system settings Archives

Winsage

November 7, 2024

This free tool ‘purifies’ Windows 11 and skips Microsoft account logins

A new PowerShell script called UnattendedWinstall allows Windows 11 users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft account login during setup. The script can be downloaded from the UnattendedWinstall GitHub releases page, with version 2.0.0 being the latest. It utilizes Windows' "response files" to automate tasks and modify system settings, effectively removing the login prompt. UnattendedWinstall offers several additional functionalities: - Bypasses Windows 11's system requirements. - Disables Windows Security services by default. - Turns off User Account Controls by default. - Permits execution of PowerShell scripts by default. - Removes most pre-installed bloatware applications. - Disables features like Copilot and Windows Recall. - Limits Windows Update to security updates for a year. - Optimizes the Windows registry for better performance. - Disables unnecessary scheduled tasks. - Enables the “Ultimate Performance” power plan. Users are advised to exercise caution when using the script and to test it in a virtual machine first. Reactivating Windows Security is recommended after execution. Microsoft may not endorse such tools, and their availability could be at risk if issues arise. However, the tool allows users to continue receiving security updates.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Microsoft warns dreaded ‘blue screen of death’ bug plaguing computers

Microsoft's latest Windows update for Windows Server 2025 is causing significant issues, including the blue screen of death (BSOD) for users. Multiple bugs are leading to software failures or excessively long restart times. Microsoft is working on a fix expected within a month and advises users to check system settings to mitigate BSOD risks by reducing the number of logical processors to 256 or fewer. Users have reported being locked out of their PCs for hours due to BSOD errors, with some considering switching to alternative operating systems. Microsoft has provided guidance on adjusting logical processor settings through the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) setup to prevent instability. DailyMail.com has sought clarification from Microsoft regarding the impact and timeline for updates.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

UnattendedWinstall 2.0 uses Microsoft answer files to simplify and customize Windows 10 and 11 installations — download it now

UnattendedWinstall is a tool for automating and personalizing the installation of Windows 10 and 11 using Microsoft’s answer files. It allows users to customize Windows settings and packages, making it efficient for deploying Windows across multiple devices. The tool defaults to Windows Pro, bypasses Windows 11 system requirements, and offers options to disable Windows Defender and User Account Control. It simplifies the setup by skipping Microsoft account creation and removing unnecessary applications while keeping essential tools. It also includes privacy-focused registry tweaks and restricts updates to security patches for the first year. UnattendedWinstall supports 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM64 architectures and requires users to save an autounattend.xml file on their installation media. The UWScript.ps1 file can be used for existing installations, but answer files are not compatible with in-place upgrades. UnattendedWinstall 2.0 provides users with comprehensive control over system settings and is available for download from a designated source.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2024

Beyond antivirus: Other essential tools to protect your Mac

Macs are facing an increasing number of cybersecurity threats, with malware targeting macOS rising from eight families in 2021 to 21 in 2023. To protect against these threats, users are advised to implement antivirus software, maintain regular backups using tools like Apple's Time Machine and cloud services, enable the built-in firewall, use password managers for secure password storage, and utilize a VPN for secure internet connections, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

How to get started with Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11 and 10

Microsoft's Copilot chatbot is available on Windows 11 and Windows 10, with Windows 11 featuring a more integrated app experience compared to the web application format on Windows 10. Users can access Copilot through the Start menu or a pinned Taskbar button. To interact with Copilot, users can type prompts or use voice commands, provided they have a microphone. The app allows customization of voice, language, and themes, and users can adjust privacy settings to prevent data usage for AI training. Copilot includes a discovery feature with AI-generated news summaries and prompt suggestions. Users can install or uninstall the Copilot app via the Microsoft Store and system settings. Future updates may introduce new features like "Copilot Vision" and "Copilot Suggestions."

Winsage

October 24, 2024

The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know

Windows 11 was launched in October 2021 and is now a significant operating system on hundreds of millions of PCs worldwide. It features a redesigned Start menu, taskbar, and Settings app, along with a Widgets pane, tabbed File Explorer, and AI-powered Windows Copilot. The operating system requires hardware-assisted security features, including Secure Boot and device encryption, and mandates specific hardware compatibility, such as a 1GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and TPM version 2.0. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which it will not receive updates unless users subscribe to Extended Security Updates. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for licensed Windows 10 users, and the installation process includes various options for upgrading. Microsoft reports higher customer satisfaction with Windows 11 compared to previous versions.

AppWizard

October 24, 2024

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – How to Play Early With the New Zealand Method | Xbox, PlayStation, PC – Gameranx

Black Ops 6 is set to launch on consoles at midnight local time in New Zealand on October 25, which is 7 AM ET on October 24 for Eastern Time Zone players. PC gamers will have access starting at 6 PM New Zealand time on October 25, or 1 AM ET. Players can use the "New Zealand method" to gain early access by changing their virtual location to New Zealand. For Xbox users, the steps include logging into the Activision website, editing the address to New Zealand, changing the console's location settings to New Zealand, and restarting the console. PlayStation users must adjust their Activision account's address to New Zealand, as there are no region settings on the console itself. For PC users, the method is not applicable through Battle.net or Steam, but they can change their location to New Zealand via the Microsoft Store by following similar steps as Xbox users.

Tech Optimizer

October 23, 2024

Avast One for Mac review: a free antivirus is all you need | Digital Trends

Avast One is an antivirus software package designed for macOS users, offering features such as antivirus protection, ransomware safeguards, and malware blocking. It is available in both free and paid subscription plans. The free version, Avast One Essential, includes a malware scanner, browser protection, and a VPN with a 5GB monthly data limit. Paid tiers include Avast One Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with prices increasing significantly upon renewal. Avast One has shown strong performance in malware protection evaluations by AV-Test, maintaining a near-perfect rating over the past five years. The software includes a user-friendly interface and offers support via chat and email. While the free version may display targeted ads, the paid plans reduce such concerns. Overall, Avast One Essential provides robust protection, making it a notable option for users seeking antivirus solutions for Apple devices.

Winsage

October 18, 2024

9 must-know details about Windows 11’s big 2024 update

Windows 11 is set to receive a significant update in 2024, known as version 24H2, which will enhance user experience and tighten security protocols. The AI feature "Recall," designed for AI-based searches, has been shelved due to data protection concerns. The update will not allow installations on older hardware that does not meet new requirements, including Arm processors that must run version 8.1 or later. The AI assistant Copilot will be available as a standalone app without system modification capabilities. The user interface will be refreshed, featuring a simplified date display, an updated quick access menu, and the ability to pin applications to the taskbar via drag-and-drop. A new sidebar will improve smartphone connectivity. Users will be able to create ZIP and TAR archives from the context menu, and the Teams client will support private chats. The update will introduce the "sudo" command for administrative tasks, support the Wi-Fi 7 standard, and enhance printer compatibility with Windows Protected Print Mode.

Winsage

October 16, 2024

8 ways to fine-tune Windows 11 for optimal performance without the bloat

- Change the power mode settings to High performance for a speed boost, especially in resource-intensive tasks. - Run antivirus scans to eliminate viruses and malware that may slow down the computer. - Disable search indexing to free up system resources if the search function is rarely used. - Increase the page file size to provide a virtual memory boost for systems with limited RAM. - Limit bandwidth for Windows updates to ensure responsive internet speeds. - Disable unnecessary startup tasks to streamline the boot process and improve overall performance. - Use Efficiency mode in Task Manager to reduce CPU allocation for background apps, but consider disabling it for important applications. - Utilize Win11Debloat to remove unnecessary pre-installed applications and features, enhancing system performance.