Chromium-based browsers Archives

Winsage

February 17, 2026

How to Uninstall and Reinstall Chrome on Windows 11 Using Winget CMD

Google Chrome can experience performance issues on Windows due to corrupted profiles, extension conflicts, broken updates, and crashes. A complete uninstall and reinstall often resolves these issues, and the Windows Package Manager (Winget) provides a command-line method for this process. To uninstall Chrome using Winget, open Terminal as an administrator and run the command PLACEHOLDER7836d906c03bd8f1. After uninstallation, verify it with PLACEHOLDER30cf24d62406b8ee, then reinstall using PLACEHOLDER76e40aae6965d719. For a clean reinstall, delete the leftover user data folder at PLACEHOLDER142352b706501488. Commands: - Check installed version: winget list Google.Chrome - Uninstall Chrome: winget uninstall Google.Chrome - Verify removal: winget list Google.Chrome - Reinstall Chrome: winget install Google.Chrome - Silent install: winget install Google.Chrome --silent - Delete leftover data: rmdir /s /q "%LocalAppData%GoogleChrome" Before executing commands, ensure Winget is available and updated, and that you have administrator privileges. Backup data by enabling Chrome Sync. Close Chrome completely before uninstalling to avoid process interference. A clean reinstall involves deleting the Chrome user data folder, which removes bookmarks, passwords, and other stored data. Winget is faster and more suitable for scripting and remote management compared to traditional uninstall methods through the Settings app or Control Panel. Common troubleshooting for Winget includes handling errors related to package recognition, installation blocks, and access issues. If uninstalling fails, terminate any running Chrome processes and retry the command. If unsuccessful, use the Settings app for removal and then Winget for reinstallation.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Messenger Is Discontinuing Its Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Meta is phasing out the native Messenger applications for Windows and macOS, directing users to the web version. The apps are no longer available for download, and they will cease to function after a winding-down period. Users are receiving notifications about the change, which will leave Messenger accessible only through web browsers. Enhancements such as end-to-end encryption and improved calling features are part of this web-focused evolution. Users can still access core functionality on Messenger.com but will lose some app-specific features, including a persistent menu bar icon and offline access. Meta encourages users to enable secure storage for end-to-end encrypted chats and offers a tool to download messages and media for local archiving. Messenger remains one of the largest chat platforms globally, with active user counts similar to Telegram. Competitors like Telegram, Discord, and Slack have different approaches to desktop messaging. Users can transition smoothly by utilizing the web version and configuring desktop notifications and shortcuts.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (KB5067106) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Users can now add and manage mobile devices from their PC under the "Mobile Devices" section in Bluetooth & Devices. A new entry point in the Start menu allows direct access to the benefits page for Microsoft accounts. The build includes updated Game Pass references in Settings, improvements to File Explorer's dark mode, and the ability to enable or disable the Drag Tray feature in Settings. Fixes include resolving a catastrophic error in File Explorer when extracting large files, correcting display issues with videos and games, and fixing update installation errors. Other fixes addressed issues with Outlook, Remote Credential Guard, and print preview in Chromium-based browsers. Known issues include problems with text actions in Click to Do and Recall, disabled taskbar preview animations, and issues with the Start menu and notification center. Users may also experience bugs with Xbox Controller connectivity via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually with feedback monitoring.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Microsoft October Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 Fixes 175 Flaws

Microsoft's October 2025 Patch Tuesday addressed 175 vulnerabilities, including two zero-day elevation-of-privilege flaws: CVE-2025-24990, related to the legacy ltmdm64.sys Agere Modem driver, and CVE-2025-59230, affecting the Remote Access Connection Manager. Five vulnerabilities were classified as critical, including CVE-2025-59246 (remote code execution in Azure Entra ID), CVE-2025-55315 (ASP.NET Core vulnerability), CVE-2025-49708 (Microsoft Graphics Component bug), CVE-2025-59287 (Windows Server Update Service flaw), and CVE-2025-59228 (SharePoint vulnerability). The update (KB5066835) also resolved usability issues, such as print preview hangs and input detection failures. Microsoft notified administrators about the expiration of Secure Boot certificates in June 2026. Windows 11 users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update, requiring a system restart and data backup before installation.

Tech Optimizer

August 2, 2025

Gamers at risk as scammers are using malware-infected cheats and mods to steal passwords and crypto — here’s how to stay safe

Recent research from Dr.Web has identified a malware family called Trojan.Scavenger that targets Windows users by disguising itself as game performance boosters or enhancements. This malware exploits vulnerabilities in games like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Oblivion Remastered, typically arriving as modified dynamic libraries with extensions like .ASI. When installed, it can automatically load if the game does not validate its libraries properly. Once activated, it connects to a command-and-control server using encrypted communication and can deploy additional trojans that infiltrate Chromium-based browsers, disrupting their security features and replacing legitimate extensions with malicious ones. This puts applications at risk, including crypto wallets like MetaMask and Phantom, and password managers like Bitwarden and LastPass, as the malware captures sensitive information and sends it to attackers. Exodus wallet is also targeted, with the malware extracting critical JSON entries for private key generation. To mitigate these risks, users are advised to avoid downloading unofficial content from unverified sources, keep antivirus software updated, manage social media interactions carefully, and verify file paths and digital signatures.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 10 KB5062554 cumulative update released with 13 changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5062554 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes thirteen new fixes and enhancements. This mandatory update addresses one critical zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws, and users can install it by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.6093 and Windows 10 21H2 to build 19044.6093. The update features various fixes, including issues with the Start Menu, file server responsiveness, and USB-connected printers. A known issue with the update is that NOTO fonts may appear blurry at 96 DPI, particularly affecting CJK text in Chromium-based browsers, with a suggested workaround of adjusting display scaling to 125% or 150%.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Oh dear – Microsoft Windows Firewall was found to be complaining about…Microsoft code?

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with Windows Firewall following the June 2025 preview update of Windows 11 24H2 (KB5060829, OS Build 26100.4484). Users may encounter an error event labeled 'Config Read Failed' with the message 'More data is available' each time they restart their device. Microsoft assures that this does not indicate a malfunction within Windows Firewall and can be disregarded. The issue is linked to a feature under development, and no timeline for a fix has been provided. Additionally, there is another issue affecting the display of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean characters at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers, which Microsoft is working on with Google.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Oh dear – Microsoft Windows Firewall was found to be complaining about…Microsoft code?

Microsoft acknowledged an issue with Windows Firewall following the June 2025 preview update of Windows 11 24H2 (KB5060829), which generates "Config Read Failed" error messages in security event logs. Despite frequent logging upon device restarts, Microsoft stated that this does not indicate a malfunction of Windows Firewall and can be ignored. The issue is linked to an under-development feature, and no resolution timeline has been provided. Additionally, there is a problem with displaying Chinese, Japanese, and Korean characters at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers, which Microsoft is working on with Google.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

Windows 11 KB5060829 update released with 38 new changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5060829 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, featuring 38 enhancements, including an improved taskbar and a new PC-to-PC migration experience. This optional update allows Windows administrators to test bug fixes and features before the next Patch Tuesday release. The update focuses on non-security improvements, with the PC-to-PC migration feature expected to roll out in a future update. Adjustments to the taskbar allow for more app icons to be displayed when space is limited. Users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.4484 and includes fixes for various issues, such as script delays on SMB shares, unresponsive applications when exiting full-screen games, and problems with Windows Hello certificate renewal. A known issue affects CJK text clarity at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers. Windows 11 24H2 is broadly deployed, and the Windows 11 2024 Update is being rolled out to eligible Windows 10 22H2 PCs.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Windows 10 KB5061087 update released with 13 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the June 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 10, version 22H2, designated as KB5061087. This optional cumulative update addresses issues with USB multi-function printers' scanning capabilities, Start Menu problems, and a Component Object Model (COM) functionality bug causing remote COM activation failures. The update elevates Windows 10 22H2 systems to build 19045.6036 and includes additional fixes such as an updated curl tool to version 8.13.0, a fix for device registration issues in the Entra ID Windows Account Manager (WAM) plugin, resolution of problems with removing unused language packs and Feature on Demand packages, and correction of a system unresponsiveness issue related to Oplock break requests on SMB shares. Users can install the update via the Windows Settings app or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. A known issue with the update is that CJK text may appear blurry at 96 DPI in Chromium-based browsers. Additionally, home users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost after Windows 10's end of life in October, provided they have 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or have enabled Windows Backup. Alternatively, they can purchase a year of extended security updates.