applications Archives

Winsage

September 22, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s emergency update still breaks audio, and a fix may not arrive until October

Windows 11 is facing ongoing challenges with audio functionality following recent updates, particularly with the emergency update KB5129195 released on September 14. This update aimed to fix issues from the September Patch Tuesday update (KB5124008) but has led to new problems, including compromised audio output on some devices and disruptions in secure trust relationships for enterprise systems. Users have reported error messages like “This device cannot start (Code 10)” in Device Manager, and issues with USB audio devices. Microsoft is investigating these audio problems but has not provided a timeline for resolution. Additionally, there are reports of GPU issues on AMD systems, including driver timeouts and black screens, affecting various Radeon models such as RX 6600, RX 7700 XT, RX 7800 XT, RX 7900 GRE, RX 7900 XTX, and RX 9070 XT. Some users found that uninstalling the September update alleviated these problems, but the emergency update KB5129195 does not address the GPU errors.

Winsage

September 22, 2026

Microsoft Defender is causing slow VLC startups. Here’s the fix

Recent investigations have shown that a specific update to Microsoft Defender has caused performance issues for VLC Media Player, particularly a slowdown in startup times. Jean-Baptiste Kempf, a VideoLAN developer, attributed this sluggishness to a bug in the Microsoft Defender update, which quarantined VLC's plug-in cache. The problematic Defender signature update is version 1.455.50.0, linked to Windows Update KB5121003 released on August 11th. Users can reset the plug-in cache to improve performance by either reinstalling VLC or using the built-in functionality to regenerate the cache with vlc-cache-gen.exe. Alternatively, users can reset preferences and cache files by searching for "VLC" and selecting the reset option. Microsoft has not yet provided a fix for these issues, and users may need to set an exclusion in Microsoft Defender for VLC Media Player to prevent unnecessary scans, enhancing its performance.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Googlebook pre-orders begin: prices, Android sync, and more is here

Google has started pre-orders for its new Googlebooks as of September 21, with a market release scheduled for October 4. The devices, produced by brands like ASUS, Dell, and HP, start at 9 and feature touchscreens, haptic glass trackpads, backlit keyboards, and premium materials. They are powered by Qualcomm and Intel processors, with battery life up to 14 hours. Key features include a Snapdragon X Elite chip with a 12-core CPU, seamless integration with Android phones, and access to major applications. Each purchase includes a year of GeForce NOW. The Googlebook also incorporates AI features like Gemini, which assists users through various functions. Pre-orders are available at Best Buy, the Google Store, and other retailers.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Googlebook OS: Goodbye Windows? Google’s New OS Brings Android and AI to Laptops

Google has announced its new operating system, Googlebook OS, previously known as Aluminium OS, alongside the launch of the Googlebook laptop series. Googlebook OS allows Android applications to run natively, enhancing performance compared to ChromeOS. It features "Continue On," which enables task transfer from mobile apps to the laptop, and incorporates AI tools like "Magic Pointer" for assistant access and "Rambler" for improved voice input. Users can also create personalized widgets with the "Create My Widget" option. Googlebook OS is positioned as a distinct product with advanced capabilities, although future commercial device details are not yet available.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

What Google’s new Android laptops can do with your Galaxy phone

Google has launched preorders for Googlebooks, a new category of laptops that combine Android's mobile capabilities with ChromeOS features. Initial offerings come from manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, while Samsung is not included in this launch. Googlebooks are designed to integrate with Android phones, allowing users to transfer information during setup. Key features include Continue On, which lets users pick up tasks started on their phones, and Cast My Apps, enabling control of phone applications on the laptop. Quick Access allows users to open files from their phones without transferring them first, and notifications can be managed on the Googlebook. Users need to have One UI 9 (Android 17) or newer to utilize these features. Samsung is reportedly developing its own Android-based Galaxy Book laptops that may incorporate similar functionalities.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

RatHat is a new Android malware that records your screen touches to steal passwords

Cybersecurity researchers at Zimperium have identified a new strain of malware called RatHat, targeting Android devices and linked to threat actors from China. RatHat uses generative AI to maintain persistence and control over infected devices. The malware is typically spread through social engineering, tricking users into downloading counterfeit applications that appear legitimate. Once installed, RatHat requests accessibility permissions, activates Wireless Debugging, and can capture text messages, create overlays, and steal passwords and multi-factor authentication codes. Its AI capabilities allow it to navigate the device interface in real-time, making detection by security software more difficult. To protect against RatHat, users should avoid downloading apps from untrustworthy sources, and removal requires a factory reset of the device.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Internet Explorer is finally, truly dying, and Microsoft wants you ready by 2029

Microsoft has announced the impending cessation of support for IE Mode in the Edge browser, urging organizations to begin their migration strategies. Initially set to be supported until the end of 2029, Microsoft is emphasizing proactive planning for transitioning away from legacy systems. A communication from Microsoft highlighted the importance of providing a year’s notice before the end of support for IE Mode, which is crucial for IT administrators managing legacy applications. IE Mode uses the Chromium engine while allowing access to web pages through Internet Explorer 11's Trident engine. Organizations still dependent on IE Mode need to evaluate their IT infrastructure and identify critical applications that require updates or replacements. Microsoft is offering its App Assure service to help eligible customers improve compatibility with modern Windows platforms. Early planning is essential to reduce migration risks and maintain operational efficiency.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Pay just $17 and keep Microsoft Office 2019 on your PC

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This offer is valid until September 27 and provides a lifetime license for one Windows PC, with no recurring fees. The suite includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, and features enhanced inking capabilities, new analytical tools in Excel, upgraded PowerPoint features, and improved Outlook functionalities. Users receive an immediate email with the download link and license key, which must be redeemed within seven days. The offer supports all languages and includes updates for the 2019 version.

Tech Optimizer

September 21, 2026

Fake LastPass Authenticator Installer Abuses Microsoft-Signed Driver to Kill Antivirus and EDR

On September 17, researchers from LastPass and Delphos Labs discovered a counterfeit LastPass Authenticator installer on GitHub that installs a malicious Windows kernel driver designed to disable antivirus and steal passwords. The driver, named Alinubx.sys, was signed through Microsoft's hardware compatibility program and initially scored zero detections on VirusTotal. The fake installer is hosted on a fraudulent GitHub page that mimics a legitimate LastPass product page. When executed, the installer uses DLL side-loading to gain SYSTEM-level access and terminates security processes, allowing it to harvest saved passwords from various browsers and applications. The driver is a renamed variant of a known malicious driver, evading detection due to its new file hash. Delphos reported the driver to Microsoft, but it was not considered a security vulnerability. Users who executed the fake installer should treat their passwords and sensitive data as compromised and change them from a secure device. The malicious server has been linked to impersonation pages for multiple brands, and the loader was likely created using a specific crypter tool.

Winsage

September 21, 2026

Windows 11 will soon reduce glare on your screen without ruining your photos or videos

Windows 11 is set to enhance its accessibility features, particularly with the Magnifier tool, introducing a new contrast theme that reduces glare without altering the colors of photos, videos, and charts. Users can activate this feature via the Magnifier toolbar and customize their preferences in the Accessibility settings. The Cloud rebuild feature will allow users to restore their PC to a clean state with options to sanitize drives during the process. IT administrators can also initiate a Cloud rebuild remotely. Live Captions will receive an update to include a setting that excludes audio from screen readers. Issues with Hyper-V related to sharing host folders with Linux VMs have been resolved. Additionally, a problem with File History backups failing has been fixed. Many of these updates have already been released to Insiders in the Beta Channel, and changes regarding Cloud rebuild are active in the Experimental Channel.