Safe Mode Archives

Winsage

January 17, 2026

How to fix Nvidia GPU FPS drop due to the Windows January 2026 update?

Users with Nvidia GPUs are experiencing decreased gaming performance after the January 2026 Windows update (KB5074109), which was intended to enhance security and address vulnerabilities. Reported issues include drops in frames per second (FPS), black screen freezes, display hangs, and driver crashes related to nvlddmkm errors. Nvidia has released a new GPU driver to address these problems. A temporary solution for affected users is to uninstall the KB5074109 update, although it is a security patch that may need to be reinstalled later. Users can also update their Nvidia drivers to the latest hotfix version and use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode for better results. It is recommended to pause Windows updates until a fix is provided by Microsoft.

Tech Optimizer

December 7, 2025

How to find and remove viruses on your Windows PC – 12 free methods that I can attest to

Modern antivirus solutions have reduced PC infections, but risks persist as cybercriminals develop stealthy methods to infiltrate systems. Signs of infection include unfamiliar programs, missing files, slow performance, and disabled security settings. If infection is suspected, disconnect from the internet, boot into Safe Mode, and run a full system scan with Windows Security or Microsoft Defender. To enhance cybersecurity post-infection, users should clear temporary files, reset browser settings, uninstall suspicious applications, scan external drives, keep Windows updated, use strong passwords, and verify sources before engaging with links or attachments. Tools like VirusTotal can help scan files from unverified sources. If performance issues continue, a complete reinstallation of Windows 11 may be necessary, ensuring essential files are backed up first.

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

12 ways to find viruses on your PC for free (and how to remove them)

In cybersecurity, modern viruses operate subtly, making them hard to detect while stealing data. Signs of infection include unfamiliar programs, missing files, erratic browser behavior, frequent error messages, and disabled security settings. If infected, disconnect from the internet, boot into Safe Mode, and run a full scan with Windows Security or trusted antivirus software. To protect your PC, delete temporary files, reset browser settings, uninstall suspicious apps, scan external drives, install updates, change passwords, and avoid suspicious links. For suspicious files, use VirusTotal to check for malware. If problems persist, a complete reinstallation of Windows 11 may be necessary after backing up important files.

Tech Optimizer

October 23, 2025

Delete the fake VPN app stealing Android users’ money

Malware targeting Android devices has become more sophisticated, with cybercriminals deploying fake banking applications and phishing campaigns. A recently identified dangerous app, Mobdro Pro IP TV + VPN, introduces a malware strain called Klopatra, which is used in campaigns against financial institutions. This app appears to be a free streaming platform but installs a banking Trojan and remote-access tool, allowing attackers to steal banking credentials and conduct fraudulent transactions. The infection process involves social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading the app from unofficial sources, and Klopatra can bypass Android's security measures. The rise of fake VPNs, like Mobdro, poses a significant risk, as many users rely on VPNs for privacy and security. Users are advised to take protective measures, including downloading apps only from trusted sources, checking app permissions, using secure VPNs, installing strong antivirus software, monitoring accounts, removing suspicious apps, keeping devices updated, changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting malicious apps.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Windows 11’s October update causes a serious recovery mode glitch – but there’s a workaround

The October Patch Tuesday release from Microsoft on October 14, 2025 (KB5066835) addressed over 170 security vulnerabilities but introduced a glitch affecting the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), rendering USB devices non-functional for navigation. This issue impacts Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows Server 2025. Microsoft is aware of the problem and is working on a resolution. A workaround involves using an older PS/2 keyboard or mouse. Other reported issues include IIS websites failing to load on local machines and a malfunctioning File Explorer preview window for cloud or internal network files, with Microsoft acknowledging the IIS issue and working on a fix.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 11’s October update just broke the Windows Recovery Environment — USB keyboards and mice unusable in Windows RE after latest bug hits

The Windows Recovery Environment (RE) has become ineffective for many users due to a bug introduced in the October build of Windows 11 (KB5066835), which disables USB keyboards and mice in the recovery interface. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix. Users with older PS/2-connected peripherals are not affected by this glitch. The bug impacts various versions of Windows 11 and has raised concerns among IT professionals, as it hinders critical system repairs.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks Advanced Startup, disables keyboard and mouse

Users are experiencing issues accessing BIOS and Safe Mode after installing the October 2025 update KB5066835, which has rendered input devices like keyboards and mice non-functional during the Advanced Startup environment. Complaints indicate that the update has disrupted essential functionalities, including IIS and localhost. Users have attempted various solutions, such as changing USB ports and disabling fast startup, but these have not resolved the issue. Some users reported success by replacing the problematic Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) image file with an older version. A workaround to access Safe Mode involves creating a Windows 11 installation USB, booting from it, and using Command Prompt to set the system to boot into Safe Mode. The issue appears to affect systems with USB 3.0-only ports, while some laptops retain functionality with built-in keyboards. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged the problem, but a resolution is expected soon.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2025

How a single MacBook compromise spread across a user’s Apple devices

Macs are known for their reliability and security but are not immune to malware, which is becoming more sophisticated. A user named Jeffrey in Phoenix reported performance issues with his MacBook, which was used without an Apple ID due to company policy. The malware eventually affected his personal devices, prompting him to seek assistance from Apple. Signs of potential infection include sluggish performance, frequent app crashes, unusual activity in Activity Monitor, redirected web traffic, and altered security settings. macOS includes built-in protections like Gatekeeper, XProtect, System Integrity Protection, and Sandboxing, but these are not foolproof. If a Mac is suspected to be infected, users should disconnect from the internet, back up important files, boot into Safe Mode, run a trusted malware removal tool, check login items and Activity Monitor, consider a clean reinstall of macOS, secure other devices, reset passwords, and seek professional help if needed. To prevent infections, users should install strong antivirus software, consider personal data removal services, use a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, keep macOS and apps updated, review login items and background processes, and use identity theft protection services.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to use DISM command tool to repair Windows 10 image

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a command-line utility in Windows 10 used for preparing, modifying, and repairing system images, including the Windows Recovery Environment, Windows Setup, and Windows PE. It can address various system issues, and when system files are missing or corrupted, the System File Checker (SFC) can replace them using the recovery image. If local image files are compromised, the SFC command may fail, and using the "install.wim" image file with DISM can repair the image, allowing SFC to function without a complete OS reinstallation. DISM includes commands such as "CheckHealth," "ScanHealth," and "RestoreHealth" for repairing system images. The "CheckHealth" command identifies corruptions without repairing them, while "ScanHealth" performs a comprehensive scan for underlying issues. The "RestoreHealth" command scans and repairs common problems, connecting to Windows Update to download and replace damaged files if needed. If DISM encounters difficulties, an "install.wim" or "install.esd" file can be used as an alternative source for repairs. The Media Creation Tool can download a fresh Windows 10 ISO file if necessary. Specific commands can be executed to repair the image using these files, and troubleshooting common errors may involve checking for source file locations or ensuring a stable internet connection. Once the image is restored, the SFC command can be run to repair the installation of Windows 10. The SFC tool checks and repairs system files using local image files, with logs saved for further review. DISM does not delete files, and its execution time can vary based on system speed and the extent of corruption.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.6682 (KB5065782) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. The update includes new features such as a redesigned Copilot prompt box, visual animations for Click to Do, and new action tags in the context menu. The Emoji 16.0 release introduces new emojis, including Face with Bags Under Eyes and Fingerprint. Improvements for Xbox game controllers include a short press of the Xbox button opening Game Bar. Enhancements to Narrator focus on smoother document navigation and clearer announcements. Advanced Settings are being reintroduced, and a SCOOBE screen will notify users of subscription issues. Fixes include resolving hibernation bugchecks, improving taskbar reliability, and addressing issues in File Explorer and the Start menu. Known issues include problems with Click to Do visuals and media controls on the lock screen. The Microsoft Store update includes new AI Hub features and the ability to launch apps directly from product pages.