System Information Archives

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to fix a second monitor not detected in Windows 10 and 11

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, users can enhance productivity by connecting a second display, although issues may arise with older monitors due to driver or hardware complications. To manually detect a second monitor on Windows 10, users can go to Settings > System > Display and click the Detect button. For wireless displays, users should navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, activate Bluetooth, and select the wireless display. Graphics driver issues can be resolved by updating, reinstalling, or rolling back the driver through Device Manager. On Windows 11, the process is similar; users can detect external monitors via Settings > System > Display and connect wireless displays through Settings > Bluetooth & devices. To update graphics drivers on Windows 11, users should go to Settings > Windows Update > Optional updates.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to check your PC’s full specifications on Windows 10

To check computer hardware specs in Windows 10, you can use several methods: 1. Settings: - Open Settings > System > About to view processor, memory, architecture, and software specifications (Edition, Version, Installed on, OS build). 2. System Information: - Open Start, search for msinfo32, and select it. In the System Summary, view system model, processor brand, UEFI version, memory capacity, and motherboard details. 3. Create Hardware Specs Report: - In the System Information app, select specifications, go to File > Export, choose a folder, and save the report. 4. DirectX Diagnostic Tool: - Open Start, search for dxdiag, and check the System tab for processor and memory, and the Display tab for graphics card information. 5. PowerShell: - Open Start, search for PowerShell, run as administrator, and type Get-ComputerInfo to view specifications. 6. Command Prompt: - Open Start, search for Command Prompt, run as administrator, and type systeminfo to access detailed system information. For monitoring temperatures, third-party tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp are recommended. To check RAM, use Task Manager's Performance page. For network information, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet. To check FPS, access Task Manager's Performance page or use dxdiag.

AppWizard

September 15, 2025

Now you can even get an OLED screen in your RGB PC gaming RAM

V-Color and Gigabyte have introduced the V-Color Manta Xfinity+ OLED RAM kits, which feature integrated OLED displays to show real-time system information such as memory temperature, latency timings, and capacity. Only one module in each dual-channel kit has the OLED display, while the second module is a standard RGB DIMM. The kits support Intel XMP and AMD EXPO profiling technologies, with options for speeds up to 9,000MT/s and low latency timings. They will be available exclusively through Newegg initially, with plans for broader availability later. Pricing details have not been disclosed.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 on older PCs may present compatibility issues, particularly if the CPU does not meet Microsoft's requirements, which include the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Microsoft will not change these specifications. However, many PCs from the last 15 years can still be upgraded to Windows 11 despite failing compatibility checks. For PCs originally sold with Windows 10, a registry edit can often facilitate the upgrade. To upgrade, the system must boot using UEFI, support Secure Boot (though it doesn't need to be enabled), and have an enabled TPM (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can verify these details using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool. Option 1 involves a registry edit to bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version, requiring users to modify the registry and download the Windows 11 ISO. Option 2 uses the Rufus utility to create a bootable installation drive that bypasses compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support.

Winsage

September 8, 2025

MostereRAT Targets Windows Users With Stealth Tactics

A recent investigation by cybersecurity experts revealed a sophisticated phishing campaign utilizing a new strain of malware called MostereRAT, which targets Microsoft Windows systems. This Remote Access Trojan (RAT) allows attackers extensive control over compromised devices and employs advanced evasion techniques, including being crafted in the Easy Programming Language (EPL). MostereRAT can disable security tools, obstruct antivirus traffic, and establish secure communications with its command-and-control server through mutual TLS (mTLS). The attack begins with phishing emails aimed at Japanese users, leading to the download of a Word document that contains a concealed archive. This prompts the user to execute an embedded executable, activating the malware, which installs itself in the system directory and creates services with SYSTEM-level privileges. It also displays a deceptive message in Simplified Chinese to further spread the malware. MostereRAT can disable Windows Update, terminate antivirus processes, and impersonate the TrustedInstaller account to escalate privileges. Its functionalities include keylogging, system information collection, downloading and executing payloads, creating hidden administrator accounts, and running remote access tools like AnyDesk and TightVNC. Some components of MostereRAT's infrastructure were previously linked to a banking trojan reported in 2020.

Tech Optimizer

September 5, 2025

TAG-150 Hackers Deploy Custom Malware Families to Target Organizations

A new cyber threat actor, TAG-150, has emerged since March 2025, utilizing a sophisticated multi-tiered infrastructure and custom malware, including CastleLoader, CastleBot, and CastleRAT. TAG-150's infrastructure consists of four tiers, including command-and-control servers and intermediary layers to obscure operations. The CastleRAT trojan, available in Python and C variants, features advanced capabilities such as stealth evasion, system information collection, and remote surveillance functions. TAG-150 employs phishing techniques and fraudulent domains to compromise victims, achieving a 28.7% infection rate among those who interact with their schemes. The group utilizes privacy-focused services and frequently relocates its infrastructure to evade detection. Experts recommend proactive measures to counteract TAG-150's activities, including blocking identified infrastructure and monitoring for data exfiltration. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses associated with CastleLoader.

Tech Optimizer

August 23, 2025

How to load test PostgreSQL database and not miss anything

Practitioners face challenges during load testing of Tantor Postgres databases using pgbench, primarily due to insufficient documentation of the testing environment, leading to non-representative results and the need for repeated tests. The pg_perfbench tool has been developed to address these issues by ensuring repeatability, safeguarding data, and simplifying result comparisons through a cohesive template. It automates pgbench execution, collects metadata about the testing environment, and generates structured reports. pgbench operates on a TPC-B model, providing performance metrics such as transactions per second (tps), average latency, and the number of processed and failed transactions. A Bash script can be used to automate pgbench tests with varying client numbers, logging results into separate files. The pg_perfbench tool captures extensive data regarding the database environment and generates reports that include system properties, common database information, benchmark details, and test results. It facilitates the comparison of multiple load test results and ensures that environments being compared are consistent in terms of PostgreSQL versions and system parameters. The tool also allows for the evaluation of performance impacts from changes to PostgreSQL settings by generating separate reports for different configurations. It verifies compliance of specified parameters before joining reports, ensuring accurate comparisons. The final reports are structured in JSON and HTML formats, enhancing analysis and collaboration efforts.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides alternatives to proprietary applications for Windows users, enhancing productivity without traditional software licenses. 1. LibreOffice is a free office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, and a database component, operates locally, and supports MS Office formats. 2. Flow Launcher is a free file search and application launcher that allows quick access to applications and files through a customizable hotkey. 3. Duplicati is a free backup solution that supports various storage destinations, offers encryption, scheduling, and remote management for data security. 4. Nextcloud is a free, locally hosted file storage and collaboration solution that allows users to control their personal data. 5. Franz is a free application that consolidates multiple messaging platforms into a single interface for easier communication. 6. YAZB (YAZB Reborn) is a free tool that customizes the Windows experience by creating a top bar displaying system information. 7. File Converter is a free application that allows users to convert various file formats through a right-click context menu option. 8. Bitwarden is a free open-source password manager that offers password generation and secure file sharing, with premium features available. 9. AutoHotKey is a free tool for automating tasks through scripting, enabling the creation of hotkeys and macros. 10. Ollama is a free open-source AI application that allows local interaction with AI models, ensuring data privacy.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Battlefield 6 Open Beta on PC: How to turn on secure boot in multiplayer shooter game; follow the steps to enter warfare

EA's Dice studio has released the first public beta version of Battlefield 6, with the full game set for release on October 10, 2025. The beta will last two weekends, with the first open beta running until August 11, 2025, and the second weekend starting on August 14, 2025, and ending on August 16. Players may need to enable Secure Boot to play, as it enhances security during the PC boot process. Secure Boot is essential for Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring only trusted software loads at startup. Battlefield 6 requires Secure Boot to enhance defenses against cheating using the EA Javelin Anticheat system. To check if Secure Boot is enabled, players can access System Information and look for the BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State. To enable Secure Boot, players must access the BIOS, which varies by motherboard brand, typically using keys like F2, F10, F12, or Delete during startup. For Windows 11 users, they can enter the BIOS through the Windows Recovery Environment.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Battlefield 6 will NOT run unless Secure Boot is enabled in your BIOS

The Open Beta for Battlefield 6 has begun, requiring players to enable Secure Boot in their BIOS to launch the game. This is the first game to mandate Secure Boot for operation, which may surprise some players. Despite using UEFI, Secure Boot was initially disabled on one user's system, leading to confusion. After troubleshooting, including disabling CSM in the BIOS, the user successfully enabled Secure Boot and launched the game. Battlefield 6 will support AMD FSR 3, Intel XeSS 2.0, and NVIDIA DLSS 4, although the availability of FSR 3.1 and toggles for FSR 4.0 remains uncertain. Users with an RTX-50 series graphics card can utilize DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation.