concern Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

This Windows 11 bug can stop your security updates — here’s how to avoid it

Windows 11, version 24H2 has a security issue affecting updates released between October 8 and November 12, which may prevent further security updates and leave devices vulnerable. The latest version released on December 10 allows users to create installation discs or USB keys to ensure ongoing security updates. Alternatively, users can update directly through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog for better security and performance. If currently using Windows 11 installed via disc or USB with the October or November updates, upgrading to version 24H2 is recommended. Windows 10 Home and Pro will reach end of life on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing updates. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 before this deadline.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

6 reasons you shouldn’t join the Windows Insider program

The Windows Insider program allows users to test unreleased features of Windows 11 and provide feedback. Participants may encounter several issues, including: - Unstable user interface with bugs, glitches, unexpected freezes, and scaling issues. - Random reboots that risk losing unsaved work. - Throttled performance during resource-intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing. - Increased potential for data loss due to system failures and blue screens of death (BSOD). - Microsoft collects diagnostic data from users, raising privacy concerns. - Frequent updates that can introduce new issues and require significant time for installation. Overall, the experience may lead users to prefer stable releases over Insider builds.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft warns Windows 11 install media bug blocks future security updates

Microsoft has issued a caution regarding the installation of Windows 11 version 24H2 using physical media, specifically if the media contains security updates from October 8 to November 12, 2024. In such cases, the operating system may not accept future security updates. This issue does not affect systems receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, nor does it impact installations using the December 2024 security update. Microsoft recommends creating new installation media that includes the December 2024 security update to ensure future updates can be received. Users who have already installed version 24H2 with the October or November updates should apply the December 2024 security update to restore their system's ability to accept future updates. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution to this issue. Users have also reported challenges with the Disk Cleanup tool and speaker volume spikes since the launch of version 24H2. Maintaining an updated version of Windows 11 is essential for security, stability, and performance, as updates address vulnerabilities and fix bugs.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Sophos report reveals growing misuse of trusted Windows tools

Sophos has reported a 51% increase in the exploitation of "living off the land" binaries (LOLBins) since 2021, with an 83% rise over the past three years. In an analysis of nearly 200 incident response cases in the first half of 2024, 187 distinct Microsoft LOLBins were identified, with remote desktop protocol (RDP) being the most targeted, appearing in 89% of incidents. Compromised credentials are the leading cause of cyberattacks, responsible for 39% of incidents, despite a decrease from 56% in 2023. The LockBit ransomware group remains the most prevalent threat, accounting for 21% of infections. Additionally, 21% of compromised Active Directory servers were found to be operating beyond Microsoft’s mainstream support, making them more vulnerable. Sophos emphasizes the importance of proactive monitoring and regular system updates to mitigate these risks.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Fan-made PC port of Star Fox 64 is out now

A new PC port of Star Fox 64, called Starship, has been developed by a team known for their PC ports of Nintendo titles. This project does not include copyrighted assets, requiring users to provide their own data files from a legitimate copy of the game. The current build is for Windows users, with Linux and Mac versions in progress. The developers are seeking contributions from Linux and MacOS developers and have made the source code available on GitHub. Takaya Imamura, the designer of Star Fox, expressed mixed feelings about the project on social media, acknowledging potential issues with Nintendo while also expressing happiness about the initiative. Further details can be found on the project's GitHub page.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

2024 was the year gamers really started pushing back on the erosion of game ownership

The landscape of digital game ownership has come under scrutiny as digital distribution increases, leading gamers to question their true ownership of purchased titles. Many high-profile games have disappeared from digital platforms, including Sony's Concord, which was discontinued just 11 days after launch. The Stop Killing Games campaign, initiated by YouTuber Ross Scott, gained traction after Ubisoft shut down The Crew, a decade-old racing game, making it unplayable due to server and licensing issues. The campaign advocates for classifying video games as "goods" rather than "services," arguing that purchased games should not be rendered inoperable. The petition has over 400,000 signatures, aiming for a million by July 2025 to prompt the EU to consider a ban on making multiplayer games unplayable. Steam has updated its disclaimers regarding ownership in response to these issues, influenced by a new Californian law requiring retailers to inform consumers about the revocability of digital games. GOG has positioned itself as a champion of consumer rights, ensuring that purchased games remain with the buyer indefinitely and allowing users to bequeath their game libraries. Industry leaders, including Michael Douse from Larian Studios, have expressed concerns about the implications of losing ownership for developers. While some publishers recognize the value of preserving older titles, others remain less attuned to this importance. The conversation around ownership and preservation is intensifying, highlighting that players do not truly own their games on platforms like Steam, where access can be revoked at any time.

TrendTechie

December 22, 2024

Ремейк Silent Hill 2 появился на торрентах

The remake of Silent Hill 2 has leaked on pirated platforms two days before its official release. It has received an early score of 86 out of 100 from critics, who praised its narrative, atmosphere, and soundtrack. The remake features improvements to the combat system and environmental interactions, along with modernized controls. The official release is scheduled for October 8, exclusively for PS5 and PC.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

Asus bombards Windows 11 with christmas.exe malware-like Christmas wreath banner

A festive banner featuring a Christmas wreath and labeled “Christmas.exe” has appeared on some ASUS PCs, causing confusion among users who feared it was malware. This banner is part of a promotional campaign integrated into the Armoury Crate software, which comes pre-installed on certain ASUS systems. Users reported that the banner occupies a large portion of the screen and prompts them to “Press ESC to exit.” The association with the process “Christmas.exe” in Task Manager heightened concerns about a potential ransomware attack. The process is located within ASUS program files and is tied to the Aura effects in the Armoury Crate software. Users expressed frustration over its intrusive nature and reported issues like RAM leaks. To prevent these promotions, users can uninstall ASUS Armoury Crate or disable it from the BIOS. The banner is expected to disappear after the holiday season.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 strikes a sour note as audio bug hits the update, leaving some PCs silent

Windows 11 version 24H2 has audio output issues affecting certain devices, causing silence from built-in speakers, Bluetooth devices, and headsets. Microsoft has acknowledged this problem in its release health dashboard and identified Dirac Audio software, specifically the cridspapo.dll file, as the cause. A temporary block on the 24H2 update has been implemented for systems using Dirac Audio to prevent further complications. Microsoft is working with Dirac to develop a new driver to fix the issue, which will be distributed through Windows Update once available. Users on earlier versions, such as Windows 11 23H2, are not affected by the audio bug. Additionally, there is another issue where some PCs unexpectedly play sound at maximum volume.