file types Archives

Winsage

July 9, 2025

New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes – here are 4 things I’m looking forward to

Windows 11's July update includes several new features and fixes, particularly benefiting gamers by resolving issues with mouse cursor behavior when Alt-Tabbing and addressing app freezes and display resets during full-screen gameplay. The update automatically resizes taskbar icons to fit more applications, with an option to disable this feature. Accessibility improvements include the ability to add custom words to the Voice Access dictionary and a new privacy feature for the Narrator tool that blackens the display while reading aloud. For European users, the update allows the chosen default browser to be linked to all file types, reducing unexpected launches of Microsoft Edge. Additionally, a new PC-to-PC migration feature is being introduced in the Windows Backup app to facilitate file and installation transfers over a shared network, with a full rollout expected before the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 10 KB5062554 cumulative update released with 13 changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5062554 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes thirteen new fixes and enhancements. This mandatory update addresses one critical zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws, and users can install it by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.6093 and Windows 10 21H2 to build 19044.6093. The update features various fixes, including issues with the Start Menu, file server responsiveness, and USB-connected printers. A known issue with the update is that NOTO fonts may appear blurry at 96 DPI, particularly affecting CJK text in Chromium-based browsers, with a suggested workaround of adjusting display scaling to 125% or 150%.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2025

XWorm RAT Deploys New Stagers and Loaders to Bypass Defenses

The XWorm Remote Access Trojan (RAT) has evolved its attack strategies by incorporating advanced stagers and loaders to evade detection. It is known for its capabilities, including keylogging, remote desktop access, data exfiltration, and command execution, and is particularly targeted at the software supply chain and gaming sectors. Recent campaigns have paired XWorm with AsyncRAT for initial access before deploying ransomware using the leaked LockBit Black builder. XWorm utilizes various file formats and scripting languages for payload delivery, often through phishing campaigns with deceptive lures like invoices and shipping notifications. It employs obfuscation techniques, including Base64 encoding and AES encryption, and manipulates Windows security features to avoid detection. Persistence mechanisms such as registry run keys and scheduled tasks ensure sustained access. XWorm conducts system reconnaissance, queries for antivirus software, and attempts to disable Microsoft Defender. It can propagate via removable media and execute commands from command-and-control servers. The Splunk Threat Research Team has developed detections for suspicious activities related to XWorm infections. Indicators of compromise include various file hashes for different scripts and loaders associated with XWorm.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: redesigned Windows 11 Start menu, Xbox handheld is here, and more

Microsoft has released Patch Tuesday updates for June 2025, with Windows 10 receiving KB5060533 and Windows 11 receiving KB5060842 and KB5060999. The Windows Insider Program has unveiled several new builds, including a redesigned Start menu in build 26200.5641 and various enhancements in other builds. Microsoft has introduced Copilot Vision with Highlights for Windows, currently available in the U.S. for two applications. A quirky bug in the latest builds causes Windows 11 to play the Windows Vista startup sound. Microsoft Edge received an update in the Dev Channel, while Firefox rolled out version 139.0.4. Microsoft announced enhancements to Outlook and OneDrive for Mac. New Xbox handhelds, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, were unveiled, optimized for gaming. Steam's Next Fest allows free trials of hundreds of games until June 16, 2025, and the Epic Games Store is offering Two Point Hospital for free.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

LibreOffice backs campaign to help users move from Windows 10 to Linux – and ditch Office, too

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives like Linux. The End of 10 initiative aims to guide users toward affordable options, particularly Linux and LibreOffice, as many existing Windows 10 devices may not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements. The transition to Windows 11 may also lead to increased costs and reduced user autonomy due to its cloud-centric design. LibreOffice, an open-source productivity suite, offers essential tools without licensing fees and promotes open standards, though compatibility with Microsoft Office documents may vary. The Document Foundation suggests three steps for transitioning to Linux and LibreOffice: testing the new platform, assessing software compatibility, and providing training for users.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

AI-powered Relight and Search now available in Microsoft Photos

The Microsoft Photos app has been updated on Windows 11, introducing new features for Copilot+ PCs. The Relight feature allows users to adjust lighting in images by positioning up to three light sources, changing light color, and setting a focus point, with additional brightness and intensity controls. Built-in presets are also available for quick application. This feature will initially be available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered devices coming soon. The app now includes improved photo search using natural language, enabling users to find images by descriptive phrases. For commercial users signed in with Microsoft Entra ID, access to Restyle Image and Image Creator is now available. Users should update their Photos app to version 2025.11060.5006.0 or higher to access these features.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft will stop pestering Windows users about Edge in EU

Microsoft has made adjustments to its Windows operating system to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Designated as a "gatekeeper" under the DMA in 2023, Microsoft is required to modify its core platform services. The changes announced in March 2024 for European users include the ability to uninstall Edge and Bing, support for third-party web applications on the Windows taskbar, and revisions to sign-on practices. Users will now only receive notifications to set Edge as their default browser after opening it, and the "Set Default" button will cover more file types in the EEA. Some enhancements are available in the Beta Channel, with a broader rollout expected in July. Windows Search will allow EEA users to install applications that designate alternative web search providers, and users will soon be able to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Store. Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi, praised the changes but noted that the process for setting a preferred default browser still needs improvement.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Lets EU Users Uninstall Store, Disables Prompts to Use Edge

Microsoft is transforming its Windows 10 and Windows 11 platforms to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), enhancing user autonomy for individuals in the European Economic Area (EEA). Beta testers in the EEA can now set a third-party browser as the default for more protocols and file types, including ftp, http, https, and various HTML-related formats. The default browser's icon will be pinned to the taskbar, and users can also set a default for handling PDF files. These updates are in the beta channel (Build 26120.4151) and will roll out to retail users by July. Microsoft Edge will not prompt users in Europe to set it as the default browser unless opened, and prompts to reinstall Edge will not appear if it is uninstalled, unless third-party PWAs are installed from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, users can see web search results from various search engines and can uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving updates for existing applications. These changes are exclusive to the EEA, with users in other regions remaining on traditional versions of the operating system.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft is making huge changes to Windows 10 and 11, cutting out nagging to use Edge… for some

Microsoft is implementing changes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to address criticism regarding the promotion of Microsoft Edge. These changes, in response to the Digital Markets Act, include: - A broader range of link and file types will be included when users set their default browser via the “Set default” button, covering link types such as ftp, http, https, read, and file types like .htm, .html, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, .xml. - The default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar unless users opt out. - Users can set the .pdf file type default for compatible browsers. - There will be fewer prompts to revert to Edge, and users will not receive reminders to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. - The Bing app will use the default web browser instead of defaulting to Edge. Additionally, enhancements to Windows Search will allow: - Apps to provide web search results directly within Windows Search. - Automatic enabling of web search providers upon app installation. - Viewing results from multiple web search providers simultaneously with scoping tabs for refined searches. - Reordering of web search providers in Settings. These updates are being rolled out in Windows Insider builds and are expected to reach retail versions by early June. It is uncertain if these changes will be extended to other regions.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Makes More DMA-Based Changes to Windows 10/11 in the EU

Microsoft is aligning its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a Digital Markets Act Compliance website detailing plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn. Recent updates include: - Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can associate a wider range of file and link types with their default web browser, including ftp, http, https, .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available. - The Windows Search feature will allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface, enabling users to filter and reorder results. - EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app, while apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates. Users can reinstall the Store app later. - The Bing and Start Experiences apps will direct web content to the user's default browser instead of Microsoft Edge, which will no longer prompt users to set it as the default unless opened directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not suggest its reinstallation, except for Progressive Web Apps installed via Edge.