Security Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows 10’s latest patch keeps your Secure Boot certificates on track

A recent update has been released, addressing security vulnerabilities and improving system functionality. Key improvements include a fix for the Backup feature, resolving an "invalid credentials" error that caused automatic backups to fail when using Server Message Block (SMB). The update also enhances the Secure Boot feature by introducing high-confidence device targeting data, allowing more devices to receive new Secure Boot certificates. This update addresses outdated Secure Boot certificates for Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. The update, identified as KB5120249, is under 1 GB and is available only to PCs enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which ensures Windows 10 PCs receive security updates until at least October 2027. Non-enrolled PCs lost security update support in October 2025.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft is cutting off new Office features on Windows 10 soon

Devices using Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will experience a significant transition with the rollout of version 2608, which will end feature enhancements for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Security updates will continue until October 10, 2028. The OneDrive desktop app on Windows 10 version 22H2 will also receive updates until October 10, 2028, while older versions will not. Microsoft recommends transitioning to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues with Microsoft 365 Apps.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Mine Treasures, Capture Aliens, Profit in DIG Raiders: Anomaly Extraction on PC Sept. 11

DIG Raiders: Anomaly Extraction is set to launch on PC via Steam on September 11, 2026, priced at .99, with a 30% discount during the initial launch period. The game features co-op mining gameplay involving exploration and encounters with aliens, set against the backdrop of a crashed alien spacecraft beneath a city. Players will engage in comedic tasks across nine levels, including locations like a bank vault and a space station, while wearing one of seven animal costumes that provide various advantages. The game includes a PvE mode where players repair an alien monolith and a chaotic 4v4 multiplayer mode. Wealth gained can be reinvested in a marketplace, and players must manage their finances to survive. The game supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, and others.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Your Windows 11 PC is getting a dozen small upgrades this week

Recent updates to Windows 11 have introduced several enhancements, including: - File Explorer now displays file sizes in more intuitive units (MB or GB for larger files, KB for smaller files). - Users can open folders in new tabs using the middle mouse button from the address bar and Start page. - Voice control improvements filter out background noise for clearer command recognition. - Windows Search provides smarter results even with typographical errors. - Touchpad gesture settings have been updated to adjust scroll and zoom speeds and enable accelerated scrolling. - Windows Hello now supports external fingerprint readers. - An expansion of updated Secure Boot certificates has been announced for more PCs. - After the August Patch Tuesday update, Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 have build numbers 26200.9165 and 26100.9165, respectively, with features being rolled out gradually.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

How to Turn Your Idle Home PC into a File Server Using Built-in Windows Features

Many individuals are repurposing older PCs into home file servers, especially those not eligible for the Windows 11 update. This process utilizes built-in Windows features, allowing families to share files across devices without additional software, making it cost-effective since it leverages existing hardware. The setup involves four steps: preparing storage, creating a local account, creating shared folders, and accessing them from other PCs. Guidelines suggest around 500GB for photos and 1TB for videos. Compared to commercially available NAS devices, repurposing a PC incurs virtually no cost, while NAS options range from approximately ¥30,000 to ¥80,000. Performance tests show that mini PCs as file servers can achieve read speeds of about 4.8GB/s and write speeds of around 4.5GB/s on a 2.5GbE network. This method is particularly appealing for older PCs, allowing users to maximize resources rather than discard them, while also addressing the growing demand for efficient file sharing in households. Data backup and security measures are essential considerations when operating a file server.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft begins unified Copilot app rollout: Reveals major plan to merge Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot across all platforms, along with updated branding

Microsoft is unifying its Copilot applications by merging the consumer and productivity versions into a single app branded as "Copilot." This change aims to simplify user experience and will feature a cohesive design and improved navigation. Certain features will be retired, including: - Group Chat: All threads, messages, and images will not carry forward after August 18, 2026. Users should manually copy or download any content they wish to retain. - Podcasts: The Podcasts feature will be fully retired on August 18, 2026, after which users will be unable to create or access podcasts within Copilot. Individual podcast files can be downloaded before the retirement date. - Deep Research: This feature will be retired for consumer users starting August 18, 2026, although existing content will remain accessible. The unified app will be available for both personal and work/school accounts, with security measures in place to protect organizational data. All existing Copilot data, except for the phased-out features, will transition automatically to the new app. The rollout will begin today in phases, starting with mobile users, followed by updates for Windows and macOS by mid-September. The complete rollout schedule includes: - Mid-August 2026: Global rollout begins for mobile and web apps; early-access opt-in opens for Windows and Mac apps. - Late August 2026: Standard rollout of the URL redirect begins. - Mid-September 2026: Global rollout for Windows and Mac apps commences. - Late September 2026: Deferred rollout of the URL redirect begins for the web app.

Tech Optimizer

August 13, 2026

The best antivirus software to protect your computer in 2026

Bitdefender Total Security is currently the top recommendation for antivirus software, offering comprehensive protection for personal data and effective threat neutralization for an annual fee. Norton Antivirus Plus is a cost-effective option for a single device, while ESET Protect is suggested for business customers. Bitdefender is highlighted for its lightweight design and additional features like a built-in VPN. Norton Antivirus Plus includes essential features such as threat monitoring and cloud backup. Avira Free Security is noted as a strong free option with a robust malware scanner, while ESET Protect offers customizable security features for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The effectiveness of antivirus software remains significant despite improvements in operating system defenses. The choice between free and paid antivirus solutions depends on individual needs and desired protection levels.

Tech Optimizer

August 13, 2026

PSA: Don’t trust that Chrome update popup

Users of Chromium-based browsers, including Google Chrome, Brave, and Opera, are experiencing deceptive pop-ups that falsely claim a "Critical Update Required" or "Update available." These notifications are part of a scam designed to trick users into downloading malware disguised as software updates. Clicking on these prompts can lead to the download of harmful scripts, such as .vbs or .exe files, which traditional antivirus software often fails to detect. The issue is linked to compromised browser extensions that fetch malicious scripts from external servers. A specific extension, QuickLens – Search Screen with Google Lens, has been identified as a source of these pop-ups and has been removed from the Web Store. Other extensions, like “Enable Right Click & Copy Smart Unlock + OCR,” have also been implicated despite their popularity. Users are advised not to click on any links or run downloaded files and to check their browser settings for legitimate updates, as well as to audit and disable suspicious extensions.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

4 Android Brands With The Worst Software Support

Android smartphones often have a trade-off between price and software support. Motorola typically offers two major Android updates and three years of security patches for flagship models, while mid-range devices receive only one Android update and two years of security patches. Motorola devices, like the Moto G line, are priced under 0 and provide solid battery life and camera performance. Xiaomi's software support varies, with models like the Xiaomi 14 and 15 receiving up to five years of patches starting in 2026, while entry-level models offer only two to three years of support. Imported Xiaomi devices, such as the Redmi Note or Poco X, feature AMOLED screens and rapid charging for under 0. TCL generally provides at least two years of security updates, but not all devices receive two Android version upgrades. TCL's Nxtpaper technology offers a unique display experience, and models like the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper come with 8GB of RAM and a 120Hz screen. RedMagic promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches starting with the RedMagic 11 Pro. The RedMagic 11 Pro features high-end specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a 7,500mAh battery, priced around 9. Brands with subpar software support are identified by the number of promised major Android updates and the duration of security patches, with comparisons made against industry standards set by manufacturers like Google and Samsung.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Windows 10 users are getting locked out of new Microsoft 365 features in a bid to push for Windows 11

Microsoft will stop providing new features for Microsoft 365 to users on Windows 10 once stable version 2608 is released. After that, Windows 10 users will only receive security updates until October 10, 2028, which is the end of extended security support for Windows 10. Devices on Windows 10 will remain on version 2608 and will not receive new features, except for the OneDrive desktop app, which will continue to receive updates until October 2028 for users on Windows 10 version 22H2. The current stable version of Microsoft 365 is 2607, and version 2608 is in the release preview channel.