Winsage
February 11, 2026
Microsoft is introducing new security features for its Windows operating system, including "Windows Baseline Security Mode" and "User Transparency and Consent." The Baseline Security Mode will enforce runtime integrity safeguards by default, allowing only properly signed applications, services, and drivers to operate, with options for users to override these safeguards for legacy applications. The User Transparency and Consent feature will require explicit user consent for applications accessing sensitive resources, moving away from the current User Account Control prompts. Microsoft aims to enhance user security and privacy while providing clear and actionable notifications. CrowdStrike's Chief Technology Innovation Officer expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of user consent settings for security software effectiveness. Microsoft has a history of security initiatives, including the Secure Future Initiative, and plans to hold applications and AI tools to higher transparency standards. The rollout of these updates will occur in phases, although no specific timeline has been provided.
