batch files Archives

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Windows 95 used a very basic “trick” to detect setup files

Microsoft developed Windows 95 with innovative detection mechanisms to prevent external installers from downgrading essential system components. The team used a heuristics-based approach to identify installer files by analyzing their names for keywords like "setup," "installer," or "inst," and also considered variations in other languages. If these keywords were not present, the system would check the file path for "setup." File checks were delayed until the next start to catch improperly modified files, as some setup programs would exit Windows to run batch files. Additionally, live file checks were conducted for multimedia driver installations via INF files, which was a special exception.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

How to quickly launch multiple apps with a single action in Windows 11

Windows includes a Task Scheduler for automating tasks and batch files for streamlining operations. Batch files, with a .bat extension, are plaintext scripts that execute a series of commands in sequence, useful for automating repetitive tasks. A common use is launching multiple applications simultaneously, such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Google Chrome, Excel, and File Explorer, to enhance productivity. To create a batch file, users should identify the executable locations of the desired applications, create a text file named Launch Apps.bat, and input a specific script to launch the applications. The batch file can be executed by double-clicking it, and users can add echo commands for execution status or automate it with Task Scheduler. Some applications may require administrator privileges, and paths may need adjustments based on installation locations.

Winsage

June 1, 2026

Windows 11 sandbox flaw lets attackers escape with one click

SafeBreach Labs identified a vulnerability in Windows 11, named Click Or Trick, cataloged as CVE-2025-59199, which was addressed by Microsoft in October 2025. The vulnerability allows a one-click attack from a low-integrity process to achieve arbitrary write capabilities and escalated code execution by exploiting built-in Windows components. The researchers discovered a COM object with an undocumented flag that enabled a low-integrity process to launch a medium-integrity server process using the user's logon token. They found that certain applications could accept command-line parameters through notifications, allowing attackers to execute commands. The Snipping Tool was leveraged to transition execution to another registered application, such as Microsoft Teams, enabling the injection of a remote debugging switch. This exploit chain involved multiple Windows subsystems and was assigned a CVSS score of 7.8.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Windows Update Preview: Haptic Feedback and Xbox Gaming Mode

Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows that include haptic feedback and an improved Xbox mode. The haptic feedback feature provides tactile responses during actions like aligning objects in PowerPoint and resizing windows, supported by select devices such as the Surface Slim Pen 2 and Logitech's MX Master 4 after a firmware update. The improved Xbox mode offers a full-screen interface for gaming, accessible via the Windows+F11 shortcut. File Explorer now supports additional formats and remembers view and sort preferences for Downloads and Documents folders. Monitoring capabilities for AI agents have been enhanced, and Windows 11 allows the removal of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps through policies. The updates also introduce a new policy preventing the acceptance of drivers with cross-signed root certificates and enhance security measures for batch files. The updated Windows 11 versions will display build numbers 26200.8328 and 26100.8328.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me

Microsoft will begin rolling out the May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on May 12, 2026. Key features of this update include: 1. Xbox Mode: Transforms PCs into a console-like experience, prioritizing system resources for gaming and freeing up to 2GB of memory. 2. Voice Typing Improvements: Redesign of Voice Typing elements on the touch keyboard. 3. New Arabic 101 Legacy Keyboard Layout: Available for addition from the Region page in Settings. 4. Drop Tray Changes: Renamed from Drag Tray and can be disabled in Settings > System > Multitasking. 5. Taskbar AI Agents Support: Allows monitoring of AI agents directly from the Taskbar, starting with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Debloat Policy with Dynamic List Support: Enables administrators to specify additional apps for removal beyond the default list. 7. Windows Driver Policy Update: Changes how the kernel manages trust for third-party drivers, eliminating default trust for cross-signed drivers. 8. Batch File Security Changes: Enhances security for batch files and Command Prompt scripts, with an option for a hardened processing mode. 9. Format FAT32 up to 2TB: The format command-line tool now supports formatting volumes up to 2TB using FAT32.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Microsoft releases first big update after Nadella’s vow to ‘win back fans’

Microsoft released a non-security update on April 30 aimed at enhancing Windows stability and performance, particularly improving Windows Explorer functionality. The update improves the reliability of explorer.exe processes, enhances sign-in processes, interactions with taskbar menus, and unpinning items from Quick Access. It optimizes startup application performance and storage performance, raising the maximum FAT32 format size limit from 32GB to 2TB. Additional reliability improvements were made to Windows Hello, the Microsoft Store, and the taskbar system tray. The update also introduces Enterprise State Roaming (ESR) for device transitions, policy-based removal of preinstalled Microsoft applications, and enhanced security for batch files.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083631 update released with 34 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5083631 optional cumulative update for Windows 11, featuring 34 enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system performance. Key features include a new Xbox mode for immersive gaming, improved performance for startup applications, enhanced security for batch files and CMD scripts, haptic feedback on supported devices, improvements to Secure Boot, and updates to Kerberos authentication. The update also addresses issues with Windows Security event logging, eliminates a white flash in dark mode, and increases the reliability of explorer.exe processes. Users can install the update via Windows Settings under Windows Update. After installation, Windows 11 devices will be updated to builds 26100.8328 and 26200.8328. Additionally, updated Secure Boot certificates are being rolled out, and some Windows Server 2025 devices may require a BitLocker recovery key after the update.

Winsage

February 28, 2026

Microsoft testing Windows 11 batch file security improvements

Microsoft has released new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds that enhance security and performance for batch files and CMD scripts. IT administrators can now activate a secure processing mode by adding the LockBatchFilesInUse registry value, which prevents modifications to batch files while they are running. This update also requires signature validation only once per batch file, improving performance. Additionally, the Shared Audio feature has been refined, allowing users to share audio across multiple devices with individual volume sliders and a new taskbar indicator. The feature now supports more Bluetooth LE Audio accessories, including Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, Sony WF-1000XM6, and Xbox Wireless Headset. These updates are available for Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev channels with specific preview builds installed.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7934 (KB5077242) has been released to the Beta Channel. Key updates include: - Enhanced security and performance for batch files with a new secure mode that ensures batch files remain unchanged during execution, improving performance and security. - Shared audio feature now includes individual volume sliders for each listener and a taskbar indicator for ongoing audio sharing sessions. - A new command for Narrator users allows reading the status bar contents in applications like Word and Excel. - The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. - Reliability improvements for removing Windows Update files and windows.old files. - Enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. - The Paint app has introduced a freeform rotate feature for shapes, text, and selections. Insiders can access these updates through Settings > Windows Update, and features may be gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. A desktop watermark is displayed for Windows Insider pre-release builds.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7939 (KB 5077243) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include enhanced security and performance for batch files through a new secure mode, individual volume sliders for shared audio between Bluetooth LE Audio devices, a new Narrator command to read status bar contents in applications, improved reliability for removing Windows Update files, and enhanced typing reliability with the ADLaM keyboard. The rollout of improved taskbar animations has been temporarily paused. Updates are gradually being rolled out to Insiders who have opted in through Settings > Windows Update.