Virtualization-based Security Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Fixes 114 Windows Flaws in January 2026 Patch, One Actively Exploited

On Tuesday, Microsoft released its first security update for 2026, addressing 114 vulnerabilities, including eight classified as Critical and 106 as Important. The vulnerabilities include 58 related to privilege escalation, 22 concerning information disclosure, 21 linked to remote code execution, and five categorized as spoofing flaws. A notable vulnerability, CVE-2026-20805, involves information disclosure within the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) and has a CVSS score of 5.5. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to implement fixes by February 3, 2026. Additionally, Microsoft announced the expiration of three Windows Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011, effective June 2026, urging customers to transition to newer certificates to avoid disruptions. The update also removed vulnerable Agere Soft Modem drivers due to a local privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2023-31096) and addressed another critical privilege escalation flaw in Windows Virtualization-Based Security (CVE-2026-20876) with a CVSS score of 6.7. Other vendors, including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco, have also released security patches for various vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Windows 10 Users Are Being Targeted With New Upgrade Offer

A surge of attacks targeting Windows 10 machines highlights the need for users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is currently available at a discount of approximately 94% off its standard price. Windows 10 is becoming increasingly vulnerable as it approaches its end of support, leaving users exposed to cyber threats. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns that unsupported systems are often exploited by cybercriminals. Windows 10 remains widely used, making it a significant target for attackers, as evidenced by over billion in reported cybercrime losses in 2023. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced security features, including BitLocker drive encryption, Credential Guard, and Smart App Control, along with a security-first design that requires compatible hardware. Current promotions allow users to purchase a Windows 11 Pro license for under 0, providing a one-time purchase option that includes updates until Microsoft ends support for Windows 11. Users are advised to check compatibility before upgrading and to back up important files. For those unable to upgrade, alternatives include purchasing Extended Security Updates or investing in new hardware that meets Windows 11 specifications.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

Windows can never be an immutable OS, and that might be a problem

"Immutable" operating systems are designed with a read-only core that is updated comprehensively, allowing user data and applications to exist independently from the base system, reducing risks of corruption and configuration drift. While macOS is largely immutable, Windows cannot transition to an immutable model due to its design based on mutability, which allows for continuous modification and backward compatibility. Windows 11's flexibility leads to a cumulative change model, making it increasingly difficult to troubleshoot and maintain. Microsoft has made some improvements within the mutable framework, but challenges remain, such as dependency control and application integration. Users expect seamless updates, but Windows is perceived as high-maintenance, leading to performance issues. A truly immutable version of Windows would conflict with user expectations and require significant software rewrites. Consequently, Windows is likely to remain in a hybrid state, adopting some immutable features while still facing issues related to its mutable architecture.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

Winsage

December 18, 2025

Microsoft Eases Windows 11 Smart App Control with Toggle Option

Microsoft's Smart App Control feature in Windows 11 is designed to evaluate and block potentially harmful applications by cross-referencing them against a database of known safe software. Initially, it required a clean installation to enable or disable, which hindered its adoption. Recent updates have removed this requirement, allowing users to toggle the feature on or off directly through the Windows Security app without a system reset. This change addresses user complaints and enhances usability, particularly for developers and IT professionals managing multiple devices. The feature employs artificial intelligence for real-time decisions on app safety and integrates with other Microsoft security tools. Feedback from the tech community has been positive, highlighting the update as a significant improvement in balancing security and user flexibility.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Windows PC gaming in 2025: Handheld innovation, Arm progress and DirectX advances

Windows has been a key platform for PC gaming, evolving significantly by 2025 with advancements in handheld gaming and performance. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, were introduced, enhancing handheld gaming experiences. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was launched for these devices, optimizing gaming interfaces. Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) was implemented, reducing load times by over 80% for some titles. System-level performance improvements included tuned power management and lower CPU overhead. Windows also focused on Arm devices, enabling local game installations through the Xbox PC app and expanding compatibility with the Prism emulator. Native anti-cheat support was introduced for Arm devices, enhancing competitive gaming. DirectX 12 advancements included features that improved ray tracing performance by up to 2.3×. Bluetooth LE Audio support was added to enhance audio quality for gamers. Upcoming innovations include expanding FSE to more Windows devices, further ASD support, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution for improved visuals in games.

Tech Optimizer

November 24, 2025

Ditching Antivirus: Why One Tech Writer’s PC Got Safer Without It

A writer from MakeUseOf uninstalled all third-party antivirus programs from his Windows PC and found that the system performed better and appeared more secure with Microsoft’s built-in Windows Defender. The experiment highlighted Defender's effectiveness, showing fewer false positives, improved performance, and no noticeable decline in protection. Independent tests ranked Defender highly in real-world protection, and it achieved perfect scores in recent AV-TEST evaluations. The removal of third-party antivirus software led to a significant decrease in CPU and RAM usage, with idle consumption dropping from 15-20% to under 5%. Despite 121 million Americans still using third-party tools, there is growing consideration for Defender due to its free and efficient nature. While Defender excels in many areas, experts caution that it may not fully protect against zero-day vulnerabilities, and layered defenses are still recommended. The antivirus market may face disruption as integrated protection becomes more common, and user feedback indicates a preference for free alternatives that match or exceed the performance of paid solutions.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Windows 11 Pro License With Expert Course Drops to $24.99.

A bundle is available for .99 that includes a Windows 11 Pro license and an expert-led training course. Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10, leaving users exposed to security vulnerabilities. To upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet specific requirements, including a compatible CPU, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. The bundle provides access to advanced features of Windows 11 Pro, such as BitLocker drive encryption and Remote Desktop, along with practical guidance on setup and customization. Users are advised to back up their files, clean up their systems, and choose the appropriate upgrade path. Windows 11 offers enhanced security features and improved productivity tools. The bundle is a cost-effective alternative to Extended Security Updates for those still using Windows 10.