drive encryption Archives

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft fixes bug behind incorrect Windows Firewall errors

Microsoft has resolved an issue causing erroneous Windows Firewall notifications after rebooting Windows 11 24H2 systems, particularly with the June 2025 preview update. This fix is included in the KB5062660 preview cumulative update released on Tuesday and will be more widely available with the August Patch Tuesday updates. The issue, acknowledged on July 3rd, was linked to a new feature in development and resulted in misleading Event Viewer messages (event 2042) indicating 'Config Read Failed.' Microsoft clarified that these messages did not reflect actual problems with Windows Firewall. An apology was issued on July 8th after mistakenly declaring the issue resolved. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed other recent issues, including invalid 0x80070643 failure errors during April 2025 WinRE updates and incorrect BitLocker drive encryption errors affecting managed Windows environments.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 Pro is practically free during Deal Days at 95 percent off

Popular Science readers can acquire Windows 11 Pro keys for .97 until July 20 or while supplies last, a significant discount from the typical retail price of 9. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Azure AD, Hyper-V, a revamped user interface, Windows Copilot AI assistance, Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 Ultimate. The offer provides a lifetime license with no future fees.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Microsoft Acknowledges Error Entry in Windows Firewall With Advanced Security

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows 11 update KB5060829 is causing unexpected error entries in the Windows Firewall With Advanced Security logs, specifically Event ID 2042, which appears with the label “Config Read Failed” upon reboot. These errors do not indicate any malfunction or security threat, and the firewall continues to function normally. Users can filter out these error entries in Event Viewer or use PowerShell to suppress them. The issue affects only Windows 11 version 24H2 and does not impact server platforms. Microsoft is working on a resolution but has not provided a timeline. Users can uninstall the June 2025 update to eliminate the error, though it is not necessary for system security or functionality.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Microsoft asks users to ignore Windows Firewall config errors

Microsoft has advised customers to ignore certain Windows Firewall notifications, identified as 'Event 2042,' that may occur after installing the June 2025 preview update (KB5060829). These notifications indicate a 'Config Read Failed' warning but do not affect the normal operation of the Windows Firewall on Windows 11 24H2 systems. The company is aware of the issue, which is related to a new feature under development, and is working on a resolution. No action is required from users, and similar past issues have not impacted system functionality.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Get Windows 11 Pro for Just $15 at StackSocial for a Limited Time

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a significantly reduced price through StackSocial, offering a lifetime license for , compared to the usual retail price of 9. The operating system includes features such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, Remote Desktop, Group Policy Management, virtualization options, and a Copilot AI Assistant. It also supports virtual desktops and Snap layouts, enhancing multitasking and performance. Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, making this upgrade timely for users on older systems. However, the license keys are sourced from third-party vendors, which may lead to occasional activation issues, although StackSocial provides a 30-day refund policy for non-functional keys.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

You can’t argue with the price when a 95% discount drops Windows 11 Pro to just $10

Windows 11 Pro is available for a limited-time price of , reduced from its original retail value of 9, representing a discount of up to 95%. The Pro version includes features such as Hyper-V Virtualization, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Sandbox, Microsoft Defender Application Guard, and Windows Information Protection. Users also gain access to various AI tools. To acquire the software, one must purchase, download, and activate it with a license key, ensuring hardware compatibility with Windows 11.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Windows 11 Home vs Pro for Gaming: Which One Should You Choose?

Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro does not yield significant benefits in gaming performance, compatibility, or features for most gamers. Both editions provide identical gaming performance, supporting the same core gaming technologies such as DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and Game Mode. Windows 11 Home supports up to 128 GB of RAM and one CPU socket with 64 cores, while Windows 11 Pro supports up to 2 TB of RAM and two CPU sockets with 128 cores. Pro includes additional features like BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V virtualization, and Group Policy management, which are not typically utilized by gamers. The price of Windows 11 Home is lower than that of Pro, making it a more cost-effective choice for gaming. Both editions meet the hardware requirements for modern gaming, and compatibility with major games and platforms is consistent across both versions.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

My week with Linux: I’m dumping Windows for Ubuntu to see how it goes

BitLocker encryption is enabled by default on most Windows 11 systems, which can hinder the installation of Ubuntu. To proceed with the installation, BitLocker was temporarily disabled through the Control Panel. A bootable USB drive for Ubuntu was created using Rufus with an SK hynix Tube drive. The Ubuntu 25.04 ISO file, known as "Plucky Puffin," was downloaded at 5.8GB in about a minute. The decision was made to install Ubuntu 25.04 instead of the more stable Ubuntu 24.04 LTS due to a desire for the latest features. The installation was planned for both a ThinkPad X1 Carbon and a custom-built desktop with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPU.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Grab Windows 11 Pro with a massive 92% discount as it drops to just $15

Stack Social is offering Windows 11 Pro at a price of just , which is a 92% discount from its original retail price of 9. The offer includes advanced features such as Hyper-V Virtualization, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Sandbox for secure testing, Microsoft Defender Application Guard, Windows Information Protection, and access to Microsoft's AI-powered Copilot. The deal does not include a physical disk or USB drive; users must download the software and will receive a license key for activation. Buyers should check system compatibility before purchasing.