system performance Archives

Winsage

July 29, 2026

A Microsoft outage blocked Windows updates. Now a fix is being tested

On July 23rd, Microsoft experienced widespread outages affecting services such as Azure, Windows Update, and Microsoft 365 applications, which impeded users from installing important Windows 11 updates. In response, Microsoft is enhancing the Windows Update system, focusing on the Windows Update Orchestrator and Arbiter components. These changes are being tested in Windows Insider preview builds 26100.8968 and 26200.8968, which aim to improve update progress calculation and update clean-up logic for better system performance post-update.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Windows 11’s August Patch Tuesday update brings several important changes, and I break down the biggest ones

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 August 2026 Security Update on August 11, 2026, featuring new functionalities and enhancements. Key additions include Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, the ability to uninstall AI models from Copilot+ PCs, new touchpad gestures, voice isolation for Voice Access, Fluid Dictation for Voice Typing, and a redesigned Start menu with parental controls notice. File Explorer improvements include displaying file sizes in appropriate units, middle-clicking to open folders in new tabs, and fixes for bugs. Users can manage AI models through Settings, and the Lock screen will default to the Weather widget. Touchpad settings will allow customization of scroll and zoom speeds. Fluid Dictation will be deactivated by default, with tooltips for guidance, while Voice Access will feature enhanced speech recognition settings. The Account Control interface will be redesigned for clarity, and power settings will apply across all plans. Windows Update will provide better progress estimates and improved post-update cleanup. Enhancements to system sounds in dark mode will also be included.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

Windows 11: Microsoft’s new TPM rule does not affect your PC

Microsoft has introduced a series of enhancements to its Windows operating system, focusing on user experience and security. Key features include: - Enhanced Security Protocols: Improved encryption and multi-factor authentication options to protect user data. - Streamlined User Interface: A refined interface for better accessibility and customization. - Performance Optimizations: Faster boot times and more efficient resource management. Industry experts have reacted positively, highlighting Microsoft's proactive approach to user concerns and its emphasis on security and user experience. These updates are expected to support operational efficiency and safeguard sensitive information for businesses.

Tech Optimizer

July 26, 2026

How to Stop McAfee from Running on Windows

McAfee offers features such as file scanning, network traffic filtering, VPN services, and browser warnings to protect users. Users can pause Real-Time Scanning by opening the McAfee app, selecting Real-Time Scanning under My Protection Widgets, and turning it off. To disable the Advanced Firewall, users must access the Advanced Firewall section in the app and turn it off. Scheduled scans can be stopped by navigating to Scheduled Scans in the app and clicking Turn off. To prevent Secure VPN from reconnecting, users can toggle it off in the Home tab and set Auto Connect to Never connect automatically. Browser protection features can be managed by toggling off McAfee WebAdvisor in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Users can block fake McAfee popups by adjusting notification settings in their browsers. To prevent McAfee startup helpers from opening, users can manage startup settings in Windows. To completely remove McAfee, users should uninstall it through Settings or Control Panel and follow the prompts. If remnants remain, the MCPR tool can be used for complete removal. Microsoft Defender will reactivate automatically after McAfee is uninstalled.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft finally making much needed improvement to Windows 11 downloads and installs

A significant outage recently affected Microsoft, causing a temporary halt in Windows 11 updates through both the Windows Update channel and the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft is leveraging AI technology to identify vulnerabilities within its updates, addressing security challenges. Users often encounter inconsistencies with the Windows Update progress tracker, leading to uncertainty during the download and installation phases. Microsoft has confirmed improvements in the update management process with the latest Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Release Preview builds, including enhancements to the Orchestrator and Arbiter logging components. The update enhances the calculation of update progress in Windows Update Settings and introduces changes to the cleanup logic for improved system performance post-update. These enhancements could benefit users with less powerful PCs, addressing concerns about sluggishness after installations.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Windows 11 – The system restore that also includes your files

Since June 23, Microsoft has been implementing a point-in-time restore feature on Windows 11, which is enabled by default for Home and Pro editions when the system drive exceeds 200 GB. This feature captures a complete snapshot of the machine approximately every 24 hours using the Volume Shadow Copy service, including system, applications, settings, and local files. Users can revert to a previous state in case of issues, but restoring from a snapshot older than 48 hours will erase all changes made since then, except for OneDrive data. The feature retains snapshots for up to 72 hours and reserves 2% of drive space, capped at 50 GB. If free space drops below 20 GB, older snapshots are deleted. Restoration occurs locally through WinRE, and users need a BitLocker recovery key if the drive is encrypted. After a restore, the feature pauses and requires user consent to resume. Snapshots from upgraded editions are not accessible, and only the Enterprise edition allows adjustments to snapshot settings. The feature can be disabled in system settings. It is not a backup solution, and users are advised to maintain separate backups for important files.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

LG monitors are reportedly automatically installing bloatware on Windows 11 PCs, but there’s an apparent fix

LG monitors are automatically installing McAfee bloatware on Windows 11 PCs without user consent, as indicated in the changelog of the LG Monitor App Installer on the Microsoft Store. This installation occurs when an LG monitor is connected, leading to a McAfee pop-up due to automatic installation triggered by Windows Update, which is logged by the Windows Reliability Monitor. Users can prevent this by enabling a setting in the Group Policy Editor to stop automatic downloads of applications linked to device metadata. It is recommended that users who have manually installed the LG monitor app remove it, as McAfee is a core component of the application. Microsoft has not commented on this issue.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft fixes the Windows 11 bug slowing down some Dell PCs

Microsoft released an unscheduled update for Windows 11, designated as KB5121767, targeting users on versions 24H2 and 25H2 to address performance issues on certain Dell PCs and laptops with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers. The update aims to fix degraded battery life, increased power consumption, and unexpected system behavior caused by conflicts with these drivers. Affected devices primarily include newer Dell models such as the Precision, XPS, and Pro Max series. Users can obtain the update automatically if they have enabled the relevant option in Windows Update or manually through Settings or the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update modifies the Windows build number to 26200.8894 for 25H2 and 26100.8894 for 24H2 and includes previous security and quality enhancements. Microsoft recommends the update for users experiencing sluggish performance or erratic behavior after July updates, particularly those with recent Dell devices with Intel processors.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft issues emergency Windows 11 KB5121767 update to address unexpected shutdowns and overheating on certain Dell PCs

Microsoft has halted the deployment of its latest Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 on select Dell PCs due to incompatibility with Intel's IPF driver, which caused issues such as unexpected shutdowns, overheating, and decreased system performance. Microsoft is working to resolve these complications and has released an emergency out-of-band update, KB5121767, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 to address the concerns.

Tech Optimizer

July 13, 2026

Best antivirus software for 2026, tested and reviewed by an expert

The digital landscape is increasingly threatened by scams and cyberattacks, necessitating robust antivirus solutions for various devices. Modern antivirus software has evolved into comprehensive security suites that include features like VPNs, email protection, and dark web monitoring. Users must balance feature richness with system performance, as costs can vary significantly after initial promotional rates. The best antivirus software includes: - Bitdefender Premium: Rated 4.5/5, priced from £49.99 per year, known for strong performance and a comprehensive feature set but limited to a single device for the free version. - Surfshark One: Rated 4/5, priced from £1.99 per month, recognized for its user-friendly interface but lacking some central features. - Norton 360 Deluxe: Rated 4/5, priced from £29.99 per year, praised for excellent performance and light system impact, though its interface is less polished. - Avira Free Security: Rated 3/5, free option available, offers basic protection but prompts users to upgrade frequently. - Avast One: Rated 4/5, free option available, features a modular design but includes persistent upgrade prompts. Each antivirus package provides solid protection against cyber threats, with many offering free trials for evaluation.