automate Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Announcing the Microsoft Store Awards 2025 winners

The Microsoft Store Awards recognized exceptional applications that enhance user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. AI Assistants category: - Winner: Perplexity by Perplexity AI - Features native voice dictation, multi-modal AI search, and deep desktop integration for rapid research. - Winner: ChatGPT by OpenAI - Provides instant answers, direct image and file uploads, and enterprise-level privacy controls. Business category: - Winner: Invoice Maker & Estimate Creator by Moon Technolabs Pvt. Ltd. - Streamlines finance tasks with customizable templates and real-time payment tracking. Computer-Using Agents (CUA) category: - Winner: Manus by Manus AI - Automates complex tasks within a secure sandbox and allows users to guide ongoing actions. Creativity category: - Winner: n-Track Studio by n-Track S.r.I. - Transforms devices into recording studios with support for unlimited tracks and advanced effects. Developer Tools category: - Winner: ngrok by ngrok - Facilitates secure tunneling and remote access with automatic updates and compatibility with Windows Defender. Education category: - Winner: Scratch 3 by Scratch Foundation - Empowers students in computational thinking through engaging projects and block coding. Game category: - Winner: Castle Craft by Clever Apps Pte Ltd - Offers an immersive gaming experience with dynamic resource merging and family-friendly design. Music category: - Winner: Moises Live by Moises Systems, Inc - Leverages real-time AI audio separation technology for remixing and practice. Productivity category: - Winner: Notion by Notion Labs Inc - Consolidates tasks and notes into a searchable workspace with automation features. Each winner will receive a Store Award Winner badge in the Microsoft Store.

Tech Optimizer

December 2, 2025

When AI Breaks Bad: The Rise of Ransomware and Deepfakes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the cybersecurity landscape by enabling sophisticated cyberattacks, such as ransomware and deepfakes. Ransomware has evolved from manual coding to AI-driven automation, making attacks more efficient and harder to stop. AI automates the targeting of victims by analyzing large datasets to identify vulnerabilities. Machine learning allows malware to change its form to evade detection, and ransomware can operate autonomously within networks. Phishing attacks have become more convincing through AI-generated messages that mimic real communications. Deepfakes can create realistic impersonations, leading to financial fraud and extortion, as demonstrated by a 2024 incident resulting in a million loss. Deepfakes also pose risks for manipulation and disinformation, affecting public perception and market dynamics. On the defensive side, AI is utilized in cybersecurity to detect and prevent attacks through anomaly detection, zero-trust security models, and advanced authentication methods. Human training and awareness are crucial for recognizing AI-generated threats. Effective defense requires regulations, shared accountability, and preparedness within organizations, including continuous monitoring and employee training. Collaboration between public agencies and private security firms is essential for a robust response to cyber threats.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

How to make your ATMs Windows 11 ready

ATM operators are facing challenges in transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 ends. Many ATMs currently operate on various versions of Windows 10 IoT LTSC, including 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021, each with different support lifecycles and upgrade paths. The most urgent concern is the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC/LTSB 2015, which will lose support on October 14, 2025. The readiness of ATM manufacturers for Windows 11 varies; Diebold Nixdorf and Hyosung have announced their support, while NCR Atleos has not provided public information on its plans. Effective migration to Windows 11 requires thorough planning and testing, as manual testing processes may be inefficient. Utilizing virtualization and automation can enhance testing capabilities, allowing for concurrent testing of multiple OS versions, automated regression testing, and remote access to testing environments. Advanced tools like VirtualATM can help organizations manage the upgrade process more effectively.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Windows 10’s End Forces UK SMEs to Rethink Technology

The end of Windows 10 support in October has prompted UK small businesses to reconsider their technology and security measures. Brian Horsburgh from Dell highlights the urgency for firms to upgrade to Windows 11 and integrate AI into their operations. Statistics show that 43% of businesses experienced a cyber breach last year, with 46% of IT decision-makers citing high-profile incidents as reasons to refresh their PC fleets. Despite budget concerns, Dell is addressing hesitations by showcasing the benefits of AI technology, such as improved productivity and security. AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) enhance data security and streamline operations, allowing for tasks like automatic meeting note summarization. Dell offers flexible financing options to ease the financial burden of upgrading. The company promotes a phased approach to digital transformation, encouraging businesses to automate repetitive tasks and partner with technology providers for expert guidance. By leveraging AI, small businesses can improve customer experiences and make data-driven decisions, positioning themselves competitively in the market.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Singin’ the Agentic Windows blues

Microsoft is evolving its Windows operating system into an agentic OS, which will connect devices, cloud, and AI to improve productivity and security. This includes the introduction of Microsoft’s Agent Workspace and Copilot Actions in Windows 11, allowing users to operate AI agents within secure workspaces. These agents will have distinct user accounts, known as Agent IDs, separate from the primary user account for enhanced security. To function effectively, these AI agents will need access to the primary user’s account permissions through the Windows On-Device Registry (ODR), enabling them to manage files, automate tasks, modify settings, and interact with system tools.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft’s new recovery tools rebuild Windows when it glitches

Microsoft has announced two new tools for enhancing Windows PC recovery capabilities within organizations: point-in-time restore and cloud rebuild. Point-in-time restore allows users to revert their system to a previous state by taking snapshots of the Windows environment at various intervals, facilitating recovery from issues like update failures and driver conflicts. This feature will be available for testing by Windows insiders in an upcoming build. Cloud rebuild enables IT administrators to restore the operating system directly from the cloud, similar to the existing Reset feature. Administrators can select the Windows version and language through the Microsoft Intune portal, prompting the PC to download the necessary installation media. This tool resets Windows while allowing for the restoration of personal files, applications, and settings using OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations. Both tools are designed for businesses using Microsoft Intune and are expected to be integrated into Intune in the first half of 2026 as part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up problems and enhance Windows driver resilience.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Sysmon – Go-to Tool for IT Admins, Security Pros, and Threat Hunters Coming to Windows

Microsoft will integrate native System Monitor (Sysmon) functionality into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, enhancing security operations for IT teams. This integration will provide instant threat visibility, automate compliance through Windows Update, and include features such as process monitoring, network connection tracking, credential access detection, file system monitoring, process tampering detection, WMI persistence tracking, and custom configuration support. It will also offer official customer service support and allow seamless access to events through Windows Event Logs or Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. Administrators can enable Sysmon using the command "sysmon -i." Future plans include expanding Sysmon’s capabilities with enterprise-scale management and AI-powered detection.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11’s November Insider update brings new features and reveals a new version

Microsoft has unveiled several preview builds for Windows 11 in November 2025, including versions 25H2 and 26H1. The notable updates include: - Windows 11 build 26220.7070 introduces a redesigned Widgets board with a new "Discover" section, improved navigation, and alert badges on icons. - The Quick Machine Recovery feature now scans for fixes only once and offers alternative recovery options if no solution is found. - Smart App Control can now be toggled on or off without reinstalling Windows 11. - New widget options have been added to the Lock Screen settings, allowing customization of displayed widgets. - A drag tray feature in the Canary Channel simplifies file sharing from File Explorer or the desktop. - Build 28000 in the Canary Channel is the first preview of Windows 11 version 26H1, focusing on compatibility with newer hardware. - New agentic AI components are being integrated into Windows 11, allowing applications like Copilot to automate tasks. - Haptic feedback capabilities have been introduced for digital pen users. - The Narrator and Magnifier features now use high-definition voices for improved clarity and support structured math reading in Word.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Connecteam Team Management App For Android

Connecteam Inc. has launched a team management app for non-desk employees, achieving a rating of 4.8 stars from over a million users. The app includes features such as work scheduling with auto-scheduling tools, a GPS-enabled employee time clock, an internal communication platform, task management with customizable checklists, employee training and onboarding access, an internal ticketing system, and a digital employee ID card. It has received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface, with users noting quick onboarding and cost-effectiveness compared to other solutions. Connecteam offers live demos for those interested in the app.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Install Citrix Workspace on Windows 10 or 11 with One Winget Command

Citrix Workspace can be installed on Windows 10/11 using the Windows Package Manager (Winget) with a single command, significantly simplifying the installation process. The command to install Citrix Workspace is PLACEHOLDERd82422506e45dbee, and for a silent installation, the command is PLACEHOLDER9e60d2b5a15c0a19. Winget is pre-installed on Windows 11 and available for Windows 10 (version 1809 and later). To check if Winget is installed, use the command winget --version. If not installed, Windows 10 users can install it via the Microsoft Store or download it from GitHub. To verify the installation, use PLACEHOLDER22b868ab6c66c0b5. If issues arise, commands such as PLACEHOLDER701c3ab11cb60203 or PLACEHOLDERfe806bd28c6739dc can help troubleshoot. Updating Citrix Workspace can be done with PLACEHOLDERa75655fef5d4711e. For batch deployments, a PowerShell script can be created to automate the installation across multiple machines.