fingerprint Archives

Winsage

August 16, 2026

Windows 11 Pro license deal: Get it for $9.97

The Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license is currently available for .97 if purchased before August 20. It includes features such as Snap Layouts for multitasking, DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced gaming, biometric login for security, and Copilot for assistance. Windows 11 Pro offers significant advantages over Windows 11 Home, including BitLocker Device Encryption, Hyper-V for virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for testing applications, and Azure AD for identity management. This is a lifetime license for a single PC, and users should check compatibility with the Microsoft PC Health Check app. If a system cannot upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 via Windows Update, the license will not be applicable.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 adds App lock to Pixel

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 introduces a native App Lock feature for Pixel devices, allowing users to secure applications by long-pressing them and selecting the App Lock option from the Actions menu. Accessing locked applications requires authentication via Fingerprint Unlock or PIN. Key points include that notification content will be concealed when an app is locked, widgets and shortcuts for the locked app will be removed from the home screen, and AI agents with access to the app can still access its data. Users can manage app security settings through Settings > Security & privacy > App lock. The update is scheduled for rollout in December.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows 11’s August update has arrived — here are 3 reasons to download it, including turbocharged app launching

Windows 11's August update introduces several enhancements, including the expansion of Launch Performance Optimization (LLP) to all applications, improving app launch speed by temporarily boosting processor performance. Voice Access now features Voice Isolation to filter out background noise, requiring a one-time setup for optimal performance. Precision touchpad users gain new gesture controls for zoom and scroll speed adjustments. The update reinstates the ability to manually set the threshold for the Energy Saver feature. Lock screen widgets now display only the weather by default, and notification badges in the taskbar have been visually updated to use the Windows accent color. Additional changes include support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello and a parental controls notice during setup.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Your Windows 11 PC is getting a dozen small upgrades this week

Recent updates to Windows 11 have introduced several enhancements, including: - File Explorer now displays file sizes in more intuitive units (MB or GB for larger files, KB for smaller files). - Users can open folders in new tabs using the middle mouse button from the address bar and Start page. - Voice control improvements filter out background noise for clearer command recognition. - Windows Search provides smarter results even with typographical errors. - Touchpad gesture settings have been updated to adjust scroll and zoom speeds and enable accelerated scrolling. - Windows Hello now supports external fingerprint readers. - An expansion of updated Secure Boot certificates has been announced for more PCs. - After the August Patch Tuesday update, Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 have build numbers 26200.9165 and 26100.9165, respectively, with features being rolled out gradually.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Microsoft fixes 421 bugs and a Windows zero-day in August Patch Tuesday

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday update addressed 421 vulnerabilities across various products, including multiple versions of Windows (11 25H2/24H2, 11 23H2, and 10). A critical zero-day flaw, the "Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," allows attackers with lower-level access to gain system privileges without user interaction. Additionally, the update addresses two other zero-day flaws, including the "Windows User Profile Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," which has not yet been exploited but was publicly disclosed. The update is mandatory and should automatically install on supported PCs, with users encouraged to verify its application. The update also includes minor improvements to Windows features, such as enhancements to File Explorer, Windows Hello, Voice Access, and touchpad controls.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 & KB5120240 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. These updates include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which address 400 vulnerabilities. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the eighth 'Patch Tuesday' release of 2026, with no exclusive changes for either version. Key enhancements in the August 2026 update include: - File Explorer: Improved file size display, middle-click functionality for folders, resolution of loading issues, and enhanced clarity of file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Better handling of typos in app search and improved relevance of settings in search results. - Voice Access: Introduction of Voice Isolation and Korean language support, along with reliability improvements. - Widgets: Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color, and the Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified. - Start Menu: Improved reliability of view preferences and enhanced keyboard navigation. - Windows Hello: Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Power and Battery: Improved reliability of power settings and restored threshold setting for energy saver activation. - Accessibility: Enhanced Magnifier experience on touch devices. Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month's updates.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Microsoft Releases August 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the August 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 11, including the KB5121000 update for version 26H1, which introduces a new Screen tint accessibility option, a subdued Widgets experience, and the ability to pause Windows Updates for up to 35 days. The KB5121003 update for versions 25H2 and 24H2 includes new gesture controls for precision touchpads, enhanced Windows Hello security for peripheral fingerprint sensors, taskbar notification badges reflecting the Windows accent color, improved app search functionality, upgraded Voice Access with Voice Isolation, better Windows Update settings, and the ability to set a threshold for energy saver activation. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed 398 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) this month, with 62 classified as ‘Critical’ and one ‘Important’ flaw currently being exploited by attackers.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Windows 11 is pulling picture passwords and pushing people to PINs, passwords, and biometrics

Microsoft has removed the option to set up a new picture password for Windows 11 users as part of the July 2026 security update. Users with an existing picture password can continue to use it, but once removed or disabled, it cannot be re-established. Microsoft recommends using Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition instead.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Microsoft Expands Windows Hello ESS to External Fingerprint Readers

Microsoft is integrating Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) with compatible external fingerprint readers, allowing passwordless sign-ins on a wider range of Windows 11 devices. This update enhances biometric authentication security by utilizing hardware-backed protections such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), which isolate sensitive biometric data from malware and unauthorized access. Previously, only devices with integrated fingerprint sensors could fully utilize ESS, but the recent update (KB5101684) enables external fingerprint readers to function within the ESS framework. The update is being rolled out for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, and users can set up fingerprint authentication by connecting a compatible reader. This advancement aids IT administrators in implementing passwordless authentication while maintaining security protocols.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Not sure whether to use Windows Hello or Enhanced Sign‑in Security? This breakdown makes the choice easy

Microsoft will introduce Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) in the August 2026 update for Windows 11, allowing support for compatible external fingerprint readers. ESS aims to enhance the security of the authentication process rather than improve the accuracy of biometric recognition. Unlike standard Windows Hello, which processes biometric authentication through the operating system, ESS utilizes Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 to isolate sensitive operations in a protected environment. ESS-compatible fingerprint readers have dedicated secure processors, store templates internally, and communicate with the operating system via encrypted channels. Users can enable ESS by navigating to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options on their devices. If a device does not support ESS, standard Windows Hello remains a robust authentication option.