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Microsoft Warns About Windows Update Certificate Expiration
Winsage
October 12, 2026

Microsoft Warns About Windows Update Certificate Expiration

Microsoft has reminded IT administrators about the expiration of certificates that enable trusted connections between Windows devices and Windows Update servers, set to expire in May and June of 2027. Devices without replacement certificates by these deadlines may lose access to Windows Update services. Most supported Windows devices will receive new certificates automatically through security updates, but older or infrequently updated systems may require manual intervention. Organizations that do not update their devices risk losing access to critical updates, particularly unsupported Windows versions that will not receive necessary certificate updates. IT teams should audit device inventories and ensure compliance with updates, as systems on supported versions will obtain replacement certificates seamlessly. Upgrading unsupported systems is essential, and organizations are encouraged to conduct audits and expedite upgrade projects to avoid losing access to Windows Update.
Windows 11 24H2 hits end of updates Oct. 13: What you should do now
Winsage
October 12, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 hits end of updates Oct. 13: What you should do now

Windows 11 version 24H2 for Home and Pro systems will stop receiving security updates on October 13, 2026. After this date, these editions will not receive any updates or technical support, although they will still boot. Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise multi-session editions will continue to receive support until October 12, 2027. Organizations are advised to verify their systems' versions and editions, especially for those without endpoint management systems. Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2 are available as upgrade options, with 25H2 supported until October 12, 2027, and 26H2 supported until October 10, 2028, for Home and Pro editions. The rollout of 26H2 will be phased, and safeguard holds may be implemented if compatibility issues are detected. Unmanaged Home and Pro devices on 24H2 will automatically receive 25H2, while managed devices may require IT intervention. Regular monitoring and proactive management of Windows versions are necessary to ensure compliance and avoid future deadlines.
A practical guide to cost optimization with Lakebase Postgres
Tech Optimizer
October 11, 2026

A practical guide to cost optimization with Lakebase Postgres

Lakebase is a fully managed Postgres database designed for modern application development, featuring an architecture that separates storage and compute with a serverless compute layer. This design allows for cost efficiencies through various mechanisms: 1. **Branching**: Developers can create isolated environments for development, testing, or experimentation without duplicating storage costs, as branches share the same underlying storage. 2. **Autoscaling**: Lakebase adjusts compute resources based on activity levels, allowing users to pay only for the compute they use. It can scale down during low activity and can be suspended entirely after inactivity, reducing costs to zero. 3. **Read Replicas and High Availability**: The separation of storage and compute allows for adding read replicas and high availability without incurring additional storage costs, as these instances utilize the same storage layer. 4. **Synced Tables**: Integration with the Databricks Intelligence Platform enables efficient data syncing, allowing users to sync only the necessary working set of data, which helps avoid unnecessary storage and sync costs. 5. **Sync Modes**: There are three sync modes (Snapshot, Triggered, Continuous) for transferring data from the Lakehouse to Lakebase, each with different cost implications based on data freshness requirements. 6. **Right-sizing Compute**: Users can set the initial compute range during project provisioning to avoid over-provisioning and unnecessary costs. 7. **Monitoring and Metrics**: The Lakebase Metrics dashboard provides insights into working set size and cache utilization, helping users optimize their compute sizing and performance. 8. **Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) and Snapshots**: PITR maintains history for recovery within a configurable window, while snapshots offer discrete recovery points. Both are priced lower than standard storage, making them cost-effective options for data recovery. Lakebase costs are categorized into compute, storage, and serverless pipeline compute for syncing data. Compute is measured by CU usage, while storage includes branch storage, PITR history, and snapshot storage, all tracked separately. Users can access detailed usage and cost information through system billing tables.
Your Android phone could be infected before you turn it on
AppWizard
October 9, 2026

Your Android phone could be infected before you turn it on

Bitdefender researchers have identified a malware campaign called Midnight Mimosa that can be embedded in the software of low-cost Android devices before sale. This malware operates stealthily, allowing it to install and remove applications without user knowledge, generate fraudulent advertising activity, and convert devices into residential-proxy relay nodes for a botnet. It has been found on MediaTek-based, white-label devices marketed under misleading names. Users should be cautious of suspiciously cheap devices and look for signs of infection, such as unexplained ads, unfamiliar apps, sudden battery drain, and discrepancies in model names. Standard uninstallation or factory resets may not remove this malware, and users are advised to update their devices, review app lists, and contact sellers for refunds or replacements if they suspect infection. Mobile protection solutions can help monitor app behavior and alert users to potential threats.
How to supercharge your Windows 11 PC with this built-in automation tool
Winsage
October 6, 2026

How to supercharge your Windows 11 PC with this built-in automation tool

Windows 11 includes a Task Scheduler that automates repetitive tasks to enhance productivity. To set up a task, users should open Task Scheduler, select "Create Task," and fill in details under General, Triggers, Actions, Conditions, and Settings. It's important for laptop users to avoid scheduling tasks that run every five minutes to maintain low-power idle states. The "Run with highest privileges" option should be used cautiously for security reasons. Three recommended automations include: 1. Using WinGet to keep software updated with the command winget upgrade --all --silent --accept-package-agreements --accept-source-agreements --disable-interactivity, scheduled weekly. 2. Disabling unnecessary startup applications and launching them with a delayed logon trigger to reduce startup clutter. 3. Automating tasks with PowerShell for file transfers or system maintenance, ensuring they run during idle times or when connected to AC power. Windows also performs some maintenance tasks automatically, such as deleting temporary files and optimizing drives.
Microsoft warns fake CAPTCHA tests are hijacking Windows PCs
Winsage
October 5, 2026

Microsoft warns fake CAPTCHA tests are hijacking Windows PCs

Microsoft has warned Windows users about a cyber threat that disguises itself as a CAPTCHA test, where cybercriminals use fraudulent verification pages to trick users into executing commands that can install malware. This tactic involves users being directed to a compromised website that presents a fake verification window, prompting them to copy text and execute it in the Windows Run dialog. This method allows attackers to bypass antivirus software by pre-loading malicious scripts disguised as harmless images in the browser's cache. Once activated, the malware collects system information, steals data, and maintains long-term control over the system. Microsoft recommends using robust security software and being aware that no legitimate service will ask users to copy and paste commands into system dialogs.
This new Android app fixes everything wrong with Google Clock
AppWizard
September 30, 2026

This new Android app fixes everything wrong with Google Clock

The Google Clock app has faced criticism for its alarm functionality and reliability, prompting users to seek alternatives. Pixel Clock has emerged as a new contender, offering a user-friendly design and features such as a Wake-up mission that requires users to solve math problems to dismiss alarms. It includes alarm presets for napping, a sophisticated timer feature called Pixel Timer for time-blocking, and Smart Presets for various time management needs. The app also tracks timer analytics on a Stats page. Despite minor bugs, Pixel Clock has made a strong impression and is seen as a more reliable option compared to Google Clock.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
September 26, 2026

Microsoft just rethought its entire AI strategy: What the new Copilot means for Windows & your everyday workflows

Microsoft is evolving its offerings in artificial intelligence, particularly with updates announced at its Copilot event, which signify a shift towards a more integrated Microsoft 365 experience. The latest version of Copilot aims to create a cohesive workspace that connects documents, conversations, data, and tasks, making AI more accessible for everyday users and enterprise customers. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of keeping humans "in the flow of work" and creating systems that learn continuously. Key features include Autopilot, a digital teammate that manages tasks across Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and other applications, allowing users to focus on strategic initiatives. At the core of these advancements is Microsoft IQ, a unified intelligence layer that connects data and workflows throughout the Microsoft ecosystem. Microsoft is also introducing a plugin registry for custom integrations and implementing FinOps for AI to optimize spending. Regular consumers can access these features based on their M365 Premium or Pro subscriptions, with further developments expected at Microsoft Ignite in November.
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