Security update Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2026

“We have discontinued SaRA”: Microsoft replaces its Windows 11 Recovery Assistant — here’s how to transition to Microsoft’s modern command-line replacement.

Microsoft has phased out the Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) utility with the March 2026 Security Update for Windows 11, replacing it with the new "Get Help" command-line tool. The SaRA was designed to troubleshoot and resolve common issues affecting Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 applications. Users are now encouraged to use the Get Help command-line tool, which offers enhanced functionality and security. To use the Get Help tool, users must download the files, extract them, and run specific commands in the Command Prompt. The tool addresses various issues, including Microsoft 365 activation challenges and Outlook profile errors.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Project Zomboid bans rogue mods deploying “malicious code” to players’ PCs

The Indie Stone has removed a series of malicious mods associated with the 'True Moozic' soundtrack expander for Project Zomboid, which were found to generate harmful files outside the game’s directory. These mods were not linked to their original creator and have been taken down from the Steam Workshop. The developer banned the individual responsible for these uploads and advised players who downloaded the affected mods to take security precautions. A total of 14 mods from the same user were identified, with installations estimated between 500 and 2,200. The Indie Stone clarified that the exploit was limited to Build 42 branches and emphasized that the malicious uploads were unauthorized and not part of the True Moozic mod. Additionally, they released a security update for Build 41 to address a separate vulnerability, which has not been found to be exploited. The 'outdated unstable' branch has also been updated to ensure it remains one content update behind the 'unstable' branch.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

Google’s New $3 USB Kit Converts Old Windows 10 PCs to ChromeOS Flex Machines

Google, in collaboration with Back Market, has launched a USB kit for installing ChromeOS Flex on aging Windows 10 PCs for a fee. This kit simplifies the installation process, allowing users to replace their existing Windows system easily. ChromeOS Flex is compatible with various PCs and some Macs, focusing on cloud-based tasks and supporting browser-based and Android applications only. A study indicated that ChromeOS consumes 19% less energy than similar systems. For every USB drive produced, an equivalent weight of electronic waste is recycled. Google plans to provide software updates for Chromebooks for 10 years and for Pixel phones for 7 years. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, with Microsoft offering a free extended security update until October 2026. Approximately 32% of the market still uses Windows 10, with 121 million enterprise devices estimated to be operating on it. The ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is considered a pilot program, with potential for increased production based on demand.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft Rolls Out New Defender Update for Windows 11, 10, and Server Images

Microsoft released a security intelligence update for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on April 7, 2026, enhancing protection for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server. The update introduces refined threat detection capabilities to combat malware and zero-day attacks, utilizing advanced detection logic and cloud-based protection. The security intelligence version is 1.447.209.0, engine version is 1.1.26020.3, and platform version is 4.18.26020.6. Updates are automatically delivered via Windows Update, but can also be manually initiated or deployed using standalone installer packages. The update supports legacy platforms, including Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, provided they have SHA-2 code signing support enabled. Additionally, updates to the Network Inspection System (NIS) are available for certain environments.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

Windows 11 is phasing out old kernel drivers: Microsoft will permanently end cross-signing in April

On March 26, 2026, Microsoft announced that starting with the April security update, it will eliminate trust in kernel drivers from the previous Cross-Signed Program for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, 26H1, and Windows Server 2025. Only drivers that have passed the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) or are on Microsoft's allow list will be allowed to load by default. This change aims to enhance security by establishing a robust chain of trust and addressing vulnerabilities associated with old kernel drivers. Users of older hardware that rely on specialized drivers may face challenges, as drivers not WHCP-signed or explicitly allowed will be excluded from the trusted zone.

Winsage

April 6, 2026

Why Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 25H2 update on all eligible PCs

Microsoft has announced that eligible Windows 11 PCs currently on the 24H2 version will be automatically upgraded to the 25H2 edition, with no user action required, although users can temporarily postpone the update. The eligibility assessment for the update uses machine learning, considering factors such as testing results, user feedback, and diagnostic data. The update is mandatory for individual users of Windows 11 Home or Pro editions, as support for 24H2 will expire on October 13, ending security patches for that version. IT-managed computers are excluded from this automatic update. Users can check for eligibility by navigating to Settings and selecting Windows Update. The 25H2 update is designed to be more compact and efficient, updating only necessary files and sharing the same code base as 24H2, which improves stability and reliability. To check the current version of Windows 11, users can go to Settings, select System, and click on About.

Winsage

April 4, 2026

Windows 11’s April update packs 8 (mostly) meaningful improvements you won’t want to skip. Here’s what you’ll be getting.

Microsoft will begin rolling out the April 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on April 14, 2026. This update includes significant changes such as: 1. Smart App Control (SAC) can now be managed without reinstalling the operating system, allowing users to toggle it on or off via Windows Security. 2. Windows Narrator has been enhanced to generate AI-based image descriptions, available to users on a Microsoft 365 Family plan. 3. The pen settings page will include an option to configure the "Same as Copilot key" feature. 4. File Explorer will receive updates including the ability to use Voice Typing for renaming files and fixes for various bugs. 5. The update supports display refresh rates of 1000Hz or higher, improves auto-rotation functionality, and enhances HDR performance for certain displays.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Microsoft issues emergency update for Windows 11 — fixes broken March preview update rollout from last week

Microsoft released an optional non-security update for Windows 11, identified as KB5079391, which caused significant installation issues for users, marked by error code 0x80073712. In response, Microsoft issued an emergency update, KB5086672, to address these problems for affected Windows 11 systems, including versions 25H2 and 24H2. This new update supersedes previous updates and includes protections and improvements from the March 2026 Windows security and non-security preview updates, along with an installation fix. The update also offers enhancements such as refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz, improved auto-rotation and HDR reliability, and enhanced power efficiency for USB 4-connected monitors during sleep. Earlier in the year, the January security update, KB5074109, caused issues for gamers with Nvidia GPUs, leading to frame rate drops and system instability, with some users experiencing boot failures and errors like “UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME.” Additionally, users reported problems with shutting down or hibernating their PCs and disruptions in cloud-based applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Microsoft reaches for yet another out-of-band patch to deal with latest update issue

Microsoft is preparing to release an out-of-band update due to installation errors associated with its latest preview update, which has resulted in the error code 0x80073712 for many users. The company has paused the problematic update while investigating the issues and plans to roll out a fix soon. The upcoming April security update is mandatory, increasing the urgency for resolution. This year, Microsoft has faced challenges with patches that require further fixes, and the frequency of out-of-band updates is rising. Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows, has acknowledged ongoing reliability issues since November 2025, indicating that improvements are needed in the update process.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Latest Windows 11 update is broken, refuses to install — Microsoft pulls latest update over missing files error

Microsoft's KB5079391 non-security update, released on March 26, 2026, aimed to improve the stability and reliability of the Windows operating system but has faced installation issues, with many users encountering the 0x80073712 error code. This error indicates that something is broken or missing in the update files. The update includes support for monitors exceeding 1,000 Hz, a revamped About page in Settings, a new Narrator feature powered by Copilot, and enhancements to File Explorer. The update is optional and released in preview mode, but the lack of a workaround for installation remains a concern for users.