firmware Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft agrees that USB is a mess and it’s making changes to fix it: ‘Manufacturers can implement ports that look identical but differ wildly in functionality’

Microsoft is implementing new standards to enhance the reliability of USB connections, particularly for devices that comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). All WHCP-compliant hardware with USB Type-C must use USB-IF-certified silicon, ensuring efficient charging and support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode for additional monitors. USB4 certification requires a maximum data speed of 40 Gbps, up to 15 W of power for accessories, support for dual 4K displays at 60 Hz, and compatibility with PCIe and Thunderbolt 3. Testing is conducted through Microsoft's Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), and certification is paused if issues arise during testing. This initiative aims to clarify USB Type-C port capabilities and improve consumer confidence in WHCP-certified devices.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Preinstalled Android Apps Found Leaking PINs and Executing Malicious Commands

On May 30, 2025, CERT Polska disclosed three security vulnerabilities affecting preinstalled Android applications on Ulefone and Krüger&Matz smartphones: CVE-2024-13915, CVE-2024-13916, and CVE-2024-13917. - CVE-2024-13915: The com.pri.factorytest application allows any app to invoke the FactoryResetService, enabling unauthorized factory resets due to improper export controls (CWE-926). - CVE-2024-13916: The com.pri.applock application exposes a public method that allows malicious apps to steal the user’s PIN, representing an exposure of sensitive system information (CWE-497). - CVE-2024-13917: The exported activity in com.pri.applock allows privilege escalation by enabling malicious apps to inject intents with system-level privileges if they have access to the compromised PIN (CWE-926). Users of affected devices are advised to seek firmware updates or mitigations from their vendors.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Did Microsoft Change Windows 11 Requirements? – Here’s the Truth

Microsoft has not changed the official requirements for Windows 11 since its launch. Users need a compatible 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster with at least two cores), a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Essential features include UEFI firmware that supports Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and displays of at least 9 inches with a resolution of 720p. Microsoft allows experienced users to manually install Windows 11 on unsupported devices at their own risk, but this is not advisable due to potential issues. The strict requirements are intended to enhance security and performance. Users can check compatibility with the PC Health Check Tool. Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, after which there will be no official support. For those whose systems do not meet the specifications, upgrading hardware or purchasing a new PC may be necessary.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Three ways to run Windows apps on a Linux box

If you're transitioning to Linux and need to run Windows applications, you have several options, including dual-booting, using a virtual machine (VM), or employing a compatibility layer like WINE. For virtualization, VirtualBox is a popular open-source choice, while VMware is another option that has been free since late 2024. Both require a Windows ISO, which can be obtained for free from Microsoft. VirtualBox suggests allocating 2GB of RAM and one processor core, but 8GB of RAM and two cores are recommended for better performance. Running a VM requires significant resources, and a valid Windows license is necessary for the guest OS. Dual-booting allows both Windows and Linux to run natively, providing full hardware access and optimal performance. WINE translates Windows application calls into Linux commands and is included in most Linux distributions. Its effectiveness varies by application. Bottles is a user-friendly wrapper around WINE that simplifies installation. For enhanced compatibility, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a premium alternative to WINE, with a free evaluation version available. For gaming, Lutris and Valve’s Proton are tools that facilitate running Windows games on Linux.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

BIOS and Bootloaders in the Crosshairs: Growing Firmware Threats

Hackers are increasingly targeting the startup sequence of systems, focusing on BIOS, UEFI, and bootloaders, which allows them to bypass traditional operating system defenses. Firmware threats often evade conventional security measures, providing attackers with a persistent foothold. Notable bootkits like BlackLotus, BootHole, and EFILock exploit vulnerabilities in boot components, even those protected by Secure Boot. Attackers can embed malicious code in firmware or replace legitimate bootloaders, maintaining control through OS reinstalls and hardware replacements. Common attack vectors include compromised storage, network connections, or console inputs during boot. Malicious code can execute before security software activates, and attackers may exploit misconfigured or outdated signature databases, as well as downgrade attacks on older firmware versions. To mitigate these threats, organizations should enforce Secure Boot policies, regularly update signature databases, and monitor boot behavior for anomalies.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

Deadline approaching: It’s time to say goodbye to Windows 10

Microsoft will officially discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which has specific hardware requirements including a modern processor, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. To check compatibility, users can use the PC Health Check app. If a device does not meet the requirements, hardware upgrades or firmware adjustments may be necessary. If the BIOS mode is set to Legacy, users must convert the hard drive from MBR to GPT using the command mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullOS. It is recommended to back up data before upgrading. Microsoft is also offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for approximately €27, extending support for an additional year.

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 17, 2025

Why Windows 10 PCs are locking up and crashing after May update

Microsoft will end update support for Windows 10 in October 2025, but new patches are still being released. The latest cumulative update, KB5058379, has caused issues for users, especially those with devices from Dell, Lenovo, and HP. Microsoft is aware of the problems and has not yet deployed a fix as of May 16, but has provided a temporary workaround. For users affected by the BitLocker bug, Microsoft Support recommends the following steps to regain access: 1. Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/Firmware settings. 2. If issues persist, disable all virtualization technologies in BIOS/Firmware settings. 3. Check the Microsoft Defender System Guard Firmware Protection Status via Registry Editor or GUI method. 4. If firmware protection settings are restricted by Group Policy, disable them using Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor. A system restart is required for these changes to take effect, and these workarounds should only be temporary until a patched update is released. Disabling certain BIOS settings may compromise system security.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft confirms May Windows 10 updates trigger BitLocker recovery

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting some Windows 10 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 systems after the installation of the May 2025 security update (KB5058379), causing devices to boot into BitLocker recovery mode. This problem arises when the update leads to multiple startup failures, preventing the system from initiating Automatic Repair without the recovery key. Users experiencing this issue may see LSASS errors and the 0x800F0845 error code in the Windows Event Viewer. Reports indicate that various devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and HP are affected. Microsoft suggests troubleshooting steps such as disabling Intel Trusted Execution Technology, Secure Boot, Virtualization Technologies, or Firmware Protection. This is not the first occurrence of such issues, as similar problems were reported after previous updates in August 2024 and August 2022.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft released one of its final updates for Windows 10 — and it has broken things

Microsoft is winding down support for Windows 10 this October and has released update KB5058379, which has caused unexpected BitLocker recovery prompts for some users after a restart. This issue has been confirmed by Microsoft representatives on forums, although it is not mentioned in the update's release notes. The problem predominantly affects devices from manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo, and the specific cause is unclear. Microsoft has provided workarounds, including disabling Secure Boot and virtualization technologies, checking Microsoft Defender System Guard Firmware Protection status, and disabling firmware protection via Group Policy or Registry Editor.