pop-up ads Archives

Winsage

June 27, 2025

A second Windows 11 bug takes suspicious aim at Google Chrome — and the same Microsoft app is to blame

Windows 11 users experienced issues launching Google Chrome due to Microsoft's Family Safety feature, prompting a response from Chrome’s support manager, Ellen T. A workaround was suggested: disabling the “Filter inappropriate websites” option or renaming the Chrome.exe file. Additionally, Microsoft acknowledged another issue affecting Chrome users, where the content filtering feature was ineffective because the latest version of Chrome was not included on the block list used by Family Safety. Microsoft is working to update this block list. Another bug causes Chrome to close unexpectedly when Parental Controls are enabled, but only if the Activity reporting feature is disabled. Users are advised to enable Activity reporting to restore normal functionality. These issues affect Windows 10 version 22H2 and Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2. Microsoft is committed to resolving these problems and will update its support documentation accordingly.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

This Microsoft app thinks Google Chrome is NSFW (Not Safe For Windows)

Microsoft's Edge browser promotion efforts have led to issues for some Chrome users, who reported being unable to access Chrome after a crash. This problem, first noted on June 3 by a Reddit user, may be linked to Windows 11's Family Safety feature, which is intended to protect younger users. Chrome support manager Ellen T confirmed that for some users, Chrome cannot run when Microsoft Family Safety is enabled. Microsoft has suggested that parents and IT administrators can disable the "Filter inappropriate websites" option to restore access to Chrome, although this may expose users to inappropriate content. Reports of the issue have decreased, but some users remain affected, particularly those who activated Web Safety under the Edge tab between November 2024 and June 3. The cause of the issue—whether it is a flaw in Chromium or Windows 11's Family Safety feature—remains unclear.

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2025

Do You Need Antivirus for Chromebook?

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, verified boot, and automatic updates, which contribute to their reputation as secure devices. Despite these protections, vulnerabilities can still exist, particularly through phishing scams, risky extensions, and the use of Linux or Android apps. Security experts suggest that users who frequently engage in online shopping, download Android applications, connect to public Wi-Fi, or store sensitive information in the cloud should consider antivirus software for added protection. Recommended antivirus options for Chromebooks include TotalAV Essential Antivirus, Norton Mobile Security, and Avira Antivirus Security, each offering various features and benefits tailored for Chromebook users.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally

Microsoft unveiled its new handheld gaming consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, during the Summer Game Fest on June 8. Both models feature a design resembling a pair of controllers attached to a wide screen and are expected to launch this holiday season. They will operate on Windows 11 and allow for gaming through remote play, cloud gaming, or directly on the device, providing access to a wide range of PC games and popular applications. Initial impressions of the consoles have been positive, with reports highlighting their comfortable design and gameplay experience. Microsoft aims to compete with existing handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, and the Ally will debut with popular titles, including Roblox.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft might be sick of hearing “When is Windows 12 coming?” — but Windows 10’s death remains the hot topic for most users

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 over three years ago as the successor to Windows 10, which will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 43.72%, while Windows 10 has 52.94%. Users are gradually transitioning to Windows 11, influenced by the impending support deadline for Windows 10. A recent update for Windows 11 added new features, but there is speculation about Windows 12, which Microsoft has not confirmed. User sentiment reflects more concern about the end of Windows 10 support than excitement for Windows 12. In response, Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 through ads and highlighting the benefits of Copilot+ PCs, which claim to outperform older devices.

Tech Optimizer

March 10, 2025

Refunds Headed to Users Who Fell for Fake Antivirus, Computer Repair Scams

Restoro and Reimage will pay over million to settle allegations of misleading consumers into subscribing to their computer repair services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it will distribute 6,375 to over 700,000 affected consumers, particularly older adults, who were misled by deceptive pop-up ads claiming their computers had issues. The FTC's investigation revealed that these companies provided false antivirus alerts and recommended expensive repair plans. Payments to eligible consumers will be issued via PayPal on March 13 and 14, with recipients advised to redeem their payments within 30 days. Both companies are now prohibited from misrepresenting security or performance issues and engaging in deceptive telemarketing practices, and their websites have been taken offline.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Bill Gates says he’d “hide from the press” if former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer traded “the new and hot OS” for Windows 10

Mark Cuban humorously compared the hypothetical trading of Mavericks player Luka Dončić to Microsoft trading Windows 11 for Windows 10 during a conversation with Bill Gates. Gates reflected on his journey with Microsoft, admitting he didn't recognize the company's success until the late 1990s. As Microsoft plans to phase out Windows 10 by October 14, 2025, it still holds a 60.33% market share compared to Windows 11's 36.65%. Many users prefer Windows 10 due to factors such as the current state of the PC market, strict system requirements for Windows 11, and reported design flaws in Windows 11. A public interest research group has filed a petition against ending support for Windows 10, citing that over 40% of users still rely on it. Microsoft remains committed to its timeline, but users can extend support for Windows 10 through the Extended Security Updates program for an additional year.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft tries again with aggressive tactics against Google and Chrome, touting Edge’s “world-class performance” with a pop-up ad promo

Microsoft is intensifying efforts to promote Bing and Edge, encouraging users to stay loyal to Edge while searching for the Google Web Store via Bing. A pop-up message promotes Edge's advantages, contrasting with straightforward Google Search results that lack similar ads. Microsoft is also using its Bing Wallpaper app to recommend Bing as the default search engine and automatically adding the Bing extension to Chrome. The company has faced criticism for mimicking Google's interface, including replicating the Google Doodle, which Google Chrome lead Parisa Tabriz described as a "new low." Mozilla has raised concerns about Microsoft's misleading designs giving Edge an unfair advantage. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged that Google generates more revenue from Windows than Microsoft does.

Tech Optimizer

February 2, 2025

Microsoft thinks it could stop this dangerous scam forever

Microsoft has launched a new ‘Scareware blocker’ feature for Edge web browsers on Windows PCs, designed to enhance user protection against tech support scams. This machine learning threat detection software identifies signs of scareware in real-time and aims to reduce the prevalence of such scams, which cost victims millions annually according to the FBI. The technology analyzes new websites and uses a SmartScreen feature for global protection, processing information locally without uploading images to the cloud. When a potential threat is detected, Edge exits full-screen mode, stops aggressive audio playback, and alerts the user. Users can report malicious sites or inaccuracies to improve the model. The feature is available to all Edge users upon updating their browser.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Android users warned of chilling Russian spy attack that records phone calls

Recent findings from Lookout reveal malware targeting Android devices, specifically designed to record phone calls and access personal photos. This malware is hidden in counterfeit versions of popular apps like Telegram and Samsung Knox. Two strains identified are BoneSpy, operational since 2021, and PlainGnome, discovered earlier this year, both linked to the Gamaredon group associated with Russia's FSB, primarily targeting Russian-speaking users. BoneSpy can collect text messages, record audio and calls, capture location data, take pictures, access browser history, and read notifications. PlainGnome includes all these features but operates more stealthily, recording audio and calls only when the device is idle, making detection less likely. Neither strain has been found on Google Play, suggesting victims install it through social engineering attacks. Signs of infection include being signed out of Google accounts, persistent pop-up ads, alerts about viruses, malfunctioning antivirus software, decreased device speed, unexpected storage loss, and unauthorized changes to browser settings. Users may also notice their contacts receiving messages they did not send.