network Archives

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows AI agent security: how isolation works

Microsoft's AI agent security is structured around three execution boundaries: local process isolation, session isolation, and cloud-based Windows 365 for Agents. The introduction of Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) on June 2, 2026, enhances local isolation through two methods: process isolation, which restricts an agent's access to specific files and networks, and session isolation, which separates an agent from the user's interactive environment. The MXC framework includes policies for filesystem access, network traffic, and user-interface controls, with an audit mode that disables sandbox security for analysis purposes. The choice between local isolation and Windows 365 for Agents depends on the agent's execution environment, with local isolation providing limited access and Windows 365 offering a completely separate cloud environment. MXC is in early preview, while Windows 365 for Agents is generally available.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

Windows 11 Auto-Recovery: Cloud Repair Off by Default on Corporate Devices, Forcing IT Departments to Weigh the Pros and Cons

Microsoft's Quick Machine Recovery feature, integrated into Windows 11, is disabled by default for enterprise-managed devices due to a significant incident in July 2024 when a faulty security update caused many devices to be unable to boot. The feature identifies devices that fail to boot multiple times and connects to Windows Update via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to search for fixes. It is available in Windows 11 version 24H2 (build 26100.4700) and later, with default settings varying based on device management status: disabled for Enterprise/Education editions and domain-joined Pro editions, and enabled for Home and unmanaged Pro editions. Administrators can configure options such as enabling/disabling cloud repair, automatic repair, and setting remediation check frequencies. A test mode is available for devices in the Windows Insider Program. Additionally, starting October 13, 2026, Microsoft will implement restrictions on external storage devices formatted with ReFS, which will be audited by default, with enforcement beginning in January 2027. Users will need to transition data from ReFS to supported formats by this date. A registry and Group Policy setting named "RefsRemovableDeviceMountPolicy" will allow customization of this restriction.

Winsage

October 21, 2026

How to Change Windows 11 Clock Font, Size, and Color

Windows 11 does not provide built-in options to customize the taskbar clock's font, size, or color. To achieve this, users need a third-party tool called Windhawk along with its Taskbar Clock Customization mod. Testing on Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 confirmed that the mod allows changes to the clock's font family, size, weight, and color. The mod requires Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 (version 22H2 or newer) and must be installed from windhawk.net. Users need internet access for the initial mod load, as Windhawk downloads necessary debug symbols. Windhawk is open-source, and while generally safe, code injection may trigger antivirus alerts. Users can revert to the default clock by disabling or removing the mod through Windhawk.

AppWizard

October 21, 2026

New Android 17 Update Adds Security Setting I Didn’t Realize I Needed So Badly

The Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 update introduces the Lock Quick Settings connectivity feature, which requires users to unlock their devices before modifying connectivity settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, and mobile data. This feature enhances security by preventing unauthorized changes to these settings without unlocking the device, providing users with more time to take necessary actions if their phone is stolen. To enable this feature, users can go to Settings, then Display & touch, Lock screen, and toggle on Lock Quick Settings connectivity.

Tech Optimizer

October 20, 2026

Why you can finally stop paying for antivirus software? – Innovation Village

Since the launch of Windows 8 in 2012, Microsoft has integrated antivirus protection into the operating system, making it unnecessary for users to pay for essential protection. Microsoft Defender Antivirus has improved significantly, achieving a score of 6 out of 6 in AV-Test's July–August 2026 results, successfully detecting 100 percent of threats. Modern cyber threats primarily involve social engineering rather than traditional viruses, prompting third-party antivirus companies to offer core protection as a free tier while promoting premium subscriptions with additional features. Many users find that third-party antivirus software can degrade their computing experience due to nagware, performance hits, and inferior bundled tools compared to standalone services. Microsoft Defender, along with modern web browsers that provide anti-phishing security, is sufficient for most users.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel rolling out with 21 fixes

The Android 17 QPR3 preview is set to launch in March 2027, with Beta 2 now available for Google Pixel devices. This update resolves various issues, including: - Intermittent device crashes and reboots during normal usage. - Persistent text in the Internet Quick Settings tile when mobile data is active without Wi-Fi. - Media output dialog failing to recognize the monochrome system theme with external audio devices. - Misalignment of pin icons next to pinned apps in the share sheet. - Unexpected API lint and source compatibility check errors from internal PublishedApi declarations. - Unexpected device shutdowns during WhatsApp video calls. - Overlapping lock screen notifications with UI elements causing stuttering animations. - Cellular data, MMS, and hotspot services failing on Dish Network. - Screen recording freezing after screen rotation. - Abnormally small rendering of system UI, fonts, and apps regardless of display size settings. - Display turning black and unresponsive after ending a phone call. - Terminal app failing to launch the Linux development environment virtual machine post-installation. - Wi-Fi Aware errors when establishing data paths after network request release. - Paired watches ringing after an incoming call is answered. - Airbnb app failing to connect when sending messages. - Misalignment of Bluetooth subtitle in Quick Settings. - Unexpected closure of the app drawer when switching keyboard languages. - Bluetooth pairing failures due to connection timeouts. - VoLTE, VoNR, and Wi-Fi calling unavailable on the IT&E network. - High idle battery drain from motion sensors remaining active post Face Unlock or camera use. - Wi-Fi Calling unavailable on the OXIO network. Users can report issues via the Android Beta Feedback app or the Android Beta community on Reddit. System images for Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2 are available for various Pixel devices, and interested users can join the Android Beta Program for an on-device OTA experience.

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.

BetaBeacon

October 20, 2026

Feed the Deep, the Lovecraftian roguelike from the Fruit Ninja Designer, is coming to Android and Xbox in 2027

Feed the Deep, a Lovecraftian roguelike game, was originally released on PC in August 2024 and arrived on iOS in June 2025. It is designed almost entirely by Luke Muscat and features procedurally generated caves, underwater exploration, resource collection, and survival mechanics.

AppWizard

October 19, 2026

Beyond These Stars | | PAX Australia 2026 Preview

Beyond These Stars is a city-building game where players construct settlements on the back of a space whale named Kewa. Players manage resources, build pathways, and maintain the whale's health and happiness. A demo at PAX 2026 included a tutorial and gameplay focused on expanding settlements and nurturing the relationship with Kewa. The game features a charming aesthetic with 3D modeling and a hexagonal grid layout, making resource identification and navigation intuitive. Beyond These Stars is set to launch on October 17, 2026, on Steam.

AppWizard

October 18, 2026

Android TV Debloat Gets a Free tvOS-Style Makeover vibehack

A developer named Gathin has created tv-vibehack, a free and open-source tool for Android TV users that removes unwanted advertisements and preloaded applications. The tool operates over Wi-Fi and allows users to customize their home screens to resemble an Apple TV interface without rooting or physical connections. It can identify and debloat various TV models, such as Xiaomi, Redmi, TCL, Hisense, Sony, OnePlus, Realme, and Nvidia Shield, but does not support Samsung, LG, or Amazon Fire TV. The process takes about 15 minutes and includes a custom launcher with features like a sleek black background, a dock for favorite apps, and a drifting clock screensaver. Users must enable USB debugging and trust their computer to initiate the debloating process, which is facilitated by a coding assistant. While the tool does not root or permanently delete anything, users are advised to back up data and review documentation carefully, as disabling critical packages may disrupt essential features.