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Why I stopped using 'Modern Standby' on my Windows laptop to save battery overnight
Winsage
April 9, 2026

Why I stopped using ‘Modern Standby’ on my Windows laptop to save battery overnight

Many newer PCs support a feature called Modern Standby, which allows minimal background processes to continue running during sleep mode, leading to quicker wake-up times but potentially less efficient battery preservation. PCs can operate in one of six states, with S0 indicating full operation and S5 indicating a complete shutdown. Modern Standby (S0 Low Power Idle) turns off the display and most core components while allowing limited background activity, which may vary in effectiveness for battery drain. Traditional Sleep (S3) shuts down the screen and main components but may take longer to resume. Hibernate (S4) saves the current session and powers off completely, while Restart clears memory and resets the operating system. Shut Down (S5) clears memory and terminates processes, using a "soft off" method that retains certain settings for quicker startups through fast boot. Disabling fast boot can be done via the Control Panel. Although Modern Standby can conserve battery, it may not always be effective, as issues with firmware or drivers can prevent the computer from entering a true low-power state. For maximum battery efficiency, using the Shut Down option is recommended, especially with fast boot enabled for quick startups.
Running A Game On A PC With No System RAM
AppWizard
April 1, 2026

Running A Game On A PC With No System RAM

The video by PortalRunner explores alternatives for running modern software in environments with limited RAM, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the absence of DDR5 memory. It discusses various strategies, including: - Testing Linux with specific boot arguments, which can lead to system failures if insufficient RAM is allocated. - Maximizing swap usage on SSDs, which, despite being faster than HDDs, results in sluggish performance due to overhead. - Utilizing video RAM from GPUs as a substitute for system RAM, which also suffers from significant overhead. - Modifying a CoreBoot BIOS image to use CPU cache memory, allowing lightweight software to run without system RAM, although this method raises scalability and practicality concerns. The exploration highlights creative responses to RAM shortages in computing.
Windows 10/11 Patch Day March: Microsoft delivers the big security update, but as usual, the real message is in the fine print
Winsage
March 12, 2026

Windows 10/11 Patch Day March: Microsoft delivers the big security update, but as usual, the real message is in the fine print

In March, Microsoft released cumulative security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for certain versions continuing until March 2026. The updates include KB5079466 for Windows 11 version 26H1, KB5079473 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, KB5078883 for version 23H2, and KB5078885 for Windows 10 version 22H2. These updates will be distributed via Windows Update, the Microsoft Update Catalog, and WSUS for enterprise environments. This month, Microsoft combined the Servicing Stack Update (SSU) with the Latest Cumulative Update, simplifying the update process. Key enhancements include improvements to Secure Boot, with expanded device target data for new certificates, and security enhancements for Explorer’s search functionality in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. A fix for Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) was also implemented, addressing issues with COM objects under certain policy configurations. The Windows System Image Manager received a new warning dialog for confirming the trustworthiness of catalog files, which is important for enterprise environments. Updates for Windows 10 22H2, despite its end-of-life status, included fixes for secure boot issues and improvements for file version history in the Control Panel. An SSU for Windows 11 (KB5077869) was also released to maintain update stability. Microsoft's updates scheduled for March 2026 will address vulnerabilities in components like the Windows App Installer, SQL Server, and Microsoft Office. The Security Update Guide provides detailed information on specific vulnerabilities and affected components.
Microsoft's Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix
Winsage
March 7, 2026

Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix

Every Secure Boot-enabled Windows PC relies on cryptographic certificates issued by Microsoft in 2011, embedded in the motherboard's firmware, to ensure a secure boot process. The first of these certificates will expire on June 24, 2026, which will affect the ability to receive future security updates for critical components of the Windows startup process. Microsoft is rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, marking a significant security maintenance effort. Secure Boot operates as a chain of trust with certificates stored in the motherboard's UEFI firmware, validating software before the operating system loads. The Platform Key (PK) is at the top of this chain, followed by the Key Exchange Key (KEK) and the Signature Database (DB). The replacement certificates introduced in 2023 restructure certificate management, separating responsibilities among different certificate authorities to enhance the trust model. Not all PCs are affected by the upcoming expiration; newer devices manufactured since 2024 already have the new certificates. Windows 10 users face challenges as support for this version ends in October 2025, and they will not receive the new certificates unless enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Home users should ensure their PCs are set to receive updates automatically, while enterprise environments require coordination for firmware updates before the Windows certificate update.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
March 6, 2026

Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix

Every Secure Boot-enabled Windows PC relies on cryptographic certificates issued by Microsoft in 2011 for boot process integrity. The first of these certificates will expire on June 24, 2026, impacting the ability to receive future security updates. Microsoft is rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, requiring collaboration between Microsoft, PC manufacturers, and users. Three critical certificates will expire: the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 and Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 in June 2026, and the Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 in October 2026. The new certificates introduced in 2023 have a restructured functionality to enhance security. Not all PCs are affected; newer devices manufactured since 2024 come with the new certificates. Windows 10 users face challenges as support ends in October 2025, and unsupported devices will not receive updates. Home users should ensure automatic Windows updates and check for firmware updates, while enterprise environments must verify firmware updates before applying certificate updates. The first certificate expiration is on June 27, 2026.
Microsoft finally gets around to fixing Windows 10 Recovery Environment after breaking it in October
Winsage
March 6, 2026

Microsoft finally gets around to fixing Windows 10 Recovery Environment after breaking it in October

Microsoft addressed an issue in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) that arose after the final update for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which disrupted WinRE functionality on some devices. The same update also caused accessibility issues for USB devices in Windows 11's recovery environment. Microsoft released an out-of-band patch, but some Windows 10 users continued to experience WinRE problems. The fix, KB5068164, targets Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2 and aims to resolve the issue preventing WinRE from starting after the October 14 update. Concerns about Microsoft's quality control have been raised due to the timing of the failure and the delay in providing a solution. Users of Windows 10 can rely on Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program, although the situation has caused doubts about the reliability of Microsoft's updates.
Windows 10 ESU update KB5075912 bumps 22H2 to Build 19045.6937
Winsage
February 19, 2026

Windows 10 ESU update KB5075912 bumps 22H2 to Build 19045.6937

Microsoft has announced an update, identified as KB5075912, regarding Secure Boot certificates to enhance device security for Windows users. Key points include the introduction of new certificates to prevent unauthorized software during startup, improved compatibility with various hardware configurations, and a commitment to provide regular updates to these certificates.
Microsoft Windows 11 KB5077181 Update Triggers Infinite Restart Loop on Some Devices
Winsage
February 17, 2026

Microsoft Windows 11 KB5077181 Update Triggers Infinite Restart Loop on Some Devices

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update, KB5077181, released on February 10, 2026, has caused significant boot failures for users of Windows 11 versions 24H2 (OS build 26200.7840) and 25H2 (OS build 26100.7840), resulting in endless restart loops. Users are reporting over 15 reboot cycles, preventing access to their desktops. Issues include System Event Notification Service (SENS) errors and DHCP problems affecting internet connectivity. Installation errors with codes 0x800f0983 and 0x800f0991 indicate potential hardware, driver, or servicing stack incompatibilities. The update was intended to address 58 vulnerabilities, including six zero-days, but the boot loop issue has overshadowed these enhancements. CVE IDs and their CVSS scores related to the vulnerabilities addressed include: - CVE-2026-21510: 7.5 - CVE-2026-21519: 7.8 - CVE-2026-21533: 8.8 - CVE-2026-20841: 7.1 As of February 15, 2026, there is no "known issues" entry in Microsoft's release notes despite user reports. Users can uninstall the update through the Control Panel if their systems are accessible, or use the Windows Recovery Environment to execute commands for uninstallation if their systems are unbootable.
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