information Archives

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Windows 11’s 500GB storage bug is fixed. How to check if you’re good

Microsoft's July Patch Tuesday update addressed a significant storage issue for Windows 11 users related to the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which had been consuming excessive storage space, with reports of usage reaching up to 500 GB. The bug originated from the Capability Access Manager service, which normally allows the file to occupy only a few megabytes. Update KB5101650 was released to fix this issue, improving disk space usage for the file. However, it is unclear if existing oversized WAL files will automatically resize. Users are advised to check the size of their WAL file using the Command Prompt or third-party tools, and if it remains large, to delete it following the update documentation.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

Hundreds of GitHub repos found posing as real software to push malware

Cybersecurity firm ArcticWolf has identified 292 malicious GitHub repositories that impersonate legitimate software tools, part of a campaign to deliver a new variant of the BoryptGrab infostealer. This malware can extract sensitive information from 19 web browsers, 32 cryptocurrency wallets, messaging applications like Telegram and Discord, gaming platforms such as Steam, and Windows Credential Manager. It can also exfiltrate files from users' Desktop and Documents folders and capture screenshots. This variant bypasses Chrome’s App-Bound Encryption using direct code injection and does not include an anti-analysis layer or conceal itself, aiming to harvest data quickly without persistence. The malicious activity began in late June, with most repositories removed from GitHub, though several dozen remain active. GitHub's status as a key platform in the open-source community makes it a target for cybercriminals, emphasizing the need for developers to thoroughly vet code before integration.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Your Google Maps App On Android Auto Is About To Look Different

Google has been enhancing Google Maps with features similar to Waze, including road hazard warnings and a visual upgrade called Immersive Navigation, which began rolling out in early 2026. This upgrade was launched for Android Auto users in July 2026, linked to Android Auto version 17.3, but its rollout may be server-side, causing delays for some beta users. Immersive Navigation features a three-dimensional interface with 3D buildings and animated trees, and aims to provide more intuitive directions using images from Google's Street View. Since March 2026, it has been gradually reaching users alongside the updated Ask Maps functionality, which uses AI through Gemini for enhanced navigation assistance. The update's distribution is uneven, with no method to expedite the process. Immersive Navigation utilizes real-time traffic data for better route context, positioning Google Maps favorably against Waze, although Waze still excels in live user feedback on road hazards. There is currently no information on whether Immersive Navigation will support offline maps.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Dell PCs are shutting down after Windows 11’s July update, Microsoft admits and blocks it

Microsoft has blocked the Windows 11 July 2026 update (KB5101650) on certain Dell PCs due to issues causing unexpected shutdowns, diminished performance, excessive heat, and battery drain. The problems are linked to the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver, which affects power management. The complications stem from an optional June 2026 update (KB5095093) that introduced changes impacting the performance of some Dell PCs. Microsoft has not provided a list of affected models but is working with Dell to resolve the issue. The July update has been preemptively blocked from installation on incompatible devices, and a resolution is expected soon.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Researcher Drops New Windows Zero-Day PoC Hours After Microsoft Patch Tuesday

Security researcher Chaotic Eclipse has released a proof-of-concept exploit called LegacyHive, which targets a vulnerability in the Windows User Profile Service. The exploit requires standard user credentials and a third username, potentially an administrator account. It can mount the target user hive in the current user classes root and is designed to reduce the risk of public exploitation. The exploit works across all supported desktop and server versions of Windows, including those updated with the July 2026 Patch Tuesday release. Microsoft is investigating the findings related to LegacyHive. Microsoft has patched 622 vulnerabilities, including two privilege escalation flaws in SharePoint Server (CVE-2026-56164, CVSS score: 5.3) and Active Directory Federation Services (CVE-2026-56155, CVSS score: 7.8), which are actively exploited threats. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has included these vulnerabilities in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies to implement fixes by specified deadlines. CISA has also noted active exploitation of several SharePoint Server vulnerabilities, including CVE-2026-32201, CVE-2026-45659, and CVE-2026-56164, which allow unauthorized access to vulnerable instances. CVE-2026-56164 enables attackers to send crafted network requests to access functions that should require authorization, leading to privilege escalation without prior authentication. Additionally, CVE-2026-55040 (CVSS score: 9.1) allows remote unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication on a vulnerable SharePoint server, enabling unauthorized operations.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? How to Protect Your Device

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, Verified Boot, automatic updates, data encryption, and Recovery Mode, which collectively reduce the risk of malware infections. However, they are still vulnerable to threats such as malicious Chrome extensions, scam Android apps from third-party stores, phishing attacks, and risks associated with using Developer Mode and cloud storage. Users can identify potential malware through signs like slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, and unusual battery drain. To remove malware, users should eliminate suspicious extensions, uninstall dubious apps, run antivirus scans, enable Google Play Protect, or perform a Powerwash to reset the device. To protect their Chromebooks, users should avoid Developer Mode, check app permissions, use two-factor authentication, verify website URLs, and use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Ramp’s billionaire CEO ignores résumés and Ivy League degrees—he’s more interested in engineers who built Minecraft servers as teens

Eric Glyman, cofounder and CEO of Ramp, advocates for a hiring philosophy that prioritizes "proof of work" and exceptional drive over traditional qualifications and résumés. He believes valuable hires often come from unexpected backgrounds, citing Ramp engineers who demonstrated dedication through their involvement in Minecraft. Ramp actively seeks talent on platforms like GitHub and through referrals from individuals who know candidates well. Glyman emphasizes the economic advantages of hiring younger talent before they accumulate extensive experience, which can inflate their market value. He also focuses on candidates' long-term motivations and alignment with the company's mission. Glyman's approach aligns with other influential CEOs, such as Elon Musk, who also prioritize tangible evidence of a candidate's abilities over résumés.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft tests Copilot’s new PC insights feature in Windows 11

Microsoft is piloting a feature called “PC insights” in its Windows 11 Copilot app, allowing users to inquire about their computer's hardware specifications such as RAM, storage, GPU performance, processor usage, antivirus status, and battery health. The feature collects system data using Windows APIs with user consent, which can be granted as one-time or permanent access. Currently in the experimental phase, it is being rolled out in the United States and provides insights based on the device's current state. Microsoft has cautioned that the app may not always provide complete or accurate information and has reported that it consumes nearly 1GB of RAM while idle. “PC insights” serves as a troubleshooting tool to help identify performance issues without resolving them directly. Future updates may enhance its capabilities to suggest adjustments or implement configuration changes.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft Just Patched a Record 570 Flaws in Windows

Microsoft's July Patch Tuesday update addresses 570 vulnerabilities, including three critical zero-days. The vulnerabilities include 254 elevation-of-privilege flaws, 17 security feature bypasses, 145 remote-code-execution issues, 102 information disclosures, 16 spoofing vulnerabilities, and 35 denial-of-service vulnerabilities. Among these, 59 bugs are classified as "critical." The three zero-days patched are CVE-2026-56155 (elevation of privilege in Active Directory Federation Services), CVE-2026-56164 (elevation of privilege in Microsoft SharePoint Server), and CVE-2026-50661 (security bypass in Windows BitLocker). The update is recommended to be installed as soon as possible, and users can check for updates through the Windows Update settings.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft Releases July 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates

Microsoft has released the July 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, introducing several key features: - A new recovery feature allows users to revert their PCs to a recent restore point. - The Widgets experience has been revamped to minimize distractions, including no longer opening upon hover and reduced memory usage. - Users can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days and re-pause them as needed. - A new screen tint feature applies a color overlay to reduce eye strain. - Magnifier now offers preset zoom increments and allows specific zoom percentages to be input. - Bluetooth connectivity improvements include quicker pairing for Apple’s AirPods and better reliability for Beats Studio Pro headphones. - Voice access and voice typing features are now available in French, German, and Spanish. - Users can customize the right-click zone size on touchpads with a pressable surface. - The emoji panel now uses GIPHY for GIF content. - Taskbar notification counts and badge visuals will update accurately. For Qualcomm-powered PCs running Windows 11 version 26H1, the KB5101649 update includes the Point-in-time restore feature and introduces new NPU usage metrics in Task Manager, the option to assign a custom user folder name during setup, and allows multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. Improvements have also been made to Windows Hello authentication and Microsoft Store performance, along with enhancements to Windows Search for better file location and prioritization.