security patches Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 16, 2025

Best antivirus software for Windows 2025, tried and tested

Antivirus software has been a common tool for PC users over the past two decades, with many opting for third-party solutions for enhanced protection despite Windows 11's built-in features. User behavior significantly impacts computer security, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unknown links and not reusing passwords. Antivirus packages are designed to combat threats like ransomware, spyware, and viruses. The evaluation process for antivirus applications involved testing on a Windows 11 PC with simulated virus attacks and scanning the SSD for performance metrics. The top antivirus apps for 2025 include BitDefender Total Security (£49.99), Avira Free (free), Malwarebytes Plus (£49.99), and Sophos Home Premium (£37.46).

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Windows 10 version of Microsoft 365 apps will be supported until 2028—but this isn’t the Microsoft u-turn you may think it is

Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 applications, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, despite the end of official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A misleading blog post suggesting that Microsoft 365 Apps would cease support on Windows 10 after the 2025 deadline was clarified by a Microsoft spokesperson as not being an official announcement. Extended Security Updates (ESU) are now available to individual consumers, previously limited to commercial clients and educational institutions. Users can purchase ESU, consider third-party security patches, or transition to Linux if they wish to move away from Microsoft’s ecosystem. Additionally, Microsoft recently announced layoffs of 7,000 employees.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Is Under Attack — You Must Act Now

Microsoft has confirmed multiple zero-day vulnerabilities being actively targeted by malicious actors. One significant vulnerability is CVE-2025-30397, a memory corruption flaw in the Windows scripting engine that affects all versions of Windows and allows code execution over the network. It has a CVSS score of 7.8 and is considered critical. Successful exploitation requires the target to use Edge in Internet Explorer Mode and for the user to click a malicious link. Other vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-32709: An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows ancillary function driver for WinSock, affecting Windows Server 12 and later. - CVE-2025-32701 and CVE-2025-32706: Vulnerabilities in the Windows Common Log File Driver System that could allow local attackers to gain system privileges, affecting all versions of Windows. - CVE-2025-30400: An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows desktop window manager, affecting Windows 10, Server 2016, and later OS versions. Windows users are urged to update their systems with the latest security patches immediately.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for only $15 — Get it before Windows 10 ends

Microsoft is phasing out updates for Windows 10, leading to increased vulnerability for users. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 and offers enhanced features and security, including biometric login, advanced antivirus defenses, and Smart App Control. It improves productivity with features like voice typing, a powerful search function, BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, and Azure AD. Gamers benefit from DirectX 12 Ultimate for better graphics and performance. Windows 11 Pro includes the AI-powered assistant Copilot, which can answer questions, open applications, modify settings, summarize web pages, and integrate with GitHub. It also features Widgets, MS Teams, and touchscreen support. Users should check system requirements before upgrading.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Windows 10 M365 apps to get security fixes into 2028

Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 users until October 10, 2028, despite the end of official support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft 365 subscribers on Windows 10 will continue to receive security patches for applications like Word and Excel, but support will be limited to troubleshooting for those unable to upgrade to Windows 11. If issues arise that are exclusive to Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 and do not occur on Windows 11, users will be encouraged to upgrade. Transitioning to Windows 11 has faced resistance due to hardware requirements, particularly affecting users of older Surface devices. As of now, Windows 10 holds a 53 percent global desktop market share, while Windows 11 has 44 percent.

Tech Optimizer

May 13, 2025

Best antivirus software 2025, tried and tested

Antivirus software has been essential for PC users for two decades, with advertisements emphasizing its importance. Windows 11 includes built-in security features, but many users prefer third-party antivirus solutions for quicker updates and additional benefits. User behavior significantly impacts computer security, and it is recommended to avoid links from unfamiliar email senders and not to reuse passwords. A comprehensive evaluation of antivirus applications involved testing on a Windows 11 PC using simulated virus attacks. The testing included scanning the SSD and consulting independent security testing laboratories. The best antivirus software for 2025 includes BitDefender Total Security as the best overall, Avira Free as the best free option, Malwarebytes Plus for the best VPN bundle, and Sophos Home Premium for protecting multiple devices.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft loosens the noose on Windows 10 users with new end-of-support timeline

The official end of Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive technical support, new features, or security patches. Windows 10's global desktop market share has decreased from nearly 70% to approximately 53% over the past year, indicating a shift towards Windows 11. Microsoft 365 apps, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneDrive, will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 2028. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers optional, paid security patches for Windows 10 after its end of support. Users may face significant hardware costs when upgrading to Windows 11, and alternatives like macOS or Linux are also options to consider.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Fast Startup might actually be slowing your PC down

Fast Startup on Windows enhances boot times by placing the computer in a hibernation-like state, saving the system state to disk for quicker startups, but does not preserve open programs and processes. Disabling Fast Startup is advisable for users with modern SSDs unless they experience noticeable slowdowns. Fast Startup circumvents traditional shutdowns, which are necessary for proper power cycling of components, potentially leading to system issues over time. It can disrupt Windows updates, causing instability and missing features, making it wise to keep it disabled for regular updaters. For dual-boot systems with Windows and Linux, Fast Startup should be disabled to avoid boot issues and potential data corruption. It can also exacerbate wake-from-sleep problems, leading to slower wake times and peripheral malfunctions. Users with modern NVMe SSDs may find that Fast Startup offers minimal advantages and could even result in longer boot times.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Upgrade Options For Windows Users With Old PCs

Microsoft has issued a warning to the 240 million Windows users still on Windows 10 that they will lose all security support for their PCs, urging them to upgrade to a secure Windows 11 PC, preferably the Copilot+ PC. While 500 million Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, many face the choice of buying new hardware or operating without security updates. The deadline for Windows 10 support is set for October 14, 2025. Microsoft has been using full-screen pop-ups to encourage users to reconsider their setups, as only 20 million users engage with Copilot weekly compared to 400 million using ChatGPT. Despite this, Microsoft claims strong early reception for Copilot+ PCs, with 15% of premium laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter being Copilot+ models. A feature called Recall, which tracks user activity, raises privacy concerns for those considering the upgrade.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Windows 10 support is ending — but End of 10 wants you to switch to Linux

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive feature updates or security patches. A grassroots movement called "End of 10" is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading to Windows 11, which has stringent hardware requirements that many older PCs do not meet. The movement highlights the benefits of Linux, such as operating without ads or telemetry, reducing e-waste, and being a free, open-source alternative. There are 240 million PCs that may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The End of 10 movement provides resources and support for users interested in transitioning to Linux, with a directory of shops and tech collectives primarily located in Germany.