warnings Archives

Winsage

September 1, 2026

Windows 11 Updates Trigger False Antivirus Warnings & Cursor Glitches

Microsoft is addressing two notable issues in Windows 11. The first is a harmless glitch that falsely indicates "Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off," which does not impact the antivirus's functionality. Users are advised to wait for a Microsoft update to resolve this. The second issue involves mouse customization settings not saving correctly since the August 27th update, although it only affects cosmetic preferences and not critical settings like pointer speed. Additionally, Microsoft has identified a solution for a game-breaking bug related to the "inpoutx64" driver, which will now be automatically blocked when launching Arc Raiders, with plans to extend this block to Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. Developers at Embark Studios have also implemented fixes for affected games, except for Tokon, for which players should use Microsoft's official workaround until a permanent solution is available.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Fake Microsoft Security Scan Tells You to Remove Antivirus—Then Scammers Ask for Remote Access

A new web-based scam is using counterfeit Microsoft-branded security scans to deceive users into uninstalling their antivirus software. The scam websites conduct fake inspections, reporting false security failures and claiming third-party antivirus products are unsupported by Windows. They gather browser information to create customized-looking scan reports and aim to mislead victims into a fraudulent refund process. Investigators have identified 11 related scam sites under the name SysScan, which present themselves as legitimate Microsoft security checks. The scam does not involve file downloads but relies on convincing websites, fabricated security scores, and personal information forms. The scan results are hard-coded, and the security score is limited to a range between 13 and 30 out of 100. The scams instruct users to uninstall antivirus software, which is misleading since Windows does not cease support for third-party antivirus solutions. The scam sites request extensive personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and banking details, and redirect victims to a page claiming a refund manager will call shortly. This process allows scammers to gain remote access to victims' computers. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses and domains associated with the scam.

Tech Optimizer

August 31, 2026

Fake Chrome update scam could infect your computer

A fake Chrome update scam has emerged, linked to a Chrome extension called Enable Right Click & Copy - Smart Unlock + OCR, which was initially legitimate but later compromised. The extension had around 70,000 users before being removed from the Chrome Web Store on August 14 due to its malicious nature. Users may encounter deceptive warnings while browsing benign sites, urging them to download files instead of using Chrome's built-in update mechanism. Google advises against engaging with suspicious pop-ups requesting software installations. The scam highlights that trusted extensions can become threats without warning, and users should regularly review their installed extensions and check for updates directly within Chrome. Similar fake update alerts have also been reported in other Chromium-based browsers. Users are encouraged to adopt safety measures, such as using strong antivirus software, reviewing browser extensions, and being cautious with downloaded files. If a suspicious file has been executed, users should treat their computer as potentially compromised and take appropriate security actions.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Google made Android 17’s best feature a Pixel 11-exclusive. This free app does it better

Android 17 features a Digital Wellbeing tool called Pause Point, which prompts users to reflect on their app usage but is only available on the Pixel 11 series. The Stroll app encourages users to earn screen time through physical activity, allowing them to accumulate time for using distracting applications by walking. It integrates step tracking from a phone’s counter or a smartwatch and allows manual input of steps via Google Health. Stroll restricts specific URLs and tracks usage streaks, promoting a healthier relationship with exercise and digital consumption. Unlike traditional app timers that warn users when time is running out, Stroll motivates users to engage in physical activity before accessing social media. The app also features a “time bank” for saving unused screen time. Users have reported reduced social media usage and a shift towards more enriching activities.

Tech Optimizer

August 30, 2026

WHAT THE TECH? iPhone antivirus scam

A viewer received a popup warning claiming her device had 120 viruses, which is a scam designed to prompt her to download a free antivirus app called "Total Cleaner." This alert is misleading and cannot scan the phone for viruses. The app has fake reviews, hidden costs, and privacy concerns, as it collects personal data. Most modern smartphones do not need traditional antivirus programs, and such popups are advertisements from free apps, misleading websites, or ad networks. To protect yourself, close the tab immediately, keep your device updated, and only download apps from official app stores after thorough research.

Winsage

August 30, 2026

Your GPU’s scheduling toggle was pointless in 2020, and a growing list of Windows features now need it

For over a decade, Windows managed graphics card operations through a single CPU thread. In May 2020, Microsoft introduced Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS), allowing users to transfer scheduling tasks to the GPU. HAGS shifts scheduling from the CPU to a dedicated processor on the GPU, reducing CPU overhead. The introduction of WDDM 3.0 with Windows 11 21H2 requires HAGS for the basic hardware flip queue, which reduces power consumption. The advanced hardware flip queue, which addresses presentation latency, also requires HAGS. With Windows 11 24H2 and WDDM 3.2, native GPU fences were introduced, allowing the GPU to manage dependencies without CPU intervention. Nvidia's frame generation features require HAGS, while Intel's Arc B-series cards do not. The state of HAGS is determined by GPU drivers, and applications like OBS have shown caution towards HAGS due to historical issues.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Why does Windows constantly need to update?

Windows updates are released frequently to enhance performance, improve compatibility, fix bugs, and distribute critical security patches. Microsoft issues security updates every second Tuesday of the month, known as Patch Tuesday, which are cumulative, meaning the latest updates include all previous fixes. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issues warnings about vulnerabilities, and Microsoft maintains a security portal for documentation of these issues. Users on unsupported versions, like Windows 10 without Extended Security Updates (ESU), are at increased risk. In addition to security updates, Windows receives an annual feature update and occasional optional non-security updates that introduce new features and enhancements. An example is the Windows 11 February 2026 preview update, which added new features and improvements.

Tech Optimizer

August 29, 2026

What the Tech: Antivirus Scams

A viewer reported receiving a popup on her smartphone claiming her system was infected with 120 viruses, which is a scam designed to provoke panic and encourage the download of a free antivirus app called “Total Cleaner.” This popup aims to trick users into downloading an app that may have hidden costs, initiate expensive subscriptions, or direct them to phishing sites. The app “Total Cleaner” has fake reviews, hidden costs after installation, and privacy concerns regarding personal data collection. Most modern smartphones do not require traditional antivirus programs, and such popups are advertisements from deceptive sources. To protect against these alerts, users should close the tab immediately, keep their devices updated, and only download apps from official app stores after thorough research.

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Windows 11 shut down controls for your PC may soon be available on your smartphone

The Link to Windows smartphone app may introduce remote shutdown capabilities for PCs, as indicated by recent data mining of its Android APK. A component called ‘RemoteControlManager’ has been found in the app's debug log, suggesting potential functions like restart, sleep, and shutdown options. The app is also expected to monitor system updates. However, warnings about potential data loss during shutdowns or restarts are present, and the current build lacks detailed notifications for affected applications. Users can choose to put their systems to sleep to avoid data loss, but this limits smartphone interaction until the PC is awakened. It is unclear when Microsoft will activate these features.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Google gives Android developers until February to use less RAM

AI data centers are consuming memory chips faster than the semiconductor industry can adjust production, affecting the Android ecosystem. Google announced new memory reduction requirements for all applications on Google Play due to hardware supply constraints impacting device memory availability. Every Android application must comply with revised performance thresholds for dynamic memory usage and bitmap allocation, with developers exceeding limits receiving automated notifications. A Memory Limiter tool will be introduced to enforce compliance by restricting non-compliant applications' memory usage. Budget Android devices, particularly those with 4GB of RAM, are at greater risk of crashes without optimization from developers. This policy will impact millions of users in regions with affordable Android phones. Chip foundries like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are reallocating production capacity towards High Bandwidth Memory for AI training chips, leading to a tighter supply of conventional DRAM for consumer devices. Google has not specified numerical thresholds for compliance, and the consequences for non-compliance remain unclear, with only warnings mentioned. The Memory Limiter tools are expected to be rolled out before the end of 2026, with full enforcement starting in February 2027, and a second requirement, Zero Tap Sign-In, will be introduced in April 2027. Development teams should prepare for these changes in the latter half of 2026.