Registry Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Users Solve Windows 11 Issues With Four Settings Checks

To address slowdowns and glitches in Windows 11, users should verify several settings before considering a complete reinstallation. Key actions include: 1. Check for Windows Updates: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update to install patches and update device drivers. Uninstall problematic updates if necessary. 2. Manage Startup Applications: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) or Settings > Apps > Startup to disable unnecessary auto-starting applications to improve boot speed. 3. Pause OneDrive Syncing: Temporarily pause OneDrive syncing during resource-intensive tasks to prevent performance degradation. 4. Adjust Visual Effects: Disable Transparency effects and Animation effects in Settings > Personalization > Colors and Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects, respectively, to reduce GPU strain. 5. Limit Notifications: Turn off notifications in Settings > System > Notifications to minimize interruptions. 6. Restrict Background Activity: Set background app permissions to "Never" for infrequently used applications to conserve memory and disk usage. 7. Run Security Scans: Use Windows Security to perform a Quick scan and ensure that real-time protection features are enabled to detect malware and adware. 8. Browser Maintenance: Reset browser settings, remove unknown extensions, and enable tracking protection to improve resource management. If issues persist, further steps include running System File Checker, testing memory, checking storage health, or performing a repair install of Windows.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

How to Disable Windows 11 Defender: Temporary and Permanent

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the built-in security solution for Windows 11, protecting against viruses, malware, and ransomware. Users may need to disable it temporarily or permanently for various reasons, including software installation, penetration testing, performance issues, transitioning to third-party antivirus solutions, or troubleshooting conflicts. Temporary disabling can be done through the Windows Security app, which will automatically re-enable after a restart. Permanent disabling requires changes in Group Policy, applicable only to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and necessitates disabling Tamper Protection first. Another method for permanent disabling is installing a third-party antivirus, which automatically deactivates Defender's real-time protection. Windows 11 Home users cannot use Group Policy for permanent disabling but can still temporarily disable Defender or install a third-party antivirus. Disabling Defender exposes the system to threats, and users should ensure they have alternative protection in place. Major Windows updates may reset Defender settings, and caution is advised when modifying system settings.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Why Windows 11 feels slower than Windows 10—and why it’s not just in your head

Windows 11 features a modern architecture with advanced schedulers and SSD support, but many users experience sluggishness, with delays in menus and dialog boxes. This perception of reduced responsiveness compared to Windows 10 has been linked to the use of XAML, which modernizes traditional desktop components but introduces performance issues due to added abstraction layers. Disabling animations does not resolve the delays, which are attributed to XAML's reliance on GPU acceleration for simple tasks, leading to inefficiencies. The cumulative effect of these micro-delays, measured in milliseconds, contributes to an overall feeling of sluggishness, regardless of high-end hardware. Microsoft's design choices prioritize visual consistency and modern UI technology, resulting in trade-offs in everyday responsiveness. The slower perception of Windows 11 compared to Windows 10 is rooted in these deliberate technical decisions.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Swarmer Tool Evading EDR With a Stealthy Modification on Windows Registry for Persistence

Praetorian Inc. has launched Swarmer, a tool that enables low-privilege attackers to maintain stealthy persistence in the Windows registry while avoiding detection by Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems. Swarmer uses mandatory user profiles and the Offline Registry API to modify the NTUSER hive without triggering standard registry hooks. It operates by creating an NTUSER.MAN file that replaces the NTUSER.DAT hive upon user login, allowing low-privilege users to manipulate registry settings without alerting EDR tools. Swarmer employs functions from Microsoft’s Offline Registry Library, enabling it to perform operations without invoking Reg* API calls, thus evading detection mechanisms. Swarmer's workflow involves exporting the HKCU registry, modifying it, and executing the tool with specific commands to place the modified NTUSER.MAN file into the user profile. It can be used as an executable or a PowerShell module. While it presents a novel method for persistence, Swarmer has limitations, such as being unable to update without admin access and requiring user login to activate. Detection strategies include monitoring for NTUSER.MAN file creation and Offreg.dll usage in non-standard processes.

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

eScan Antivirus Update Server Hacked to Push Malicious Update packages

A supply chain breach has affected MicroWorld Technologies' eScan antivirus product, allowing malicious actors to use the vendor's update infrastructure to spread malware. Discovered on January 20, 2026, by Morphisec, the attack involved a trojanized update package that deployed multi-stage malware on enterprise and consumer endpoints globally. The initial compromise occurred through a malicious update replacing the legitimate Reload.exe binary, which was digitally signed with a valid eScan certificate. This led to the execution of a downloader (CONSCTLX.exe) and further malware stages that evaded defenses and disabled security features. The malware obstructs automatic updates by altering system configurations, including the hosts file and registry keys. Indicators of compromise include specific file names and SHA-256 hashes for the trojanized update and downloader. Network administrators are advised to block traffic to identified command and control domains and IPs. Affected organizations should verify their systems for signs of compromise and contact MicroWorld Technologies for a manual patch.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

This free tool lets you make all the Windows registry changes you’ve been avoiding

Windows 11 generally provides a satisfactory experience, but power users often seek more control due to telemetry services, background applications, and bloatware. Winaero Tweaker offers a user-friendly graphical interface for making system adjustments, including restoring the classic context menu and File Explorer ribbon. It allows users to disable ads across various platforms with a one-click solution and provides an easy way to eliminate bloatware by disabling unnecessary background apps and services. Winaero Tweaker also enables users to disable automatic driver updates, giving them control over their system's drivers. Compared to the Registry Editor, Winaero Tweaker simplifies the customization process with clear toggles and explanations, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users.

Winsage

January 27, 2026

Microsoft Phases Out RC4 in Kerberos to Boost Security

Microsoft is phasing out the RC4 encryption method used in Kerberos to address vulnerability CVE‑2026‑20833, which allows attackers to exploit weak encryption for offline cracking of service account passwords. The transition timeline includes an initial phase starting January 13, 2026, with new Kerberos audit events and optional registry controls to identify RC4 usage. In April 2026, domain controllers will default to AES‑SHA1, disabling fallback to RC4. By July 2026, Microsoft will remove Audit mode and enforce Enforcement mode, eliminating RC4 from the Kerberos protocol. Organizations are advised to update Active Directory Domain Controllers, monitor System event logs for new audit events, address KDCSVC events, and activate Enforcement mode to enhance security against RC4-related vulnerabilities.

Tech Optimizer

January 27, 2026

PostgreSQL for WMS: a DBMS selection strategy in the era of import substitution

Choosing a Database Management System (DBMS) for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a strategic decision that impacts security, budget, and adaptability. PostgreSQL is identified as a safe, cost-effective, and future-proof solution for Russian warehouse systems, especially following the withdrawal of foreign vendors like Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Starting September 1, 2025, foreign software usage in government bodies and companies with over 50% state ownership will face legal restrictions, posing regulatory risks for those using Oracle. Financial risks include high licensing fees and the potential for legal prohibitions on current technologies. Business continuity risks arise from the possibility of vendors ceasing support and updates. PostgreSQL, both in its vanilla form and commercial derivatives like Postgres Pro, is presented as a robust alternative capable of handling high loads and providing necessary features for modern WMS. It supports real-time analytics and advanced capabilities such as intelligent search and automatic classification using neural networks. Key considerations when choosing a DBMS include estimating data volumes, checking legal requirements, and calculating total cost of ownership (TCO).

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Windows 11 PCs Fail To Shut Down After Update

Some users of Windows 11 have experienced a problem where their PCs reboot instead of shutting down after the Patch Tuesday security update KB5073455. This issue primarily affects devices with Secure Launch on Windows 11 version 23H2. Microsoft has confirmed this behavior, which disrupts the usual power-off sequence and can drain battery life for laptops and complicate remote management processes. An out-of-band update, KB5077797, has been released to restore normal shutdown and hibernation functionalities for affected systems. Users can check for this update in Windows Update or download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. To determine if they are affected, users should look for immediate restarts when selecting Shut Down or Hibernate and check if Secure Launch is enabled in System Information.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

How to remove Copilot from Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced Copilot on Windows 11, which has generated mixed reactions from users. Many users express a preference for operating without it, and the difficulty of uninstalling Copilot, which often reinstalls itself, has contributed to dissatisfaction. Microsoft is working on a solution for permanent removal in future updates. A guide has been created to assist users in removing Copilot, which includes three steps: 1. Preventing auto startup by disabling it in Task Manager. 2. Preventing auto installation by modifying the Registry Editor to create a DWORD value named TurnOffWindowsCopilot and setting it to 1. 3. Uninstalling Copilot through the Settings app. Following these steps allows users to effectively remove Copilot from their systems.