installers Archives

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083769 out with improved /scannow, direct download links for offline installers (.msu)

Windows 11 has started rolling out update KB5083769, which introduces the ability to disable Smart App Control and provides offline installers for direct download. The update will automatically download and install unless users have paused updates for up to five weeks. Upon installation, Windows 11 25H2 will advance to Build 26200.8246, while version 24H2 will progress to Build 26100.8246. Users can check their update status in Settings > System > About. The update includes several .NET Framework security updates (KB5082417, KB5086097, KB5086096). The size of the April 2026 Update is approximately 5.1GB for x64 systems and under 4.5GB for arm64. New features include the ability to toggle Smart App Control, enhanced integration of Microsoft 365 in Windows Settings, modernized dialogs in Settings, and improvements to the sfc /scannow feature for accurate status reports.

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2026

Popular Monitor Utilities, CPU-Z And HWMonitor, Have Been Infected With Malware

Recent reports indicate that the hardware monitoring tools HWMonitor and CPU-Z have been compromised, leading to users downloading malware instead of the legitimate software. Users reported receiving suspicious executable files and antivirus alerts when attempting to download the latest versions. A specific incident involved a user who downloaded HWMonitor from the official CPUID website, only to find the file was labeled incorrectly and flagged as a virus by Windows Defender. Cybersecurity experts confirmed that this is a serious issue involving a multi-stage trojanized attack from a compromised domain. The developer of CPU-Z and HWMonitor acknowledged that a secondary feature linked to the website was compromised for about six hours, causing the main website to display incorrect files. Users are advised to refrain from downloading or updating these utilities until the issue is resolved.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

WhatsApp on Windows users targeted in new campaign, warns Microsoft

Microsoft researchers have identified a campaign that exploits WhatsApp attachments to infiltrate Windows machines, allowing attackers remote control. The attack uses social engineering tactics, where users receive a seemingly benign .vbs (Visual Basic Script) file that can be executed on Windows. This method does not rely on software vulnerabilities but on persuading victims to execute the malicious file. Attackers manipulate built-in Windows tools to download further malware, employing a technique known as living off the land (LOTL) to avoid detection. The malware seeks to elevate its privileges to administrator status, modifying User Account Control (UAC) prompts and registry settings for persistence. An unsigned MSI (Microsoft Installer) is deployed to establish remote-access software, granting continuous access to the compromised machine.

Tech Optimizer

March 28, 2026

Trend Micro Maximum Security Review 2026: Is It The Best Protection?

Trend Micro offers five distinct subscription versions for online security, including a 12-month subscription to its Maximum Security Suite Pro Plus, which provides multi-device antivirus, anti-scam software, a VPN, and identity theft protection. The pricing starts at AUD for a basic subscription for one device, with additional costs for more devices and features. The tested plan costs 99.95 AUD per year for six devices. Key features include AI-scam detection, a Gamer Mode that pauses notifications during gameplay, and a minimalist user interface. Installation requires separate logins for each program, and the suite supports MacOS, Android, and iOS, though with limited features on Mac. The built-in VPN is developed in-house, and phishing protection is provided via a browser extension. Folder Shield protects against ransomware by securing specific folders. Independent lab tests show mixed results for Trend Micro's performance, particularly in real-time web-threat protection and ransomware defense, with some weaknesses in offline malware detection.

Winsage

March 27, 2026

Windows 95’s self-healing tricks saved Microsoft’s retro OS from rogue installations — A “fix it after they break it” strategy

Raymond Chen, a software engineer at Microsoft, shared insights on the Windows 95 operating system, highlighting its rigorous testing phase that caused cash registers to crash, affecting over ,000 worth of software. He discussed issues with software installers that downgraded crucial system files, which Windows 95 addressed by creating a hidden backup directory at C:WindowsSYSBCKUP. This system checked version numbers of replaced files, restoring original files if necessary. Chen noted that blocking installer permissions would have led to complications, so Microsoft allowed installers to operate while implementing a system to check for and fix any damage. Over time, some components began shipping with their own installers, influencing developers' practices.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Windows 95 let installers trash its files then fixed the mess behind their backs

Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen discussed how Windows 95 handled installers that overwrote crucial system files. The operating system was designed to allow installers to compare version numbers, permitting overwrites only if the new file had a higher version. However, many installers ignored this rule, often replacing Windows 95 components with outdated Windows 3.1 versions, causing significant system issues. Windows 95's commitment to backward compatibility meant that preventing file operations could disrupt installers, leading to installation failures or error messages for users. To address these challenges, Microsoft created a hidden directory, c:windowssysbckup, to store commonly overwritten files. After an installation, Windows would check version numbers and replace lower versions with higher ones, maintaining system integrity despite third-party installer chaos.