March 2025 Archives

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Android 12 and 12L have received their last official Google security update

Google has officially ended support for Android 12 and Android 12L, with the last security patch released in March 2025. As of March 31, 2025, these operating systems will no longer receive updates or security enhancements. Over 12% of Android devices globally are still using Android 12 or 12L. OEMs may choose to backport security releases, and users can switch to custom ROMs for continued updates. Popular devices still running these operating systems include the Samsung Galaxy S10 series, Google Pixel 3a series, and OnePlus 7 series.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11 Update Issues and What To Do About Them

Windows 11 version 24H2 has introduced significant issues, including blue screens of death (BSOD) and device bricking associated with update KB5043145. Users have reported problems such as black screens, corrupted boot sectors, and non-functional system restore points. Businesses are facing complications like failed domain join operations, group policy errors, and stalled WSUS updates. Specific issues include Remote Desktop disconnections after update KB5050094, the removal of the Windows Copilot app in March 2025, blocked BIOS updates for Lenovo ThinkPad users, and gaming performance problems for titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Microsoft is aware of these issues but is slow to provide solutions. Users are advised to use built-in troubleshooters, roll back problematic updates, pause updates, manually update drivers, and back up their systems before major updates.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

EncryptHub plays dual role as cybercriminal and Windows researcher

EncryptHub, a threat actor linked to intrusions at 618 organizations, reported two Windows zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-24061 and CVE-2025-24071, to Microsoft, which were resolved in March 2025. The vulnerabilities were reported by an individual named SkorikARI, who has been connected to EncryptHub after the threat actor exposed its login credentials. Researchers at Outpost24 identified this link through multiple pieces of evidence, including exfiltrated password files and a GitHub login associated with SkorikARI. EncryptHub has a history of selling zero-days on hacking forums and has been involved in both freelance development and cybercriminal activities. Despite his expertise, the hacker fell victim to poor security practices, leading to the exposure of personal information and interactions with ChatGPT regarding malware development and self-assessment as a hacker.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 April 2025 Update fixes File Explorer menu opening in opposite direction

Patch Tuesday will bring a resolution to several issues in Windows 11 24H2, including a fix for a bug in File Explorer where the three-dot menu opens in the opposite direction, making options difficult to select. The update, KB5055523 (26100.3xxx), will be rolled out in phases. Other fixes in the April 2025 update address a problem with non-functional boot menu entries created during updates, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurring when waking devices from sleep, and an issue with 2-in-1 devices where the screen orientation unexpectedly switches to portrait mode after sleep. The update is mandatory and will be available to users worldwide on Tuesday morning.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

EncryptHub’s dual life: Cybercriminal vs Windows bug-bounty researcher

EncryptHub has been linked to breaches affecting 618 organizations and is associated with the disclosure of two Windows zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-24061 and CVE-2025-24071, to Microsoft. The vulnerabilities were addressed during the March 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, and the reporter was acknowledged as 'SkorikARI with SkorikARI.' Investigations revealed a connection between EncryptHub and SkorikARI, following an incident where EncryptHub exposed their credentials. SkorikARI's accounts were used to report the vulnerabilities, contributing to Windows security. Evidence linking SkorikARI to EncryptHub includes password files exfiltrated from EncryptHub's system and a GitHub account associated with SkorikARI. EncryptHub has previously attempted to market zero-day vulnerabilities on underground forums and is believed to have affiliations with ransomware groups. The threat actor has executed social engineering campaigns, phishing attacks, and developed a custom infostealer known as Fickle Stealer. They created fictitious social media profiles and websites, such as a fake project management application called GartoriSpace, which installed malicious files on unsuspecting users. EncryptHub has also been implicated in exploiting a Microsoft Management Console vulnerability, CVE-2025-26633.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Finally! Microsoft brings most Copilot+ AI features to AMD, Intel PCs

Microsoft has announced that all Copilot+ PCs, including those with AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V processors, will now have access to AI-driven features, previously limited to Snapdragon devices. Features available include Live Captions, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and Image Creator, though some functionalities, like photo resizing, remain exclusive to Snapdragon-powered PCs. The Voice Access feature is currently limited to Snapdragon devices, with plans for AMD and Intel compatibility later this year. Upcoming features will be available through the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update, following the November 2024 update, and will be rolled out gradually via Windows controlled feature rollout. Users can access updates by navigating to Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 10 holdouts are finally starting to switch to Windows 11

As of March 2025, Windows 10's market share has declined to 54.23%, experiencing a drop of 4.43 percentage points. Meanwhile, Windows 11's user adoption has increased by 4.53 percentage points, reaching 42.66% of all Windows desktop users. The decline in Windows 10's user base is influenced by the impending end of support in October, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or paying for an extension of Windows 10 support to avoid losing security updates.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 market share grows rapidly with the end of Windows 10 approaching

As of March 2025, Windows 10 has a market share of 54.23%, down 4.43 percentage points from the previous month, while Windows 11's market share has risen to 42.66%, an increase of 4.53 percentage points. Windows 11's adoption has surged by 15.98 percentage points since March 2024, while Windows 10 has declined by 14.84 percentage points during the same period. Regular support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with only the Extended Security Updates program available for continued security updates. Windows 7 has a market share of 2.22%, Windows XP is at 0.33%, and Windows 8.1 stands at 0.28%.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Expanding Copilot+ PC experiences across AMD, Intel and Snapdragon powered devices

Last year, Copilot+ PCs were introduced as the fastest, most intelligent, and secure Windows PCs. They have since integrated new silicon, devices, and AI experiences to enhance user interaction and productivity. New accessibility features include Live Captions, which provide real-time translations in English for audio and video content during virtual meetings and media playback, now available on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for Simplified Chinese and translations from over 40 languages. Voice Access has also been updated to improve navigation through voice commands. AI-enabled creativity features are now available on AMD and Intel devices, including Cocreator in Paint, which allows users to create designs using text prompts and freehand drawing, and new tools in Photos for transforming images and creating visuals based on prompts. Some features will be available through the March 2025 Windows non-security preview update, requiring the November 2024 update. Features may vary by device and region, with updates continuing through 2025. Users can check for updates in Windows Settings.