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Winsage

March 10, 2025

How to Improve Game Data Loading Times in Windows

Most modern games rely on real-time asset loading, making storage choice crucial for optimal gaming. A slow SSD or HDD can lead to long loading times and performance issues. 1. Disabling NTFS Last Access Time can improve loading speeds by reducing disk overhead. This can be done via Command Prompt with the command: fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 1. 2. Enabling Large System Cache can enhance performance for games with substantial assets, requiring at least 16 GB of RAM and editing the Windows Registry. 3. Disabling antivirus scanning for the game folder can reduce loading times by preventing real-time scans. This can be done through Windows Security settings. 4. Using an exFAT drive can efficiently process large files, which may benefit games with sizable assets. This involves creating a new volume in Disk Management. 5. Disabling Full-Screen Optimizations can reduce input lag and improve performance by changing settings in the game's executable properties. 6. Increasing Shader Cache Size can improve loading times, with Nvidia users advised to set it to 10 GB or Unlimited in the Nvidia Control Panel. 7. Using a third-party cache management program like PrimoCache can enhance loading times by reserving RAM for caching frequently used programs.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Enable old Classic Notepad in Windows 11 24H2 without AI and modern UI

Users can restore the classic Notepad experience by disabling the .txt execution for notepad.exe in the App execution aliases settings. To launch the legacy version, they can use the Windows Run dialog and type notepad.exe. Microsoft has introduced a ChatGPT-based "Rewrite" feature in Notepad, requiring a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription for access, while core functionalities remain available without an account. To enable the classic Notepad in Windows 11, users should check if it is installed, remove the association with the new Notepad, and associate .txt files with the legacy version. They can also create a Start menu shortcut for the classic Notepad. To revert to the new Notepad, users can delete the classic shortcut and adjust settings in the Registry Editor and App execution aliases.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

8 Windows 11 features that should never have been added

Windows 11 features a centered Start menu, which can be reverted to the left through Settings. The taskbar search box can be disabled in Settings if not needed. The Widgets board can be toggled off to prevent it from opening unintentionally. The taskbar's position is restricted to center or left, and third-party applications like Start11 can provide more flexibility. Users can manage overwhelming desktop notifications in Settings and minimize the presence of Microsoft’s Copilot. The right-click context menu requires an extra click for more options, and users can explore Registry edits to restore the traditional menu. Changing default applications for file types is cumbersome, requiring individual adjustments for each type. Many features in Windows 11 may feel unnecessary and can be modified or disabled through system settings.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Threat Actors Leverage YouTubers to Attack Windows Systems Via SilentCryptoMiner

Security researchers have identified a malware campaign targeting YouTubers to spread SilentCryptoMiner malware disguised as tools to bypass restrictions. Over 2,000 victims in Russia have been reported, with the actual number likely higher. The malware exploits Windows Packet Divert drivers, with over 2.4 million detections in the past six months. Threat actors issue copyright strikes to compel YouTubers to promote infected files, manipulating their reputations. One YouTuber with 60,000 subscribers linked to a malicious archive that was downloaded over 40,000 times. The infection starts with an archive containing a modified script that executes a malicious executable via PowerShell. If security software removes the file, users are prompted to disable their antivirus. The malware's infection chain is multi-staged, using a Python-crafted loader to retrieve payloads from specific domains. It employs anti-VM techniques, modifies defender exclusions, and stealthily mines cryptocurrencies while pausing during certain program activities. Security experts warn against using restriction bypass tools due to their association with malware distribution.

Tech Optimizer

March 8, 2025

How to Disable Antivirus on Your Computer

Antivirus software scans files for threats like viruses and malware and is generally recommended to be kept running continuously. However, it may need to be temporarily disabled in certain situations, such as to free up system resources, install a program that is being blocked, avoid false flags from the antivirus, or address privacy concerns. To disable antivirus on Windows 11, users can access Microsoft Defender through system settings and disable options like Real-time Protection and Tamper Protection. They may also need to disable the firewall if a download is blocked. On MacOS, the antivirus protection includes Gatekeeper, which cannot be disabled, and users can partially disable X-Protect but not Notarization. Before disabling antivirus, users should close non-essential programs, ensure they only download trusted files, and promptly re-enable the antivirus after completing necessary tasks. Disabling antivirus exposes the computer to potential malware threats, so caution is advised.