Windows devices Archives

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Make USB-C great again: Microsoft requires full functionality of all PC ports for Windows 11 certificate

Microsoft has announced an update to its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) for Windows 11, introducing a new standard for USB-C ports. All certified devices must support data transfer, charging, and video output through their USB-C ports. Laptops with 40 Gbps USB ports will be required to support USB4 and Thunderbolt 3. The updates are effective for devices shipping with the Windows 11 24H2 update and will mandate the use of certified chips from USB-IF, along with Microsoft's own USB controller driver. These changes aim to eliminate inconsistencies in USB-C functionality across devices, providing users with reliable port performance by 2025.

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

Signal will block Microsoft Recall from snooping on your texts

Encrypted messaging platform Signal is enhancing its Windows application with a feature called Screen Security, which prevents screenshots of messages while the app is in use. The application is flagged as protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), ensuring that DRM content cannot be recorded in screenshots on Windows devices. Screen Security is activated by default but can be disabled by users if needed. Signal hopes that AI developers will consider the implications of their innovations more thoughtfully. The Recall feature in Windows 11, which allows users to record everything displayed on their screens, has faced privacy and security concerns, and skepticism remains about its readiness for widespread adoption.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal now blocks Microsoft Recall screenshots on Windows 11

Signal has introduced a "screen security" feature in its Windows application to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft's AI-driven Recall functionality from capturing content displayed within the app. This feature is active by default on all Windows 11 devices and sets a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag on Signal's app windows. Recall, launched in May 2024, captures screenshots of active windows and has raised privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to make it optional and implement various security enhancements. Users can disable Signal's screen security but will be warned about potential privacy risks. Signal's developer, Joshua Lund, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding privacy in applications like Signal and called for a balance between privacy and accessibility in AI technologies.

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.

Tech Optimizer

May 17, 2025

New ‘Defendnot’ tool tricks Windows into disabling Microsoft Defender

A tool named Defendnot can disable Microsoft Defender on Windows devices by registering a counterfeit antivirus product using an undocumented Windows Security Center (WSC) API. Developed by researcher es3n1n, it exploits the API to register a fictitious antivirus that meets Windows' validation criteria, leading to the automatic disabling of Microsoft Defender. Defendnot circumvents security measures by injecting a dummy antivirus DLL into the trusted Taskmgr.exe process. It also includes a loader for configuration customization and establishes an autorun entry through the Windows Task Scheduler for persistence. Microsoft Defender currently detects and quarantines Defendnot as a Win32/Sabsik.FL.!ml.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft App Assure helps Nord Security build for Windows on Arm

Developers are focusing on optimizing applications for the newly launched Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced system architecture, all-day battery life, and the ability to run AI models directly on the device. The initial Copilot+ PCs are powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus silicon, with AMD and Intel also introducing compatible processors. Microsoft’s App Assure Program provides guidance and technical support to help developers optimize applications for these devices, particularly for Arm-based Snapdragon X Series devices. NordVPN is a notable example of a company that successfully utilized the App Assure program to develop an Arm-optimized version of their application. The program includes the Arm Advisory Service, which allows developers to consult with Microsoft engineers for a smoother development process. Other companies, such as Proton VPN and F-Secure, have also benefited from the App Assure team in optimizing their applications for the Windows on Arm platform.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

The “End of 10” project wants to save aging PCs with Linux instead of Windows 11

As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life status in October, approximately 240 million PCs will become obsolete, prompting Microsoft to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, particularly on devices with Copilot+ technology. The "End of 10" initiative aims to introduce users to Linux, providing a website with instructions for installation and highlighting the benefits of Linux over Windows. Windows 11 requires Intel's 8th-generation processors or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series or newer, leaving many functional PCs, especially those made before 2017, unable to upgrade. The "End of 10" campaign promotes Linux as a viable alternative, emphasizing its compatibility with older hardware, cost-effectiveness, reduced emissions, privacy advantages, and lower susceptibility to malware. The website includes a directory of repair shops for support and offers a DIY installation guide. Despite over half of Windows devices still running Windows 10, the adoption rate of Windows 11 is increasing, indicating a potential shift in user migration.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

The tech community is celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," moving away from "World Password Day," with Microsoft and other organizations committing to the Passkey Pledge to promote passkey adoption. Microsoft has developed passkeys as a secure authentication method, replacing traditional passwords and allowing access via facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Over 99% of users now prefer Windows Hello for sign-ins, and hundreds of websites support passkeys, which are resistant to phishing. Last year, there were 7,000 password attacks every second, highlighting the urgency of this transition. Microsoft has introduced passkey support for consumer applications, achieving nearly a million registrations daily, with passkey sign-ins being three times more successful and eight times faster than traditional methods. New Microsoft accounts will be created without passwords by default, and the sign-in process will prioritize passwordless methods. Currently, over 15 billion user accounts can use passkeys, with a goal to transition billions more.

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.