Task Scheduler Archives

Winsage

August 12, 2025

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here’s how I do it

Maintaining a computer's performance requires regular software upkeep in addition to physical care. An annual deep clean is advisable, with more frequent maintenance being beneficial. 1. Uninstall unused applications using the built-in Settings app or a tool like BCUninstaller, which can bulk uninstall and identify leftover files. 2. Run debloat scripts, such as Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility, to remove bloatware and manage privacy settings. 3. Disable unnecessary startup apps through the Task Manager to optimize boot times. 4. Check for driver updates manually under Advanced options > Optional updates, and visit manufacturer websites for graphics drivers. 5. Run a malware scan using MalwareBytes for periodic checks. 6. Delete temporary files via System > Storage > Temporary files in the Settings app, and manage cached files in web browsers.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows DoS Flaws Enable DDoS Attacks on Domain Controllers

Researchers from SafeBreach Labs have identified four denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s Windows operating system that could allow attackers to use publicly accessible Windows domain controllers in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. These vulnerabilities exploit protocols such as Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), enabling the creation of stealthy botnets without authentication. The flaws arise from improper handling of RPC and LDAP requests in Windows Server environments, including versions up to 2025. One flaw allows unauthenticated users to trigger infinite loops, consuming system resources and facilitating reflection attacks. Microsoft released patches for these vulnerabilities in August 2025, but unpatched systems remain at risk. The vulnerabilities were disclosed at DEF CON 33, where proof-of-concept attacks were demonstrated. SafeBreach has labeled these flaws as “Win-DoS” due to their widespread applicability. Organizations are advised to audit network exposures and isolate domain controllers to mitigate risks. The increase in hyper-volumetric DDoS attacks highlights the urgency for proactive defenses, including automated mitigation tools and regular vulnerability scans. Experts recommend implementing stringent firewall rules to restrict RPC and LDAP exposure and using behavioral analytics to detect anomalous traffic.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Confused about why you can’t upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft has some new advice that might help… including a trick I wasn’t aware of

Microsoft has released support documents to assist users upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, particularly after hardware upgrades. A key point is that users may experience delays in receiving the Windows 11 upgrade notification after upgrading components like the CPU or adding a TPM 2.0 module, with it taking up to 24 hours for the system to refresh eligibility information. To expedite this process, users can manually refresh their eligibility through Task Scheduler or use the PC Health Check app, which quickly recognizes upgraded hardware. Another document addresses the 'What needs your attention' notification that may appear during the upgrade, indicating potential issues such as incompatible privacy settings or software problems. In some cases, users may see a message stating 'no action is needed,' suggesting the issue could be resolved in a future update. The PC Health Check app is highlighted as a crucial tool for confirming compatibility and facilitating the upgrade.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

I use this official Microsoft application to make booting Windows 11 so much easier

Windows users can streamline their morning routine by using a Microsoft utility called Autologon, which automates the login process. Autologon allows users to bypass traditional login steps and securely stores passwords as Local Security Authority (LSA) secrets, unlike the registry method that stores credentials in plain text. For enhanced efficiency, Autologon can be combined with PowerToys' Workspaces and Task Scheduler to automate the launch and arrangement of applications upon login. Users can create a task in Task Scheduler to trigger the desired workspace, ensuring that applications are ready and arranged as preferred. This setup saves time and improves productivity for users managing multiple applications.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

I ditched most of the Windows start-up chaos and sped up my boot times without any third-party tools, here’s how

As computers age, performance often declines due to the accumulation of installed applications, saved files, and the number of startup tasks running in the background, particularly in Windows 11. New programs frequently set up tasks that launch at startup, leading to longer boot times and increased resource consumption. Users can manage these startup tasks using Task Manager, which allows them to view and disable unnecessary programs that run automatically upon login. Disabling these tasks does not delete applications but prevents them from launching automatically, improving startup efficiency. Additionally, Task Scheduler can be used to identify and manage tasks that may still launch at login. Managing startup tasks can lead to significant performance improvements, such as reducing boot time from approximately 25 seconds to just 31 seconds for a fully loaded desktop.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

10 useful Windows built-in tools you’ve never used

- Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM for errors that may cause system crashes or freezes. It can be launched by typing "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start Menu or using the Run Command with mdsched.exe. - Resource Monitor provides detailed insights into CPU, RAM, disk activity, and network bandwidth, helping identify resource-consuming applications. It can be accessed through Task Manager or the Windows search box. - Reliability Monitor displays a timeline of system stability, including software installations, updates, crashes, and hardware errors, aiding in troubleshooting. It can be found by searching in the Start bar or through Control Panel > Security and Maintenance. - DirectX Diagnostic Tool offers information about GPU, audio drivers, and DirectX version, useful for diagnosing gaming-related issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing dxdiag. - Credential Manager securely manages Windows login credentials and network login information. It can be accessed by searching for "Credential Manager" in the Start bar or through Control Panel. - God Mode consolidates over 200 system settings into a single folder, accessible by creating a new folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. - Local Group Policy Editor allows advanced customization of Windows settings for Pro or Enterprise users. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc. - Computer Management Console provides access to various system tools like Device Manager and Disk Management. It can be opened by right-clicking the Start button or using Win + R with compmgmt.msc. - Powercfg Tool diagnoses battery issues and provides reports on battery usage and health. It can generate a report by running powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt. - System Configuration (msconfig) allows users to control Windows boot options and troubleshoot startup issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing msconfig.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Building a Windows Storage Dashboard, Part 2: Collecting Historical Data

The process of gathering historical data for a Windows storage dashboard involves two steps: creating a PowerShell script to collect and save the data, and configuring the Windows Task Scheduler to run this script at set intervals. The script collects data on file system drives using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, creating a custom PowerShell object with columns for Timestamp, Drive, UsedGB, FreeGB, and TotalGB, which is then exported to a CSV file. The script specifies the CSV file path, appends new data without overwriting existing data, and excludes type information from the header. The generated CSV file includes a header row and records for each drive with their respective usage statistics.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

6 registry tweaks every tech-savvy user must apply on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides customization tools such as the Settings app, Control Panel, and Group Policy Editor, but advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor for deeper control. Key Registry tweaks include: 1. Disable the Home page in Settings: Modify the Registry to revert the Settings app to open directly to the "System" section instead of the "Home" page by creating a string value named SettingsPageVisibility and setting it to hide:home. 2. Disable automatic Windows Update: Prevent automatic downloads and installations by creating a key named WindowsUpdate under Policies, then a subkey AU, and a DWORD value NoAutoUpdate set to 1. 3. Disable the Lock Screen experience: Expedite the sign-in process by creating a key named Personalization and a DWORD value Nolockscreen set to 1. 4. Enable automatic Registry backup: Restore automatic Registry backups by creating a DWORD value EnablePeriodicBackup set to 1 and scheduling a task to run daily for backup. Editing the Registry carries risks, and it is advised to back up the PC before making changes.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Windows Task Scheduler Vulnerability Let Attackers Escalate Privileges

A critical security vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-33067, has been identified in the Windows Task Scheduler, allowing attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM level access without prior administrative rights. This vulnerability is rated as "Important" with a CVSS score of 8.4 and is due to improper privilege management within the Windows Kernel’s task scheduling component. It affects multiple Windows versions, including Windows 10 (Versions 1607, 1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (22H2, 23H2, 24H2), and Windows Server 2016-2025. Microsoft released security updates on June 10, 2025, to address this flaw across 27 different Windows configurations. The vulnerability requires local system access, no prior privileges, and no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous. Security researcher Alexander Pudwill discovered and disclosed the vulnerability.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2025

ViperSoftX Malware Used by Threat Actors to Steal Sensitive Information

The AhnLab Security Intelligence Center (ASEC) has reported that ViperSoftX malware, first identified in 2020, continues to pose a significant threat, particularly targeting cryptocurrency-related information. It disguises itself as cracked software or eBooks on torrent sites and uses deceptive tactics to infect users globally. ViperSoftX exploits the Windows Task Scheduler to execute malicious PowerShell scripts and communicates with its command-and-control server to transmit detailed system information. The malware captures clipboard activity to steal cryptocurrency wallet addresses and employs mechanisms to avoid detection, including self-removal. It also deploys secondary payloads like Quasar RAT and ClipBanker, which hijacks wallet addresses during transactions. ASEC warns that infections can lead to total system compromise and advises users to avoid unverified downloads and maintain updated security measures. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): - MD5: - 064b1e45016e8a49eba01878e41ecc37 - 0ed2d0579b60d9e923b439d8e74b53e1 - 0efe1a5d5f4066b7e9755ad89ee9470c - 197ff9252dd5273e3e77ee07b37fd4dd - 1ec4b69f3194bd647639e6b0fa5c7bb5 - URLs: - http://136.243.132.112/ut.exe - http://136.243.132.112:881/3.exe - http://136.243.132.112:881/APPDATA.exe - http://136.243.132.112:881/a.ps1 - http://136.243.132.112:881/firefoxtemp.exe - IPs: - 136.243.132.112 - 160.191.77.89 - 185.245.183.74 - 212.56.35.232 - 89.117.79.31