policy Archives

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Secure Windows with Microsoft’s Security Compliance Toolkit

The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit is a suite of tools for administrators to assess Group Policy Objects (GPOs) against Microsoft's security baselines, helping to identify discrepancies and implement secure settings. It includes tools such as the Policy Analyzer, Local Group Policy Object (LGPO) utility, and Set Object Security application. Administrators can download the toolkit from Microsoft's website, which contains zip files for various security baseline packages. The Policy Analyzer compares GPOs with local security policies to identify inconsistencies, while the LGPO tool manages local security policies and allows for policy backup and verification. The Set Object Security tool applies security descriptors to objects like files and folders. For Windows Server, administrators should test security baselines in non-production environments before deployment. With Windows Server 2025, the OSConfig platform allows for direct application of security baselines through PowerShell, simplifying the update process and maintaining compliance.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Edens Zero Review (PC) – I Can’t Stop Playing This Game

Edens Zero is a video game developed and published by Konami, set to be released on July 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at .99. Players assume the role of Shiki, a boy living on the robot-run planet Granbell, who embarks on an adventure with Rebecca, a B-Cuber, after robots turn against humanity. The game features two modes: Story Mode, where players follow Shiki's journey and uncover his father's mysteries, and Exploration Mode, where players complete quests from the Adventurer’s Guild in Blue Garden. The game includes an innovative equipment system that allows for character appearance customization. Performance issues were noted on the Steam Deck, while a high-end PC setup provided a smoother experience. The art direction and character designs are praised, and the combat blends action RPG elements with beat 'em up styles. The game has both pros, such as engaging combat and extensive customization, and cons, including performance inconsistencies and repetitive quest design.

Tech Optimizer

July 29, 2025

Surfshark One Review

Surfshark has launched Surfshark One, a comprehensive security suite that includes a VPN, antivirus software, a data leak detection system, and a private search engine. Surfshark One features over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. The antivirus component offers real-time protection and was awarded 'Top Product' by AV-TEST in June 2024 for a 100% detection rate against advanced malware. Surfshark Alert notifies users of data breaches involving sensitive information, while Surfshark Search provides an ad-free, private browsing experience. Users can choose from various plans, with competitive pricing and a seven-day free trial available. The interface is user-friendly and supports multiple devices, allowing protection for up to five devices per account. The antivirus continuously monitors devices, and users can conduct on-demand scans or schedule them. Surfshark's VPN offers features like NoBorders mode, Dynamic MultiHop, and a built-in speed test. Additional features include the Alternative ID for managing online personas and the option for a dedicated IP address for an extra fee. However, some features like a password manager and parental controls are not included.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 update shows up on ‘incompatible’ PCs: Should you click upgrade or beware?

Microsoft is extending Windows 11 upgrades to computers that do not meet its official minimum requirements, prompting confusion among users. Reports indicate that users are receiving upgrade prompts despite lacking essential components like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or a modern processor. This change raises questions about whether Microsoft is relaxing its compatibility standards or if it is a technical oversight. Users are advised to exercise caution before upgrading unsupported machines, as this may lead to issues such as failed installations, unreliable performance, and lack of future security updates or customer support.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 11 22H2 in October

Microsoft has announced that servicing for the last supported editions of Windows 11 22H2 (Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise) will end on October 14. The final monthly security update for this version will be in October 2025, after which devices will no longer receive updates. Microsoft is implementing an automatic feature update for Windows 11 consumer and non-managed business devices that have reached their end of servicing to ensure continued security updates. Users can choose a convenient time for their devices to reboot for the Windows 24H2 feature update. The Windows 11 24H2 update began rolling out in May 2024 for enterprise customers and became available for eligible devices in October. Microsoft has established upgrade blocks for the 24H2 update on devices with incompatible drivers and software.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft explains how organizations can use Intune to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, and organizations can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU), though this may not be financially viable for all. Microsoft has released a guide to assist companies in upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 via Intune. The guide is intended for domain-joined or co-joined Windows 10 PCs and emphasizes the need for hardware compatibility, specifically TPM 2.0. Organizations should use Microsoft Configuration Manager or Endpoint Analytics to verify hardware requirements and ensure devices are updated to version 22H2. IT administrators are advised to synchronize identities from Active Directory to Entra ID, configure hybrid join, and prepare the Intune environment with necessary licenses and roles. They should also streamline Group Policy Objects, establish Intune configuration profiles, and use Windows Autopatch for updates. Applications must be migrated from Configuration Manager to Intune for management, and outdated deployments should be decommissioned. The final migration step involves transitioning to an Entra ID-joined configuration. This process aims to enhance management, security, user experience, and reduce reliance on legacy infrastructure.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

One of 2024’s best games and a new horror classic has been delisted on Itch.io amid the payment processor crackdown on NSFW games

Itch.io confirmed that the game Mouthwashing has been de-indexed since October 2024, a decision not related to payment processor crackdowns. The game is currently not indexed due to not meeting specific criteria for discoverability on the platform, as it directs users to its Steam page instead of offering purchasable content directly on Itch.io. Despite this, Mouthwashing remains accessible on Itch.io via a direct link and is available for purchase on Steam.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (KB5062669) is being released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. A new agent for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs is introduced, allowing users to articulate their needs for settings adjustments, with AI providing tailored recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen is being rolled out for reviewing recommended settings. A new tutorial for Click to Do is introduced, guiding users on efficient task completion. Enhancements are made to the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, and a new grid view is added to the search results in the Windows Search box. Updates to the lock screen widget configuration UI and Notification Center functionality for secondary monitors are also included. Task Manager now uses standard metrics for CPU utilization across all pages, with a new optional CPU Utility column. Various fixes address issues with the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollbacks during installation and crashes with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (KB5062669) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include a new agent in Settings for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs that helps users modify settings through AI-driven recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings is being rolled out, along with a new tutorial for Click to Do that guides users on completing tasks efficiently. The update optimizes the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, introduces a grid view in search results, and enhances the lock screen widget configuration. Notification Center functionality has been extended to secondary monitors, and Task Manager now includes an optional CPU utility column. Various fixes have been implemented across the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start Menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation and problems with live captions and Xbox controllers.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

EU’s upcoming age verification system may block sideloaded Android apps

The European Union's new app verification framework requires that apps be downloaded from the Google Play Store, licensed by Google, and installed on devices meeting specific security criteria to pass verification. Apps that are sideloaded, compiled from source, or installed from alternative app stores will not qualify for the EU's age verification system. If adopted without modifications, this framework will bar any non-compliant Android apps from operating within the EU, potentially excluding many third-party or custom-built applications. The system aims to enhance protections for minors while prioritizing user privacy by not collecting further usage data after a one-time age verification. Similar age verification initiatives are also emerging in the United States. The EU's approach may limit user autonomy and the openness of the Android platform, and Android users in Europe should prepare for potential restrictions.