NewApp Digest
search bot

components

Hackers release TSforge exploit that «forever» activates Windows and Office
Winsage
February 21, 2025

Hackers release TSforge exploit that «forever» activates Windows and Office

A hacker group called Massgrave has developed a method named TSforge Activation that permanently activates most Microsoft products and bypasses the digital rights management (DRM) system. This method allows updates for Windows 10 beyond its official end of support in October 2025. The group previously launched the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project in 2024, claiming to dismantle Microsoft’s DRM protections. The TSforge method works by replacing activation data files with counterfeit data, tricking the Software Protection Platform (SPP) into accepting fraudulent product keys. TSforge currently enables activation for Windows 7 and later versions, including Windows Server (2008 R2 – 2025), and Office 2013-2024 on Windows 8 and later. It also unlocks commercial features like Extended Security Updates for Windows 7-10. Despite being aware of these activators, Microsoft has not taken significant action against them. The MAS project is open-source and hosted on GitHub. The hackers argue that their tool could be used as an alternative activation method in urgent situations.
Many of Microsoft Edge's most important features are now faster than ever
Winsage
February 20, 2025

Many of Microsoft Edge’s most important features are now faster than ever

Microsoft Edge version 132 has introduced significant performance enhancements, resulting in an average speed increase of approximately 40% across various features. Key areas affected include the Downloads folder, Drop, History, and the inPrivate new tab experience. The transition to WebUI 2.0 has optimized webpage rendering and improved speed, particularly benefiting lower-end devices using HDDs. For example, the time to open the Downloads folder has decreased from 0.927 seconds to 0.428 seconds. At least 14 areas of the browser's user interface have experienced these speed improvements, contributing to a more responsive and efficient browsing experience.
Valve's monthly survey reveals that almost 45% of Steam users on PC are still using Windows 10 even with the sword of Damocles hanging over them
Winsage
February 19, 2025

Valve’s monthly survey reveals that almost 45% of Steam users on PC are still using Windows 10 even with the sword of Damocles hanging over them

As of January 2025, 44.41% of PC users are still operating on Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025. Windows 11, released in 2021, has demanding system requirements that deter users with older hardware from upgrading. Many Steam users on Windows 10 may include internet cafes, where maintaining hardware is challenging. The end of support for Windows 10 means users will no longer receive updates or security patches, increasing risks associated with continued use. Resources are available to assist users in transitioning from Windows 10.
Why was Windows 95's setup text-based? After 29 years, a veteran Microsoft Engineer admits "MS-DOS could do graphics," but the company opted for a lackluster UI — as Windows 3.1 runtime already checked the missing boxes
Winsage
February 19, 2025

Why was Windows 95’s setup text-based? After 29 years, a veteran Microsoft Engineer admits “MS-DOS could do graphics,” but the company opted for a lackluster UI — as Windows 3.1 runtime already checked the missing boxes

On August 24, 2025, Windows 95 will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Microsoft Engineer Raymond Chen explained that the setup process for Windows 95 was primarily text-based due to the challenges of implementing graphics in MS-DOS, despite its technical capabilities. The graphical setup would have required intricate programming and optimization, as MS-DOS graphics were primitive and relied on slow BIOS calls to plot pixels. Windows 95 had a minimum VGA video card requirement, which simplified installation, but managing planar modes for effective graphics rendering was complex. The setup program needed dialog boxes, a window manager, and keyboard support, with additional challenges posed by accommodating non-alphabetic languages. Including animations would have required a scheduler for event management, and the limited storage capacity of 640KB further complicated the process. Although Windows 3.1 had the components for a graphical setup, the justification for creating a new installation process for Windows 95 remains questionable.
These Windows 11 registry hacks will turn you into a PC pro
Winsage
February 19, 2025

These Windows 11 registry hacks will turn you into a PC pro

The Windows Registry Editor is accessed by pressing Win-R, typing regedit, and confirming with “OK.” The registry files are located in “C:WindowsSystem32config” and user-specific files in “C:Users[username].” The five main branches of the registry are: - HkeyCurrentUser: Configuration settings for the current user. - HkeyLocalMachine: Global settings for all users, requiring administrative rights for changes. - HkeyUsers: Contains user IDs for system profiles. - HkeyClassesRoot: Manages file name extensions and program shortcuts. - HkeyCurrentConfig: Links to keys under HkeyLocalMachineSystemCurrentControlSetHardware ProfilesCurrent. Users can create subkeys and values, which can be of different types. To modify the registry, select a key, use the “New” context menu, and double-click to edit. Creating a backup of the registry is recommended before making changes, which can be done using the Registry Backup Portable tool. To restore the registry, select the most recent backup and click “Restore Now.” Microsoft’s Process Monitor can be used to analyze registry values by filtering for “RegSetValue” and tracking changes. Certain registry values are restricted from modification for security reasons, such as the “widgets” feature in Windows 11. However, methods like batch files and PowerShell scripts can override these protections. Windows transmits diagnostic data to Microsoft, impacting user privacy. Tools like O&O Shutup10 and W10Privacy help manage telemetry settings.
Search