system configurations Archives

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Microsoft Will Bring Memory Integrity Protection to More Windows 11 PCs in October

Microsoft is expanding the memory integrity protection feature in Windows 11, starting in October. This enhancement aims to strengthen security at the kernel level against sophisticated attacks. Memory integrity protection operates in the background with minimal user configuration. It utilizes Virtualization-based Security (VBS) to create isolated virtual environments for added protection. The system can install security hotpatches without requiring a hard restart, beneficial for critical environments. Large organizations will automatically benefit from this enhancement, while devices with memory integrity disabled will not have it activated automatically. The rollout will enable VBS by default for users, who can choose to disable it but should do so with caution.

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Malwarebytes Review 2026: Safe, But is Free Tier Enough?

Overall Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐ Protection: 4.3 ⭐ Performance: 3.9 ⭐ Features: 4.4 ⭐ Support: 4.8 ⭐ Value: 4.2 ⭐ Pricing starts at .99 for the first year, verified August 2026. Malwarebytes earned the AV-TEST TOP PRODUCT award in March-April 2026, scoring 17.5 out of 18 points. It successfully removed all infections in remediation tests and had no false detections across 1.5 million legitimate samples at AV-TEST. The software can coexist with other antivirus solutions and offers a free version with limited features. The free version lacks ongoing protection after 14 days, while the paid version provides real-time protection. Malwarebytes has a privacy policy stating it does not sell customer data and collects only necessary identifiers. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, having raised a total of 0 million, including a recent investment from Vector Capital in September 2022. It acquired AzireVPN in November 2024. Malwarebytes offers various plans, including Standard, Plus, and Total, with consistent renewal pricing. The Windows version includes comprehensive features, while the Mac version targets adware and browser hijackers. The Android app provides scanning capabilities and phishing protection, and the iPhone app focuses on scam text filtering. Customer support is efficient, with quick responses.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Tested on Different PCs

Focus Entertainment released a video showcasing graphical differences in Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy across various PC system configurations, highlighting minimum, recommended, and maximum requirements. The PC version will include manual graphics settings for customization based on individual hardware. The game is set to release on August 27 and will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, as well as on Game Pass from day one.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

How to Disable Windows Recall in Windows 11 Home and Pro

Microsoft's Windows Recall feature captures periodic snapshots of user screens on Copilot+ PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to create a visual timeline of digital activities. Users can pause, disable, or remove Windows Recall on Windows 11 Home or Pro, but system updates may reactivate it. Methods to disable Windows Recall include: 1. Settings Toggle: Users can turn off snapshot collection through the Privacy & Security settings and reset recorded history. 2. Windows Optional Features: Users can uninstall the Recall feature via the optional features menu. 3. Group Policy Management: Windows 11 Pro users can block Recall through the Group Policy Editor. 4. Registry Editor Modification: Windows 11 Home users can modify the registry to disable Recall, though this method carries risks. Each method requires specific steps and may necessitate a system restart to take effect.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Microsoft brings a long awaited “game changer” Windows 11 tool for IT admins

Microsoft announced enhancements for Windows 11 aimed at optimizing performance and resource utilization, potentially reconsidering the minimum system requirements. A new tool for IT administrators was introduced in the July Intune update (Service Release 2607), which includes native support for Registry Inventory. This feature allows administrators to assess system configurations more accurately, aiding in troubleshooting, compliance, and security. The Registry Inventory feature operates through Intune's Properties catalog, enabling administrators to monitor specific registry keys. Detailed reports are generated for each configured entry, providing information on registry key paths, value names, types, and data. The data collected is accessible from the Device inventory page, and the initial release supports common collection patterns for HKEYLOCALMACHINE (HKLM) registry paths. Registry Inventory is included with Microsoft Intune Plan 1. Other enhancements in the Intune update include management capabilities for Samsung firmware updates.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Point-in-Time Restore Now Generally Available for Windows 11 — Campus Technology

Microsoft has rolled out a point-in-time restore feature for Windows 11, available to all client PCs running version 24H2 and later, including Enterprise, Pro, and Home editions. This feature automatically creates local restore points every 24 hours, stored for up to 72 hours and limited to 2% of disk space. It is enabled by default on Windows Home and unmanaged Windows Pro devices with at least 200 GB OS volume, while it is disabled by default on Windows Enterprise, Education, and organization-managed Windows Pro systems. Users can initiate restores locally via the Windows Recovery Environment, but any changes made after the selected restore point will be lost. Microsoft plans to introduce remote initiation capabilities through Intune recovery. The upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2 will maintain a low-disruption update experience, allowing devices on versions 24H2 or 25H2 to transition via a small enablement package. Devices running version 26H1 cannot upgrade directly to 26H2.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

Why Antivirus Alone No Longer Protects Small Businesses

Many small businesses have historically relied on antivirus software for computer security, which was effective against identifiable malware. However, the current cyber threat landscape includes sophisticated attacks such as phishing, credential theft, and ransomware that traditional antivirus solutions may not adequately address. Factors driving increased cyber threats in Kenya include phishing, weak authentication practices, delayed software updates, and the use of artificial intelligence by malicious actors. While antivirus software can detect known malware and block common threats, it falls short against tactics like stolen credentials and social engineering. The Communications Authority recommends complementing antivirus with multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, secure configurations, and user training. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions enhance visibility into attacks by monitoring endpoint activity for suspicious behaviors, allowing for prompt investigation and response. A layered security strategy that integrates multiple protective measures is essential for effective cybersecurity, and many modern security platforms offer unified solutions to simplify management for smaller organizations. The Kaspersky SMB Cybersecurity Guide provides insights into modern attack methods and the role of endpoint protection in improving a business's cybersecurity posture.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

How to Remove Microsoft Edge (Windows 10 and 11)

Removing Microsoft Edge from Windows can be complex due to its integration as a system component, especially in Windows 10 and standard Windows 11 installations. Edge may not have a straightforward Uninstall button in the Settings page, but methods exist for uninstallation, including using Edge's own installer or command-line approaches. In the EU, users may find an easier uninstall option in Settings due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). To uninstall Edge, users should check their Windows version and region, install a replacement browser beforehand, and be aware that updates might reinstall Edge. Elevated permissions are typically required for uninstallation methods. Method A involves using Edge's setup.exe in uninstall mode from its Installer directory, which is widely compatible. Method B allows for a Settings-based uninstall in certain EU Windows 11 builds influenced by DMA. Method C uses PowerShell to remove Edge partially but may not be effective on newer builds. Method D suggests disabling Edge instead of fully uninstalling it for better system stability. Advanced techniques exist but carry risks, including potential system integrity issues. Users should consider application dependencies and the likelihood of Windows updates restoring Edge. For enterprise environments, policy-based control is preferred over complete removal. The EU DMA is driving changes toward a more modular Windows architecture, allowing for greater user choice regarding browser components.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Running Windows CE On The Nintendo 64

The Nintendo 64 is being used as a platform to run Windows CE, a versatile operating system that can function on devices with minimal resources. The N64, equipped with a MIPS CPU and 1 MB of RAM, meets the basic requirements for this project initiated by developer Throaty Mumbo, who was inspired by an IBM Workpad Z50 laptop that also runs Windows CE. Throaty is creating a board-specific configuration for Windows CE 2.11 using the Microsoft Windows CE 2.11 Platform Builder SDK. The project is available on GitHub, allowing users to load applications onto an SD card and run them within the Windows GUI on the N64, demonstrating a smooth experience despite the console's limitations.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Will the Control Panel Ever Die? Rare Feature Migration to Settings Spotted in Windows 11, But Don’t Get Your Hopes Up for More.

Microsoft is migrating the functionality to rename a user account from the Control Panel to the Settings app in Windows 11's latest preview build (26300.7877). This feature is currently non-functional and users will need to wait for future updates to access it. The migration reflects Microsoft's effort to modernize the user interface, although the transition from the Control Panel to the Settings app is progressing slowly. Microsoft is prioritizing addressing fundamental issues within Windows 11, making significant acceleration in the migration effort unlikely in the near future. The Control Panel is expected to remain part of the operating system for the foreseeable future.