process Archives

Winsage

July 20, 2026

LG Monitors Spotted Installing Adware-Like App on Windows PCs

LG monitors connected to Windows PCs can trigger the automatic installation of the LG Monitor App Installer, which promotes paid subscriptions to McAfee antivirus software without user consent. This app appears shortly after Windows Update installs relevant LG packages, displaying McAfee promotions frequently. The app is designed to launch at startup and operates outside the Windows App Sandbox, raising cybersecurity concerns. Reports indicate that this issue affects both newer and older LG monitor models. Microsoft allows manufacturers to link Store applications with device metadata, enabling such installations without clear user choice. Users can remove the app through Windows Settings, but doing so may block other useful applications. LG and Microsoft have not publicly addressed these concerns.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft is moving another Outlook feature behind a Copilot paywall

Microsoft will retire the Meeting Insight feature for Outlook users by early September 2026, after which users will lose access to meeting insights, relevant files, and emails. The company is introducing a new feature called "Prepare for this meeting" to summarize content for upcoming meetings. Previously, Meeting Insight did not require a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, but Microsoft is now requiring this license for Copilot Chat across applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Microsoft has expanded its Copilot initiative to nearly 80 products and is shifting towards a paid model for features that were once complimentary.

BetaBeacon

July 20, 2026

Echo Generation Midnight Edition on Android! Galaxy S23 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2)

Google has introduced a passive sign-in feature for YouTube, allowing users to stay logged in across devices without actively entering their credentials.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Google Maps is finally getting a speedometer on Android Auto, and it’s about time — my ancient GPS system could do this 20 years ago

Google is rolling out live speedometer support for Google Maps on Android Auto. Some users have already reported seeing the speedometer feature in regions like Canada and India. A Canadian user confirmed its presence while using version 26.29.02.946673643 of the Google Maps beta.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows Server Update Services sync delays

Microsoft is addressing an issue impacting Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) servers, causing synchronization challenges for over a week. WSUS, used to manage updates for Microsoft products across enterprise networks, typically syncs daily with Microsoft Update servers. The ongoing issue has disrupted this process, affecting both client platforms (Windows 10 version 1607 and later) and server platforms (Windows Server 2012 and later). Microsoft acknowledged reports of increased synchronization times and sync operation timeouts, with the situation escalating on July 13, 2026. Mitigation measures were implemented to alleviate synchronization issues for newly installed or rebuilt WSUS servers, and Microsoft is working on solutions for previously affected servers. Synchronization times have been restored for new installations, but efforts continue to assist customers in removing affected metadata from older servers. This is not the first WSUS-related challenge for Microsoft; similar issues occurred in May 2025 and July 2025, with resolutions provided shortly after.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Spotted the new Android Developer Verifier app? Read this before you uninstall it

The "Android Developer Verifier" is a system service from Google that verifies whether an app being sideloaded is associated with a verified developer account. This app is part of Google's strategy to implement sideloading restrictions to protect users from social engineering scams. A verified developer account has undergone legal identity and background checks to ensure apps can be traced back to legitimate individuals or businesses. The app is automatically installed on certain devices, such as the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S26 Ultra, through Google System Updates, and users cannot opt out of it. Currently, the app is inactive for most users, with registration requirements beginning in select regions on September 30. Uninstalling the app may not prevent its reinstallation. The updated sideloading process requires users to enable Developer mode, confirm they are not being coerced, restart their device, wait 24 hours, and authenticate before installing an APK. Although this process may seem cumbersome, it aims to disrupt scammers' tactics. Users can still sideload via ADB, which is exempt from the new restrictions. Keeping the Android Developer Verifier on the device is advised until the sideloading restrictions are fully implemented.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Windows 11’s biggest updates may need multiple reboots, but that’s normal, don’t force shutdown

Users may experience double reboots when installing substantial Windows updates, such as the April and July 2026 Updates, due to factors like Secure Boot and .NET Framework updates. The July 2026 .NET Framework update specifically requires a separate reboot. Microsoft is still rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update, which may also lead to multiple reboots. Users are advised not to panic during these reboots and to allow the system time to complete the installation process. Additionally, Microsoft has warned against delaying updates for more than three days due to increasing update sizes related to security vulnerabilities. Some users may encounter SCEP certificate errors in the Event Viewer after the July 2026 Update, but these errors do not indicate a failure of the update process.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Windows 11 Version 26H2 Ships as an Enablement Package With No New Features Over 25H2

Microsoft is set to release Windows 11 version 26H2, an enablement package based on version 25H2, without introducing new features at launch. The update will require only a single restart for devices on versions 25H2 or 24H2, while users on older versions, such as 23H2 or Windows 10, will need a full feature update. Both versions share identical features and are built on the same platform, with version 26H2 using build numbers in the 26300 series. The update process will vary depending on the current version, and version 26H2 will not change hardware requirements. Microsoft plans a gradual rollout of the update, initially as an optional install. Version 26H2 aims to extend support, adding approximately a year to the support timeline, with version 25H2 support continuing until October 2027. Users should verify their current version and back up important files before upgrading.

AppWizard

July 20, 2026

Steam Week in Review: Take cover, because it looks like more than half of Steam games will have an AI-disclosure by 2027-2028

In June 2017, Valve introduced Steam Direct, changing the platform's game release process from manual curation to a more open system. Before this, game releases were limited, with only one month—December 2016—exceeding 500 releases. By February 2025, monthly game launches on Steam surpassed 1,500. A study by Sulka Haro analyzed around 53,600 Steam titles released between mid-2023 and mid-2026, noting that in 2024, 10.9% of new games included an AI disclosure, rising to 19.9% in 2025, and reaching 30.8% by July 2026. Non-AI flagged launches increased from about 1,030 to around 1,320 per month, while AI-flagged launches grew from approximately 13 to about 530 monthly. Projections suggest that by 2027 or 2028, nearly half of all games on Steam will have an AI flag. Despite the increase in AI-flagged titles, many struggle financially and receive mediocre reviews. The gaming industry is seeing a rise in generative AI technologies, particularly in management simulation genres. Recent notable releases on Steam include Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Palworld, with anticipation for Star Wars Zero Company on August 27.