reinstall Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2025

Cryptostealing Malware Found in Printer Software Highlights Growing Supply Chain Threat

A cybersecurity incident involving Procolored printers revealed vulnerabilities in everyday hardware, as users may have downloaded malware capable of stealing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Tech content creator Cameron Coward reported an antivirus alert linked to Procolored printer software, prompting an investigation by G Data researchers who found malicious code in installation files on the manufacturer's website. The identified threats included a remote access tool (Win32.Backdoor.XRedRAT.A) and a cryptocurrency wallet stealer (MSIL.Trojan-Stealer.CoinStealer.H). Compromised files were last updated in October 2024 and distributed through official channels. The company initially denied the issue but later removed the downloads from their website in May 2025 and acknowledged the malware might have been introduced via USB transfers. An analysis of an attacker’s wallet showed a total of 9.3 BTC accumulated across 330 transactions before it was emptied. Cybersecurity experts recommend that users conduct antivirus scans and consider reformatting drives and reinstalling operating systems if infections are suspected.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft will stop pestering Windows users about Edge in EU

Microsoft has made adjustments to its Windows operating system to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Designated as a "gatekeeper" under the DMA in 2023, Microsoft is required to modify its core platform services. The changes announced in March 2024 for European users include the ability to uninstall Edge and Bing, support for third-party web applications on the Windows taskbar, and revisions to sign-on practices. Users will now only receive notifications to set Edge as their default browser after opening it, and the "Set Default" button will cover more file types in the EEA. Some enhancements are available in the Beta Channel, with a broader rollout expected in July. Windows Search will allow EEA users to install applications that designate alternative web search providers, and users will soon be able to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Store. Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi, praised the changes but noted that the process for setting a preferred default browser still needs improvement.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Jajaja! Microsoft finally gives up pestering EU users about goddamn Edge

Microsoft has been designated as a "gatekeeper" by the European Commission under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), effective September 2023. This designation requires Microsoft to comply with specific measures, including publishing annual reports on its DMA obligations. As part of its compliance, Microsoft has allowed Windows users in the European Economic Area to uninstall the Microsoft Store while keeping previously installed applications functional and updated. Microsoft has also removed persistent prompts to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser, allowing users more autonomy in their choices. When Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall it, except for Progressive Web Apps that use Edge technology from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Lets EU Users Uninstall Store, Disables Prompts to Use Edge

Microsoft is transforming its Windows 10 and Windows 11 platforms to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), enhancing user autonomy for individuals in the European Economic Area (EEA). Beta testers in the EEA can now set a third-party browser as the default for more protocols and file types, including ftp, http, https, and various HTML-related formats. The default browser's icon will be pinned to the taskbar, and users can also set a default for handling PDF files. These updates are in the beta channel (Build 26120.4151) and will roll out to retail users by July. Microsoft Edge will not prompt users in Europe to set it as the default browser unless opened, and prompts to reinstall Edge will not appear if it is uninstalled, unless third-party PWAs are installed from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, users can see web search results from various search engines and can uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving updates for existing applications. These changes are exclusive to the EEA, with users in other regions remaining on traditional versions of the operating system.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft is making huge changes to Windows 10 and 11, cutting out nagging to use Edge… for some

Microsoft is implementing changes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) to address criticism regarding the promotion of Microsoft Edge. These changes, in response to the Digital Markets Act, include: - A broader range of link and file types will be included when users set their default browser via the “Set default” button, covering link types such as ftp, http, https, read, and file types like .htm, .html, .mht, .mhtml, .shtml, .svg, .xht, .xhtml, .xml. - The default browser will be pinned to the Taskbar unless users opt out. - Users can set the .pdf file type default for compatible browsers. - There will be fewer prompts to revert to Edge, and users will not receive reminders to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. - The Bing app will use the default web browser instead of defaulting to Edge. Additionally, enhancements to Windows Search will allow: - Apps to provide web search results directly within Windows Search. - Automatic enabling of web search providers upon app installation. - Viewing results from multiple web search providers simultaneously with scoping tabs for refined searches. - Reordering of web search providers in Settings. These updates are being rolled out in Windows Insider builds and are expected to reach retail versions by early June. It is uncertain if these changes will be extended to other regions.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Edge will stop begging you for attention (in Europe, at least)

Microsoft is adjusting its approach in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the Digital Markets Act by implementing several updates. Microsoft Edge will no longer solicit users to set it as their default browser, although reminders may still appear temporarily. This change began with an Edge update on May 29. Additionally, users who uninstall Microsoft Edge will not receive prompts to reinstall it, except for progressive web apps using Edge technology. Microsoft is also introducing an option to uninstall the Microsoft Store, with updates for previously downloaded applications continuing. This feature is expected to be available later this year for Windows 10 and 11 users.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft will finally stop bugging Windows users about Edge — but only in Europe

Microsoft is enhancing user autonomy for Windows users in the European Economic Area (EEA) by allowing them to uninstall the Microsoft Store and remove prompts to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser. Users can now set alternative browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave as their default, with these choices automatically pinned to the taskbar unless opted out. The updates extend browser functionality to additional formats such as "read," ftp, and .svg. These changes are being rolled out in the beta channel and are expected to be available on Windows 10 and Windows 11 by July. Applications installed through the Microsoft Store will continue to receive updates even if the Store is removed, and users can reinstall it at any time. Third-party apps will be integrated into Windows Search, and users can rearrange their preferred search providers. The Microsoft Bing app, Widgets Board, and Lock Screen will open web content using the user's default browser, with these changes anticipated to roll out in early June.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Makes More DMA-Based Changes to Windows 10/11 in the EU

Microsoft is aligning its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a Digital Markets Act Compliance website detailing plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn. Recent updates include: - Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can associate a wider range of file and link types with their default web browser, including ftp, http, https, .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available. - The Windows Search feature will allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface, enabling users to filter and reorder results. - EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app, while apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates. Users can reinstall the Store app later. - The Bing and Start Experiences apps will direct web content to the user's default browser instead of Microsoft Edge, which will no longer prompt users to set it as the default unless opened directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not suggest its reinstallation, except for Progressive Web Apps installed via Edge.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 will finally stop nagging you to set Edge as your default browser — but only in some markets

Microsoft is implementing updates to Windows 10 and Windows 11 to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA). Key changes include the removal of persistent prompts to set Microsoft Edge as the default browser, with notifications only appearing upon launching Edge. Users will have their choice of a third-party browser automatically applied to more link and file types, and the selected browser will be pinned to the Taskbar without extra steps. Additionally, if Microsoft Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall it, specifically for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) using Edge technology. These updates are expected to roll out starting in June, with previews already available to Insiders.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Americans are missing out on some of the best updates Microsoft has made to Windows 11

Major tech companies, including Microsoft, are adapting their practices to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). Microsoft has allowed users in the EU to uninstall Microsoft Edge, Bing, and OneDrive on Windows 11 devices. Additionally, Microsoft will no longer pressure users to adopt the Bing app; Bing searches will now open in the user's preferred default browser. This change applies to links from the Widgets Board or Lock Screen in the European Economic Area (EEA). Microsoft has limited prompts to set Edge as the default browser to when users actively open Edge. This update has been effective since May 29th, with the release of Edge version 137.0.3296.52. Users who set a default browser will have it pinned to the Taskbar automatically unless they opt out, and other Microsoft applications will not prompt users to reinstall Edge if it is uninstalled. The process for setting a default browser will now cover a wider range of file and link types in the EEA, and Windows Search will receive enhancements, including support for third-party web search providers. Many features are being gradually rolled out, starting with Windows Insider builds.