Recovery key Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows 11 24H2: BitLocker Encryption Now Default

With the rollout of Windows 11 24H2, BitLocker and Device Encryption are now automatically activated by default for all editions, including Home. Microsoft enabled BitLocker without prior notification, raising concerns about drive performance and potential data loss if users lose access to their Microsoft accounts. Users can back up BitLocker recovery keys and disable encryption during installation using tools like Rufus. To turn off BitLocker in Windows 11, users can go to the Settings app, select Device encryption under Privacy & Security, and manage their encryption settings.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Don’t pay more for Windows Pro’s advanced features. Use these free tools instead

The Windows Home and Pro editions differ primarily in several key features relevant to personal users: - Bitlocker Encryption: Exclusive to the Pro edition, it secures drives, but Windows 11 Home includes device encryption requiring a Microsoft account. - Hyper-V: Available only in Pro, but alternatives like VirtualBox can be used in Home. - Remote Desktop: Pro allows full remote access, while Home offers limited support; third-party tools can provide alternatives. - Group Policies: Primarily for corporate use in Pro, but local group policies can be activated in Home with alternative tools available. Windows 11 24H2 Home includes a new device encryption feature requiring a Microsoft account. Veracrypt is a free alternative for encryption, allowing for encrypted containers and compatibility across multiple operating systems. Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Pro requires a new product key. VirtualBox offers a free option for creating virtual machines. For remote access, tools like Rustdesk can be used without needing the Pro edition's capabilities.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

6 reasons why I think Microsoft should keep the ‘local account’ option in Windows 11

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to make it more difficult for users to bypass internet and Microsoft account requirements during installation, specifically in builds 26120.3653 and 26200.5516. The "BypassNRO.cmd" script, which allowed the creation of local accounts without an internet connection, has been removed. Local accounts provide enhanced privacy by storing data locally, simplify the setup process without needing an internet connection, and allow unrestricted access to systems in offline environments. Users can choose meaningful folder names with local accounts, and they facilitate smoother Remote Desktop connections compared to Microsoft accounts. Although local accounts can still be created post-installation, there are concerns about their availability in future updates, especially for the Home edition.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27808 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27808 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. A significant update to the Task Manager has been initiated, aligning CPU utilization metrics with industry standards, and a new optional CPU Utility column is available on the Details tab. Several fixes have been made, including resolving issues with popular games, printing bugs, blank search windows, Settings app crashes, inaccurate battery icon colors, and BitLocker performance. Known issues include a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches and a warning for Copilot+ PCs transitioning to the Canary Channel regarding the loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics. Enhancements to the Microsoft Store include a new spotlight design and updates to the Downloads page. Insiders in the Canary Channel are reminded that builds may not correspond to specific releases and may evolve or be removed. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows 11 Canary build 27808 is out with better CPU monitoring in Task Manager and more

Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel can download build 27808, which includes enhancements to CPU monitoring in Task Manager and various fixes for gaming, printing, search, graphics, BitLocker, and more. Notable updates include a change in how Task Manager calculates CPU utilization, aligning it with industry standards, and the introduction of an optional CPU Utility column on the Details tab. Fixes include: - Resolved a bug causing games like Roblox to crash upon launch. - Corrected a printing issue that triggered crashes in certain applications. - Fixed a glitch resulting in a blank search window in the taskbar. - Addressed a crash issue in Settings when adding a color profile. - Rectified inaccurate color displays in the battery icon. - Improved performance for loading BitLocker UI elements and fixed a looping issue with BitLocker. - Resolved an error with the Get-BitLockerVolume command. Known bugs include issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning from other channels, and ongoing investigations into a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Microsoft posts official uninstall and recovery guide for botched Windows 11/10 update

Microsoft released a new support article detailing the functionality of the Windows 11 feature 'Fix problems using Windows Update' and scenarios where it may not be effective. A shortcut link to the recovery settings menu has been introduced as part of the guidance for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Microsoft updated another support article regarding the uninstallation of Windows Updates, now including instructions for using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for this purpose, applicable to both Windows 10 and 11. Users can uninstall updates via WinRE by accessing Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates. A disclaimer about the end of support for Windows 10 is also present on the page. Additionally, a cautionary note regarding BitLocker recovery key requirements is included. Microsoft has emphasized the importance of system requirements such as TPM and Secure Boot in relation to Windows 11 24H2. Third-party backup and cloning applications are making adjustments to align with these updates.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11 Home vs. Pro: Which is right for you?

Windows 11 offers two versions: Home and Professional, each with distinct features. Security Features: - Windows 11 Pro includes BitLocker, a full-disk encryption tool that protects files from unauthorized access and requires user authentication. - Windows 11 Home has Device Encryption, which activates with a Microsoft account but has limitations, such as not encrypting external drives and potentially being unavailable on older PCs. Limitations of Windows 11 Home: - Cannot join a domain or utilize Azure Active Directory. - Lacks the Private Catalog feature in the Microsoft Store. - Limited remote desktop capabilities; can connect to Pro but not access Home remotely. - Does not include Hyper-V for virtual machines or the Local Group Policy Editor. Exclusive Features of Windows 11 Pro: - Windows Sandbox allows users to test software securely, erasing all data when closed. Pricing: - Windows 11 Home costs 9, while Windows 11 Pro costs 9. Users can upgrade from Home to Pro affordably through the Settings menu. Many new PCs come with Windows 11 Home, but some higher-end models may include Pro. The choice between the two versions depends on individual needs, with Pro being more suitable for users requiring advanced security and management features, while Home suffices for casual users.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

5 tips for setting up BitLocker on Windows to secure your files

BitLocker drive encryption is a feature in Windows 11 that protects files from unauthorized access by encrypting the drive. It is enabled by default in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions, while a limited version is available in Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 automatically encrypts all fixed drives upon connection, and users should verify that all permanently attached drives are encrypted. Users can set drives to automatically unlock on the current PC or protect them with a password. BitLocker is a Windows-specific feature, making encrypted external drives inaccessible on other operating systems like macOS or Linux. Recovery keys for BitLocker-encrypted drives are automatically backed up for users with a Microsoft account, and it is recommended to create a Microsoft account for easier access to recovery keys. Users should also keep a second backup of the recovery key in case of internet outages, which can be printed or saved as a digital file.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

Verum Messenger: Innovation, AI, and Absolute Security — A New Level of Communication

Verum Messenger has undergone a global update that enhances its platform with features such as integration with the Verum AI neural network, a built-in eSIM, and advanced security measures that prevent screenshots and screen recording. The Verum AI serves as a smart assistant capable of answering inquiries, translating text, generating content, and conducting data analysis. The built-in eSIM allows users to access mobile internet without needing a physical SIM card or incurring roaming charges. The app emphasizes user privacy and security by blocking screenshots and screen recording, ensuring confidential communications. Additional features include a recovery key for chat restoration, support for group chats and channels with up to 10,000 participants, a built-in VPN for secure communication, and customizable user privacy settings.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Where’s your BitLocker recovery key? How to save a copy before the next Windows meltdown

Windows 11 offers options for encrypting the system drive to secure personal data. When device encryption is activated, a recovery key is required if boot integrity is compromised. The recovery key is a 48-digit number divided into eight groups of six. Windows automatically saves the encryption key to your Microsoft account, which can be accessed at microsoft.com/recoverykey. Users can also view encryption details using PowerShell with the command: (Get-BitLockerVolume -MountPoint C).KeyProtector. Windows 11 Pro users must save their recovery key upon enabling BitLocker encryption, with three storage options: saving to a Microsoft account, storing in a text file, or printing a hard copy. Users can back up a new recovery key through the Manage BitLocker Control Panel. The most convenient method is saving the key to OneDrive for easy retrieval. For personal accounts, the recovery keys are accessible directly, while business accounts require navigating to "Manage devices." Alternative methods include saving the recovery key on a non-system drive or printing it for travel convenience.