security updates Archives

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Get Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office for life at $33 ($419 value)

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10 and increased the annual cost of Microsoft 365 to . Users can acquire both Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for .97, a significant reduction from the regular price of 8.99. Windows 11 Pro includes security features like BitLocker, Hyper-V, and Azure AD integration, while Office Professional 2021 offers applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with a one-time payment and no subscription required. This offer is available until September 1.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Microsoft: August updates break printing, PDF export in WPF apps

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue with the .NET Framework updates from August 2026, causing disruptions in printing and PDF export functionalities in certain applications, particularly those using the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) UI framework. After installing the update, some WPF applications may encounter a System.IO.FileFormatException when printing or generating PDF/XPS content with specific fonts, including Calibri. This issue affects various platforms, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server editions from 2012 to 2025. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround involving the Switch.MS.Internal.TtfDelta.DisableCmapAndSbitOverflowProtection AppContext switch, but cautions that it may expose systems to vulnerabilities. This situation is reminiscent of a similar incident in February 2021, where WPF applications and Visual Studio experienced crashes after Windows 10 cumulative updates. Additionally, on the same day, Microsoft offered a workaround for another issue caused by Windows 11 updates that led to crashes in certain games.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Microsoft shares workaround after Windows KB5120708, KB5120705, KB5120710 break printing

Microsoft released its monthly Patch Tuesday security updates, which included dynamic updates and new .NET Framework versions. Users of Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server are experiencing printing issues after installing the August 2026 .NET Framework cumulative updates, particularly with Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications that fail during printing tasks or when generating PDF or XPS documents. The problems are linked to specific fonts, notably Calibri, and may result in a System.IO.FileFormatException. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround involving an AppContext switch, but enabling this switch disables certain security protections from the August 2026 update, potentially exposing applications to vulnerabilities. No permanent fix or timeline for one has been provided.

Tech Optimizer

August 23, 2026

Antivirus software tips from Ely Computer Centre director

Antivirus software does not guarantee complete safety for computers, especially if the software is no longer supported. As software ages, it becomes vulnerable to security risks, and once support ends, new vulnerabilities are not addressed. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning users will not receive security updates, increasing the risk of exploitation. Users can identify Windows 10 by checking if the Start button has four black squares. Upgrading to Windows 11 may not be possible for older computers due to hardware limitations, and replacing outdated devices is often recommended. Seeking professional advice is advisable if there is uncertainty about the operating system or upgrade options.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 10 cutoff could push 400 million working PCs toward e-waste heap

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.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

A Recent Windows 11 Update Is Causing Game Crashes And All Kinds Of Other Problems

A recent Windows 11 update, KB5121003, released on August 11, has caused issues such as game crashes, login errors, display problems, and system failures, particularly affecting popular games like ARC Raiders and The Finals. The update was intended to enhance security by addressing over 400 vulnerabilities but introduced bugs instead. Embark Games is working on a solution and has advised users to disable a problematic driver or remove the patch, which would leave systems vulnerable. Microsoft is investigating the situation and encourages users to report issues through the Feedback Hub.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

The latest Windows 11 update is borking some multiplayer games, but Arc Raiders’ developer has a quick workaround

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

The latest Windows 11 update is borking some multiplayer games, but Arc Raiders’ developer has a quick workaround

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

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 2 months

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

The Truth About Android Antivirus Apps in 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.