recovery options Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 16, 2026

What is the best PC antivirus for 2026: Acronis True Image vs. competitors

In 2026, traditional antivirus solutions are becoming outdated due to the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, including AI-driven ransomware and advanced phishing schemes. The FBI Internet Crime Report states that cybercrime losses exceeded .5 billion in 2023, with projections by Cybersecurity Ventures estimating costs could reach trillion annually by 2025. Research from IBM shows that organizations without a tested recovery plan face higher costs and longer downtimes. Built-in protections like Windows Defender and MacOS XProtect offer basic security but may leave gaps, necessitating comprehensive third-party antivirus solutions. Acronis True Image is highlighted for its unique combination of real-time malware protection and full system backup capabilities, enabling users to recover quickly from incidents. Other leading antivirus solutions, such as Norton 360, Bitdefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky, excel in threat prevention but lack integrated recovery options. Acronis emphasizes the importance of both security and continuity, preparing users for both cyber incidents and everyday failures.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Emergency Windows 11 Updates Fix Shutdown And Remote Desktop Failures

Microsoft released two emergency out-of-band updates, KB5077744 and KB5077797, to address critical issues with Windows 11 following the January 2026 security updates. Users experienced problems with system shutdowns, hibernation failures, and Remote Desktop authentication issues. The updates target Windows 11 version 23H2 with Secure Launch enabled and also affect Windows 11 version 25H2, Windows 10 22H2 ESU, and Windows Server 2025. The updates are being distributed automatically via Windows Update, but manual intervention may be needed for devices with paused updates or managed through enterprise policies. Microsoft recommends affected users install the updates promptly to restore normal functionality.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

9 things I always do after setting up Windows 11 – and why you should too

When setting up a new Windows 11 PC, you can choose between a Microsoft account and a local account, with the former offering enhanced security, data protection, and account recovery options. It's recommended to verify that the correct Windows edition is installed and activated, check for driver issues in Device Manager, install the latest updates, and consult the manufacturer's support site for updated drivers. You can remove unwanted third-party app shortcuts from the Start menu and customize it by adjusting pinned and recommended items. The taskbar can be streamlined by disabling unnecessary features and unpinning unused applications. Popular apps can be installed from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Sandbox can be enabled for secure testing of new applications or websites.

Winsage

December 16, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28020.1362 has been released to the Canary Channel. Key updates include: - Full screen experience (FSE) for handheld devices is now available on more devices, enhancing gaming through the Xbox app. - The Click to Do context menu has been redesigned for easier access to actions like Copy and Save. - Enhancements to the agent in Settings for quicker modifications and more search results. - Windows Studio Effects now supports additional cameras beyond integrated ones. - Drag Tray feature supports multi-file sharing and intelligent app suggestions. - Dark mode improvements in File Explorer for consistency across various dialogs. - Users can manage mobile devices from the Settings under Bluetooth & Devices. - New context menu options for Windows Spotlight backgrounds. - More keyboard settings transitioned to Settings, including character repeat delay and cursor blink rate. - Updates to Game Pass branding in Settings. - New OneDrive icon in Accounts and Homepages within Settings. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) will perform a one-time scan for solutions. - Virtual Workspaces can now be activated in Advanced Settings. - Various fixes for issues in File Explorer, Settings, Taskbar, Start menu, internet connectivity, display and graphics, login and lock screens, Narrator, Windows Update, Task Manager, and app responsiveness. Additionally, Paint version 11.2511.281.0 introduces a collapsible toolbar feature.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2025

After PostgreSQL, DigitalOcean now adds MySQL and Redis to its managed databases’ offering

DigitalOcean has expanded its Managed Databases service to include MySQL and Redis, alongside its existing PostgreSQL support. This service offers fully-managed database instances with features such as simplified setup and maintenance, free daily backups, standby nodes for automated failover, end-to-end security, and scalable performance. The expansion was driven by demand from customers and the developer community. The new offerings are currently available in data center regions in New York, Frankfurt, and San Francisco, with plans for further regional support.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft’s new recovery tools rebuild Windows when it glitches

Microsoft has announced two new tools for enhancing Windows PC recovery capabilities within organizations: point-in-time restore and cloud rebuild. Point-in-time restore allows users to revert their system to a previous state by taking snapshots of the Windows environment at various intervals, facilitating recovery from issues like update failures and driver conflicts. This feature will be available for testing by Windows insiders in an upcoming build. Cloud rebuild enables IT administrators to restore the operating system directly from the cloud, similar to the existing Reset feature. Administrators can select the Windows version and language through the Microsoft Intune portal, prompting the PC to download the necessary installation media. This tool resets Windows while allowing for the restoration of personal files, applications, and settings using OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations. Both tools are designed for businesses using Microsoft Intune and are expected to be integrated into Intune in the first half of 2026 as part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up problems and enhance Windows driver resilience.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft unveils two new Windows 11 recovery tools: Cloud Rebuild and Point-in-Time Restore

Microsoft is introducing new recovery options for Windows 11 at its Ignite developer conference, focusing on Intune remote recovery via WinRE. Two new recovery actions are being unveiled: 1. Point-in-time restore: This feature allows a PC to revert to a previous state to resolve issues like update failures and driver conflicts. It will be available in preview form within the Windows Insider build of Windows 11 this week. 2. Cloud rebuild: This option enables a fresh start for devices with persistent issues without the need for hardware shipping or service desk visits. Admins can select the Windows release and language through the Intune portal, prompting the PC to download installation media and self-rebuild. This process uses Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning and allows for the restoration of user data and settings via OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations. Microsoft plans to roll out these features in the first half of the upcoming year.