Hardware Archives

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Latest patch puts some Windows 10 machines in recovery loops

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 10 versions 22H2 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, particularly those with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) on tenth-generation or later Intel processors with vPro support. Users who have BitLocker enabled and installed the KB5058379 patch released on May 13 may need their BitLocker recovery keys due to a bug causing lsass.exe to terminate unexpectedly, leading to an Automatic Repair cycle or a reboot loop. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on an Out-of-band update. Meanwhile, workarounds, such as disabling TXT, pose security risks. Microsoft also announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2025

Microsoft Defender deactivated by new tool

The OpenEoX Technical Committee, part of OASIS, has introduced a draft framework to standardize end-of-life security notices for software and hardware, involving companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, IBM, Dell, and RedHat. The framework aims to provide clear communication about the security status of technology, helping organizations manage risks associated with legacy systems. It outlines a structured approach for notifying users about end-of-life status, enabling informed decisions on upgrades or replacements to improve security.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Microsoft Triumphs: Resolves Long-Standing Windows Bug from Last Year

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update, version 24H2, released in May 2025, resolves a dual-boot issue caused by the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) feature that made Linux partitions unbootable for many users. Additionally, Microsoft has launched a new 13-inch Surface Laptop, which is the lightest and thinnest version ever produced, weighing 2.7 lbs, and emphasizing portability and performance with advanced AI features.

BetaBeacon

May 19, 2025

Retroid Pocket 5 Gaming Handheld Is Now Available At Amazon

The Retroid Pocket 5 is a powerful Android gaming handheld device with a 5.5-inch 1080p touch screen, two thumbsticks, D-pad, and standard gaming buttons. It is equipped with an Adreno 650 GPU, Snapdragon 865 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage. The device is compatible with high-end native Android games, retro games, and sixth- and seventh-generation console games. It is available on Amazon for with free shipping, but due to high demand, there may be delivery wait times of around two weeks.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Goodbye Obsolete Tech—This USB Drive Instantly Revives Old Computers—Perfect for the Post-Windows 10 Era

Computers have a finite lifespan, and companies like Microsoft withdraw support for older devices to focus on newer models, a practice known as planned obsolescence. Microsoft is discontinuing support for the Windows 10 operating system, which means users will no longer receive security updates or technical assistance. Google has developed ChromeOS Flex, an operating system that can be installed on older Windows 10 devices, providing essential security features and updates. ChromeOS Flex offers rapid boot times and automatic updates and is compatible with a range of hardware from major manufacturers. Users must verify their device against an approved list and meet specific installation requirements, including having a 64-bit processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage. An empty USB drive of at least 8 GB is needed to create the bootable installer for the installation process.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

How to stop Android apps running in the background

Experiencing unexpected battery drain on Android devices can be caused by background apps. To manage these apps and alleviate battery issues, users can activate the Adaptive Battery feature by navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Adaptive Battery and toggling it on. Regular updates for both the Android system and applications can improve battery performance. Users can check for Android updates in Settings > System > Software updates and for app updates in the Google Play Store under Manage apps & device. To monitor battery usage, users can go to Settings > Battery > Battery usage to identify which apps consume the most power. For RAM usage, enabling Developer options allows users to see which apps are using memory by going to Settings > About phone > Build number (tap seven times) > System > Developer options > Running services. Users can stop or uninstall background apps by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, selecting the app, and choosing to force stop or uninstall it. To limit background activity for specific apps, users can enable "Pause app activity if unused" or toggle off "Allow background usage" in the app's battery usage settings. Some manufacturers offer built-in options for managing background apps, and third-party apps like Greenify can also help. Common battery-draining apps include social media and streaming services.

AppWizard

May 18, 2025

EA is reportedly cracking down on a Sims 4 mod. What it changes has fans furious

The Sims 4, developed by Electronic Arts, has maintained its popularity for over ten years, supported by a dedicated fan base and compatibility with modern hardware. The game recently released the Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack in March, allowing players to start their own small businesses. The community has also created numerous fan-made mods, some of which enhance gameplay, while others have sparked controversy, such as a mod aimed at removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) elements. This led to backlash and accusations of censorship when EA requested the mod's removal. Additionally, the conversation about diversity in video games has grown, with criticism directed at Sweet Baby Inc., a consulting firm, for its influence on narrative choices in games like Alan Wake 2 and God of War Ragnarok, resulting in organized boycotts against games associated with the firm.

Tech Optimizer

May 18, 2025

Defendnot tool pitched as ‘an even funnier way’ to disable Windows Defender

A new tool called Defendnot, developed by es3n1n, allows users to disable Windows Defender by using an undocumented Windows Security Center (WSC) API to simulate the presence of another antivirus program. This tool is a successor to the no-defender tool, which was taken down due to legal issues. Defendnot does not use third-party antivirus code and aims for a clean implementation. It disables Microsoft Defender upon activation, leaving users vulnerable to malware as it does not provide real-time scanning. Defendnot is designed to run automatically at Windows startup. Microsoft classifies Defendnot as a Trojan, raising concerns about its potential misuse by malicious actors.

Tech Optimizer

May 17, 2025

Do You Really Need Antivirus on Windows 11? Probably Not—Here’s Why

Windows 11 has robust built-in security features that may reduce the need for third-party antivirus software. Windows Security now offers comprehensive protection, including real-time malware detection, firewall protection, SmartScreen alerts, hardware-level security, account monitoring, and system health reports. According to AV-TEST results from January and February 2025, Microsoft Defender Antivirus scored 6.0/6.0 in protection, performance, and usability, effectively stopping advanced malware and phishing attempts with minimal system resource usage. Users of Microsoft Edge benefit from SmartScreen filtering, while those using other browsers receive system notifications for network protection. Basic digital hygiene practices, such as avoiding suspicious downloads and keeping software updated, are crucial for security. Third-party antivirus solutions may offer additional features but can lead to performance issues and privacy concerns. For casual users who maintain their systems and practice safe browsing, Windows Security is generally sufficient, while those handling sensitive information or needing advanced features may consider premium antivirus options.

BetaBeacon

May 17, 2025

The 5 Best New Apps for Android and iPhone this Week

- EA SPORTS FC Tactical is a mobile game that offers a turn-based system for making strategic decisions during key moments of a football match. - The game combines realistic player models with stylized animations and a rock-paper-scissors-style attribute system to determine the outcome of encounters. - The game features a unique approach to traditional football elements and offers a cinematic experience with dynamic music and visual effects.