IT support Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Refreshing the root of trust: industry collaboration on Secure Boot certificate updates

Secure Boot is a security feature in Windows and Windows Server that protects devices from untrusted software at startup. It has been in operation since 2011 and relies on certificates embedded in a PC’s firmware. The original Secure Boot certificates will begin to expire in late June 2026. New certificates are being rolled out through regular Windows updates for supported devices, with OEMs preparing new devices with updated certificates since 2024. If devices do not receive the new certificates before the expiration of the old ones, they will continue to function but will enter a degraded security state, limiting future protections. Users generally do not need to take action, as updates will be installed automatically, but some specialized systems may require separate firmware updates. Organizations can monitor the update status through the Windows Security App and should ensure devices are running the latest updates and firmware. Support is available for individuals and organizations facing issues during the update process.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

Windows 11 Pro Now on Holiday Sale for Only $10

A Windows 11 Pro license is available for a significantly reduced price of , down from the standard 9. This digital-only offer is aimed at individuals upgrading new PCs or revitalizing older systems, providing access to modern security features and performance enhancements. Windows 11 is gradually gaining adoption but still lags behind Windows 10. The discount encourages upgrades, particularly as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support phase. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include BitLocker device encryption, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy management, Domain or Azure Active Directory joining, and Windows Sandbox. Security features align with Microsoft’s zero-trust framework, while performance improvements enhance multitasking and productivity. System requirements for Windows 11 Pro include a compatible 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot support, and TPM version 2.0. Upgrading from Windows 11 Home is straightforward, and users should ensure the legitimacy of the license purchased.

Tech Optimizer

December 16, 2025

EDB Postgres® AI for WarehousePG Extends the Sovereign Platform with Petabyte-Scale Analytics

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has made advancements in its offerings, particularly with EDB Postgres AI (EDB PG AI) for WarehousePG, focusing on petabyte-scale analytics and real-time streaming capabilities. A unified platform is gaining traction, with 42% of enterprises adopting such solutions and 35% standardizing on Postgres. Companies using AI in warehouse operations report ROI up to five times higher. EDB PG AI offers deploy-anywhere flexibility, predictable economic models, and potential cost savings of up to 62% compared to leading cloud data warehouses. It also allows for rapid migrations, including a zero-migration binary swap for Greenplum workloads. EDB is committed to open source, managing WarehousePG as an Apache 2.0-licensed project. Key features include a per-core pricing model, hybrid deployment capabilities, AI-ready architecture, unified analytics, and improved observability and governance. Customers like MNTN and Euronext FX have benefited from EDB's solutions, achieving stability and control over their data management. Kyobo Book Centre has transitioned to EDB PG AI to regain predictable costs and compliance control. The latest enhancements in EDB PG AI's Q4 release include no-code visibility tools for automated storage optimization and proactive security recommendations. EDB is also publishing a guide on building data and AI platforms with PostgreSQL.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Upgrade Decision For All Windows Users

Approximately 500 million users have PCs that qualify for Windows 11 but have not yet upgraded. Microsoft has announced that all supported systems can download and install Windows 11 version 25H2, available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users with the necessary system requirements. The update may encounter installation errors, such as the 0x80070306, and users may experience issues like disruptions to dark mode in File Explorer and complications with Intel Arc GPU drivers. Microsoft is working on a resolution for these problems, but a specific timeline for fixes is not provided. Users can check for the Windows 11 upgrade by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting "Check for updates." This feature is exclusive to qualifying PCs.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

You’re about to see even fewer BSODs in public with Windows 11’s new ‘Digital Signage Mode’ — every public blue screen will wither away within 15 seconds of the crash

Microsoft introduced a new feature called "Digital Signage Mode" in Windows 11, which allows blue screens of death (BSOD) to be displayed for only 15 seconds before disappearing automatically. This feature is designed for public displays that may not have on-site IT support, ensuring that no Windows screens or error dialogs are shown. Digital Signage Mode is different from Kiosk Mode, which restricts Windows to a single application and is typically used in enterprise environments.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Apple’s cringy BSOD ad chooses the wrong Windows target

Apple's commercial titled 'BSOD,' released on October 7, 2025, humorously critiques the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) incident that incapacitated 8.5 million Windows PCs during the Container Con tradeshow on July 19, 2024. The ad highlights the chaos caused by BSODs, contrasting it with the stability of Macs. Despite the historical significance of the BSOD, the frequency of such occurrences has decreased significantly in recent years, particularly with Windows 10, which has proven to be stable. Microsoft is transitioning the BSOD to a Black Screen of Death to emphasize the rarity of failures. While Macs are known for their stability and security, the BSOD has no direct counterpart in the Apple ecosystem. Modern Windows has improved security with built-in Defender, reducing the need for third-party antivirus software. Additionally, Microsoft is enforcing the End of Life for Windows 10 to encourage upgrades to Windows 11, which may not be seamless for all users. Other potential critiques of Microsoft include its push for new features and sluggish responses to bugs.

Winsage

September 2, 2025

Preparing for Windows 11: Transitioning from planning to implementation

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting businesses to ensure device readiness for Windows 11 to avoid financial and operational issues. Organizations relying on PCs must address hardware compatibility immediately to prevent compatibility problems, unplanned downtime, and budget strains. Windows 11 includes advanced security features and AI capabilities but requires devices with greater processing power and battery life. Older devices may not fully utilize Windows 11's features due to hardware limitations. Risks of not upgrading include loss of Microsoft support for Windows 10 devices, vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, and potential issues with new features and applications. Extended security updates are available for a maximum of three years at increasing costs. Practical steps for migration include evaluating device readiness, planning upgrades, securing data, testing applications, and training employees. Transitioning to Windows 11 offers an opportunity to modernize technology and improve efficiency.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Hackers Abuse Microsoft Teams to Gain Remote Access With PowerShell-based Malware

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Microsoft Teams to deploy malware and gain control over victim systems, shifting from traditional email phishing attacks. They impersonate IT support staff in Teams chats to deceive employees into granting remote access. Attackers use newly created or compromised accounts with names like “IT SUPPORT ✅” to appear legitimate. They establish trust and persuade employees to install remote access software, allowing direct access to corporate networks. Recent incidents involve malware loaders like DarkGate and Matanbuchus, with attackers executing PowerShell commands to download malicious payloads designed for credential theft and remote code execution. The malware can designate its process as “critical” to evade detection and trick users into entering passwords through a legitimate-looking prompt. Analysis links these campaigns to the financially motivated threat actor known as Water Gamayun. Employees must be trained to verify unsolicited requests for credentials or software installations through separate communication channels.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Windows 10 support ending: Action required for OHIO devices

Beginning October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease support for most versions of Windows 10, prompting the Ohio University Office of Information Technology (OIT) to restrict access for OHIO-managed systems running unsupported versions. This affects all versions of Windows 10 prior to version 22H2, which is eligible for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The ESU program provides paid access to critical security updates for older operating systems after official support ends. OIT plans to restrict access for all Windows 10 systems, including those with ESU, by October 2026 and no later than October 2028, when the ESU program concludes.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Forrester study reveals Windows 365 Link enhances productivity and security, projects ROI up to 195%

Shared PCs have challenges in security, compliance, and IT support due to the lack of individual logins. Windows 365 Link, launched in April 2025, aims to address these issues by providing a secure, cloud-powered Windows experience for shared environments. A Forrester study commissioned by Microsoft indicates that implementing Windows 365 Link can yield a return on investment of up to 195% over six years for organizations with 2,000 employees and 500 contractors. The projected financial benefits include: - End-user productivity gains: 22%-30% of unproductive time saved, translating to .4 million – .3 million. - Strengthened security: Savings of .5 million – .7 million from devices without local data and passwordless authentication. - Reduced hardware costs: Savings of .8 million – .2 million over six years by transitioning from traditional desktops. - IT time savings: Up to 90% savings on provisioning and decommissioning tasks, amounting to .9 million – .5 million. - Accelerated onboarding: Savings of ,000 – ,000 from faster onboarding of new desk-based workers. Users reported significant improvements in productivity, security, and cost-effectiveness with Windows 365 Link, citing reduced setup times and enhanced operational efficiency. The device is managed via Microsoft Intune, enhancing security by eliminating local administrators. Windows 365 Link is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional laptops or desktops, with an extended lifecycle. Availability is expanding to new markets, including Denmark, France, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland later this year.