Windows device Archives

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 21, 2025

Windows 11 Introduces Enhanced Administrator Protection to Strengthen Security Against Elevated Privilege Attacks

Microsoft has launched Administrator Protection for Windows 11, a feature designed to enhance cybersecurity by preventing privilege escalation attacks. This feature creates a security boundary around administrative operations, reducing the attack surface for cybercriminals. It introduces a hidden, system-managed local user account that generates isolated admin tokens, preventing user-level malware from compromising elevated processes. Administrator Protection eliminates auto-elevation functionality, requiring users to explicitly authorize administrative actions. It utilizes a System Managed Administrator Account (SMAA) that generates non-persistent admin tokens for specific tasks, which are discarded after use. The feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary channel and will expand to the Dev channel, with broader deployment expected in the 24H2 release. Compatibility challenges may arise in complex development environments, such as with Visual Studio.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Samsung Notes finally lets you use the app on any Windows device

Samsung Notes can now operate on any Windows device, allowing users to sync the app without needing a Galaxy Book. Previously, users faced limitations and had to use workarounds for compatibility with non-Galaxy devices. The update has received positive feedback, with users reporting successful operation on various Windows laptops, enhancing productivity by allowing note consolidation across multiple devices.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Lightweight Windows 11 version finally gets an update

Microsoft has released version 2504 of Validation OS, a streamlined version of Windows 11 designed for hardware validation, error diagnosis, and quality control in Windows device production. This version includes enhancements in .NET support, driver management, and USB boot capabilities. It operates through a command-line interface (CLI) and supports Win32 applications. Key features of the 2504 release include support for WPF applications via the Microsoft-WinVOS-WPF-Support package, inclusion of Surface Dock drivers, improved USB boot functionality with RAM disk size configuration through DISM, separation of CJK fonts from the general font package, and an upgrade to the latest .NET implementation. Some known issues remain, such as instability with Bluetooth and Serial Console packages on ARM64 systems. The update builds on previous releases that added features like the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and Hyper-V-compatible VHDX images. Validation OS is not intended for end users but benefits manufacturers and IT professionals in hardware production and validation. The latest build is available for download from Microsoft's official page.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft wants users to ditch Windows 10 before its imminent death — Using Copilot+ PCs with Recall to upsell Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through its new Copilot+ PCs. These PCs meet Windows 11's system requirements and feature AI-powered enhancements, including up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4, operating up to 5 times faster than five-year-old Windows devices, and offering up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge. In January, Microsoft reported that 15% of premium-priced laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter were Copilot+ PCs, with expectations for this percentage to increase. Windows 11's market share is currently 42.69%, while Windows 10 holds 54.2%.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Surface Hub v1 has less than six months of support left

Microsoft is ending support for the Surface Hub v1 and Surface Hub 2S, with the last security updates for Windows 10 Team edition scheduled for October 14. The original Surface Hub v1 will be unsupported after October 2025, while users are encouraged to transition to the Surface Hub 3. Launched in 2015, the Surface Hub shipped 2,000 units in its first nine months, priced at ,999 for the 84-inch version. The device is becoming obsolete as Microsoft discontinues support for Microsoft Teams, prompting users to consider alternative uses for the Surface Hub v1.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

It must be a day with a ‘y’ in it – there’s a problematic Windows 11 update causing blue screens

Microsoft is addressing issues stemming from the KB5055523 update for Windows 11, which has caused Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors with the 0x18B error code. This update was automatically installed on most devices and is linked to the earlier KB5053656 preview update. Microsoft is implementing a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to mitigate the problem, although it may take up to 24 hours for the fix to propagate to consumer and non-managed business devices. For enterprise-managed devices, IT administrators must manually resolve the issue by configuring the necessary Group Policy.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2025

Steps to Scan Your Computer for Free and Check for Viruses and Malware

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in security tool in Windows 10 and 11 that provides comprehensive protection against viruses and malware without requiring additional software. Users can perform manual scans, including Quick, Full, and Custom scans, to identify and eliminate threats. To run a scan, users must open Windows Security, navigate to "Virus & threat protection," and select the desired scan option. Windows Security also includes features such as real-time protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, device security, and account protection. It is essential to keep Windows Security updated with the latest virus definitions for optimal protection. Users can also schedule automatic scans for regular checks.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows users to ignore 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has acknowledged that some users may experience installation failures with error code 0x80070643 when deploying the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates, specifically affecting the KB5057589 update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, and the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022. The company stated that this error is misleading and does not affect device functionality, as the WinRE update is typically applied successfully after a device restart. Users may see a failure indication in Windows Update, but this will be resolved after the next daily scan and restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue, which follows a similar situation from August 2024. Additionally, fraudulent IT support websites have been identified promoting malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft is putting privacy-endangering Recall back into Windows 11

Security and privacy advocates are concerned about Recall, an AI tool in Windows 11 that captures and stores user activity every three seconds. Initially unveiled in May 2024, Recall faced criticism for its potential to expose sensitive information and privacy risks, particularly in situations like intimate partner violence. Microsoft temporarily suspended Recall in response to backlash but announced plans to reintroduce it for insiders using a preview version. Recall allows users to search for previously accessed content by saving snapshots of their activity, which can be controlled and paused by the user. Microsoft aims to address privacy concerns with an opt-in requirement and the ability to pause the feature, but skepticism remains about its effectiveness.