personal computers Archives

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Windows 10 PCs are locking and crashing after May’s security update

Microsoft's KB5058379 update has caused issues for Windows 10 users, prompting unexpected requests for the BitLocker recovery key during startup. This problem is affecting users in Germany and the United States, impacting both corporate and personal devices. Users without the recovery key find their systems locked, leading some to perform system recoveries. Additionally, some users experience blue screen crashes after booting into Windows 10. A potential workaround is to disable the “Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT)” option in the BIOS/UEFI. The issue primarily affects devices from Dell, HP, and Lenovo running Windows 10 versions 22H2 or 21H2 Enterprise. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged these issues related to the update.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

10 Windows services I safely disable, and you can too

Windows 11 includes various background services that can be disabled to enhance performance or privacy. Users can access the Services window by searching for "Services" in the search bar. Key services that may be unnecessary for many users include: - Windows Mobile Hotspot Service: Often unnecessary as most laptops lack a mobile data connection. - Fax: Rarely needed for personal computers. - Downloaded Maps Manager: Manages downloaded maps, likely to become less relevant with the deprecation of Windows Maps. - Certificate Propagation: Essential for smart card functionality; can be disabled if not using smart cards. - Windows Insider Service: Manages enrollment in the Windows Insider program; advisable to disable if not participating. - Parental Controls: Useful for families; can be disabled if the device is for personal use. - Windows Image Acquisition: Facilitates image acquisition from scanners and cameras; can be disabled if no scanner is used. - TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Aids communication with local network devices; can be disabled for most home users. - Xbox Live Game Save: Syncs save data with Xbox Live; unnecessary for users who primarily use other gaming platforms. - Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects diagnostic data; disabling it can enhance privacy. Disabling these services may not lead to significant performance improvements but can create a more personalized computing experience. Users can re-enable any service if needed later.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Huawei unveils a HarmonyOS laptop, its first Windows-free computer

Huawei Technologies has launched its first laptop powered by HarmonyOS, following the expiration of its Microsoft Windows license in March. The laptop features HarmonyOS 5 and includes an AI assistant named Celia, which can create presentation slides, summarize meeting minutes, and retrieve information from local documents. It supports various software applications, including WPS and DingTalk, and is expected to integrate with over 2,000 mobile applications available on HarmonyOS smartphones by the end of the year.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft Photos Can Relight Your Images

Microsoft has introduced new features for Windows 11 and its Copilot+ PCs, along with AI-ready Surface hardware. Key enhancements include: - Photos App: A relight feature for adding digital light sources, auto presets, and manual adjustments; new object selection capabilities in Paint; and improvements to the Snipping Tool with a text extractor and color picker. - Recall Feature: Helps users find content by retracing steps and describing memories, with strong privacy controls. - Improved Windows Search: Allows conversational queries with AI interpreting context for relevant results, aided by specialized chips in Copilot+ PCs. - Click to Do: Streamlines workflows with contextual shortcuts for actions within a single application. - Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs: Introduction of a 12-inch Surface Pro and a 13-inch Surface laptop featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors and advanced security tools. - Surface Laptop for Business: A 13-inch model with a thinner profile, anti-reflective touch screens, and an AI-enhanced camera. - Surface Pro for Business: A 12-inch versatile device that transitions between laptop and tablet modes, featuring an adjustable kickstand. - Availability: Software updates will start in April 2025, while new Surface devices will ship from July 22 in select markets.

Tech Optimizer

May 6, 2025

YouTubers battle to see who can download the most computer viruses in an hour and the results are insane

A group of YouTubers, led by Tranium, conducted an experiment to download as many computer viruses as possible within an hour to raise cybersecurity awareness. Tranium collected approximately 530 viruses, while Crypto NWO detected 732 across 199,508 files. The experiment highlighted the dangers of downloading free software and the risks associated with 'free' antivirus programs, illustrating the ongoing threats in the digital landscape.

BetaBeacon

April 25, 2025

Download Fortnite (free) for Windows, macOS, Android, APK and iOS

- Fortnite is an always-moving universe with constant content updates to prevent staleness. - The game combines skill-based combat with creativity, allowing players to find success through shooting or construction abilities. - Fortnite rewards experimentation and offers diverse gameplay for all levels of players. - The game's success is heavily influenced by its active player community and incorporates relevant cultural elements. - Fortnite is accessible on multiple platforms and offers a seamless gaming experience without requiring payments for competitive spaces. - Fortnite offers an ultimate multiplayer gaming experience that promotes creative play and continuous world evolution.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows warning: Don’t delete that weird ‘inetpub’ folder. Already did? Here’s your fix

Windows 10 and Windows 11 users who installed the April Patch Tuesday updates may find a new folder named inetpub on their system drive. This folder is associated with Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS) and is important for addressing the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability, which involves improper handling of symbolic links. Microsoft advises users not to delete the inetpub folder, as it plays a crucial role in system security. If the folder has been deleted, it can be restored by enabling IIS through the Control Panel. Enabling IIS will recreate the folder and ensure it retains the necessary protective measures.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

PCs are exempt from upcoming wave of Trump tariffs

The US Customs and Border Patrol announced that personal computers will be exempt from the upcoming tariffs introduced by the Trump administration. However, gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, will still face tariffs. Smartphones have also been granted an exemption from these tariffs. The Trump administration has implemented a blanket 10 percent tariff on all goods imported from outside the US, with a potential 125 percent levy on goods from China temporarily paused for 90 days. Additionally, a 20 percent tariff on Chinese goods was introduced earlier in 2025.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft AI chief Suleyman sees advantage in building models ‘3 or 6 months behind’

Microsoft's CEO of AI, Mustafa Suleyman, outlined the company's strategy for AI development, focusing on adapting its Copilot digital assistant to consumer needs. Despite having a large inventory of Nvidia GPUs, Microsoft is not using them for the most advanced AI models, opting instead for a measured approach that allows for lower costs and targeted solutions. The company collaborates with organizations like OpenAI and CoreWeave to enhance products such as Bing and Windows. A new feature called "memory" will be added to Copilot, allowing it to retain user information for personalized interactions. Microsoft has invested .75 billion in OpenAI, but in July 2024, it classified OpenAI as a competitor. OpenAI announced a collaboration with Oracle on the Stargate project, moving away from exclusive reliance on Microsoft Azure, although Microsoft stated that OpenAI remains committed to Azure. Suleyman emphasized the importance of developing internal AI capabilities and maintaining a long-term partnership with OpenAI through at least 2030.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft turns 50: Tracking Bill Gates’ journey – from a dorm room to tech powerhouse

In 2025, Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking the beginning of its journey in 1975 when Bill Gates and Paul Allen aimed to make personal computers accessible to everyone. They created user-friendly software, starting with MS-DOS, which laid the foundation for the Windows operating system. Microsoft has since transformed work, learning, and communication with tools like MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while also creating millions of jobs and driving innovation. The company is currently focusing on integrating artificial intelligence with cloud computing and will host a special event in Redmond, Washington, to introduce new Copilot features.