uninstallation Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2025

How to Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus

To uninstall Avast Free Antivirus from a Windows computer, first disable the Self-Defense mode by opening Avast, clicking on Menu, selecting Settings, choosing General, then Troubleshooting, and unchecking the box next to Enable Self-Defense. Confirm the change by clicking OK. Next, open the Control Panel, select Programs and Features, find Avast Free Antivirus, click Uninstall, confirm by selecting Uninstall again, and then click Yes in the confirmation window. The uninstallation process will begin and may take some time. After completion, restart the computer to finalize the uninstallation.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

The First 5 Things To Do After Upgrading To Windows 11

Users are encouraged to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as support for the former ends. The upgrade requires meeting minimum hardware requirements and can be initiated through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The taskbar in Windows 11 is redesigned with a centered Start menu, but users can revert to a left-aligned layout by adjusting Taskbar settings. Customization options are limited, but third-party applications can offer more flexibility. The Start menu features only Pinned apps and Recommended files by default. Users can customize it by unpinning apps, adding new ones, grouping them into folders, and modifying layout and color through Settings. To free up space after upgrading, users can uninstall unnecessary applications via Settings > Apps and delete Windows 10 installation files by navigating to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Disabling unnecessary startup services can enhance boot speed, which can be managed through Task Manager. Privacy settings should be reviewed post-upgrade, with options available under Settings > Privacy & security to adjust permissions and disable data sharing features.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Stellar Blade Devs Address PC Release Controversies

Stellar Blade has become highly popular on the PlayStation 5, topping the PlayStation Store charts and selling out merchandise. The game is set to release on PC on June 11th, following its transition from a former exclusive. The developer, Shift Up, has addressed community concerns regarding region locks, content parity between PC and PlayStation versions, and the necessity of a PlayStation Network account for the PC version. All content, including the Nier: Automata crossover, will be available on PC. The introduction of Denuvo DRM has sparked debate due to potential impacts on frame rates and offline playability, but the development team claims it is optimized to maintain performance. Stellar Blade is available for pre-order on Steam, with the base version priced at .99 and a Complete Edition at .99, which includes additional content.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

New malware infects Android devices — full list of apps to delete immediately

Cybersecurity experts have identified a new threat to Android users called Kaleidoscope malware, which has infiltrated various popular applications not available on the Google Play Store. This malware operates in the background, collecting personal information, displaying intrusive ads, and potentially allowing more harmful malware to enter. Users are advised to check their device settings for suspicious apps, uninstall them, restart their devices, and review app permissions, especially for those requesting access to sensitive features. Experts recommend downloading apps only from trusted sources, being cautious about permissions, and regularly updating systems to address security vulnerabilities. Google has identified 62 dangerous vulnerabilities in Android devices, with two being particularly threatening, and users are urged to update their devices promptly.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

13 Windows tricks that will make you a pro

Windows Terminal is a modern command interface introduced in Windows 11 and updated in Windows 10, serving as a shell for Command Prompt and PowerShell. It allows users to open multiple tabs and access unique commands for each environment. Certain system settings and Windows registry modifications are easier through Terminal. The built-in tool Winget enables users to install, update, and uninstall applications from the Microsoft Store. For example, to install Microsoft PowerToys, the command is: PLACEHOLDER4e6e62aa140fd021. Users can view available features by typing PLACEHOLDER156ddf6fbe029a6a, and can get help with specific commands by appending PLACEHOLDER6c47266b38ce590a. To install software for all users, the command is modified with PLACEHOLDER2401129c8584a179. Updating applications can be done with the command winget upgrade –all –silent, although administrative privileges may be required. Chocolatey is another package manager available for software management, though its installation is more complex.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

How to Easily Uninstall McAfee Antivirus Completely

McAfee can appear on computers without user consent, often pre-installed on new laptops or bundled with other software. To uninstall McAfee on Windows 10 or 11, users can access the Settings app or Control Panel to remove it. For Mac users, the McAfee Total Protection Uninstaller can be used, but some residual files may need to be deleted manually. If standard uninstallation methods fail, the MCPR removal tool can be used to thoroughly clean up remnants of the software. Uninstalling McAfee is generally not detrimental, as many users prefer alternative antivirus solutions or rely on built-in protections provided by their operating systems.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Microsoft silently fixes Start menu bug affecting Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft has resolved a problem that disrupted the functionality of Start Menu jump lists on Windows 10, version 22H2. The issue originated from a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) initiated in March 2025, which aimed to enhance account control but led to complications. Microsoft paused the rollout in late April 2025 after receiving user feedback about the inability to view jump lists for apps. The problematic rollout was halted on April 25, 2025, preventing new devices from encountering the glitch. The issue mainly affected users of Windows 10 Home and Pro editions. Affected users are advised to ensure their devices are connected to the internet and to restart their systems to apply the fix.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Can’t securely login to your PC using facial recognition anymore? New Windows 11 update patch is likely to blame – if you can install the update at all

The April 2025 cumulative update for Windows 11, identified as KB5055523, has caused issues with the Windows Hello feature, particularly affecting users with privacy shutters on their webcams. Reports indicate that facial recognition no longer functions properly unless the privacy cover is removed. Users have suggested uninstalling the update as a workaround, while a potential solution involves disabling the RGB camera in Device Manager. Microsoft has acknowledged a separate issue related to Windows Hello affecting specific security features in Windows 11 Pro or enterprise editions. Additionally, users have reported installation failures with the April update, encountering error messages and stalling during the process. Other notable bugs include language inconsistencies, the uninstallation of the Copilot app, and a glitch in File Explorer's menu display.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

SpyNote Android malware resurfaces in campaign using spoofed app install pages

A report from DomainTools LLC reveals that cybercriminals are using newly registered domains to distribute the SpyNote Android remote access trojan (RAT) by creating fake websites that resemble legitimate Google Play app installation pages. These counterfeit pages often include familiar visual elements to deceive users into downloading harmful APK files, such as a site mimicking the TikTok installation page. The downloaded files typically contain variants of SpyNote, which can conduct surveillance, harvest sensitive information, and execute remote commands on compromised devices. The delivery mechanism involves a two-stage process where a dropper APK installs a secondary APK with core spyware functionalities, utilizing JavaScript to trigger downloads from fake install buttons. Common characteristics of the domains distributing SpyNote include registration with NameSilo LLC and XinNet Technology Corp., hosting on infrastructure linked to Lightnode Ltd and Vultr Holdings LLC, and the presence of SSL certificates. The malware delivery sites contain code in both English and Chinese, suggesting a Chinese-speaking threat actor may be involved. SpyNote has been associated with advanced persistent threat groups targeting individuals in South Asia, including those in the Indian defense sector. Once installed, SpyNote requests intrusive permissions to access SMS, contacts, call logs, camera, microphone, and location services, and employs persistence mechanisms that make it difficult to remove. DomainTools advises users to be vigilant against spoofed app pages and avoid sideloading APKs from unverified sources.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows Hello is the latest casualty of Microsoft’s buggy update history

Users are experiencing a bug related to the Windows security patch KB5055523, affecting those on Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. The issue arises when users with Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM) or System Guard Secure Launch enabled use the “Reset this PC” feature while selecting “Keep my Files,” resulting in lockouts and error messages during login. Microsoft has provided workarounds to regain access to PINs and facial recognition settings. Additionally, there is a separate issue with the uninstallation of Copilot on some PCs due to a Windows update bug, and a safeguard hold is causing blue or black screen errors on devices using SenseShield’s sprotect.sys driver.