Microsoft Archives

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Windows 11’s easiest account bypass gets the Microsoft boot

Microsoft has closed a loophole in the setup process for consumer versions of Windows 11 that allowed users to bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account. Previously, users could click on the "Learn More" option during setup to enter a name and password without needing an account. This workaround has been confirmed as removed by Windows enthusiast Bob Pony. Attempts to replicate this method on genuine Intel hardware have shown it is no longer functional. Users must now navigate a more complex array of workarounds to set up Windows 11 without an account. Microsoft mandates account creation during the initial setup for both Windows 11 Home and Pro editions intended for personal use.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Microsoft Warns About Windows Update Certificate Expiration

Microsoft has reminded IT administrators about the expiration of certificates that enable trusted connections between Windows devices and Windows Update servers, set to expire in May and June of 2027. Devices without replacement certificates by these deadlines may lose access to Windows Update services. Most supported Windows devices will receive new certificates automatically through security updates, but older or infrequently updated systems may require manual intervention. Organizations that do not update their devices risk losing access to critical updates, particularly unsupported Windows versions that will not receive necessary certificate updates. IT teams should audit device inventories and ensure compliance with updates, as systems on supported versions will obtain replacement certificates seamlessly. Upgrading unsupported systems is essential, and organizations are encouraged to conduct audits and expedite upgrade projects to avoid losing access to Windows Update.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

ASUS Googlebook 14 hands-on: How does Google’s desktop OS feel to a lifelong Windows user? Microsoft should pay attention, but it doesn’t need to worry.

In September, Google introduced the 'Googlebook,' a premium laptop alternative to its Chromebooks, developed in collaboration with OEMs like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. The ASUS Googlebook 14, priced at ,299, features a lightweight design, weighing approximately 0.97 kg (2.13 lbs), and a 14-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and brightness of up to 450 nits. It includes a comfortable keyboard with 1.5mm key travel and a 6-inch haptic touchpad. However, usability challenges exist, such as the Caps Lock key activating a context menu and the lack of a dedicated delete key. App compatibility issues have also been noted, with some applications performing poorly compared to their desktop versions. Despite these challenges, the Googlebook shows potential for improvement with future updates.

Tech Optimizer

October 12, 2026

SuperAntiSpyware Pro adds an extra layer of malware defense to your PC for under $20

RealDefense is offering a 73% discount on SuperAntiSpyware Pro for TechRadar Pro readers, reducing the price to .99 for the first year. This package includes protection against spyware, malware, adware, ransomware, and more, as well as complimentary 24/7 cyber security and tech support. The software can protect up to three PCs and is designed to work alongside existing antivirus programs, featuring an AI-powered detection engine for real-time protection. The offer includes a full year of protection and the first month of LiveTech support at no extra cost.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 hits end of updates Oct. 13: What you should do now

Windows 11 version 24H2 for Home and Pro systems will stop receiving security updates on October 13, 2026. After this date, these editions will not receive any updates or technical support, although they will still boot. Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise multi-session editions will continue to receive support until October 12, 2027. Organizations are advised to verify their systems' versions and editions, especially for those without endpoint management systems. Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2 are available as upgrade options, with 25H2 supported until October 12, 2027, and 26H2 supported until October 10, 2028, for Home and Pro editions. The rollout of 26H2 will be phased, and safeguard holds may be implemented if compatibility issues are detected. Unmanaged Home and Pro devices on 24H2 will automatically receive 25H2, while managed devices may require IT intervention. Regular monitoring and proactive management of Windows versions are necessary to ensure compliance and avoid future deadlines.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Microsoft Adds Incomplete Dark Mode to Some Legacy Windows 11 UI Elements

Microsoft has introduced dark mode support to Hyper-V Manager, a legacy application using the Win32 API. However, the implementation is incomplete, with several key components still displaying in light mode, including the main management view and the virtual machine listing. Features like the Hyper-V Quick Create Gallery and Virtual Machine Connection also remain in light mode, leading to a disjointed user experience. Microsoft plans to unify its user experience by transitioning to the desktop-only WinUI 3 framework to enhance application performance and achieve a cohesive UI across the system.

AppWizard

October 12, 2026

Adding WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Email Chats to an Android App Without Rebuilding Each One

Field sales applications, recruitment tools, and property management systems can integrate with messaging platforms on Android devices, addressing the need for users to view conversations directly within the app. A unified messaging API simplifies the integration process for developers, as each messaging channel has distinct authentication methods and message formats. The Android application should only communicate with a backend that interacts with the messaging API for security, event handling, and policy enforcement. Users can link their accounts through a hosted authentication link, reducing coding efforts. The unified API supports various platforms, including WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Telegram, Instagram, Gmail, and Outlook. When a message arrives, the messaging API triggers a webhook, and the relay service verifies the request, stores the message, identifies users, and sends push notifications via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). To ensure functionality in offline scenarios, the app should render conversation lists from local storage and manage outgoing messages with a WorkManager. Attachments should be handled efficiently by listing them as metadata and downloading them on demand, while uploads should involve client-side compression and resumable requests. By following this approach, developers maintain a single conversation model and sync engine, abstracting complexities associated with multiple messaging providers.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Swap your Windows 10 PC for a refurbished Lenovo mini PC for $329.99 during Deal Days

The refurbished Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 2 mini PC is available for .99, reduced from its original price of .99. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, features an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE processor with six cores, 16GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradeable to 32GB), and a 256GB NVMe SSD. The compact unit measures 7.2 by 7.1 by 1.4 inches and weighs 2.9 pounds. It supports up to three monitors via HDMI and DisplayPort, includes USB-C and USB 3.2 ports, gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. A wired keyboard and mouse are included, along with a third-party 90-day parts-and-labor warranty. No coupon is needed for this offer.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Microsoft Warns Windows Update Will Stop Working on Unpatched PCs Next Year

Microsoft is updating the certificates that authenticate communication between Windows PCs and Windows Update servers, with the current certificates expiring on May 17 and June 19, 2027. Users will generally not need to take action as the new certificates will be included in regular monthly security updates. Specific requirements for different Windows versions include: - Windows 11 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11 24H2: Must install the September 2025 security update or newer. - Other supported Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions: Need the July 2026 update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Deadline of May 17, 2027. Devices running unsupported versions will lose access to Windows Update services. Home users with Windows 10 PCs not enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU) after October 2025 may miss the critical July 2026 patch. Microsoft has extended ESU coverage until October 12, 2027. Users should check their update history to ensure they have received a cumulative update from July 2026 or later.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

$199 worth of Windows 11 Pro is yours for $14.99, forever

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .99, down from its MSRP of 9. This lifetime license includes advanced features not found in Windows 11 Home, such as BitLocker for drive encryption, Hyper-V for virtualization, and Windows Sandbox for running isolated applications. Additional features include Snap layouts for multitasking, DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming, and biometric login supported by TPM 2.0. The purchase covers a single PC for life with no ongoing subscription fees.