Security Archives

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11’s KB5120998 Update is Breaking Mouse Cursors

Microsoft's optional update for Windows 11, KB5120998, is causing issues with mouse cursor settings, reverting them to default configurations after installation. Users are experiencing frustrations as personalized cursors are replaced by an oversized default version, and adjustments to color and size often do not persist. This problem appears to be linked to specific hardware configurations or display scaling setups. Microsoft is investigating the issue, and users can uninstall the update to resolve the problem without affecting access to essential security patches.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Windows 11 is warning people that Defender Antivirus has been turned off, but don’t worry, says Microsoft

Windows 11 may display false alerts indicating that "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off" after updates, despite the antivirus being active. Microsoft has identified this as a bug and confirmed that no action is needed beyond verifying that Defender is on. A fix is expected soon.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

‘Force Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows Update Next Month

Microsoft will implement changes to Windows PC updates next month, requiring mandatory restarts for specific security component fixes in September and October. The September update will necessitate a "force restart," while the October update will follow the regular quarterly routine. These changes primarily affect managed PCs, and IT administrators are advised to inform users. Additionally, users are cautioned about the Windows 11 update KB5120998 due to issues like broken cursor styling and reset wallpaper settings, with some users successfully resolving problems by uninstalling the update. Windows 11 users are also experiencing a DISM error, 0x800f0915, when repairing the system image post-update, although reports of this issue are low.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Microsoft Edge update adds Apple sign-in and scam protection, but officially ends Edge Drop and real-time video translation

Microsoft Edge has introduced a feature allowing users to sign in with their Apple accounts on both Windows and macOS devices, with administrators able to manage its availability. The update includes a security enhancement that automatically unsubscribes users from notifications from scam or malicious sites. However, it also retires features such as Edge Drop, which allowed users to send messages and files to themselves, and the real-time video translation capability. An enhanced key icon in the address bar has been added for easier access to saved credentials. Additional updates include a new Copilot Cowork policy and clarifications on the DowngradeVersion policy for WebView2, while the LocalNetworkAccessRestrictionsTemporaryOptOut policy is set for removal in a future update.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Why does Windows constantly need to update?

Windows updates are released frequently to enhance performance, improve compatibility, fix bugs, and distribute critical security patches. Microsoft issues security updates every second Tuesday of the month, known as Patch Tuesday, which are cumulative, meaning the latest updates include all previous fixes. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issues warnings about vulnerabilities, and Microsoft maintains a security portal for documentation of these issues. Users on unsupported versions, like Windows 10 without Extended Security Updates (ESU), are at increased risk. In addition to security updates, Windows receives an annual feature update and occasional optional non-security updates that introduce new features and enhancements. An example is the Windows 11 February 2026 preview update, which added new features and improvements.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Walmart’s bestselling $799 Windows 11 laptop is now 50% off

Walmart is offering the Sgin 15.6-Inch Windows 11 Laptop at a 50% discount, reducing the price from 9 to 9. The laptop features a 15.6-inch full HD display (1920 x 1080), an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad Core Processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD). It runs on Windows 11, which includes security features like Microsoft Defender and facial recognition through Windows Hello. The laptop has a battery life of up to six hours and is noted for its multitasking capabilities, quiet cooling fan, and lightweight design. However, it lacks expandable storage options and may still be considered pricey by some consumers.

Tech Optimizer

August 29, 2026

90% of APAC Gen Z Experienced Cyber Incidents: Kaspersky Study

Recent research from Kaspersky highlights that 57% of Generation Z spends more time online than offline, with 75% of APAC Gen Zs using smartphones for daily internet access. Approximately two-thirds of Gen Zs in APAC feel comfortable navigating the digital environment, with confidence levels peaking at 77% in Indonesia and 71% in Vietnam. However, only 26% consider their knowledge of digital risks advanced, with India leading at 35%. Only 22% of Gen Zs in APAC use antivirus software, and 35% change their passwords regularly. Alarmingly, 90% have experienced at least one cyber incident in the past year. Smartphones are seen as critical for storing personal documents and passwords, yet only a third of Gen Zs back up important information regularly. Kaspersky emphasizes the need for cybersecurity measures to be integrated into daily routines and has introduced an interactive game to raise awareness among Gen Z users. The study surveyed 7,200 respondents across 18 countries in March 2026.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Just $55 keeps Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and more on your Windows PC for life

Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is available for a one-time payment of 9.99, providing a suite of applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access. This price reflects a significant discount from the regular price of 9.99, resulting in a savings of 0. The software is designed for Windows 10 or 11 PCs and offers a perpetual license tied to a specific device, meaning no ongoing fees. It features a streamlined interface with dark mode and built-in security and compliance features. The software is not compatible with Mac or macOS systems, and users receive immediate access to the license key and download link upon purchase.

Tech Optimizer

August 29, 2026

What the Tech: Antivirus Scams

A viewer reported receiving a popup on her smartphone claiming her system was infected with 120 viruses, which is a scam designed to provoke panic and encourage the download of a free antivirus app called “Total Cleaner.” This popup aims to trick users into downloading an app that may have hidden costs, initiate expensive subscriptions, or direct them to phishing sites. The app “Total Cleaner” has fake reviews, hidden costs after installation, and privacy concerns regarding personal data collection. Most modern smartphones do not require traditional antivirus programs, and such popups are advertisements from deceptive sources. To protect against these alerts, users should close the tab immediately, keep their devices updated, and only download apps from official app stores after thorough research.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Nvidia: Windows 10 drivers for GeForce end in 2026

Nvidia will stop regular support for Windows 10 drivers for GeForce graphics cards by October 2026, after which users will receive only quarterly security updates until October 2029. The last Game-Ready driver for Windows 10 will be released in October 2026, with the first driver lacking Windows 10 support scheduled for November 2026. Modern GeForce RTX graphics cards will not receive new drivers if running on Windows 10 after October 2026. Nvidia's support for older architectures like Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta will end in October 2025, with quarterly updates until October 2028. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, as Microsoft will conclude general support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users should check hardware compatibility for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. The last regular driver version for Windows 10 will remain available after October 2026, but Nvidia will not be obligated to address routine bugs or compatibility issues thereafter.