security updates

Winsage
August 22, 2026
Microsoft will end standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 400 million PCs that may not meet the new eligibility criteria for Windows 11, which include TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and modern processors. This could lead to a potential increase of 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste if these devices are discarded. Users may need to invest in new hardware or alternative operating systems, despite their current machines still functioning adequately. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program until October 12, 2027, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which will be supported until January 2032. Users can also consider transitioning to Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older computers.
AppWizard
August 21, 2026
Microsoft is investigating game crashes following the Windows update released on or after August 11. Symptoms include unresponsive game applications, unexpected closures, the error message "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION," and unexpected device restarts. Confirmed crashes have been reported in games such as Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub app. A temporary workaround suggested by Embark Studios involves commands in Command Prompt to stop and delete "inpoutx64" and its associated file. The update KB5121003 includes over 400 security updates, but it is unclear if they are responsible for the gaming issues. Some users have experienced graphical corruption in games like Valorant and Roblox, and uninstalling KB5121003 has resolved black screen issues for some. To revert Windows updates, users can search for Windows Update in the Start menu, click on Update history, select Uninstall updates, and uninstall update KB5120708.
AppWizard
August 20, 2026
Microsoft is investigating crashes affecting a limited number of games following a Windows update on or after August 11. Symptoms include unresponsive game applications, unexpected closures, the error message "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION," and unexpected device restarts. Confirmed crashes have been reported in games such as Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub app. A temporary workaround involves entering specific commands in Command Prompt to stop and delete the inpoutx64 driver. The update KB5121003, which includes over 400 security updates, may be related to these issues, and some users have resolved black screen problems by uninstalling it. Users can also roll back their Windows version by uninstalling update KB5120708.
Winsage
August 19, 2026
As of October 13, 2026, updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, version 24H2, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive support until October 2027. Customers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, with users able to choose when to restart the update. Microsoft has stopped security updates for Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro editions as of November 2025. The free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers has been extended until October 2027. Windows Server 2022 will enter extended support in October 2026, continuing to receive security updates until October 14, 2031.
AppWizard
August 18, 2026
Most Android users consider third-party antivirus apps unnecessary due to the robust built-in security features of modern Android smartphones. However, Android devices are still vulnerable to viruses, malware, and security breaches, with a 2025 Gen threat report indicating a tripling of malicious push notifications and an increase in spyware issues. Google Play Protect blocked 27 million malicious apps in 2025 and conducts scans to manage security. Android employs sandboxing, regular security updates, and an opt-in permissions system to protect users. Upcoming features include phone call spoofing protection and enhanced live threat detection capabilities. Social engineering tactics, such as phishing and fake tech support calls, pose significant risks that antivirus software cannot address. Connecting to open Wi-Fi networks can expose devices to risks, and malicious push notifications can mislead users. Third-party antivirus apps may be beneficial in high-risk scenarios, such as public Wi-Fi networks or when sideloading apps, providing an additional layer of protection.
Winsage
August 18, 2026
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed that ransomware gangs are exploiting a significant vulnerability in the Windows Task Host system, tracked as CVE-2025-60710. This high-severity flaw, affecting Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, allows local attackers with basic user permissions to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level. Microsoft patched this vulnerability in November 2025, but it poses a threat to unpatched devices. CISA added CVE-2025-60710 to its list of actively exploited vulnerabilities on April 13 and provided Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies with a two-week window to secure their systems. CISA warns that such vulnerabilities are frequent attack vectors for malicious actors and urges organizations to apply mitigations or discontinue the use of affected products. Additionally, CISA noted that ransomware groups are also exploiting a Microsoft SharePoint remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2026-45659), confirmed to be actively exploited in early July. Since November 2021, CISA has identified 383 actively exploited vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products, with 112 being used in ransomware attacks.
Winsage
August 17, 2026
Microsoft has announced that the mainstream end date for Windows Server 2022 is set for October 13, 2026, after which it will enter extended support until October 14, 2031. Windows Server 2022 became generally available in September 2021 and is part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) offering, which guarantees a decade of support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, which will be generally available in November 2024, and will reach its end of support on November 13, 2029, with five years of extended support until November 14, 2034. A free 180-day trial of Windows Server 2025 is available. Additionally, hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 will be extended until October 2027 for Datacenter: Azure Edition systems. The free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program has been extended by an additional year, and Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education editions will end updates on November 10, 2026, with a recommendation to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2.
Tech Optimizer
August 17, 2026
The landscape of mobile security has shifted away from traditional third-party antivirus software, as modern Android devices are equipped with built-in security features. Key components of this security framework include Google Play Protect, which blocked 27 million malicious apps in 2025; application sandboxing that isolates apps; proactive permissions that enhance user privacy; AI-powered threat detection for sophisticated attacks; and strict sideloading policies to limit risks from off-market malware. Despite these defenses, threats such as social engineering, phishing, malicious push notifications, and unsecured public Wi-Fi remain prevalent, often evading traditional antivirus solutions. However, certain scenarios, such as frequent sideloading, using older devices, connecting to public Wi-Fi, or suspected infections, may warrant the use of third-party antivirus apps for additional protection. Overall, the built-in security features of Android provide a strong defense for most users, with user education being crucial for effective smartphone protection.
Tech Optimizer
August 16, 2026
The relevance of third-party antivirus software for mobile devices has declined as modern Android devices come with robust built-in security features. Google Play Protect blocks millions of harmful apps and conducts regular scans of installed apps. Android employs sandboxing technology to isolate applications, has a proactive permissions system, and provides regular security updates. While Android is not immune to malware, many threats now arise from social engineering tactics rather than technical vulnerabilities. Users face risks when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, and malicious push notifications can mislead them. Third-party antivirus may be beneficial for users who sideload apps or notice signs of infection, but for most users, Google's Play Protect suffices. Older devices lacking updates are at higher risk, and while antivirus apps can provide additional protection, education and user vigilance are crucial for minimizing risk.
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