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Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft fixes actively exploited Windows CLFS zero-day (CVE-2025-29824)

April 2025 Patch Tuesday introduced fixes for over 120 vulnerabilities, including a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) that is actively exploited. CVE-2025-29824 is a user-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS), allowing privilege escalation to SYSTEM on compromised Windows machines. Microsoft has patched 32 CLFS vulnerabilities since 2022, with six exploited in the wild. Updates for Windows 10 are not yet available. Other notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-26663 and CVE-2025-26670, both unauthenticated user-after-free vulnerabilities in Windows LDAP, and CVE-2025-27480 and CVE-2025-27482 in Windows Remote Desktop Services. None of these vulnerabilities have been patched for Windows 10 systems, but updates are forthcoming. Microsoft reversed its decision to discontinue driver update synchronization to WSUS servers, confirming that WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft Warns 240 Million Windows Users—Stop Using Your PC

Microsoft's support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, prompting the company to advise users with ineligible PCs—estimated to be as high as 240 million—to recycle their devices and upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft warns that unsupported devices will be vulnerable to data breaches and cyber threats without security updates. There has been an increase in upgrades to Windows 11 as the deadline approaches, but options for those unable to upgrade are limited. Microsoft encourages responsible recycling and offers trade-in programs, though these may not provide significant financial returns. Users can also consider paid extended support for an additional 12 months.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2025

Apple releases emergency security update for serious vulnerability

A security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24201 affects Apple devices, specifically those using WebKit, and can expose personal information to attackers. This vulnerability has been exploited in targeted attacks against users of older iOS versions prior to 17.2. Apple has released emergency patches through iOS 18.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 to address this issue. The affected devices include iPhone XS and later models, as well as various iPad models from the 7th generation and later. Users are advised to update their devices immediately to mitigate risks.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

You Can Get Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for Just $80 Right Now

Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac is available for a one-time purchase of .95, which is a 63% discount from its standard price of 9.99. This software is compatible with macOS Ventura (version 13) or later and includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. The offer ends on March 30, and the license allows installation on a single Mac linked to a Microsoft account. Users need a minimum of 4GB of RAM and 10GB of free storage, and the software can be used without an internet connection. The code must be redeemed within seven days of purchase. This version does not include AI features or OneDrive cloud storage, and there will be no feature updates beyond security fixes.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

Popular Android financial help app is actually dangerous malware

Cybersecurity researchers discovered a predatory loan application called SpyLoan on the Google Play Store, which targeted Indian consumers and achieved around 100,000 downloads before being removed. The app presented itself as a financial management tool but required extensive permissions, accessing sensitive user information. User reviews indicated experiences of blackmail and low loan amounts. SpyLoan falsely claimed affiliation with a registered non-banking financial company and redirected users to download a separate loan application from an external site, circumventing some Google safeguards. Google confirmed the app's removal and stated that Android devices are protected against known malware through Google Play Protect.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2025

Avast to pay $16.5 million to antivirus software users: How to claim, deadline, and other details

Avast has reached a settlement with the FTC, agreeing to pay .5 million to users due to allegations of misleading privacy claims while collecting and selling user data through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. Approximately 3,690,813 consumers who purchased Avast's antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020 are eligible for compensation. Eligible consumers must file claims by June 5, 2025, and refunds are expected to be processed by mail in 2026. Payments will vary based on the number of claims submitted.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

12 Settings You Should Immediately Change On Your New Windows Laptop

Windows 11 introduces new features and settings that may require adjustments for user preferences. 1. To clean up the lock screen, go to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen and set "Lock screen status" to "None" or select a relevant widget. Uncheck "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen" for a minimalist appearance. 2. To move the Start menu back to the left, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and change the alignment to "Left." You can also customize pinned apps in the Start menu. 3. To trim down notifications, visit Settings > System > Notifications and disable unnecessary notifications or set up Do Not Disturb. 4. To disable the advertising ID, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > General and turn off "Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID." Also, disable "Show me suggested content in the settings app." 5. To reduce Windows location permissions, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location and disable permissions for specific apps. 6. To disable inking and typing personalization, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Inking and Typing Personalization and toggle it to "Off." Consider disabling "Online speech recognition" under Privacy & Security > Speech. 7. To turn off diagnostic and feedback settings, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & feedback and turn off "Send optional diagnostic data." 8. To disable delivery optimization, navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery optimization and set "Allow downloads from other PCs" to "Devices on my local network." 9. To disable Copilot, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and toggle off Copilot or uninstall it via Apps > Installed Apps. 10. To disable Recall, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots and turn off the "Save snapshots" toggle. 11. To remove unwanted apps, use tools like Geek Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller to thoroughly uninstall applications and clean up leftover files. 12. PowerToys, a collection of utilities from Microsoft, can enhance productivity and can be downloaded from GitHub or the Microsoft Store. Disable any unused utilities after installation to conserve resources.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there’s (almost) nothing you can do about it

Windows 10 users are experiencing a transition to the new Outlook for Windows app, which has replaced the classic Mail & Calendar app following a recent update that also addresses security vulnerabilities. The new Outlook operates as a web app, leading to performance issues and mixed reactions regarding its design. A mandatory rollout of the new Outlook began this week with the Windows 10 KB5051974 update, which will be automatically installed for users on Windows 11 version 22H2. IT administrators can manage the update and can block or uninstall the new Outlook if necessary. Windows 10 is approaching its end of support in October, with fewer updates expected moving forward, while extended support will incur additional costs.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

How to prevent forced installation of new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs

In February 2025, Microsoft began a mandatory update for Windows 10 users that included the forced installation of the new Outlook app as part of a strategy to integrate it into their ecosystem. This installation is linked to the KB5051974 update, which is a critical security patch. Users can prevent the new Outlook from being installed by modifying the Windows registry, specifically by creating a new string value named BlockedOobeUpdaters and setting its value data to ["MS_Outlook"]. This process must be repeated with each subsequent Windows 10 update. For users who have already had the new Outlook installed, it cannot be uninstalled through standard methods but can be removed using Windows PowerShell with the command: Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName. Additionally, to uninstall unsupported Mail or Calendar apps, the command is: Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where {$.DisplayName -match "microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName {$.PackageName}.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Microsoft just installed a new app on everyone’s Windows 10 PCs, and nobody wants it

Users of the latest Windows 10 update have encountered a new Outlook app intended to replace the Mail and Calendar applications, but feedback has been largely negative. The new app is reported to be slower than the previous Mail app, and its reliance on cloud storage has raised privacy concerns. Additionally, the integration of advertisements within the email interface has frustrated users. A third-party tool has been developed to block the installation of the new Outlook app. Microsoft has provided resources to help users manage data usage and optimize their experience with the new app.