Security update Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Can you really get Windows and Office for free? These hackers say yes

A group of developers called Massgrave has hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, uploading PowerShell scripts to GitHub that allow users to activate Windows and perpetual-license Office versions without paying licensing fees. Their tool, TSforge, supports activation for Windows versions 7, 8.x, 10, and 11, as well as Office versions from 2010 onward, excluding Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The scripts require minimal technical expertise and have been tested successfully on fresh installations of Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 machines. Massgrave acknowledges their actions as piracy and does not accept donations, emphasizing the ethical implications. The safety of the scripts is questioned, as there is a risk of malicious actors cloning their work. Microsoft is aware of the situation and plans to take action against unauthorized use of their software.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Microsoft trims File Explorer’s Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content in Europe

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 24H2 Preview Build 26120.3281 in the Dev and Beta channels. This update removes several features from File Explorer, including the Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content sections, as well as the Details Pane, to comply with the EU's GDPR. The change primarily affects Entra ID users in the European Economic Area. The update also addresses the Location API, previously used by Cortana, which is now deemed unnecessary following Cortana's discontinuation. Microsoft has not clarified whether location data will still be stored online. These updates are currently in Preview and may not be included in the final version. Past updates have caused issues, such as disrupting sound output and making File Explorer unusable.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Latest Windows 11 update reportedly breaking major parts of the operating system

Microsoft is concluding support for Windows 10 and has released the Windows 11 24H2 update (KB5051987), which has caused significant issues, particularly with File Explorer. Users report that File Explorer is unresponsive, desktop shortcuts do not open, and navigation through directories like Documents, Downloads, and Pictures is problematic. Microsoft has not provided an official solution or timeline for a fix. Users can uninstall the update via Settings - Windows Update - Uninstall Updates. An optional update is expected soon, which may address the bugs.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Windows 11 update is reportedly breaking the operating system’s most vital tool

The recent 24H2 update (KB5051987) for Windows 11 has caused significant disruptions, particularly affecting File Explorer, leading to user frustrations. Many users report that File Explorer has become unresponsive, preventing access to commonly used folders. The issue has been confirmed to occur even on fresh installations of Windows 11, indicating a problem with the update itself. Some users are also experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors and complete operating system corruption. Microsoft has not yet provided a definitive solution, but users can temporarily revert to the previous January 2025 update to resolve File Explorer issues. There is hope that a fix will be included in the upcoming February 2025 optional update.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11’s February update breaks File Explorer and more

The update KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 aimed to enhance security and user experience but has led to numerous issues. Users have reported unresponsiveness in File Explorer, with the application freezing or failing to open. Some users experience a black desktop, and attempts at system restoration or reinstallation have not resolved the problems. Many users are unable to install the update due to persistent error messages, leading to an endless update loop. Clearing the software distribution folder may help, but patience is required. Camera functionality has also been affected, with systems failing to recognize webcams. Additional issues include performance drops during gaming, installation errors in Windows Sandbox, glitches in taskbar preview animations, and some users being unable to boot into Windows. Uninstalling the update is an option for those facing severe issues, but it leaves systems vulnerable until Microsoft addresses the problems.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Microsoft is pushing a security update to Windows 11 that breaks File Explorer

The KB5051987 patch for Windows 11 is a mandatory security update aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the operating system. Many users have reported significant issues with File Explorer after installing this update, including it becoming unresponsive and unusual navigation behavior. There are also glitches affecting the Taskbar, and some users have experienced failed installations of the update. Users have the option to manually uninstall the patch, but this may expose their systems to security risks.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

Windows 11’s latest update breaks File Explorer, and there’s no way to avoid it

Microsoft's patch KB5051987 for Windows 11 version 24H2 was released to enhance security and introduce features like OneDrive integration and improvements to File Explorer. However, many users have reported that File Explorer has become unresponsive after the update, with issues such as the inability to open folders, save Office files, or download content. Additionally, some users experienced installation failures with the patch, which can get stuck and display error codes. There is no immediate solution for these issues, and users can either wait for a fix from Microsoft or uninstall the patch by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Uninstall. To prevent automatic reinstallation, users can temporarily pause updates.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Android 16 will fight scammers by blocking certain features during phone calls

Google is developing a new security feature for Android 16 that will block changes to sensitive settings during phone calls to protect users from phone scams. This feature will prevent users from enabling sideloading permissions and granting accessibility access while on a call. A warning message will be displayed if users attempt to make such changes, informing them that these actions are prohibited during calls. The sideloading permission is disabled by default, but users can enable it through settings, except for those with Advanced Protection Mode activated. These security features are expected to be included in the public release of Android 16 later this year.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there’s (almost) nothing you can do about it

Windows 10 users are experiencing a transition to the new Outlook for Windows app, which has replaced the classic Mail & Calendar app following a recent update that also addresses security vulnerabilities. The new Outlook operates as a web app, leading to performance issues and mixed reactions regarding its design. A mandatory rollout of the new Outlook began this week with the Windows 10 KB5051974 update, which will be automatically installed for users on Windows 11 version 22H2. IT administrators can manage the update and can block or uninstall the new Outlook if necessary. Windows 10 is approaching its end of support in October, with fewer updates expected moving forward, while extended support will incur additional costs.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Don’t ignore Microsoft’s February Patch Tuesday – it’s a big one for all Windows 11 users

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday updates, released on February 11, include KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5051989 for Windows 11 23H2. The updates introduce enhancements to the Taskbar and File Explorer, including improved previews and animations for Taskbar icons, a new icon in the System Tray for Windows Studio Effects, and a new simplified Chinese font named Simsun-ExtG. A feature allowing certain applications to automatically restart after signing back in has also been added. File Explorer now includes a "New Folder" command in the context menu and can restore previously open tabs at logon. The updates fix various bugs, including issues with Auto HDR in games, playback interruptions for USB audio devices, and problems with USB audio drivers. They also address issues from the January 2025 security update, such as USB camera recognition and slower shutdown processes with connected controllers. On the security side, the update resolves 56 vulnerabilities, three of which are critical. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-21391 (file deletion), CVE-2025-21418 (remote code execution), CVE-2025-21377 (authentication spoofing), and CVE-2025-21376 (malicious code execution). The updates are set to install automatically, but users can check for updates manually through Windows Update.