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Microsoft fixes six actively exploited flaws in latest Windows 11 update
Winsage
February 11, 2026

Microsoft fixes six actively exploited flaws in latest Windows 11 update

Microsoft's February 2026 Patch Tuesday addressed 59 vulnerabilities in Windows 11, with six confirmed as actively exploited. The most critical vulnerability is CVE-2026-21510, a Windows Shell security feature bypass with a CVSS rating of 8.8, allowing attackers to evade warnings by tricking users into opening malicious files. Another significant vulnerability, CVE-2026-21513, also rated at 8.8, affects MSHTML and allows remote attackers to bypass execution prompts through malicious code in HTML or shortcut files. CVE-2026-21514 impacts Microsoft Word and enables adversaries to disable OLE mitigations, posing risks through document-based attacks. Two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities are CVE-2026-21519 in Desktop Window Manager and CVE-2026-21533 in Windows Remote Desktop Services, with CVSS scores of 7.8. CVE-2026-21525 is a denial-of-service vulnerability in Remote Access Connection Manager. The update includes 53 additional vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products and services, with CVE-2026-21531 in Azure SDK rated at 9.8 and CVE-2026-20841 affecting Windows Notepad rated at 8.8. The cumulative update for Windows 11 (KB5077181) also includes enhancements and resolves WPA3 Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Microsoft reminded users of the June 2026 expiration of Secure Boot certificates, which requires timely updates to ensure secure booting. Users can install the updates via Windows Update.
Windows shortcut weaponized in Phorpiex-linked ransomware campaign
Winsage
February 10, 2026

Windows shortcut weaponized in Phorpiex-linked ransomware campaign

The Global Group has shifted to a local execution strategy for ransomware, complicating detection and response efforts. Their infection process begins when a user opens a shortcut file with a double extension (e.g., “Document.doc.lnk”), which appears as a legitimate document due to Windows' default settings that hide file extensions. The shortcut icon mimics that of a Microsoft Word file. When executed, the .lnk file activates Windows utilities like cms.exe and PowerShell to retrieve and execute the next-stage payload, effectively bypassing traditional security controls focused on malicious documents or executable attachments.
Best AI apps for Android
AppWizard
January 26, 2026

Best AI apps for Android

Artificial Intelligence is significantly impacting Android, enhancing user experiences in writing, studying, photo editing, web searching, and task management. Notable AI apps for Android in 2026 include: 1. ChatGPT for Android: A popular app for writing, learning, coding, and answering everyday questions, assisting with emails, article summaries, math problems, code generation, and exam preparation. 2. Google Gemini App: Google's official AI assistant, integrating with Gmail, Google Docs, Maps, and Search, aiding in email writing, summaries, and idea generation. 3. Microsoft Copilot: An AI tool for Office users, providing writing, summarization, and image generation features, particularly useful for Microsoft Word, Excel, or Edge users. 4. Perplexity AI: An AI-powered search tool that offers accurate answers with citations, preferred by users over traditional Google Search. 5. Adobe Firefly: An AI image creation and design app that allows users to generate images, remove backgrounds, and apply AI effects using text prompts. 6. Otter AI: Designed for voice recording and transcription, it provides live voice-to-text, speaker detection, and AI-generated summaries. 7. Notion AI: A paid add-on for note-taking, planning, and writing, assisting with content rewriting, note summarization, and brainstorming. 8. Lensa AI: A paid app for photo enhancement and avatar creation, popular on social media. Free AI apps are suitable for casual users and basic tasks, while paid apps cater to professionals and creators who require more advanced features.
Use Windows 3.1 Straight From Your Browser To Boot Up Pure Nostalgia
Winsage
December 14, 2025

Use Windows 3.1 Straight From Your Browser To Boot Up Pure Nostalgia

Jeff Parsons has created a fully functional emulation of Windows 3.1 accessible through modern web browsers, allowing users to explore the iconic Program Manager interface and various retro applications like File Manager, Paintbrush, and Media Player. The emulator operates seamlessly using JavaScript, requiring no installation, and offers both full-screen and windowed views with nostalgic elements like a floppy-disk dropdown. It includes classic shareware, vintage Microsoft Word versions, digitized PC Magazine issues, and games such as King's Quest and The Oregon Trail. This project highlights the slower pace of computing in the early 90s and serves as a reminder of advancements in hardware over the years. Previous attempts to run vintage operating systems on actual hardware have faced limitations, contrasting with Parsons' success in running Windows 95 in a browser.
2025 – A year in recap
Winsage
December 3, 2025

2025 – A year in recap

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Windows Accessibility team emphasizes their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us.” They collaborate with advisory boards from the disability community to enhance product features. Fluid Dictation on Windows allows users to dictate text seamlessly, correcting grammar and punctuation in real time, and operates offline on Copilot+ PCs. Voice Access has been improved to accommodate diverse communication styles, with features like adjustable wait time, a custom word dictionary, flexible command recognition, enhanced speech pattern recognition, and support for Chinese and Japanese. Narrator and Magnifier now feature human-like voices developed with Azure AI, enhancing the user experience with natural conversation nuances. Recent updates to Narrator in Microsoft Word improve navigation and text drafting, with clearer announcements and concise feedback on spelling and grammar. Additional enhancements include a Screen Curtain for privacy, richer image descriptions, and tools for speech recap and live transcription. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to guide further development, and technical assistance is available through the Disability Answer Desk.
Windows 11 Notepad now lets you create tables like in Microsoft Word, and it's free
Winsage
November 27, 2025

Windows 11 Notepad now lets you create tables like in Microsoft Word, and it’s free

Windows 11’s Notepad now includes table generation capabilities, allowing users to create organized notes and lists. This feature is being rolled out and will be available to all users soon. Notepad previously received an update for rich text formatting, enabling options like bold and italic. The new table feature allows users to easily add tables by clicking a button on the formatting toolbar and selecting the number of columns and rows. Notepad supports Markdown-style tables and offers user-friendly editing options. Performance tests show that the new features do not negatively impact the application's efficiency. Users can disable new features through the Settings menu, including formatting tools and the file recovery feature. Notepad also integrates Microsoft 365 Copilot, which can be turned off in the Settings.
NotebookLM now automates your tedious research, so you can focus on big ideas
AppWizard
November 15, 2025

NotebookLM now automates your tedious research, so you can focus on big ideas

NotebookLM has introduced a "Deep Research" feature that automatically searches hundreds of websites and compiles a sourced report. It now supports a wider range of file types, including Google Sheets, Word documents, and images of handwritten notes, allowing users to upload materials without needing to convert them to PDFs. Users can input a topic and choose between "Fast Research" for a brief overview or "Deep Research" for a more detailed exploration. The update consolidates user uploads, external web research, AI-generated summaries, and analysis into one space, and will be rolled out to all users within the next week, though some may experience delays. Users are advised to verify the relevance and credibility of the gathered materials.
4 apps you should use instead of Google Docs
AppWizard
September 19, 2025

4 apps you should use instead of Google Docs

The author experienced file management issues with Google Docs due to its lack of a folder system, leading to a search for alternatives. 1. Notion: Offers seamless transition from Google Docs, with essential formatting tools, auto-save, user-friendly sharing, and offline access. It is highly customizable but has a steep learning curve compared to Google Docs. 2. Obsidian: Focuses on privacy with local file storage by default, allowing offline access without internet. It offers cloud synchronization for flexibility but is ideal for users who prefer keeping documents off the cloud. 3. Simplenote: A simple app for creating notes and to-do lists with easy sharing and document pinning. It lacks a folder organization system, which may limit its use for extensive document collections. 4. WPS Office: A robust alternative that supports document creation, presentations, and spreadsheets, with a built-in PDF reader. Its interface resembles Microsoft Word, but it is owned by a Chinese company, raising some privacy concerns despite end-to-end encryption. The author also mentions Evernote and Google Keep as other options, with Evernote's free plan becoming less appealing and Google Keep being simpler but limited for extensive document needs.
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