Windows computers Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Any Mac users working with Parallels Pro can now get Windows 11 Pro for less than $15

Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11. Mac users can currently purchase Windows 11 Pro for .97, a significant discount from its regular price of 9. Windows 11 Pro includes enhancements like a streamlined interface, Snap Layouts, multiple desktops, Windows Sandbox, biometric login support, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and an AI-powered Copilot assistant. This offer is available for a limited time, and no coupon is required.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Samsung’s Galaxy apps now work on non-Galaxy Windows computers

Samsung has expanded the availability of its applications, previously exclusive to Galaxy laptops, to non-Galaxy Windows devices. Users can now download apps such as Galaxy Notes, Gallery, and Cloud from the Microsoft Store. Some applications require a Samsung Account for full functionality, and Galaxy Notes has been optimized for Galaxy Books, which may affect performance on other devices. The available applications include Galaxy Notes, Cloud, Gallery, Screen Recorder, Galaxy Buds, Bixby, Samsung Studio, and Phone.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Microsoft says 394,000 Windows computers infected by Lumma malware

Microsoft announced the dismantling of the Lumma Stealer malware project in collaboration with global law enforcement. Over 394,000 Windows computers were identified as infected by Lumma between March 16 and May 16. The malware is known for stealing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details. Microsoft, with a court order, dismantled the web domains supporting Lumma's infrastructure, while the U.S. Department of Justice took control of its central command structure. More than 1,300 domains were seized or transferred to Microsoft, with 300 acted upon by law enforcement and Europol. Other tech firms like Cloudflare and Lumen assisted in this effort. Since 2022, hackers have been acquiring Lumma through underground forums, and it has been used in phishing campaigns and attacks on various sectors, including gaming, education, and critical infrastructure.

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.