Windows computers Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 12, 2025

Defendnot — A New Tool That Disables Windows Defender by Posing as an Antivirus Solution

Defendnot is a tool that disables Windows Defender by using the Windows Security Center (WSC) API, presenting itself as a legitimate antivirus solution. It was created by a developer named “es3n1n” and follows the removal of a previous tool called “no-defender.” The tool engages directly with WSC, which disables Windows Defender when third-party antivirus software is installed to avoid conflicts. Defendnot was developed through reverse engineering of the WSC service and involves understanding how WSC verifies processes. It registers a phantom antivirus product using COM interfaces and undocumented Windows APIs, leading Windows to disable its built-in protection. The tool requires administrative privileges to operate and adds itself to autorun to maintain its functionality after a reboot. Security experts express concern about its potential misuse by malware authors, while it also provides insights into vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s security architecture.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft unveils new AI agents that can modify Windows settings

Microsoft has introduced a suite of Windows experiences for Copilot+ PCs, featuring AI agents that help users adjust settings on their computers by interpreting user intent and automating tasks with consent. Users can communicate in natural language to receive guidance or have changes executed directly. This feature will initially be available to English-speaking Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered devices, with plans for broader support. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows search capabilities and expanding Click to Do actions, allowing users to schedule meetings, send messages, consult M365 Copilot, convert data in Excel, and draft documents in Word. Creative tools like Photos, Paint, and the Snipping Tool are receiving updates, including dynamic lighting controls in Photos, a sticker generator in Paint, and new capture capabilities in the Snipping Tool. Upcoming features for Windows 11 Insiders include a phone companion for the Start menu, AI-driven actions in File Explorer, and a new writing function in Notepad for generating text from prompts. Microsoft is also testing a "Draw & Hold" feature in the Snipping Tool and has introduced a text rewriting tool called "Rewrite."

BetaBeacon

April 29, 2025

Google Play Games might be headed to the graveyard

Google is planning to introduce gamer profiles and the ability to "follow" other users in the Play Store app.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

Microsoft Has a Fix for Windows’ Latest Blue Screen Problem

Unexpected crashes on Windows 11 version 24H2 have been reported, resulting in a secure kernel fatal error with the blue screen exception error code 0x18B. Microsoft has introduced a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to address this issue by rolling back specific updates. For personal or non-managed computers, the fix will be automatically deployed via Windows Update, and users are advised to restart their PCs. For enterprise devices, IT departments must install the KIR Group Policy, found under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates, and a restart of affected devices is required. The blue screen bug appeared after a Patch Tuesday update that addressed 134 security vulnerabilities, including a zero-day flaw.

BetaBeacon

April 9, 2025

Download Goose Goose Duck (free) for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS

Goose Goose Duck is a free game available on multiple platforms, including mobile devices and PCs. Optional in-game purchases offer visual accessories and skins, but do not affect gameplay.

Tech Optimizer

April 8, 2025

Alert!! New Neptune RAT virus can steal your passwords via YouTube

A sophisticated malware known as Neptune RAT is spreading through platforms like GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube, operating on a malware-as-a-service model. It allows cybercriminals to infiltrate Windows computers, steal sensitive information, and extort victims for ransom. Key features of Neptune RAT include: - Crypto Theft: Monitors cryptocurrency transactions and swaps wallet addresses to redirect funds. - Password Stealing: Extracts saved passwords from over 270 applications, including browsers like Google Chrome. - Ransomware Attacks: Locks files and demands ransom for their release. - Antivirus Disabling: Disables Windows Defender and other security measures. - Real-time Surveillance: Monitors user screens and activities for potential blackmail. - Data Destruction: Can obliterate all data on a compromised system. To stay safe, users should avoid downloading files or clicking on suspicious links, use robust antivirus solutions, subscribe to identity theft protection services, and regularly back up important data.

Tech Optimizer

April 5, 2025

I put Trend Micro and McAfee antivirus in a head to head showdown – here’s how it went

McAfee and Trend Micro are two antivirus software options with distinct features. Specifications: - McAfee costs per year for a single user; Trend Micro starts at per year for 2 adults and 4 children. - McAfee supports Windows 10 and 11; Trend Micro supports Windows 8.1 to 11. - Malware protection is rated as good for McAfee and adequate for Trend Micro. - Both do not offer backup software. - System resource usage is light to heavy for both. Costs and Coverage: - Both do not have a free tier but offer a 30-day trial. - Trend Micro's entry-level Antivirus + Security is priced at , while McAfee's Basic plan typically retails for for a single device. - Trend Micro offers packages for 3 devices, 5 systems, and 10 systems, while McAfee's plans cover up to two adults and four children. Antivirus Protection: - Trend Micro uses heuristic behavioral analysis, while McAfee employs cloud-based infrastructure and machine learning. - Both provide periodic updates, but McAfee features Ransom Guard for monitoring file changes. Antivirus Performance: - McAfee has a 99.8% protection rate; Trend Micro has a 98.1% rate. - McAfee has fewer false positives (10) compared to Trend Micro (76). Security and Privacy Features: - Trend Micro includes a Firewall Booster; McAfee emphasizes phishing protection and personal data privacy. Performance and System Impact: - Trend Micro has minimal impact on system resources; McAfee uses more resources during scans. Interface: - Trend Micro's interface is user-friendly; McAfee's interface is simplified but less customizable. Installation and Support: - McAfee's installation takes under five minutes; Trend Micro's takes over twelve minutes. - McAfee offers 24/7 support; Trend Micro's support is limited to business hours unless on a premium plan. Overall, McAfee is rated higher in performance and features, while Trend Micro is noted for its efficient resource management and user-friendly interface.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 10 holdouts are finally starting to switch to Windows 11

As of March 2025, Windows 10's market share has declined to 54.23%, experiencing a drop of 4.43 percentage points. Meanwhile, Windows 11's user adoption has increased by 4.53 percentage points, reaching 42.66% of all Windows desktop users. The decline in Windows 10's user base is influenced by the impending end of support in October, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or paying for an extension of Windows 10 support to avoid losing security updates.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 market share grows rapidly with the end of Windows 10 approaching

As of March 2025, Windows 10 has a market share of 54.23%, down 4.43 percentage points from the previous month, while Windows 11's market share has risen to 42.66%, an increase of 4.53 percentage points. Windows 11's adoption has surged by 15.98 percentage points since March 2024, while Windows 10 has declined by 14.84 percentage points during the same period. Regular support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with only the Extended Security Updates program available for continued security updates. Windows 7 has a market share of 2.22%, Windows XP is at 0.33%, and Windows 8.1 stands at 0.28%.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Download TubeMate YouTube Downloader for Windows and Android, APK

TubeMate is a tool for curating a library of video files, allowing users to add video URLs via drag-and-drop or by pasting links. It features a user-friendly interface with three tabs: Download, Convert, and Tasks, enabling users to manage downloads and convert files. TubeMate can download entire playlists with a single link and uses multi-threaded connections for efficient downloading, supporting various video qualities up to 8K and formats including MP4, MP3, AVI, WAV, and WMV. Users can extract audio, trim videos, and preview quality during downloads with its built-in media player. The software includes organizational tools for managing content and is regularly updated for compatibility with evolving streaming technologies. TubeMate is available for Windows and Android devices.