installations Archives

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Microsoft takes Windows Subsystem for Linux open source after nearly a decade

Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) was introduced in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update of 2016, allowing users to run Linux applications within Windows. The company has improved WSL over the years, adding features like GPU and audio support. At the recent Build developer conference, Microsoft announced that nearly all of WSL will transition to open source, marking the resolution of the first issue raised on GitHub in 2016. Senior Software Engineer Pierre Boulay highlighted the importance of community contributions to WSL's development. However, two components will remain closed-source: the lxcore.sys kernel driver and the p9rdr.sys and p9np.dll files, with no timeline provided for their potential open-sourcing.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Files by Google is also getting a fresh coat of Material 3 Expressive (APK teardown)

Google is testing its Files app with new Material 3 Expressive components in a beta version. The beta version, Files by Google v1.7528, features repositioned Quick Share and File Scanner floating action buttons to a centralized location, larger thumbnails for recent files, and a redesigned image viewer with updated Edit and Circle to Search FABs. The sidebar has undergone changes in padding and sizing, and the progress bar has been moved to the center of the screen with a new wavy design. These features are still under development and may not appear in the final public release.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Windows Remote Desktop Gateway UAF Vulnerability Allows Remote Code Execution

A critical vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-21297, has been identified in Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) due to a use-after-free (UAF) bug linked to concurrent socket connections during the service's initialization. This flaw, located in the aaedge.dll library within the CTsgMsgServer::GetCTsgMsgServerInstance function, allows multiple threads to overwrite a global pointer, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows Server, including 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025. Microsoft released security updates in May 2025 to address the issue, implementing mutex-based synchronization. The updates are KB5050011 for Windows Server 2016, KB5050008 for Windows Server 2019, KB5049983 for Windows Server 2022, and KB5050009 for Windows Server 2025. Security experts recommend applying these patches promptly and monitoring RD Gateway logs for unusual activity.

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.

Tech Optimizer

May 18, 2025

Do I need antivirus software for Windows 11?

Windows 11 accounts for nearly 44% of global desktop users as of April 2025, making it a prime target for cybercriminals, with 83% of malware in 2020 aimed at Windows systems. Microsoft Defender, which comes pre-installed with Windows 11, offers commendable malware protection, basic ransomware protection, a SmartScreen feature for anti-phishing, and a firewall that monitors network traffic. While it provides a solid foundation for security, additional third-party antivirus software can enhance protection, offering more comprehensive features such as superior parental controls, integrated VPN services, and identity theft protection.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

9 Months Later, Microsoft Finally Fixes Linux Dual-Booting Bug

In August 2024, a security update aimed at improving Secure Boot disrupted dual-booting of Windows and Linux due to a vulnerability in the GRUB bootloader. This allowed malicious actors to bypass Secure Boot protections. Microsoft released a patch, KB5058385, on May 13, 2025, to resolve the issue by enhancing the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) system's ability to recognize legitimate Linux bootloaders, preventing them from being blocked. The patch is applicable to various versions of Windows, including Windows 11 (multiple versions) and Windows Server (multiple versions). The update will be automatically applied through Windows Update for affected installations.

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.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

This is the best companion app for the Linux terminal on Android

Google's latest Pixel Drop update has introduced a Linux Terminal app that runs within a Debian-based virtual machine. The Linux Command Library is a companion app designed to assist users with the terminal experience, featuring three main tabs: Basics, Tips, and Commands. The Basics section offers an overview of essential commands, the Tips section provides curated commands for beginners, and the Commands tab serves as a master search tool for more experienced users. Users can copy and paste commands directly from the app into the terminal. Not all commands in the Linux Command Library are compatible with the default Android Terminal app, and some command-line games may not function as intended. The app aims to help users navigate the complexities of the Linux Terminal, making it a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced users.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft solves dual-boot problems with Windows and Linux

Microsoft addressed issues with dual-boot installations involving Linux that were caused by updates released in August, which disrupted many configurations and Linux boot media. The updates aimed to enhance security by blocking outdated boot managers but resulted in error messages indicating a security policy violation. To resolve these issues, Microsoft created the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) update to prevent installation on dual-boot systems, but the detection mechanism was often ineffective. The SBAT update was paused in September, and Microsoft announced that the problem was resolved with security updates released in May. Affected Windows versions include Windows Server editions from 2012 to 2022, Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2), and Windows 10 (versions 22H2, 21H2, and Enterprise 2015 LTSB). Microsoft also provided guidance for users to prevent the SBAT update and steps to restore dual-boot systems.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

MSI PortalX ditches Windows apps to sync RGB via the web

MSI has introduced PortalX, a web-based lighting platform for RGB control in PC gaming, eliminating the need for traditional software installations. PortalX serves as a centralized hub for RGB functionalities, allowing users to adjust system lighting via a webpage without downloads. It offers per-device configuration and an ‘All Sync’ toggle for cohesive aesthetics, with adjustable lighting speeds. Currently, PortalX operates exclusively within the Windows environment, which may limit compatibility for users of Linux and macOS. The platform aims to simplify RGB customization and improve integration across future product lines. PortalX is set to launch soon.