Internet Explorer Archives

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Microsoft’s big push to dethrone SteamOS in the handheld market launches tomorrow

Microsoft's Windows 11 platform is facing competition from alternatives like SteamOS and Bazzite in the handheld gaming market, leading users to replace Windows 11 on third-party devices. To address this challenge, Microsoft is launching the Full Screen Experience (FSE), which aims to enhance the gaming environment on Windows 11 by streamlining the user interface. Initially exclusive to Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, FSE will be available to all Windows 11 handhelds starting tomorrow. The rollout was announced on Xbox Wire and will expand to more Windows 11 PC form factors through the Xbox and Windows Insider programs. Initial impressions suggest that while FSE improves game booting convenience, it has not yet significantly boosted game performance.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Windows turns 40 as the most influential software product in history

Microsoft Windows celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 20, 2025. The journey began with the launch of Windows 1.0 in 1985, designed as a graphical layer atop MS-DOS, requiring a graphics card and 256KB of RAM. Subsequent releases included Windows 2.0 in 1987, Windows 3.0 and 3.1 in 1990 and 1992, respectively, which introduced significant features like a 3D-styled interface and popular games. Windows 95, launched in the mid-1990s, introduced the Start menu and taskbar, selling over seven million copies shortly after its release. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the introduction of Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP in 2001, which was noted for its stability. Windows Vista was released in 2007, followed by Windows 7 in 2009, and Windows 8, which faced user backlash. Windows 10 was launched in 2015, adopting a Windows-as-a-Service model, and Windows 11 continues to evolve with new design and hardware requirements.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Windows XP never really died — it just moved into your pocket

A developer named Gorjan Jovanovski has created a Windows XP launcher for Android devices, available for free download. The launcher replicates a fully functional Windows XP desktop environment, including a Start menu, settings dialogs, and a working version of Internet Explorer. It also features designs reminiscent of Windows 95, 98, ME, and 2000, complete with unique welcome screens, music, and sounds. Key features include customizable desktop icons, a functional Start Menu, gesture controls, classic wallpapers, calendar and weather integration, and a Windows Update feature. Jovanovski has developed retro apps that mimic original counterparts, such as Internet Explorer 6, Winamp, Notepad, Phone Dialer, Registry Editor, and classic games like Minesweeper and Solitaire. Users report a complete experience, with the launcher performing well on devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, sideloading the 72MB launcher poses security risks, requiring users to disable firewalls and grant manual permissions. The launcher is not available on the Google Play Store due to copyright issues, and the code is not hosted on GitHub, raising concerns about security and future updates.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

The importance of upgrading to the latest Windows operating system …

Windows 10 was released in July 2015 and is now at its end of life, with no further updates. Windows 11 was introduced in October 2021, offering enhanced security features and requiring specific hardware specifications such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Extended support for Windows 10 will continue until October 2026 for consumers using Microsoft's cloud for backups, while corporate devices require an Extended Security Updates subscription for updates. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned of security risks associated with outdated operating systems, citing past vulnerabilities and attacks. A report by Forrester highlights the security improvements in Windows 11, including Smart App Control and improved administrator protections. Recent analysis shows a 33% decrease in Windows 10 devices, with projections indicating approximately 121 million PCs will remain operational by the end of support on October 14. Microsoft aims to transition features to user space to enhance security, but challenges exist for older hardware. Windows 11 includes a secure-by-default configuration and integrates AI capabilities, with Gartner predicting significant growth in AI PCs by 2025. ARM-based PCs are gaining interest for their battery life, though compatibility issues persist. Microsoft is collaborating with Qualcomm to develop ARM-based Copilot+ PCs, which may provide a viable alternative to traditional x86 hardware.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Microsoft brings its iconic wallpaper, Clippy and 2000s nostalgia to Crocs

Microsoft has launched a limited edition Crocs bundle celebrating its 50th anniversary, featuring designs inspired by Windows XP's 'Bliss' wallpaper and custom Jibbitz charms representing elements of its legacy, such as Clippy and the Internet Explorer logo. The bundle is available globally following the positive response to the #MicrosoftCrocSweepstakes.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

You can now buy Microsoft’s Windows XP Crocs for $79.95

Microsoft has released limited edition Crocs inspired by Windows XP, available for purchase at its online store for .95. The design features the blue sky and clouds from the Windows XP wallpaper and a green sole. Each pair includes a six-pack of Microsoft Jibbitz charms, such as the MSN logo and Clippy. A Windows XP-themed drawstring backpack is included with each purchase. This initiative was initially introduced to Microsoft employees in August and is part of the company's 50th anniversary celebration. It is not an official partnership with Crocs.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

It’s No Joke: Everyone Can Buy Microsoft’s XP Clippy Crocs Now

Microsoft's XP-themed Crocs are now available for purchase on their online store, celebrating the company's 50th anniversary. The shoes come with a Bliss bag and six Jibbitz charms that reference nostalgic elements from Microsoft's history, including Clippy, the Windows Recycle Bin, the Internet Explorer logo, the original MSN logo, a cursor arrow, and a manila file folder. They are available in sizes for both women (4 to 19) and men (2 to 17). The design features a cloud-filled background reminiscent of the Windows XP wallpaper.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

U.S. CISA adds Oracle, Mozilla, Microsoft Windows, Linux Kernel, and Microsoft IE flaws to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has expanded its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, adding critical flaws from Oracle, Mozilla, Microsoft Windows, and the Linux Kernel. The newly added vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2010-3765: Mozilla Multiple Products Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2010-3962: Microsoft Internet Explorer Uninitialized Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2011-3402: Microsoft Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2013-3918: Microsoft Windows Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability - CVE-2021-22555: Linux Kernel Heap Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability - CVE-2021-43226: Microsoft Windows Privilege Escalation Vulnerability - CVE-2025-61882: Oracle E-Business Suite Unspecified Vulnerability CVE-2025-61882 has a CVSS score of 9.8 and allows unauthenticated remote attackers to control the Oracle Concurrent Processing component, affecting versions 12.2.3 to 12.2.14 of the Oracle E-Business Suite. It was exploited by the Cl0p ransomware group, and Oracle has released an emergency patch. CVE-2013-3918 was previously used in the 2009 Aurora attack and later by the EQUATION group against government entities in Afghanistan. Federal agencies must address these vulnerabilities by October 27, 2025, as per Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01, which also recommends private organizations review the KEV catalog.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Microsoft finds a way to make Crocs even uglier with Windows

Microsoft has collaborated with Crocs to create a special edition of footwear inspired by Windows XP, featuring a design reminiscent of the "Bliss backdrop" wallpaper. The Crocs include Jibbitz charms such as the Internet Explorer logo, the Windows Recycle Bin, and the Office Assistant "Clippy." This release celebrates Microsoft's 50th anniversary, with the shoes available exclusively through an Instagram competition. Additionally, Microsoft has a broader fashion initiative that includes a drawstring bag and a design for an ugly Christmas sweater inspired by the same Bliss backdrop.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows XP Crocs are here

Microsoft has launched limited-edition Windows XP-themed Crocs, featuring a design inspired by the “Bliss” wallpaper and shoe charms of Clippy and the Internet Explorer logo. This release is part of Microsoft's 50th anniversary celebration. The Crocs will not be available for direct purchase but through a sweepstakes on Instagram until October 7th at 11:59 PM PT, where participants can enter by liking the post and commenting “#MicrosoftCrocSweepstakes.” Each pair includes Jibbitz like a pixelated Windows XP pointer and the MSN butterfly logo. Microsoft has not confirmed if these shoes will be available for wider purchase in the future.