data backup Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

I tested the best antivirus software for Windows: Here’s what I’d use to protect my PC

Windows Security is a free antivirus program pre-installed on every Windows PC, offering solid protection. Bitdefender provides a comprehensive antivirus solution with a yearly subscription. Malwarebytes is recommended as the top antivirus choice for Windows users, featuring a user-friendly interface and both free and paid versions. TotalAV is an affordable option with a built-in VPN and system tune-up tool. McAfee Total Protection offers extensive features, including identity theft coverage. Avast One is designed for gamers, providing a Do Not Disturb mode. uBlock Origin is an ad blocker that enhances browser security, while Brave is a secure web browser with built-in tracking and ad blocking features.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Updated Windows 11 and your SSD disappeared? You’re not alone

On August 12, 2025, Microsoft released the Windows 11 version 24H2 security update, KB5063878, to address delays in signing into new devices caused by certain preinstalled packages. However, some users faced installation errors (code Ox80240069) when deploying the update via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which has since been resolved. A significant issue reported by user @Necoru_cat indicated that the update caused SSDs and HDDs to disappear from the operating system and led to severe data loss for some users. Testing revealed that drives became inaccessible when large amounts of data were written, particularly when file sizes exceeded 50GB and drives were over 60% full. A system reboot could restore functionality temporarily, but the issue could recur under similar conditions. Testing involved 21 SSDs from various manufacturers, with the WD Blue SA510 being the only drive rendered completely unrecoverable. Phison acknowledged the potential impact of the updates on storage devices and is reviewing affected controllers. Additional users reported similar problems with other SSDs, including those using the Phison PS5012-E12 controller and various models from Corsair, KIOXIA, and SanDisk. Users are advised to avoid large file transfers and to back up their data regularly.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

Microsoft’s New Windows Warning—Pay $20 To Save All Your Data

Microsoft is intensifying its efforts to integrate its services into users' daily lives, promoting its products like Copilot, Edge, and Bing over competitors. Persistent notifications in the Start menu urge users to back up data to OneDrive, indicating that a Microsoft 365 subscription is required for those exceeding the complimentary 5GB of storage. The backup solution is priced at a specified amount per year for individual users and businesses. Clicking “continue” leads to the OneDrive backup setup, which is viewed as an upsell tactic. Users, including those with Microsoft 365, express frustration over constant reminders and intrusive prompts regarding data backup preferences. Notifications are persistent for Windows 11 users, while Windows 10 users are encouraged to upgrade for better security. Microsoft offers support for up to 10 devices under a single account, though the target audience for this option is unclear.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Installing Windows 11 on older hardware

Microsoft will cease free support for Windows 10 in October 2025, ending security updates for users. Windows 11 requires specific hardware, including a 64-bit CPU, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot, but can be installed on older devices using workarounds. The Rufus tool allows users to create a modified USB stick that bypasses these hardware checks. Users can download the Windows 11 ISO, integrate it into Rufus, and create a customized installation medium. The installation process can retain personal data and installed programs, but annual feature updates may require manual installation. UEFI mode and Secure Boot can be bypassed, but transitioning to UEFI is recommended. Upgrading hardware, such as adding RAM or installing an NVMe SSD, can improve performance on older systems.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

5 Must-Have Open-Source Android Apps to Simplify Your Life

Five standout open source Android applications highlighted for their utility, user-focused design, and privacy-conscious features are: 1. Tomato: A minimalist Pomodoro timer that helps maintain focus by dividing work into customizable intervals, offering productivity insights through visual graphs. 2. Grit: An all-in-one task and habit tracker that categorizes tasks, provides a visual habit map, supports scheduled reminders, and includes home screen widgets for quick access to daily goals. 3. Momentum: A habit tracker with a straightforward interface, calendar view, streak tracking, and an AI assistant that suggests habits, while prioritizing user privacy with offline functionality and local data storage. 4. Toolbox: A versatile utility app that includes features like a stopwatch, compass, text manipulation utilities, and advanced tools for developers, all while being lightweight and ad-free. 5. Thor App Manager: A tool for precise management of Android applications, offering features like batch installation, app freezing, and APK management, with additional controls for rooted users.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft Unveils PC-to-PC Migration Tool for Local Transfers as Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new devices. To address concerns about cloud dependency, Microsoft has introduced a PC-to-PC migration tool that allows users to transfer files, settings, and applications directly from a Windows 10 machine to a Windows 11 device over a local network, without using OneDrive. This tool requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network and powered on simultaneously. However, it necessitates a Microsoft account for authentication and lacks full support for Arm-based devices. The introduction of this tool appears to be a strategic response to competition and user demand for alternatives to cloud-based solutions.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Aegis Authenticator: Free, open-source 2FA app for Android

Aegis Authenticator is an open-source application for Android that helps users manage two-factor authentication (2FA) needs. It features strong encryption protocols, supports HOTP and TOTP algorithms, and allows for easy data backup, export, and import from other 2FA apps. The app offers automatic backups for secure storage of authentication codes and is available for free on GitHub.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

This hidden Windows 11 feature lets you force an emergency restart — how it works and where to find it

Windows 11 includes an emergency restart feature that serves as a safer alternative to forcefully pressing the power button when a PC is unresponsive, reducing the risk of file corruption and system instability. For installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, users should assess hardware compatibility, utilize workarounds, back up data, explore community forums, stay updated on patches, consider hardware upgrades, and familiarize themselves with new features. To enhance security, users should enable two-factor authentication, regularly update software, use strong passwords, install antivirus software, be cautious with email attachments, back up data, and educate themselves about phishing scams.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

7 things you can do with your old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and suggests trading in old PCs that cannot be upgraded. However, trading in may not provide significant discounts, and there are various ways to repurpose old hardware. 1. Install Linux: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Pop! OS can extend the life of older PCs due to their low system requirements and long-term support. 2. Make it a retro gaming machine: Using Emulation Station, an old PC can be transformed into a retro gaming machine, allowing access to thousands of classic games. 3. Make it a media server: Old PCs can be converted into home media servers using platforms like Plex and Jellyfin, enabling offline viewing of shows and movies. 4. Use it as a game server: An old PC can host game servers for titles like Minecraft, allowing for a unique gaming experience with friends. 5. Power your smart home: Turning an old PC into a Home Assistant server can help manage smart home devices from a single interface. 6. Turn it into a NAS: An old PC can be transformed into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for centralized data backup across multiple devices. 7. Kickstart your home lab: Setting up a home lab using dedicated operating systems or platforms like Docker can turn an old PC into a multifunctional server for various services.

Tech Optimizer

October 23, 2024

Microsoft Defender review

Microsoft Defender has evolved from a basic antivirus tool to a comprehensive security solution, featuring parental controls, malware scanning, behavioral monitoring, email scanning, a password manager, and a secure browser. Launched in June 2022, Defender for Individuals, part of a Microsoft 365 subscription, offers benefits like dark web scanning, identity protection, and online storage (1TB for individuals, up to 6TB for families). The subscription costs for one user and is free for six users. Defender protects Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, with new Windows PCs pre-installed with it. It includes advanced behavioral analysis, malware scanning, Secure Boot safeguarding, sandboxing, memory-integrity monitoring, and email attachment screening. Defender automatically scans when the system is idle and integrates with Microsoft OneDrive for data backup. It has achieved high scores in third-party evaluations, matching competitors like Bitdefender and Kaspersky with a 99.9% success rate in detecting known threats, though it struggles with zero-day attacks. Defender includes a built-in firewall, Smart App Control, and Edge browser security features. Its system impact can be resource-intensive during full scans, while quick scans are less demanding. The Windows Security Center serves as the hub for its features, and installation is automatic on new PCs, with robust support options available.