synchronization Archives

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft extends support for key Windows tool – but probably not the one you’d expect

Microsoft will continue to support driver update synchronization for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) servers, postponing the planned deprecation initially set for April 18 due to customer feedback. Paul Reed, Azure Compliance Senior Program Manager, noted the importance of this feature for organizations, particularly in regulated environments. A revised timeline for the future of WSUS driver synchronization will be developed, and Microsoft is open to ongoing customer feedback.

Tech Optimizer

April 9, 2025

Springtail announces $2.5M pre-seed funding to scale Postgres

Developers facing Postgres scalability limitations can either migrate to a different database or create a custom backend, both of which can be time-consuming. Springtail is a solution that enhances Postgres performance by offloading and scaling read execution while keeping the existing Postgres instance as the primary data store. It allows for horizontal scaling of read-heavy workloads without extensive application changes or data migrations. Springtail's architecture distributes queries across multiple nodes to improve query throughput. The initial offering includes scalable, on-demand read replicas for Postgres on AWS, which share a storage layer and can independently scale compute resources, allowing users to activate or deactivate replicas as needed. This approach can lead to savings of up to 58% on Postgres read replication compared to Amazon RDS. Springtail was founded in 2023 and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, supported by Gradient.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft fixes actively exploited Windows CLFS zero-day (CVE-2025-29824)

April 2025 Patch Tuesday introduced fixes for over 120 vulnerabilities, including a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) that is actively exploited. CVE-2025-29824 is a user-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS), allowing privilege escalation to SYSTEM on compromised Windows machines. Microsoft has patched 32 CLFS vulnerabilities since 2022, with six exploited in the wild. Updates for Windows 10 are not yet available. Other notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-26663 and CVE-2025-26670, both unauthenticated user-after-free vulnerabilities in Windows LDAP, and CVE-2025-27480 and CVE-2025-27482 in Windows Remote Desktop Services. None of these vulnerabilities have been patched for Windows 10 systems, but updates are forthcoming. Microsoft reversed its decision to discontinue driver update synchronization to WSUS servers, confirming that WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Windows Server Update Services live to patch another day

Microsoft has announced an extension of support for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), postponing the planned end of support originally set for April 2025, in response to user feedback. The decision comes shortly before the scheduled cutoff and addresses challenges associated with disconnected device scenarios. Initially, Microsoft planned to make drivers available only through the Microsoft Update Catalog, but user feedback prompted a change. While some IT administrators may welcome the decision, others argue that WSUS is outdated and lacks essential capabilities for modern security. Gene Moody, field CTO at Action1, noted that WSUS is ill-equipped to meet contemporary demands and highlighted its limitations in enforcing updates and providing real-time visibility. Moody suggested that the extension of support is influenced by specific scenarios where WSUS remains necessary, such as environments with legal obligations or air-gapped networks. He cautioned that this decision should not be seen as a shift away from Microsoft's goal of phasing out WSUS in favor of cloud-based solutions.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft listens to users and revises its WSUS driver synchronization deprecation plans

Microsoft has decided to postpone the removal of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) driver synchronization, which was initially scheduled for April 18, 2025, due to user feedback. WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates from the Windows Update service and import them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft is encouraging administrators to consider alternative technologies such as Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

WSUS Driver Synchronization: Microsoft postpones end

Microsoft has postponed the discontinuation of driver distribution via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), originally set for April 18, due to substantial user feedback. WSUS Driver Synchronization, initially marked as “deprecated,” will continue to be supported and operational, although it will not receive active development. Microsoft acknowledged the needs of users in disconnected environments and will maintain the service for synchronizing driver updates from the Windows Update Service and importing updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The company is also developing a new roadmap to streamline services and promote alternative technologies like Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch for Windows 11 devices.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Microsoft delays WSUS driver sync deprecation indefinitely

Microsoft has indefinitely postponed the removal of driver synchronization within Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) in response to customer feedback. The planned removal, originally set for April 18, 2025, has been put on hold as the company works on a revised timeline. This decision marks a shift from previous communications that indicated the deprecation of WSUS driver synchronization. Microsoft had initially announced the intention to phase out this feature in June 2024 and had encouraged IT administrators to adopt cloud-based solutions. Despite the earlier deprecation announcement, Microsoft will continue to support existing WSUS capabilities and publish updates.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Microsoft is removing yet another years-old feature in Windows 10

Microsoft is rolling out the KB5053643 update for Windows 10, which will be automatically pushed to all devices after April's Patch Tuesday. This update removes the clock display from the flyout menu accessed by clicking the time in the taskbar, leaving only the monthly calendar, day of the week, and current date. The taskbar clock will still show hours and minutes. Microsoft has justified the removal of the seconds display by stating it burdens the graphical user interface and negatively impacts performance, as it prevents the CPU from entering a power-saving state. This change may be part of a strategy to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the end of support for Windows 10.

Winsage

April 6, 2025

5 best dual-pane file managers for Windows power users

The default Windows File Explorer lacks multi-pane support, making file management cumbersome for users who frequently transfer files between folders or manage multiple drives. Dual-pane or multi-pane third-party file managers offer solutions by allowing users to view and manage multiple folders side by side within a single window. Total Commander is a veteran dual-pane file manager with built-in FTP support, fast file transfers, and comprehensive archive handling. Directory Opus is a premium file management solution with a dual-pane layout, tabbed navigation, and features like batch file operations and scripting capabilities. FreeCommander XE is a free dual-pane file manager that offers essential features such as tabbed browsing and folder synchronization. XYplorer is a portable dual-pane file manager designed for speed, featuring tabbed browsing and powerful search functions. Q-Dir, or Quad-Directory Explorer, allows for up to four panes in a single window and supports drag-and-drop functionality and color filters.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

6 reasons why I think Microsoft should keep the ‘local account’ option in Windows 11

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to make it more difficult for users to bypass internet and Microsoft account requirements during installation, specifically in builds 26120.3653 and 26200.5516. The "BypassNRO.cmd" script, which allowed the creation of local accounts without an internet connection, has been removed. Local accounts provide enhanced privacy by storing data locally, simplify the setup process without needing an internet connection, and allow unrestricted access to systems in offline environments. Users can choose meaningful folder names with local accounts, and they facilitate smoother Remote Desktop connections compared to Microsoft accounts. Although local accounts can still be created post-installation, there are concerns about their availability in future updates, especially for the Home edition.