virtual machines

Winsage
July 26, 2025
Windows Sandbox is an optional feature available exclusively in the Pro editions of Windows 11 and above, allowing users to create a secure virtual environment for testing software without risks. It can be set up by searching for "Turn Windows features on or off" in the Start menu, checking the box for Windows Sandbox, and restarting the computer. The sandbox operates with the same version of Windows as the host and does not maintain its state, meaning changes made within it do not persist after closing. It provides a clean, isolated environment for testing applications, conserving storage space and preventing background tasks from affecting system performance. While it allows safe testing of potentially risky software, it is not a substitute for traditional virtual machines, which are necessary for testing different operating systems or making OS changes.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Windows laptops can retrieve the Wi-Fi password for the current network by searching for "View Network Connections," right-clicking the active connection, selecting Status, and then clicking on Wireless Properties to view the password under the Security tab. For older networks, users can open a command prompt and type "netsh wlan show profile" to see saved Wi-Fi profiles, then use "netsh wlan show profile [NETWORK NAME] key=clear" to reveal the password in plain text. On Android devices, users can view stored Wi-Fi SSIDs and passwords by accessing the quick settings menu, tapping the current network name for the password, or navigating to Saved networks for other networks. Verification may be required to share the password, which can be displayed alongside a QR code for easy sharing.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft's Windows XP, launched in 2001, has a lifespan of over 17 years and has inspired a developer to create a web-based simulation called Win32.run. This project recreates a fictional instance of Windows XP using web technologies, allowing users to explore a simulated file system and interact with embedded programs. The developer originally created the simulation as a tribute to the operating system from his childhood, using the Svelte framework, SvelteKit, and Tailwind CSS. However, the project was halted due to significant breaking changes in SvelteKit that made the codebase difficult for other developers to understand. The simulation operates on a client-side architecture, enabling users to run it locally in their browsers. There are also ongoing efforts to transform various editions of Windows into web applications, with projects ranging from simple browser-based simulations to more complex emulation tools. For a more immersive experience, users can run legacy operating systems like Windows XP in dedicated virtual machines using modern desktop hypervisors such as VMware Workstation.
Winsage
July 22, 2025
Microsoft has identified an issue with the Cluster service on Windows Server 2019 following the installation of the July security update KB5062557, released on July 8th. This issue causes the Cluster service to repeatedly stop and restart, leading to nodes failing to rejoin the cluster, entering quarantine states, and causing virtual machines to restart multiple times. Administrators using BitLocker on Cluster Shared Volumes may also face additional errors. Microsoft has advised affected organizations to contact their business support teams for assistance while a mitigation strategy is being developed. Additionally, Microsoft is working on a resolution to be included in a future Windows update.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
A YouTube creator on the MetraByte channel attempted to install seven layers of Windows operating systems nested within each other: Windows 95 inside Windows 98, followed by Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and finally, Windows 10, all encapsulated within Windows 11. The creator initially used Hyper-V but switched to VMware after encountering limitations, allowing for more extensive layering but resulting in significant performance declines as layers increased. For example, Windows 7 took 30 minutes to boot when nested within Windows 8, which was under Windows 10, all running on Windows 11. The attempt to install Windows 95 ultimately failed as Windows 98 struggled to boot. Performance metrics showed that deeper installation layers led to decreased performance, particularly evident while playing Minecraft Classic, where frame rates dropped by over 50% in Windows 10 and 8 compared to Windows 11.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
A bundle featuring Windows 11 Pro and a lifetime license for Microsoft Office is available for .97, down from a regular price of 8.99. The Microsoft Office Pro 2021 suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version), OneNote, Publisher, and Access, all installable on a single computer with lifetime access. Windows 11 Pro offers features like Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, BitLocker, Smart App Control, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and includes the AI assistant Copilot. The license is for a single PC and not compatible with virtual machines or unsupported hardware. This offer is available for a limited time.
AppWizard
July 18, 2025
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first non-Pixel smartphone to support Google's Linux Terminal app, which allows users to run Linux programs within a virtual machine. This feature is not available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Terminal app operates on a modified version of Debian within the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), introduced with Android 13 and categorized as an Android 16 feature for Samsung devices. The app's availability is dependent on specific technical requirements related to the chipset; the Galaxy Z Flip 7 uses the Exynos 2500, which supports the necessary non-protected virtual machine, while the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 use the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is limited to secure virtual machines. Future updates from Qualcomm may address this limitation. The Terminal app currently does not support graphical applications, but there are indications that such features may be developed in the future.
Winsage
July 16, 2025
Microsoft has announced that Secure Boot certificates for Windows devices will begin to expire in June 2026, which may affect device functionality and security. An out-of-band update (KB5064489) was released on July 13, 2025, to address immediate security concerns and prepare systems for the certificate transition. This update includes essential quality improvements and fixes issues related to the startup of certain Azure Virtual Machines when Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enabled. The update is cumulative and incorporates previous security fixes. Users are advised to install the update promptly and review guidance for updating their certificates before the expiration deadline.
Winsage
July 16, 2025
Microsoft released the KB5062553 update for Windows, which caused boot failures in some Generation 2 Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) with Trusted Launch disabled. In response, Microsoft issued an emergency patch, KB5064489, applicable to Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, to address these issues. Affected VMs may experience boot failures if Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enforced via registry key. Users are advised to check if their VMs are created as “Standard” and if VBS is enabled. The KB5064489 update is not automatically deployed and must be manually downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog, with specific installation methods outlined.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
A growing number of users are exploring alternative operating systems as support for Windows 10 concludes, with Linux being a popular choice due to its user-friendly and free modern distributions. Many users start with little experience, and dual-booting allows them to run both Windows and Linux on a single machine, enabling them to select between the two at startup. This setup requires careful installation to ensure both operating systems coexist. Users can access files on Windows partitions from within Linux. To set up dual-booting, it's advisable to test on a spare machine and back up important files. The general steps include creating a bootable ISO for the Linux distribution, inserting the USB drive, and selecting the option to install alongside the current OS. After installation, users can choose between Linux and Windows upon reboot. Caution is advised to avoid losing data on the Windows partition.
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