user consent Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft pushes fix for Windows 11 update 0x80240069 errors

Microsoft has resolved an issue that affected the delivery of Windows 11 24H2 feature updates via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) after the installation of the April 2025 security updates. Users reported upgrade problems, specifically encountering error code 0x80240069 during attempts to update from Windows 11 23H2 or 22H2. The update complications primarily impact enterprise environments using WSUS, while home users are less likely to experience these issues. Microsoft is rolling out a fix through Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for enterprise-managed devices, requiring IT administrators to implement the KIR Group Policy on affected endpoints. Additionally, Microsoft is addressing a separate issue where some PCs were upgraded to Windows 11 despite Intune policies preventing such upgrades.

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

April 16, 2025

Microsoft: Some devices offered Windows 11 upgrades despite Intune blocks

Microsoft is addressing an issue where some Windows devices are prompted to upgrade to Windows 11 despite Intune policies preventing such upgrades, a problem attributed to a "latent code issue" since April 12. A targeted code fix is being deployed, and users are advised to pause Windows feature updates via Intune until the resolution is fully rolled out. Users who upgraded to Windows 11 inadvertently will need to manually revert to their previous version. Additionally, in November 2024, certain Windows Server 2019 and 2022 devices were upgraded to Windows Server 2025 without user consent, and Microsoft acknowledged the problem but did not provide guidance on reverting these upgrades. Microsoft has also resolved an issue with prompts for upgrading to Windows Server 2025, clarifying that notifications were intended only for those seeking in-place upgrades.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

How Gaming Is Regulated On Android’s App Store

The Google Play Store offers millions of mobile games and enforces strict regulations to ensure user safety and legal compliance. These regulations cover content policies, monetization practices, data protection, technical requirements, and regional compliance. Games must adhere to content policies that prohibit hate speech, excessive violence, and misrepresentation, and must be rated by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). Monetization strategies require developers to use Google’s payment system for in-app purchases and disclose pricing and refund policies. Gambling games must have the necessary licenses and disclose odds for loot boxes. Data privacy guidelines mandate clear communication about data collection and user consent. Technical standards require games to function well across devices and be free from security threats. Google employs automated and manual reviews to enforce compliance, with consequences for violations ranging from warnings to permanent bans. Regional compliance is necessary, particularly in areas with strict regulations like China and the EU.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows 11 update reportedly creates a mysterious folder on your system drive, which is certainly confusing

A new folder named ‘inetpub’ has appeared on Windows 11 24H2 system drives following the April update, linked to Microsoft’s web server software for developers. The folder is empty, harmless, and can be deleted without adverse effects. Many users have reported removing it safely, while others may choose to keep it if it doesn't cause inconvenience. The folder's creation may be related to adjustments made to IIS components and has caused confusion among users, with reports of its appearance across various devices. There is a possibility that the folder could reappear even after deletion, indicating a need for a permanent fix from Microsoft.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

McDonald’s India Launches Minecraft Movie Meal Campaign

The website uses cookies to improve browsing experience, with essential cookies stored in the browser for fundamental site functions. It also employs third-party cookies for analysis, which require user consent. Users can opt-out of certain cookies, but doing so may affect site functionality and personalization.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Get Rid of These 12 Android Apps That Secretly Record Your Conversations

Security researchers have identified malicious Android applications that invade user privacy by recording audio, intercepting messages, and stealing sensitive data without user consent. A cybersecurity firm, ESET, uncovered a cyber espionage operation that infiltrated Android devices through the Google Play Store and alternative app sources, initially involving six apps on the Play Store with over 1,400 downloads each before their removal. These deceptive apps, which masquerade as messaging services, embed malware capable of tracking user locations and harvesting personal information. Hackers employ tactics like “romance baiting” to trick users into downloading infected apps, such as those containing VajraSpy malware. Experts categorize these malicious apps into three groups: fake messaging apps that steal data, apps exploiting Android’s accessibility features, and a fake news app that harvests user data. A list of twelve flagged apps includes Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat, which should be removed immediately. To protect against spyware apps, users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, run security scans, and stay informed about cybersecurity updates. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, including verifying developers, checking reviews, and avoiding third-party app stores.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

These malicious Android apps were installed over 60 million times – here’s how to stay safe

Cybersecurity experts from Bitdefender discovered an ad fraud scheme involving over 300 Android applications that collectively had more than 60 million downloads from the Google Play Store. These apps, which appeared as utility tools like QR scanners and health apps, mainly targeted users with older Android versions (Android 13 and earlier) and first appeared in the third quarter of 2024. As of the research's completion, only 15 of the identified apps were still active, with most affected users located in Brazil, and others in the United States, Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea. The deceptive apps concealed their icons, displayed intrusive ads without user consent, and attempted to harvest sensitive information. Many of these harmful apps have been removed from the Play Store, but users with them installed remain vulnerable. Signs of compromise include lagging, excessive ads, overheating, or unexpected data usage. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and to use the latest version of Android, currently Android 15.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Update Mistake—What You Do Now

Microsoft's recent security update has caused installation bugs for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, leading to issues with the Microsoft Copilot app, which has been unintentionally uninstalled from some devices. The update affects users with the update KB5053606 and has complicated Microsoft's goal to add Copilot to every PC. Microsoft is working on a resolution, and affected users are advised to reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, some users have experienced the blue screen of death after applying the update, prompting others to reverse or pause the installation. The update addresses critical fixes for multiple zero-day vulnerabilities, while 800 million Windows 10 users have yet to transition to Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Google tracks Android users before they open apps, report says

A study by D.J. Leith at Trinity College Dublin found that Google begins tracking users on Android devices even before they interact with them, creating at least 14 cookies and trackers without user consent. These tracking mechanisms operate immediately upon device setup and continue to collect data even when the device is idle, following a factory reset. The sign-in process with Google accounts automatically connects users to various preinstalled applications, raising concerns about user autonomy. Notable trackers include the DSID cookie and the Google Android ID, which persist through factory resets. Users face challenges in managing tracking settings, as there is no straightforward way to opt out or delete these tracking elements. Additionally, Google's recent installation of SafetyCore on devices occurred without user consent, while the Results About You tool for managing data removal from Google Search was more positively received.