Version 24H2 Archives

Winsage

September 19, 2026

These 4 built-in Windows tools helped me build a self-healing PC

Windows operating systems include built-in tools for maintaining PCs, allowing users to monitor system health, repair corrupted files, and recover from boot failures with minimal intervention. Task Scheduler automates maintenance tasks by triggering them based on schedules or events, accessible via the Start menu or taskschd.msc. It can activate tasks at fixed intervals, on startup, during idle periods, or in response to Event Viewer entries. Tasks should run with the highest privileges and can be configured to execute regardless of user sign-in status. The Settings tab allows missed tasks to run as soon as possible. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility that repairs the component store, essential for installing updates and restoring system files. It offers three inspection levels: CheckHealth, ScanHealth, and RestoreHealth, with the latter requiring an internet connection for downloading replacement files. DISM logs operations in C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log. SFC (System File Checker) verifies and repairs core operating system files using Windows Resource Protection. The command sfc /scannow checks all protected files, while /verifyonly provides a report without changes. SFC's effectiveness depends on the integrity of the component store, making it essential to run DISM first. Results are logged in C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced in Windows 11, addresses boot failures by connecting to the internet to find solutions when repeated boot failures are detected. QMR is enabled by default on unmanaged devices and can continuously check for fixes. It is designed to respond to widespread issues rather than unique problems and may not work effectively on older hardware or without a network connection. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive approach to system maintenance in Windows 11, ensuring the operating system remains healthy and efficient without additional software.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in October

Devices operating on Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving updates starting October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive mainstream support until October 2027. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Systems running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro that are not managed by IT will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. Users can check for eligibility for the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update. Windows Server 2022 will transition to extended support on October 13, 2026, lasting until October 14, 2031. Microsoft has extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for home users until October 2027 and will halt security updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro 23H2 in November 2025.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Harden Windows Defender: 12 Steps, 99.9% [2026]

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which operates in the background and receives automatic updates. Its default settings focus on compatibility rather than maximum security, prompting the need for configuration to enhance protection. Prerequisites for configuration include: - Windows 11 version 24H2 or 25H2 - Fully patched build number (26100.9457 or newer) - Local administrator account for certain steps - Microsoft Defender Antivirus version 4.18.x - Windows PowerShell 5.1 run as Administrator - Stable internet connection - No active third-party antivirus software Steps to enhance Microsoft Defender include: 1. Confirming the current Windows 11 build. 2. Verifying that Defender is the active antivirus using PowerShell. 3. Enabling cloud-delivered protection and automatic sample submission via PowerShell commands. 4. Activating Tamper Protection through Windows Security. 5. Enabling Controlled Folder Access to protect against ransomware. 6. Deploying Attack Surface Reduction rules in audit mode. 7. Turning on Smart App Control. 8. Enabling Core Isolation and Memory Integrity. 9. Scheduling weekly full and offline scans. 10. Creating narrow exclusions for known safe applications. 11. Enhancing network protection and SmartScreen features. 12. Running a PowerShell verification script to audit settings. These steps aim to optimize Microsoft Defender Antivirus for improved security comparable to premium solutions.

Tech Optimizer

September 15, 2026

Best Free Antivirus: 11 Steps, 18/18 Score [2026]

Microsoft Defender scored 17.5 out of 18 in the June 2026 evaluations by AV-Test, while Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free both achieved a perfect score of 18 out of 18. Avira Internet Security scored 16.5. The evaluations assessed 16 consumer antivirus products based on protection, performance, and usability. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 11 and is free, while Avast and AVG are true free offerings. AV-Test uses a scoring system where each category is scored out of 6.0, leading to a maximum total of 18.0. Users should ensure they have the latest versions of antivirus products and only run one real-time antivirus engine at a time. Common pitfalls include running two real-time engines and downloading from unofficial sources. For low-risk users, Microsoft Defender is sufficient, while those seeking higher protection may consider Avast or AVG.

Winsage

September 11, 2026

Microsoft Issues New Windows 11 Release Preview Builds

Microsoft has released new builds for Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2, available for download from the Release Preview channel, specifically builds 26100.9539/26200.9539. The rollout is structured into two phases: a gradual rollout, which allows features to reach devices incrementally, and a normal rollout, which releases updates to all eligible devices simultaneously. Enhancements in this update include improvements to File Explorer, Wi-Fi support in the Windows Recovery Environment, support for Emoji 17.0, a new Tips widget, various personalization, Bluetooth, and accessibility improvements, and the ability to remap the Copilot key to Right Ctrl or Context Menu. The last updates for versions 24H2 and 25H2 were released in mid-August, and Microsoft introduced its first 26H2 build to the Release Preview channel two weeks ago. There is speculation about the potential release of Windows 11 version 26H2 in October, possibly coinciding with upcoming Patch Tuesday updates.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft Edge is ending support for MDAG and WIP in Windows 10

Microsoft has phased out support for Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG), starting with its deprecation for Office applications in November 2023 and for the Edge browser in December 2023. By April 2024, MDAG was removed from Edge and other browser stores, and it was completely eliminated from Windows 11, version 24H2. Microsoft is finalizing the retirement of MDAG by discontinuing support in Edge entirely. The advisory MC1459132 indicates that this phase affects Microsoft Edge users on Windows 10, as Windows Information Protection (WIP) was already phased out in favor of Microsoft Purview in 2022. Organizations using WIP are advised to transition to Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Endpoint DLP, and Intune app protection policies. Users of MDAG should utilize Edge's built-in security features and consider other isolation solutions. Support for WIP and MDAG will officially end by September 2026, and functionalities related to them will stop in Microsoft Edge 154 and later versions. IT administrators are encouraged to begin migration activities to avoid disruptions.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

Microsoft says August Windows updates may cause gaming issues

Microsoft is investigating issues related to the August 2026 updates that may affect the launch of certain games or cause crashes on select Windows 11 systems. Users have reported problems such as games freezing, closing unexpectedly, encountering "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors, and unexpected system restarts. The updates in question include KB5121003, which was part of the August 2026 Patch Tuesday and included enhancements like Secure Boot updates and improvements to File Explorer and Windows Search. Microsoft has encouraged affected gamers to report issues via the Feedback Hub app. In the past, Microsoft had to block Windows 24H2 upgrades due to known issues and lifted compatibility holds for several popular games.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 2 months

As of October 13, 2026, updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, version 24H2, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive support until October 2027. Customers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, with users able to choose when to restart the update. Microsoft has stopped security updates for Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro editions as of November 2025. The free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers has been extended until October 2027. Windows Server 2022 will enter extended support in October 2026, continuing to receive security updates until October 14, 2031.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

Windows 11 24H2, Windows Server 2022, Windows 10 Ent. LTSB 2016 get 60-day cut off warnings

Microsoft has issued a 60-day notice regarding the end-of-life dates for several products, following a previous 90-day warning. Mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 will end on October 13, 2026, affecting all editions. Users of Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro, as well as Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, will stop receiving updates. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, with an extended support phase lasting until October 14, 2031, for those unable to upgrade immediately. Windows 11 version 24H2 users must upgrade to version 25H2 to continue receiving updates, while Enterprise and Education variants will have a grace period until October 2027. Organizations using Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 should transition to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024, with Extended Security Updates available for purchase for those who remain on the older system. A 180-day evaluation build of Windows Server 2025 can be downloaded for compatibility testing.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 & KB5120240 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB512103 and KB5120240 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. These updates include the August 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which address 400 vulnerabilities. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the eighth 'Patch Tuesday' release of 2026, with no exclusive changes for either version. Key enhancements in the August 2026 update include: - File Explorer: Improved file size display, middle-click functionality for folders, resolution of loading issues, and enhanced clarity of file thumbnails. - Windows Search: Better handling of typos in app search and improved relevance of settings in search results. - Voice Access: Introduction of Voice Isolation and Korean language support, along with reliability improvements. - Widgets: Taskbar notification badges now reflect the Windows accent color, and the Lock screen Widgets experience has been simplified. - Start Menu: Improved reliability of view preferences and enhanced keyboard navigation. - Windows Hello: Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors. - Power and Battery: Improved reliability of power settings and restored threshold setting for energy saver activation. - Accessibility: Enhanced Magnifier experience on touch devices. Microsoft has not reported any new issues related to this month's updates.