corruption Archives

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Windows Server finally gets ReFS boot support

Microsoft has introduced boot support for the Resilient File System (ReFS) in Windows Server, allowing insiders to boot the server operating system directly from a ReFS volume. This feature has been made available in the latest Windows Server Insider Preview build after a fourteen-year wait since ReFS was launched in 2012. ReFS can detect corruption early and address issues online, eliminating the need for chkdsk, and supports volumes up to 35 petabytes. It also includes block cloning and sparse provisioning technologies for efficient file management. To use ReFS boot, organizations must install the latest Windows Server vNext Insider Preview with a minimum build number of 29531.1000.260206-1841, format the system partition as ReFS, and ensure UEFI firmware is used.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows Update KB5077241 February 2026 Issues Nvidia GPU Bugs Task Manager Errors and ViVeTool Guide

Windows Update KB5077241, released in February 2026, is a 4.5GB feature update for the 24H2 and 25H2 versions. It poses significant performance risks for older hardware, particularly laptops and desktops without a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Users with outdated Nvidia graphics cards, specifically the 900 Series (Maxwell) and 1000 Series (Pascal), report issues such as game stuttering, screen flickering, and system boot failures. The update also contains a flaw that inaccurately displays CPU usage in Task Manager, showing 0% utilization even under load. Many users face installation issues, encountering Error 0x800F0983, requiring them to delete update cache files and run repair tools. The update introduces features like a Taskbar Speed Test, Sysmon Security, improved Sleep/Wake functionality, and WebP wallpaper support, but many remain locked. Users can enable these features using ViVeTool with specific commands. Overall, the update is advised against for those with older Nvidia GPUs due to potential conflicts and performance issues.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2026

Fix “kernel security check failure”: Step-by-step guide

The "kernel security check failure" error on Windows indicates corruption in critical system memory or internal data structures, triggering a bug check to prevent further damage. It is marked by the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) displaying the message “KERNELSECURITYCHECK_FAILURE” and stop code 0x139. Causes include outdated or incompatible drivers, corrupted system files, faulty RAM, disk errors, third-party software conflicts, faulty Windows updates, overclocking, and malware threats. Common fixes involve updating Windows and drivers, scanning for corrupted files, using Check Disk (CHKDSK), running Windows Memory Diagnostic, and performing System Restore. If unresolved, a clean installation of Windows may be necessary. Regular updates and avoiding unnecessary software installations can help prevent future occurrences.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Witchspire is the League of Legends Star Guardian survival game of my dreams, even if it needs a little more polish

Witchspire is a survival game developed by Envar Studio, known for its League of Legends splash arts. It features a Sailor Moon-inspired anime trailer and Ghibli-esque visuals. The game includes a captivating narrative voiced by actors like Victoria Atkin and Matthew Mercer. Players assume the role of a witch in a mysterious realm, combating corruption while utilizing familiar survival mechanics such as crafting and upgrading weapons. Unique to Witchspire are the Familiars, companion creatures that assist players in combat. The game allows players to gather resources easily and features a magical sickle for cutting down trees. The combat mechanics have some flaws, particularly with AI behavior during encounters. Witchspire's gameplay is accessible, lacking hunger and stamina meters, and includes an Astral Projection system for strategic advantages. The game offers lore drops and voice lines that enhance storytelling. The demo is available on Steam, featuring the first island, Vyr's Landing, and supports multiplayer for up to four players.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 8

Players can expect the introduction of the final baby mobs, including visual updates for pandas, hoglins, zoglins, striders, and snifflets. The Stonecutter now allows crafting of Deepslate and stone into various cobbled variants. Adult horses have updated black dot markings, and sound assets for adult variants have been enhanced. A bug related to cat variant sounds has been fixed. Hitboxes for several mobs have been adjusted to fit into smaller spaces. Operators can use Ctrl + Pick input on players and mannequins in Creative Mode. Input Method Editors will now appear above the text field in supported platforms. A new debug screen entry for memory usage has been added, and the initial heap size has been decreased to 2GB to reduce crashes. The Data Pack version is updated to 99.2, and the Resource Pack version is at 81.1. New UI sprites and entity textures for various baby mobs have been introduced. Several bugs have been fixed in the snapshot.

Tech Optimizer

February 16, 2026

What is the best PC antivirus for 2026: Acronis True Image vs. competitors

In 2026, traditional antivirus solutions are becoming outdated due to the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, including AI-driven ransomware and advanced phishing schemes. The FBI Internet Crime Report states that cybercrime losses exceeded .5 billion in 2023, with projections by Cybersecurity Ventures estimating costs could reach trillion annually by 2025. Research from IBM shows that organizations without a tested recovery plan face higher costs and longer downtimes. Built-in protections like Windows Defender and MacOS XProtect offer basic security but may leave gaps, necessitating comprehensive third-party antivirus solutions. Acronis True Image is highlighted for its unique combination of real-time malware protection and full system backup capabilities, enabling users to recover quickly from incidents. Other leading antivirus solutions, such as Norton 360, Bitdefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky, excel in threat prevention but lack integrated recovery options. Acronis emphasizes the importance of both security and continuity, preparing users for both cyber incidents and everyday failures.

Winsage

February 15, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 update causes BSOD on some GPU config, broke WPA3 Wi‑Fi, but a fix is rolling out

Microsoft has acknowledged two issues affecting certain installations of Windows 11: a critical bug causing system crashes for users with specific GPU configurations and a bug impacting WPA3 Wi-Fi connectivity. The first issue leads to a Black Screen of Death (BSOD) with the error code KERNELSECURITYCHECKFAILURE, which has been reported more frequently following recent updates. This error is linked to certain GPU setups encountering a system error involving dxgmms2.sys, a component of DirectX. Microsoft has released the February 2026 Update to address the GPU-related BSOD bug. The second issue prevents some PCs from connecting to WPA3-based Wi-Fi networks, which is related to an optional update released in January 2026 (KB5074105). The February 2026 Update also includes a fix for this connectivity problem, but the rollout is gradual, meaning users may still face issues until fully implemented.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Swarmer Tool Evading EDR With a Stealthy Modification on Windows Registry for Persistence

Praetorian Inc. has launched Swarmer, a tool that enables low-privilege attackers to maintain stealthy persistence in the Windows registry while avoiding detection by Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems. Swarmer uses mandatory user profiles and the Offline Registry API to modify the NTUSER hive without triggering standard registry hooks. It operates by creating an NTUSER.MAN file that replaces the NTUSER.DAT hive upon user login, allowing low-privilege users to manipulate registry settings without alerting EDR tools. Swarmer employs functions from Microsoft’s Offline Registry Library, enabling it to perform operations without invoking Reg* API calls, thus evading detection mechanisms. Swarmer's workflow involves exporting the HKCU registry, modifying it, and executing the tool with specific commands to place the modified NTUSER.MAN file into the user profile. It can be used as an executable or a PowerShell module. While it presents a novel method for persistence, Swarmer has limitations, such as being unable to update without admin access and requiring user login to activate. Detection strategies include monitoring for NTUSER.MAN file creation and Offreg.dll usage in non-standard processes.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

Minecraft 26.1 Snapshot 5

Players can now enjoy new features in the latest snapshot release, including baby versions of aquatic mobs such as axolotls, dolphins, turtles, squids, and glow squids. A new item, the Golden Dandelion, can be used to prevent baby mobs from aging. Crafting the Golden Dandelion requires a standard dandelion and gold nuggets. The bounding boxes for baby squids, glow squids, axolotls, and turtles have been adjusted to fit their new models. The Data Pack version has been updated to 98, and the Resource Pack version is now at 79. New sound effects for baby chickens and the Golden Dandelion have been added, and several bugs have been fixed in this release. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and players are advised to back up their worlds before testing.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

After 5 years, Terraria 1.4.5 sees the iconic sandbox game hit another high with over 160,000 players exploring its new Minecraft-inspired world seed and more

Terraria's 1.4.5 update has launched, achieving a peak of 164,067 players within 24 hours, making it the game's second-highest player count ever, according to SteamDB. The update introduces a new world seed inspired by Skyblock, features such as vampirism, new transformations, and an RC car, as well as new blocks and furniture items including the Aetherium set, Gothic collection, and Corruption and Crimson furnishings.