registry values Archives

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft updates Windows 11 CPU support for OEM systems to include 8th to 10th Gen Intel CPUs

In mid-February 2025, Microsoft updated its support documentation regarding Intel processors' compatibility with Windows 11 24H2, adding several models from the 8th, 9th, and 10th generations that were previously excluded. These processors, introduced about eight years ago, can still perform adequately if their motherboards meet the TPM 2.0 requirement. Microsoft confirmed that these Intel CPU models meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and indicated that future processor generations meeting similar principles will also be considered supported. Although the three Intel generations have not been reinstated on the official list, systems using these processors will not be rendered obsolete or stop receiving updates. Manufacturers are advised against using these older processors in new systems running Windows 11. An official list of supported CPUs for non-OEM or custom PC builders is not available, but builders should refer to Microsoft’s Windows 11 System Requirements, which require a CPU operating at 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores. It is possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by adjusting certain registry values, but this may result in missing system and security updates. Users can also continue using Windows 10 for ongoing security updates or consider transitioning to a Linux operating system.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 RDP hangs on login, RDP session connecting issues reported

Windows 11 has a significant issue affecting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions during the login phase, potentially linked to the Windows 11 24H2 update or recent security updates KB5050094 and KB5051987. Administrators have reported difficulties in establishing RDP connections since the rollout of the 24H2 update, with issues persisting even when the RDP service is operational and firewall configurations are correct. Users have noted that changing the default RDP port from 3389 may resolve connection issues for some, although this workaround is not universally effective. Additionally, there are reports of RDP sessions hanging during the login process, particularly when reconnecting to previously disconnected sessions. To address the hanging issue, users can modify settings in the Group Policy Editor by enabling the "Select network detection on the server" policy and turning off Connect Time Detect and Continuous Network Detect. A system reboot is not necessary, but executing the gpupdate /force command is recommended. Alternatively, a Windows Registry script can be used to automate the process across multiple devices. As of February 21, Microsoft has not officially acknowledged these network issues, despite their widespread impact on users.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

These Windows 11 registry hacks will turn you into a PC pro

The Windows Registry Editor is accessed by pressing Win-R, typing regedit, and confirming with “OK.” The registry files are located in “C:WindowsSystem32config” and user-specific files in “C:Users[username].” The five main branches of the registry are: - HkeyCurrentUser: Configuration settings for the current user. - HkeyLocalMachine: Global settings for all users, requiring administrative rights for changes. - HkeyUsers: Contains user IDs for system profiles. - HkeyClassesRoot: Manages file name extensions and program shortcuts. - HkeyCurrentConfig: Links to keys under HkeyLocalMachineSystemCurrentControlSetHardware ProfilesCurrent. Users can create subkeys and values, which can be of different types. To modify the registry, select a key, use the “New” context menu, and double-click to edit. Creating a backup of the registry is recommended before making changes, which can be done using the Registry Backup Portable tool. To restore the registry, select the most recent backup and click “Restore Now.” Microsoft’s Process Monitor can be used to analyze registry values by filtering for “RegSetValue” and tracking changes. Certain registry values are restricted from modification for security reasons, such as the “widgets” feature in Windows 11. However, methods like batch files and PowerShell scripts can override these protections. Windows transmits diagnostic data to Microsoft, impacting user privacy. Tools like O&O Shutup10 and W10Privacy help manage telemetry settings.

Winsage

August 17, 2024

Dark mode not enough? Here’s how you can make the Windows 11 Start menu completely black

Windows 11 users can personalize their experience by changing the Start menu and taskbar to black through registry tweaks. This can be done easily by modifying the Windows Registry using a script saved as black.reg, which alters specific registry values. Users can also manually change these values using the Registry Editor, but this requires careful attention to detail and backing up the registry. Both methods ultimately achieve the same result. However, users should be aware that customizing these UI components may lead to inconsistencies, such as display issues in the Calendar view.

Winsage

July 29, 2024

New Specula tool uses Outlook for remote code execution in Windows

Microsoft Outlook has a vulnerability, CVE-2017-11774, that allows for remote code execution through a new framework called "Specula." This vulnerability, a security feature bypass, was patched in October 2017 but can still be exploited in file-sharing attacks. Attackers can create malicious document files to trick users into opening them, and despite Microsoft's mitigation efforts, they can set harmful home pages via Windows Registry values. Specula operates within Outlook's context, allowing non-privileged threat actors to manipulate WebView registry entries to connect to an external server. This enables the execution of arbitrary commands on compromised systems using custom VBScript files. Once the registry entry is set, it can be used for persistence and lateral movement across systems, taking advantage of Outlook's trusted process status to evade security measures. U.S. Cyber Command previously warned about the risks of CVE-2017-11774, which has been exploited by Iranian-sponsored APT groups since at least 2018.

Winsage

July 13, 2024

8 fairly recent additions to Windows that attracted a lot of hate from the community

- Windows 8's ill reputation was mainly due to the replacement of the Start menu with a Start screen. - The context menu in Windows 11 lacks many essential options due to Microsoft's overhaul. - Cortana, Microsoft's AI assistant, was disliked by users for its limited functionality and resource-hogging issues.

Winsage

July 9, 2024

Here’s what happens when you change every registry value in Windows 10 to zero — technically, the OS still boots up | Tom’s Hardware

Setting every registry value in Windows 10 to 0 causes most functions to not work properly, show inaccurate readings, or have other oddities. Some components, like sharing system specifications, also stop working correctly. Despite this, Paint, WordPad, and Microsoft Edge still seem to function to some extent.