Microsoft Archives

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Windows 98 SE users get a Thunderbolt 4 driver, thanks to AI assistance — vibe-coded xHCI98 driver works in Microsoft OSes up to Windows 7

Windows 98 SE now has experimental support for USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4 through the xHCI98 v3.0.0.0 driver developed by Yeo Kheng Meng. This driver enables the use of generic USB 3.x, USB4, and Thunderbolt host controllers on legacy operating systems like Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and 7. It allows connections for USB storage devices, replaces native USB drivers, and supports USB 1.1, 2.0, SuperSpeed devices, UAS storage, and Thunderbolt docks and NVMe enclosures. Meng utilized AI tools for development and primarily tested the driver on Intel hardware, while advising users to be cautious of potential bugs. He also provides guidance on hardware compatibility, installation methods, and updates.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

“We expect more from ourselves, too”: Microsoft’s design boss of Windows 11 admits the OS needs work, while AI is helping his team fix its inconsistencies

Diego Baca, Microsoft's Vice President of Product Design, discussed the company's use of artificial intelligence to enhance design processes, noting that AI has significantly accelerated the productivity of the design team and enabled designers to contribute directly to code fixes for improved quality and consistency. He acknowledged the ongoing issue of design consistency in Windows 11 and recognized user expectations for a more cohesive experience, expressing a commitment to improvement. Baca's remarks reflect a shift towards greater transparency in addressing user concerns and invite dialogue about user experiences and expectations.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft To Block ReFS-Formatted USB Drives And External Storage On Windows Starting January 2027

Starting in January 2027, Windows will block ReFS-formatted USB drives and external storage devices by default as part of a security initiative. This change will affect Windows 11, supported Windows 10 installations, and Windows Server. The rollout will occur in two phases: 1. On October 13, 2026, an initial security update will introduce auditing for affected ReFS volumes, allowing them to mount but recording them in the Event Viewer. 2. In January 2027, Windows will prevent affected ReFS volumes from mounting unless overridden by an administrator. This change will not erase the contents of affected drives, but users may lose access to their files. Microsoft has stated that this move aims to reduce exposure associated with unsupported storage configurations. Most users are unlikely to notice immediate effects, as common USB drives use FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, which are not subject to this restriction. Users with ReFS-formatted external storage should consider transferring their files to a supported format before the deadline. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a registry and Group Policy setting, RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy, to allow for configurable restrictions.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Latest Windows update disables key security setting – but there’s a workaround

Microsoft's October update for Windows 11, released on October 13, has caused a glitch that disables the Smart App Control feature for some users. This feature, introduced in 2022, is intended to block harmful applications and files. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Users can check if they are affected by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Smart App Control settings. If the option is set to Off and the On option is grayed out, they have encountered the bug. A temporary workaround involves executing specific commands in the command prompt to modify the Windows Registry, which may allow users to enable Smart App Control again after rebooting their PC.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

$35 Gets You Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, down from 9.99, until November 1. This bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, which features security tools like BitLocker and Hyper-V, and Office Professional 2021, which contains applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The software is licensed for installation on a single Windows PC with no recurring subscription fees, contrasting with Microsoft 365 Personal, which costs .99 annually. Digital license keys are delivered promptly for easy setup.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Xodus Nexus Project Opens Access to PC Catalog Game Pass on devices running Linux and SteamOS operating systems

The independent developer community has made progress in improving gaming on Linux and SteamOS. The open-source Xodus Nexus project, created by enthusiast domsvoboda, is an unofficial graphical launcher that allows users to browse, download, and launch games from services like Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass without using Windows. It uses a modified Xodus backend and a Nexus runtime environment based on Proton, enabling interaction with the file system and Microsoft gaming services. Users can authorize their Xbox accounts, and the application supports cloud save syncing for compatible titles. Notable games that have been successfully launched include Forza Horizon 6, Gears of War: E-Day, Sea of Thieves, and Avowed. The latest version, v0.3.8, adds Xbox achievement tracking, playtime monitoring, and recent activity displays, and allows users to add installed games to their Steam library as third-party shortcuts. The project is independent, with no formal ties to Microsoft, Valve, or the core Xodus team, and game compatibility remains inconsistent. Support for the Steam Deck and integration into Game Mode is experimental, and some features may require a touchscreen or mouse for initial login or interaction.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft rolls out a big Windows 11 Bluetooth upgrade, and AirPods now pair up to 15 seconds faster

The October 2026 update to Windows 11 introduces a Bluetooth enhancement that reduces connection times for AirPods by up to 15 seconds. This update also aims to improve Bluetooth reliability, with features such as accurate status reporting for connected devices, volume adjustments during calls triggering the volume flyout, and resolution of a bug that kept the Bluetooth radio active when toggled off. Improved microphone compatibility and enhanced audio quality are also expected. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > About, looking for build numbers 26300.9711, 26200.9711, or 26100.9711 or higher. The rollout may take several weeks for all users.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

Microsoft Confirms October Windows Updates Can Break Exchange Server Email Services

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows Server security updates released on October 13, 2026, may disrupt Exchange Server email services, affecting on-premises systems running Exchange Server 2016, 2019, and the Subscription Edition. The disruptions can include blocked webmail access and undelivered messages. Microsoft has identified four specific Windows updates linked to these issues: KB5126646 for Windows Server 2025, KB5126655 for Windows Server 2022, KB5126651 for Windows Server 2019, and KB5126868 for Windows Server 2016. Symptoms may include inability to log into Outlook on the web, messages stuck in the Outbox, increased mail queues, and failed mailbox access. A critical error to monitor is MapiExceptionMdbOffline, and affected systems may log Event ID 1006. The October updates introduced a default limit of 512 simultaneous Endpoint Lookup calls, which can be exceeded under heavy Exchange workloads. Microsoft has provided a registry workaround to increase this limit and suggests monitoring for recurring failures. The disruption coincides with the end of the final paid update period for Exchange 2016 and 2019, with future updates limited to the Subscription Edition.

Winsage

October 20, 2026

How to optimize your Windows PC for excellent performance

Personal computers have improved in speed and performance due to advancements in hardware and software, but performance can still vary based on configurations and usage. The latest version of Windows may experience occasional lags even with high-end hardware. To optimize Windows PCs, users should ensure they have the latest updates installed, as these enhance performance and security. Regularly updating drivers and applications is also important. Freeing up disk space is crucial for optimal performance, as a cluttered hard drive can slow down the system. Users should monitor their disk space and delete unnecessary files. Malware can hinder performance, so running antivirus scans is essential if issues arise. Adjusting power settings to "Best Performance" can improve speed, particularly when the device is plugged in. Pausing OneDrive syncing can alleviate resource consumption during uploads. Upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly enhance performance, as SSDs offer faster boot times and application loading. Increasing RAM capacity allows for better handling of simultaneous processes. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can free up system resources, and adjusting Windows appearance settings can conserve RAM. Uninstalling unused applications can also improve performance. For gamers, enabling Game Mode prioritizes system resources for gaming. Regularly restarting the PC helps maintain optimal performance by closing background processes and refreshing memory.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Switch Antivirus Software: 13 Steps, Zero Gaps [2026]

ESET rebranded its home security lineup in 2026, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium, and added automatic ransomware backup to its Ultimate plan. The NOD32 engine was updated to version 19.2 on August 27, 2026. IPVanish launched a next-generation antivirus product on October 7, 2026, built on the VIPRE engine and integrated into its VPN application. Many Australians are reconsidering their antivirus options due to discrepancies between current product names and older installations. A comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate the transition to new antivirus software, addressing potential risks such as performance issues from running multiple engines, improper uninstallation, and loss of license keys. In 2026, ESET introduced features like a Website Security Inspector and a Microphone Monitor, while IPVanish's antivirus includes real-time anti-ransomware protection and machine-learning threat detection. Security.org's 2025 report indicated that 84% of users made no changes to their antivirus software over the past year, with many only reconsidering when faced with price increases or product discontinuations. The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions is significant, with 54% of third-party users paying for their software. ESET's Ultimate tier is the only one that includes ransomware backup features. Before switching antivirus products, users should ensure they are running compatible operating systems, have administrator access, document current and new antivirus version numbers, and have a stable internet connection. A PowerShell command can check the current antivirus status. Steps for migration include auditing current antivirus features, choosing a suitable replacement, exporting license keys, and using official removal tools to uninstall the old software. After installation, users should verify real-time protection is active and rebuild exclusions and scan schedules. Common pitfalls during migration include failing to uninstall the old antivirus completely, forgetting to disable tamper protection, and losing exclusion lists. For mobile devices, permissions from the old antivirus must be cleared to avoid conflicts. Advanced users managing multiple devices may benefit from staggering migrations and checking for known vulnerabilities in the antivirus products. A PowerShell script can be created to log the antivirus state before and after migration.