испания: Обзор кассовых сборов за уик-энд 13 – 15 марта, 2026: Мощный старт комедии “Торренте в президенты”

The Spanish comedy "Torrente for President" generated approximately €7.25 million across 397 theaters, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the revenue for Spanish cinemas and marking the fourth highest opening for a national film in history. It attracted 915,815 viewers over its debut weekend. The cumulative earnings of the six films in the franchise now stand at €4.5 million. The first film in the franchise, "Torrente, Stupid Hand of the Law," earned €10.98 million, and its sequel earned €22.14 million. Other box office earnings for the weekend include: - "Jumpers": €0.43 million - "Storm Peak": €2,000 - "GOAT: Dream Big": €4,000 - "Scream 7": €7,000 - "Hamnet": €7,000 - "Balandrau": €1,000 - "The Maid": €5,000 - "The Bride!": €6,000 - "Avatar": €34.88 million