issues Archives

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.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Microsoft pauses Windows 11’s July update for some Dell devices because they’re randomly shutting down

Microsoft has halted the rollout of the Windows 11 July update for select Dell devices due to issues from the June preview update, which caused overheating and unexpected shutdowns. The June 23, 2026, preview update (KB5095093) led to problems such as unexpected shutdowns, decreased performance, increased heat generation, and accelerated battery drain for some Dell machines. The July update, which contains the same problematic code, is not optional, prompting Microsoft to pause its release for affected devices until a resolution is found. Users of impacted Dell models can continue with Windows Update without downloading the flawed update.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

You Can Install Even More Apps On Android Auto Using This Simple Trick

Android Auto has introduced a new app that allows users to read PDF documents in their vehicles. Users can enhance their Android Auto experience by sideloading apps, which involves installing applications not officially available on the platform, such as CarStream for YouTube playback. To sideload apps, users must enable Developer Mode on their Android device and Android Auto, allowing access to hidden features and enabling the installation of third-party apps. The process includes navigating to Settings, tapping the Build number multiple times to enable Developer Mode, accessing Developer Settings in Android Auto, and enabling Unknown Sources. Users can then download the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) from GitHub, which is an unofficial app storefront that allows downloading additional applications. AAAD is free with optional in-app purchases, and a PRO version is available for a one-time fee. Sideloading can unlock various functionalities, but it is recommended for advanced users due to potential complications.

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 rolls out massive Windows 11 security update with 416 fixes

Microsoft released its July 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates for Windows 11, addressing numerous security vulnerabilities and enhancing Secure Boot functionalities. The updates include: - KB5101650 for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, updating systems to builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. - KB5101649 for Windows 11 26H1, updating devices to build 28000.2525. The release addresses a total of 622 Microsoft Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), including: - 416 vulnerabilities in Windows. - Fixes for Microsoft Office, Edge, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, Defender, and Azure services. Key vulnerabilities fixed include: - CVE-2026-50661: A BitLocker Security Feature Bypass vulnerability. - CVE-2026-56155: An AD FS Elevation of Privilege vulnerability that has been exploited. - CVE-2026-56164: A SharePoint Server Elevation of Privilege vulnerability. The updates also introduce new Secure Boot certificates, rectify issues from previous patches affecting third-party applications, and incorporate curl 8.21.0 for security improvements. Users are advised to back up data before installation, which requires a system reboot.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Windows 11’s big patch Tuesday allows you to hold off on updates for longer

Microsoft has introduced enhancements for Windows 11, including the ability to pause updates indefinitely, allowing users to delay updates for up to 35 days with the option to extend this deadline. The update also addresses several security vulnerabilities using artificial intelligence for identification and patching. Additional features include a "Point-in-time restore" option, customization options for Widgets, a more precise magnification tool, and improved stability for certain Bluetooth devices.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft says stop waiting to install Windows updates. Here’s why

Microsoft has revised its guidance on Windows updates, urging users to install them within three days due to the rise of AI-driven cyber threats. Jeremy Chapman from Microsoft 365 emphasized the need for timely updates, recommending a maximum deferral period of two days for quality updates. In June, Microsoft patched 206 vulnerabilities, highlighting the importance of these updates to avoid significant risks. AI can help attackers exploit vulnerabilities quickly, making the practice of delaying updates obsolete. Microsoft has also developed an AI tool, MDASH, to identify vulnerabilities in Windows code.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft blocks browser choice for 1.4 billion Windows users, study finds

Microsoft's design strategies continue to influence users towards its Edge browser, as revealed in a study by Dr. Harry Brignull and Cennydd Bowles, published by Mozilla. The researchers tested Windows 10 and 11 across the US, UK, India, and Germany, focusing on whether users could download, set, and maintain a default browser other than Edge without interference. Findings showed that users encountered harmful design patterns that hindered their ability to choose alternative browsers. For example, searching for "download Chrome" on Bing led to Edge promotions, and downloading Chrome triggered an Edge banner. In Windows 11, the setup prompts users to allow Edge to import data from other browsers, with the accept option more visible than the decline option. Additionally, Microsoft's Copilot and Windows Backup tool opened links in Edge regardless of the user's default browser choice, resetting the default browser to Edge during migration without consent. The study noted regional differences, with fewer harmful patterns in Germany due to the EU's Digital Markets Act, although some issues persisted. The researchers recommend eliminating these harmful design patterns and advocate for global regulatory enforcement.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Is Spotify down? Thousands of users report issues with app

As of 12:54 PM today, over 3,500 users have reported difficulties with Spotify, with 38% citing issues with the app and 30% with audio streaming. Problems have been noted since 7:48 AM EDT. Users have expressed frustration on social media, sharing experiences such as the app not loading or being unable to play music. Downdetector, which tracks service disruptions, has indicated a significant increase in reports regarding Spotify.