Google Chrome Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards. 5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields. 6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items. 9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing. 10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Hackers increasingly use Winos4.0 post-exploitation kit in attacks

Hackers are targeting Windows users with the Winos4.0 framework, which is distributed through seemingly harmless game-related applications. This toolkit has capabilities similar to well-known post-exploitation frameworks like Sliver and Cobalt Strike. Initially, a threat actor named Void Arachne attracted victims with modified software like VPNs and Google Chrome for the Chinese market, but recent tactics involve using games and game-related files. The infection process begins when a legitimate installer is executed, downloading a DLL file from “ad59t82g[.]com.” This triggers a multi-step infection process involving the download of a DLL named you.dll, which fetches additional files and modifies the Windows Registry for persistence. The second phase involves injected shellcode that loads APIs and connects to a command-and-control (C2) server, while the third phase retrieves encoded data from the C2 server. The final stage includes loading a login module that performs various malicious actions, such as collecting system information, checking for anti-virus software, gathering data on cryptocurrency wallet extensions, maintaining a backdoor connection to the C2 server, and exfiltrating sensitive information through methods like taking screenshots and stealing documents. Winos4.0 can identify various security tools, including Kaspersky, Avast, and Malwarebytes, allowing it to adjust its behavior based on the environment. Fortinet describes Winos4.0 as a powerful tool for controlling compromised systems, with reports from Fortinet and Trend Micro providing indicators of compromise (IoCs) related to this threat.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

I didn’t shut down my Windows 11 laptop for three months and here’s what happened

Many users prefer to keep their PCs running continuously for convenience, especially when working on long-term projects that require multiple applications and tabs. Some users need their machines on for specific purposes like running media servers or remote access. The rise of smart home technology has also increased reliance on PCs as central hubs. An experiment with a Windows 11 laptop kept on for three months showed stable performance, with minor issues like lag in Google Chrome due to many open tabs. The battery performance was good, dropping only about 4% overnight after heavy usage. However, there are reasons to shut down a PC periodically, such as the need for software updates and enhanced security against cyberattacks. Shutting down can help mitigate potential issues and ensure efficient operation.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 9 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft officially released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, improved performance, and greater stability. Users can install the update via Windows Update or download it from Microsoft's page. However, there are reports of bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt the rollout for certain problematic PCs. 1. The Windows System File Checker (SFC) is experiencing a glitch that causes it to falsely report corrupted files. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods; Microsoft confirmed this as a reporting bug. 3. The update may conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Other drivers, particularly those related to Intel Smart Sound Technology, may also cause blue screens. 5. A bug in Chromium-based applications causes the mouse pointer to disappear when interacting with text input fields. 6. Some users report erratic internet connectivity, with devices failing to receive valid IP addresses. 7. Fingerprint sensors on some devices may become unresponsive after the update. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, indicating it is empty despite copied items being present. 9. A network issue prevents devices from appearing in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing capabilities.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

How to use the new Private Space feature in Android 15

Android 15 introduces a feature called Private Space, which enhances user privacy by creating a secure environment for selected applications. It acts as a vault to protect sensitive apps from unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of security beyond the primary lock screen. To set up Private Space, users navigate to Settings > Security and privacy > Private space, review the feature overview, and tap Set up. They can choose to use a different Google account or create a new one, set a new lock method, and finalize the setup. Google apps like Chrome and Photos are pre-installed in the private space. Accessing Private Space involves scrolling to the bottom of the app drawer, tapping the padlock icon, and authenticating via biometric or PIN. Users can add or uninstall apps easily, and notifications from apps in Private Space only appear when it is unlocked. The space remains accessible until locked again, and users can configure it to lock automatically under certain conditions. Additional configuration options include changing the lock method, setting automatic lock conditions, hiding the private space from the app drawer, and deleting the private space while keeping cloud-synced data intact. Transferring Private Space to a new device is not supported, requiring users to start anew, although they can sign in with the same Google account to restore data from certain apps.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

It may be a running joke that Microsoft Edge is only used to download Google Chrome, but the real pro move is far better than that

Many users open Microsoft Edge primarily to download Google Chrome, despite Edge's evolution into a robust browser. The Windows Package Manager is a terminal-based utility favored by Windows 11 users for streamlining software installation from various sources, allowing users to install multiple applications with a single command. It uses manifests to guide downloads and can be complemented by third-party services like winstall.app for a more user-friendly experience. Users can install Google Chrome quickly by entering the command "winget install google.chrome" in the Terminal app, bypassing the need to use Edge. The Windows Package Manager's capabilities are expanding, and users can create their own manifests for missing applications. Tools like PowerToys Run enhance keyboard-centric workflows, facilitating quick access to the Terminal.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

uBlock Origin alternative AdGuard fixes Windows-induced BSOD, promises dark mode everywhere

Brave has committed to supporting uBlock Origin despite Google Chrome's decision to disable it. AdGuard has released version 7.19 for Windows, which includes a feature for users to apply a dark theme to webpages using Userstyles. The update also addresses improvements and fixes, including resolving a BSOD issue related to the netio.sys driver and integrating updated drivers for network traffic filtering. Additional improvements include support for the Floorp browser and updated translations. This version will be the last to support Windows 7 and 8.1.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

8 reasons to avoid the latest Windows 11 update (hint: they’re all bugs)

Microsoft has released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, and performance improvements. Users can access the update through Windows Update or Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page. However, the update has several bugs, including: 1. System File Checker Bug: The SFC tool shows false positives for corrupted files related to WebView2. 2. Cache File Deletion Glitch: An 8.63GB update cache is resistant to deletion, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup" in Disk Cleanup. 3. Conflict with Easy Anti-Cheat: Users may experience blue screens with the Easy Anti-Cheat software, especially on Intel Alder Lake+ devices. 4. Blue Screens from Driver Compatibility: Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and certain Western Digital SSDs can cause blue screens. 5. Disappearing Mouse Pointer: The mouse cursor may vanish in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text fields. 6. Internet Connection Issues: Users may face problems obtaining a valid IP address, despite seemingly functional Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections. 7. Fingerprint Sensor Glitch: Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive after the update. 8. Broken Clipboard History: The clipboard history feature may appear empty despite items being copied. Microsoft has acknowledged these and other issues on its Known Issues and Notifications page. Users are advised to consider delaying the update due to these challenges.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

7 reasons to avoid the latest Windows 11 update (hint: they’re all bugs)

Microsoft has released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a new File Explorer, improved performance, and increased stability. The update is available through Windows Update and Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page. However, it has been reported to contain several bugs, including: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) tool is producing false positives for corrupted files. 2. An 8.63GB update cache is not deletable by standard methods, though it can be removed via "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. A conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application may cause blue screens for users with Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens may also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology and specific Western Digital SSDs. 5. A glitch in Chromium-based applications causes the mouse pointer to disappear in text input fields. 6. Users are experiencing erratic internet connections, with the system failing to assign valid IP addresses. 7. Some devices have unresponsive fingerprint sensors after the update. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues, and users may want to delay the update until these problems are resolved.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

How to print from Android

Smartphones have made mobile printing a necessity, with various built-in features and compatible apps available for Android devices. To print from an Android phone, users need a compatible home printer (Wi-Fi enabled, Bluetooth, or USB), the content to print, and an internet connection for cloud printing. Google Cloud Print was discontinued in December 2020, but some users may still access it. For built-in Android printing, users can navigate to the content, tap the three-dot menu, select "Print," choose the printer, adjust settings, and tap the print icon. If the printer is not visible, a specific print service plugin may need to be installed. Popular apps like Gmail and Google Docs have native print options. Users can print from Gmail by accessing the email, tapping the three-dot menu, selecting "Print," choosing the printer, adjusting settings, and tapping "Print." The same steps apply to Google Docs and other Google apps. Users can also print images or PDFs directly from their phone's storage by opening the file, tapping the menu or share icon, selecting "Print," choosing the printer, adjusting settings, and tapping "Print." For printers that do not support Android printing natively, third-party apps like PrinterShare and Mopria Print Service can be used. Users can download these apps, connect their printer, choose a file, adjust settings, and print. Tips for printing from WhatsApp include ensuring printer compatibility, using Wi-Fi for faster printing, keeping the Android OS and apps updated, checking printer settings, utilizing cloud storage for easier access, and saving documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.