IT professionals Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Microsoft Tests Uninstall Option for Copilot AI on Windows Devices

Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to completely uninstall its Copilot AI assistant from managed Windows devices. This policy, named “RemoveMicrosoftCopilotApp,” is being deployed through management tools like Intune and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and addresses concerns about data privacy, resource consumption, and unwanted software in commercial settings. The feature is currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) and reflects feedback from IT professionals who prefer controlled environments. While this option is exclusive to enterprise-tier Microsoft 365 subscribers, smaller businesses and individual users have limited options for removal. The policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 11, Office 2021 in 2026: Upgrade Now

Microsoft will conclude support for several key products on October 14, 2026, including Windows 11 version 24H2 and Office 2021. This end-of-support wave also affects various Azure services, Exchange Server versions, and certain .NET frameworks. Organizations must evaluate migration costs and risks associated with operating unsupported products, as the lack of updates could lead to security vulnerabilities. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for select products but at a premium cost. Migration challenges include potential hardware incompatibilities and the need for custom solutions for legacy applications. Proactive planning, inventory assessments, and prioritizing critical systems for migration are recommended strategies. The transition aligns with Microsoft's vision of promoting cloud-based and AI-enhanced technologies. Economic implications include increased IT spending, particularly affecting small and medium enterprises.

Winsage

January 9, 2026

Is turning off Windows Security a bad idea in 2026? A PC expert’s bottom line

Windows Security is a comprehensive security suite for Windows users that monitors downloads, blocks threats, and quarantines malware. Users may need to disable it temporarily to install third-party software or games that are mistakenly flagged as threats. Permanent deactivation is typically for advanced users who may replace it with another security suite, but it increases vulnerability to online threats. To temporarily disable Windows Security, users can toggle off Real-time protection in the Windows Security app. For permanent deactivation, Windows 11 Pro users can use the Local Group Policy Editor, while Home users must edit the Registry. Creating a restore point before making changes is recommended for safety. Disabling Windows Security, even temporarily, should be done with caution to avoid increased risk of infections.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

DataVare Simplifies Access to Mac Outlook Data on Windows Outlook with Smart Migration

DataVare has launched a migration tool that enables the transfer of Mac Outlook OLM emails to Windows Outlook, allowing users to access their previous emails without data loss or disruption. The tool maintains the original email structure, supports bulk migration, and does not require an internet connection. It is compatible with all major Windows operating systems and offers a free trial version. DataVare specializes in email migration and data management software.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Microsoft Adds Sudo to Windows 11 24H2 for Seamless Elevated Commands

Microsoft has introduced the sudo command in Windows 11 version 24H2, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges directly from a standard command prompt or PowerShell window. Users can enable this feature via Settings under System > For Developers. Sudo can run commands in three modes: “in a new window,” “with input disabled,” and “inline.” The inline mode runs the elevated command in the same console session, preserving context and variables. Microsoft has open-sourced the project on GitHub, inviting community contributions. Sudo integrates with User Account Control (UAC) for security, ensuring every elevation request is vetted. It simplifies administrative tasks for software engineers and system administrators, particularly in corporate environments where full admin access is restricted. The feature works seamlessly in Windows Terminal and supports Azure integrations. While some users have reported compatibility issues, Microsoft emphasizes that sudo is a developer tool rather than a complete replacement for Linux's sudo. Future developments may include community-driven extensions and integration with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Microsoft bets on AI to rewrite Windows after code it wrote broke the OS

Microsoft plans to eliminate all C and C++ code from its products by 2030, as announced by Galen Hunt on November 25, 2025. This decision follows significant malfunctions in Windows 11 that began in July 2025, affecting core components like the Start Menu and Taskbar. The company aims to achieve "1 engineer, 1 month, 1 million lines of code" through AI-assisted rewrites. A patch to address these issues is promised for December 2025. The initiative is part of Microsoft's Future of Scalable Software Engineering group, with a focus on leveraging AI to manage and modify code at scale. A Principal Software Engineer position has been opened, emphasizing expertise in Rust. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with plans to allocate billions for datacenter construction in 2025.

Winsage

December 18, 2025

Microsoft Eases Windows 11 Smart App Control with Toggle Option

Microsoft's Smart App Control feature in Windows 11 is designed to evaluate and block potentially harmful applications by cross-referencing them against a database of known safe software. Initially, it required a clean installation to enable or disable, which hindered its adoption. Recent updates have removed this requirement, allowing users to toggle the feature on or off directly through the Windows Security app without a system reset. This change addresses user complaints and enhances usability, particularly for developers and IT professionals managing multiple devices. The feature employs artificial intelligence for real-time decisions on app safety and integrates with other Microsoft security tools. Feedback from the tech community has been positive, highlighting the update as a significant improvement in balancing security and user flexibility.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Syncthing Android App Ends in 2024: Community Forks Tackle Google Hurdles

Syncthing, an open-source file synchronization tool, faced discontinuation of its official Android app in late 2024 due to Google's strict Play Store policies and lack of maintenance. In response, the community developed the Syncthing-Fork as an alternative, which integrates the core Syncthing engine and offers enhancements for Android users. The fork's development is now maintained under the researchxxl/syncthing-android repository on GitHub, addressing issues like file synchronization problems caused by Android's battery optimization features. Users have reported sync failures during device sleep, prompting discussions on workarounds. The fork has received positive feedback for its regular updates and compatibility with other tools, although challenges remain, such as intermittent issues with larger file transfers. Community involvement has been crucial for ongoing development, with contributors exploring new features and improvements. The fork is also available on F-Droid, providing an open-source distribution option.

Winsage

December 6, 2025

Linux File Managers Outshine Windows Explorer in Speed and Customization

Windows File Explorer is facing criticism for its speed and features compared to Linux-style file managers like Dolphin, which offers advantages such as dual-pane views, tabbed browsing, and rapid search capabilities. Users have reported that Linux file managers can load directories with thousands of files in under a second, while Windows File Explorer may take several seconds. The growing dissatisfaction with Windows' performance and privacy policies has led to an increase in Linux adoption, with over 3% of the gaming market now using Linux. Additionally, Linux file managers provide high customization options and modularity, appealing particularly to developers. Discussions on social media platforms reflect a preference for Linux alternatives due to their superior performance and user experience.