automatic installation Archives

Winsage

March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Microsoft is pushing a security update to Windows 11 that breaks File Explorer

The KB5051987 patch for Windows 11 is a mandatory security update aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the operating system. Many users have reported significant issues with File Explorer after installing this update, including it becoming unresponsive and unusual navigation behavior. There are also glitches affecting the Taskbar, and some users have experienced failed installations of the update. Users have the option to manually uninstall the patch, but this may expose their systems to security risks.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

How to prevent forced installation of new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs

In February 2025, Microsoft began a mandatory update for Windows 10 users that included the forced installation of the new Outlook app as part of a strategy to integrate it into their ecosystem. This installation is linked to the KB5051974 update, which is a critical security patch. Users can prevent the new Outlook from being installed by modifying the Windows registry, specifically by creating a new string value named BlockedOobeUpdaters and setting its value data to ["MS_Outlook"]. This process must be repeated with each subsequent Windows 10 update. For users who have already had the new Outlook installed, it cannot be uninstalled through standard methods but can be removed using Windows PowerShell with the command: Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName. Additionally, to uninstall unsupported Mail or Calendar apps, the command is: Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where {$.DisplayName -match "microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName {$.PackageName}.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft is forcing the new Outlook for Windows app on Windows 10 users with the mandatory KB5051974 update

Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5051974 for Windows 10, which includes the automatic installation of the new Outlook for Windows app. The update highlights also mention fixes for various issues: - Resolved a problem where the Capture Service and Snipping Tool would stop responding when using the Windows logo key+Shift+S with Narrator active. - Stopped automatic suggestions in the Chinese Pinyin input method editor for search engines like Baidu, requiring manual suggestions via Ctrl+Tab or the chevron button. - Fixed playback interruptions with USB audio devices using USB 1.0 drivers. - Addressed a code 10 error message for certain external audio management devices. - Solved a recognition issue for USB cameras following the January 2025 security update. The update also includes security enhancements and bug fixes related to virtual memory, printer failures, and NFC readers.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

5 reasons to keep your Windows drivers up to date

Drivers are essential software that connect a computer's hardware to the Windows operating system, ensuring smooth operation and recognition of components like the motherboard and graphics card. Windows typically installs necessary drivers automatically when a new device is connected, but this process may not always occur. Keeping drivers updated is important for optimal functionality and security, as outdated drivers can lead to performance issues and vulnerabilities. Each hardware component requires specific drivers, and users can manually download them from the manufacturer's website if automatic installation fails. Regular driver updates can enhance hardware performance, particularly for gaming, and help avoid compatibility issues. Outdated drivers can cause hardware instability, leading to crashes or connectivity problems, which may be resolved by updating. Additionally, keeping drivers current protects against security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Updating drivers can also resolve longstanding hardware issues that persist despite other troubleshooting efforts.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

The official “Bing Wallpaper app” does some nasty, malware-like things to Windows

Microsoft has introduced the Bing Wallpaper app to the Windows Store, allowing users to update their desktop backgrounds daily with images from the Bing homepage. Concerns have been raised by developer Rafael Rivera regarding the app's security and privacy risks, including the automatic installation of Bing Visual Search, code for decrypting cookies from other browsers, integration of a geolocation web API, attempts to change default browser settings, and forced prompts to enable the Bing Search extension. Rivera has labeled the app as malicious and provided a list of extensions users may need to block. The online community has reacted negatively, with some users suggesting the possibility of a class action lawsuit. Alternatives to Bing Wallpaper exist that do not compromise user privacy, and Windows 11 offers built-in options for changing desktop backgrounds.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

No word from Microsoft on shock Windows Server 2025 installs

On November 5, Microsoft mistakenly assigned a globally unique identifier (GUID) to the Windows Server 2025 upgrade, leading to confusion among IT professionals. The upgrade was incorrectly labeled as KB5044284, a security update, which caused certain third-party patching software to misclassify it and deploy Windows Server 2025 unexpectedly on some servers. Heimdal, a security firm, reported that a customer found the new operating system installed without prior notice. The licensing check for Server 2025 occurs only after the upgrade is completed, potentially obligating users to purchase a new license without a straightforward rollback option. As of November 7, Microsoft had retracted the problematic update, but no rollback had been made available. Jim Gaynor from IT consultancy Directions on Microsoft emphasized the importance of vigilance in patch management and cautioned against the risks of integrating paid upgrades into security update channels.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Microsoft isn’t secretly installing Recall on your Windows PC

Microsoft's Recall feature, intended for capturing screenshots on Copilot Plus PCs, has faced controversy due to security concerns, leading to its delay and prioritization of security enhancements. Currently, Recall is not available for testing on Copilot Plus PCs, and there is speculation about its automatic installation with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update. IT manager Chris Titus claimed that Recall would be installed on all systems with the 24H2 update, but Microsoft clarified that it will be an optional feature that users can uninstall. Windows expert Albacore noted that the 24H2 update includes changes to simplify Recall's removal for system administrators, not mandatory installation. Bugs related to Recall's removal have been reported, and Microsoft confirmed that users would have the ability to uninstall the feature. Brandon LeBlanc from Microsoft reiterated that Recall has not been made available to Windows Insiders yet. Despite this, concerns about potential covert installation persist in online discussions.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Colburn: How to pause the problematic Windows update

Concerns have arisen regarding the latest Windows update, particularly for Windows 10 and 11 users. The rollout of Windows 11's update version 24H2 is phased, and some users report issues such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and system freezes, often due to driver compatibility conflicts. Microsoft has automatic updates in place, which can complicate matters when problematic updates are released. Users can temporarily disable automatic updates by turning off the option in the 'Updates' menu. The update addresses critical security vulnerabilities, prompting the U.S. government to advise federal employees to implement mitigations or stop using affected devices. Older Windows versions (XP, 7, 8.1) no longer receive security patches, and users are advised to disconnect from the Internet until they can secure their data. Windows 10 users should consider upgrading to Windows 11 before support ends on October 14, 2025. If issues arise after installation, users should roll back the update promptly.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Data Doctors: How to pause the problematic Windows update

Users of Windows 10 and 11 are experiencing issues with the recent rollout of Windows 11's latest update (24H2), including the "Blue Screen of Death" and system freezes, primarily due to driver compatibility problems. Microsoft is distributing this update in phases, so not all users will receive it at the same time. To prevent automatic installation of updates, users can temporarily disable the option to receive the latest updates in the Windows update settings. The update addresses critical security vulnerabilities, prompting the U.S. government to require federal employees to implement mitigations or discontinue use of affected devices. Users on older versions of Windows (XP, 7, 8.1) should disconnect from the internet, as no patches are available for them. Windows 10 users will face an "end of life" scenario in approximately one year (October 14, 2025), making an upgrade to Windows 11 advisable. If issues arise after installation, users should consider rolling back the update, while not all users may experience problems.