offline Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

This Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro bundle drops to under $50

A lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021, bundled with Windows 11 Pro, is available for .97, reduced from 9.99, valid until February 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The bundle includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and Teams, all as full desktop versions. Windows 11 Pro features include BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V virtualization, and enhanced account controls, along with integration of Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot. This offer is a one-time purchase and does not include ongoing feature updates or cloud storage. The hardware requirements are 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

How to Disable Windows 11 Defender: Temporary and Permanent

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the built-in security solution for Windows 11, protecting against viruses, malware, and ransomware. Users may need to disable it temporarily or permanently for various reasons, including software installation, penetration testing, performance issues, transitioning to third-party antivirus solutions, or troubleshooting conflicts. Temporary disabling can be done through the Windows Security app, which will automatically re-enable after a restart. Permanent disabling requires changes in Group Policy, applicable only to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and necessitates disabling Tamper Protection first. Another method for permanent disabling is installing a third-party antivirus, which automatically deactivates Defender's real-time protection. Windows 11 Home users cannot use Group Policy for permanent disabling but can still temporarily disable Defender or install a third-party antivirus. Disabling Defender exposes the system to threats, and users should ensure they have alternative protection in place. Major Windows updates may reset Defender settings, and caution is advised when modifying system settings.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Verum Messenger Launches Offline Architecture for True Digital Sovereignty

The “People as the Network” architecture is the technical backbone of Verum Messenger’s Offline Mode, which launched on February 2, 2026. It shifts from a Centralized Cloud model to a Decentralized Mesh Network. The system utilizes local hardware, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing devices to connect within a 100-meter range. Messages can "hop" from one device to another to reach recipients beyond direct range, forming an ad-hoc network without a master controller. Local Encryption ensures privacy, as encryption keys are stored on user devices, keeping messages secure during transmission. This architecture is particularly useful in network blackouts, censorship zones, and dense crowds. However, its effectiveness is limited in remote areas with sparse users, where communication relies on the signal strength of individual devices.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

De-Enshittify Windows 11: OneDrive ⭐

Microsoft has auto-enabled the OneDrive Folder Backup feature in Windows 11 version 25H2 without notifying users, syncing the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically. Many users may not want these folders synced due to containing sensitive or large files. Disabling Folder Backup can be cumbersome, as it requires users to decide where to store contents, complicating content management. Unlike previous versions, this feature is activated post-login without user consent. To uninstall OneDrive, users can go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate Microsoft OneDrive, and select "Uninstall." Uninstalling does not delete cloud-stored files, which remain accessible via the OneDrive website or app. Users can prevent OneDrive from enabling Folder Backup during PC setup by acting quickly after the Windows Setup Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and canceling the backup process when prompted. If Folder Backup is already enabled, users can disable it by accessing OneDrive settings and managing backups for the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. OneDrive offers only 5 GB of free cloud storage, with additional storage requiring a subscription to Microsoft 365. Users can disable “On this day” memory notifications in OneDrive settings. To move OneDrive to a different disk, users must unlink their account and select a new folder path during re-sign-in.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Why LAN Messenger Download? The Smart Solution for Offline Team Communication

A LAN messenger is a lightweight, secure, and efficient tool for internal communication over local networks, functioning offline without the need for an internet connection. It enables instant messaging, file sharing, private chats, and group messaging among computers within the same network. Key features include simple setup without server requirements, efficient file sharing that bypasses cloud storage limits, and minimal impact on system resources. LAN messengers are particularly suitable for small and medium offices, remote branches, educational institutions, and companies with sensitive data. They enhance communication efficiency, security, and collaboration while reducing reliance on internet-dependent platforms.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Amazon Games boss Hartmann reportedly leaving as firm retreats from PC and console

Christoph Hartmann, head of Amazon Game Studios, is leaving the company, which is shifting its focus from PC and console gaming to prioritize its Luna cloud streaming service. This change coincides with Amazon's layoffs affecting approximately 16,000 roles, following a previous round of 14,000 layoffs in October 2025. The gaming division may face challenges due to this strategic pivot, and significant reductions have already occurred in Amazon's gaming operations. The project New World Aeternum is scheduled to go offline in January 2027. Hartmann joined Amazon in 2018 and has over two decades of experience from 2K Games.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Ultimate Best Android Fax Apps Guide for Users

In 2026, faxing remains prevalent in industries like healthcare, real estate, and law, despite advancements in technology. Modern Android fax applications have replaced bulky fax machines, allowing users to send documents quickly by snapping photos or uploading PDFs. These apps offer features such as digital signatures, cloud storage, and security measures, making them ideal for travelers and remote workers. The Municorn Android Fax App is highlighted for its HIPAA compliance and user-friendly interface. Over 30% of healthcare providers still use faxing to meet compliance requirements, with businesses sending billions of pages annually. Modern fax apps eliminate issues like jammed paper trays and busy signals, enabling users to send documents from various locations. A small clinic reported saving hours weekly by using on-site scanning instead of visiting a fax center. Seven top Android fax apps for 2026 include Municorn Fax App, Fax.Plus, iFax, eFax, Simple Fax, Genius Fax, and Tiny Fax, each with unique features catering to different user needs. Many apps now incorporate AI for scan quality improvement and offer Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for searchable text. Security is crucial, especially for compliance, and users are advised to check for HIPAA compliance when handling sensitive information.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Refresh your computer for $20 with these Microsoft apps

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is priced at .97, significantly reduced from the regular price of 9. This suite includes seven applications: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, OneNote, Access, and Publisher. It features redesigned applications with enhanced functionalities, including advanced Excel analysis and updated tools in PowerPoint and Outlook. Users receive instant delivery and download upon purchase, and the license allows for offline use. Complimentary customer service is also available.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Swarmer Tool Evading EDR With a Stealthy Modification on Windows Registry for Persistence

Praetorian Inc. has launched Swarmer, a tool that enables low-privilege attackers to maintain stealthy persistence in the Windows registry while avoiding detection by Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems. Swarmer uses mandatory user profiles and the Offline Registry API to modify the NTUSER hive without triggering standard registry hooks. It operates by creating an NTUSER.MAN file that replaces the NTUSER.DAT hive upon user login, allowing low-privilege users to manipulate registry settings without alerting EDR tools. Swarmer employs functions from Microsoft’s Offline Registry Library, enabling it to perform operations without invoking Reg* API calls, thus evading detection mechanisms. Swarmer's workflow involves exporting the HKCU registry, modifying it, and executing the tool with specific commands to place the modified NTUSER.MAN file into the user profile. It can be used as an executable or a PowerShell module. While it presents a novel method for persistence, Swarmer has limitations, such as being unable to update without admin access and requiring user login to activate. Detection strategies include monitoring for NTUSER.MAN file creation and Offreg.dll usage in non-standard processes.

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

eScan Antivirus Update Server Hacked to Push Malicious Update packages

A supply chain breach has affected MicroWorld Technologies' eScan antivirus product, allowing malicious actors to use the vendor's update infrastructure to spread malware. Discovered on January 20, 2026, by Morphisec, the attack involved a trojanized update package that deployed multi-stage malware on enterprise and consumer endpoints globally. The initial compromise occurred through a malicious update replacing the legitimate Reload.exe binary, which was digitally signed with a valid eScan certificate. This led to the execution of a downloader (CONSCTLX.exe) and further malware stages that evaded defenses and disabled security features. The malware obstructs automatic updates by altering system configurations, including the hosts file and registry keys. Indicators of compromise include specific file names and SHA-256 hashes for the trojanized update and downloader. Network administrators are advised to block traffic to identified command and control domains and IPs. Affected organizations should verify their systems for signs of compromise and contact MicroWorld Technologies for a manual patch.