Windows computers Archives

Winsage

April 17, 2026

What to do when device settings don’t migrate to Windows 11

On October 10, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, ending technical assistance, feature updates, and security updates. Organizations are required to transition to Windows 11. During the migration, IT administrators may face errors indicating that certain device settings were not successfully migrated, which can disrupt user experience. Causes of these errors include outdated or incompatible device drivers, failing physical components, incompatible software, restrictive group policies, missing registry keys, and interference from third-party tools. Affected devices may malfunction, impacting productivity. IT teams can troubleshoot these issues by restarting computers, identifying problematic devices using Device Manager, verifying and updating device drivers, checking physical devices, ensuring the operating environment is up to date, utilizing Microsoft command-line utilities, and performing clean boots or system restores if necessary.

Winsage

April 7, 2026

What is the Microsoft Windows game that Iran is ‘using’ to tease Donald Trump

The United States and Iran are engaging in digital tensions, with Iranian embassies using social media for pointed critiques of President Trump. A notable instance occurred when the Iranian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif shared a satirical video combining gameplay from the 90s game Minesweeper with a map of the Strait of Hormuz, humorously highlighting Trump's navigation efforts. The video features animated explosions and sarcastic text, emphasizing the risks associated with US navigation in the strategically important waterway. Iran has stated it deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz to control maritime traffic, and the use of Minesweeper in this context serves to illustrate the dangers of navigating these waters.

Winsage

March 29, 2026

Samsung Browser now available on Windows operating system

Samsung has launched its web browser for Windows operating systems, expanding from its previous availability on smartphones. The browser allows users to switch seamlessly between mobile devices and Windows computers, with automatic synchronization of bookmarks, browsing history, and open tabs. It is available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 (version 1809 or later) and includes AI-powered features, though some are currently limited to users in South Korea and the United States. One notable feature is the 'Agentic AI' assistant, which can understand natural language queries and analyze web pages to provide relevant information.

Tech Optimizer

March 16, 2026

What Is a Crypto Miner Virus?

A crypto miner virus, or cryptojacking malware, secretly uses a device’s CPU or GPU to mine cryptocurrency for an attacker, leading to increased electricity costs and potential hardware damage for the victim. It typically infects devices through phishing emails, pirated software, compromised websites, and malicious browser extensions. Monero is the preferred cryptocurrency for mining due to its efficiency on standard CPUs and privacy features. Signs of infection include overheating, high CPU usage, and increased electricity bills. Detection involves monitoring system performance and running antivirus scans. Prevention includes using antivirus software, keeping systems updated, and avoiding pirated software. Notable incidents include attacks on a European water utility and the Los Angeles Times website.

Tech Optimizer

November 5, 2025

Hackers Are Using Linux Malware to Invisibly Bypass Windows Security

Hackers are refining tactics to evade detection by EDR systems and antivirus software, with a notable strategy being the use of Linux malware to infiltrate Windows systems. Investigations by Bitdefender and CERT-GE revealed a campaign by the Russian hacker group Curly COMrades, which exploits the Hyper-V virtualization platform on Windows 10 to create covert access channels. They utilize Alpine Linux for lightweight virtual machines that are difficult to detect, requiring only 120 MB of disk space and 256 MB of RAM. The attackers maintain persistent access using tools like Resocks and Stunnel, starting their activities in early July 2024 by activating Hyper-V on compromised systems and deploying misleading virtual machines labeled “WSL.” They introduced custom malware, CurlyShell and CurlCat, for communication and remote access. This trend of using Linux malware against Windows systems is growing, as seen in recent Qilin ransomware attacks documented by Trend Micro.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Windows Offer—You Have 72 Hours To Act

Users operating on Windows 10 must enroll in Microsoft's free Extended Security Updates (ESU) program before October 14, 2025, to ensure uninterrupted security updates. Enrollment in the ESU program remains available until it expires on October 14, 2026, but delaying enrollment will result in a gap in security updates. Missing the October 14 deadline does not prevent enrollment in the ESU program, but devices will be more vulnerable during any non-enrollment period. Enrolling in the ESU program does not hinder upgrading to Windows 11 if the PC meets eligibility criteria. Kaspersky experts have raised concerns about privacy implications of requiring a Microsoft account for Windows 11 setup. Nearly 40% of Windows computers still run on Windows 10, with many being fully functional but not compatible with Windows 11. Users have a year to navigate these changes before the next deadline approaches.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Microsoft Is Abandoning Windows 10. Hackers Are Celebrating.

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, impacting hundreds of millions of computers in the U.S. and raising concerns about increased electronic waste, estimated to exceed one billion pounds. Approximately 42 percent of Windows computers globally still use Windows 10, compared to only 4 percent for Windows 8 when support was discontinued in 2016. Users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 face limited options: pay for extended support or replace their devices, which can be financially burdensome. Nearly 43 percent of active PCs running Windows 10 are not equipped to upgrade to Windows 11, which requires a 64-bit processor, 64 GB of storage, and a high-definition display. Without ongoing updates, devices running unsupported software become more vulnerable to hacking and data breaches. The FBI estimates that internet crimes will cost U.S. consumers over billion in 2024, a 33 percent increase from the previous year. Consumer advocates emphasize the need for manufacturers to disclose support timelines, with 72 percent of Americans believing this information should be mandatory.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

35 years of Microsoft Solitaire: An illustrated history of the game’s evolution

Microsoft Solitaire has been played by over 500 million players worldwide since its launch in 1990 as part of Windows 3.0. It was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019. The game has been localized into 65 languages and is available on various devices, despite no longer being pre-installed on Windows computers. Originally designed to help users learn mouse functionality, Solitaire became a popular choice for players seeking a break from daily life. With the release of Windows XP in 2001, online competition emerged, but traditional Solitaire remained popular. In 2015, Microsoft released Solitaire as a downloadable app within the Windows Store, including classic modes and new challenges. The game has inspired various adaptations and alternatives, while some players, like Ariana Torrey, continue to appreciate its nostalgic simplicity.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Windows 10 turns ten years old today

Microsoft released Windows 10 on July 29, 2015, as a response to dissatisfaction with Windows 8. The operating system replaced the touch-centric design of Windows 8 with a more traditional desktop experience and began to surpass Windows 7 in popularity between spring 2017 and early 2018. By the end of 2021, over 80 percent of Windows computers were running Windows 10, aided by free upgrade offers. Jerry Nixon, a senior developer at Microsoft, referred to Windows 10 as the "last Windows," a sentiment echoed in the Windows Internals manual. However, Windows 11 was announced on June 24, 2021, and officially released on October 5, 2021. Despite free upgrades from Windows 10, Windows 11 has struggled to gain popularity due to its lack of groundbreaking features and stringent system requirements. As of now, Windows 10 remains installed on over half of all Windows PCs and laptops. General support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive security updates.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft quietly fixed Windows 11 24H2 issues caused by past update

Microsoft has confirmed that the mandatory Windows 11 24H2 updates have negatively impacted the operating system's stability. Users have reported various error messages while trying to install updates KB5060842 and KB5063060, including 0x800f0922, 0x80070002, 0x80070306, and 0x800f0991. Gamers have experienced unexpected restarts, taskbar freezes, erroneous Windows Firewall notifications, and performance drops in games. Microsoft has addressed these stability concerns in the optional preview update KB5062660, which is not automatically installed and is scheduled for general release in August. Users can manually install it to mitigate the issues. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11's performance and stability by implementing stricter driver standards.