Windows devices Archives

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm

Advantech's infographic addresses myths about Microsoft Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, distinguishing it from Windows Home or Professional editions. Myths about the operating system include: 1. Windows on Arm consumes significant power and resources, leading to poor performance. 2. The image size of Windows on Arm is greater than or equal to that of Windows on x86. 3. Desktop mode is unavailable on Windows on Arm. 4. Windows on Arm is a stripped-down version of Windows. 5. Arm architecture may face limitations with complex tasks. 6. All Windows devices are power-hungry, and switching to Arm offers no improvement. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC typically occupies about 6GB of storage, with a minimum requirement of 16GB. - Desktop mode is available on Windows on Arm. - Windows on Arm retains core functionalities, though some hardware drivers may have compatibility issues. - Arm processors are generally more efficient than x86 counterparts. Myths regarding applications and workload include: 7. Windows on Arm exclusively supports Arm64 applications. 8. Multimedia applications perform poorly on Windows on Arm devices. 9. Windows Copilot can be extended to all versions of Windows running on Arm. Key facts include: - An emulation system allows x86 applications to run on Arm hardware. - Multimedia performance depends on hardware acceleration, which is supported by major SoC manufacturers. - Cloud-based services like Windows Copilot operate effectively on Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, but on-device Copilot+ requires specific hardware capabilities. Myths about licensing and development include: 10. The Windows license fee for x86 is expensive, and the fee for Windows on Arm is similarly high. 11. Windows on Arm has limited support for certain Windows frameworks. 12. Development and debugging on Windows for Arm architecture present challenges requiring extended transition periods. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is priced between 0 and 0, offering a decade of security updates. - Transitioning from x86 to Arm for application development is streamlined, with common programming languages and frameworks remaining compatible. Tools like Visual Studio facilitate the development process.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

3 reasons you get more viruses on Windows than on Mac or Linux

The majority of malware is spread through social engineering, targeting users with limited computer security knowledge, particularly among Windows users. Windows has a larger user base, with approximately 1.6 billion devices and over 70% market share, making it a prime target for malware. In contrast, Macs account for about 15% of the market and benefit from robust security protocols, while Linux holds around 5% and its users generally possess higher technical expertise. Windows allows many applications to run with administrator access by default, which can create vulnerabilities, whereas Mac and Linux require explicit permissions for actions, enhancing security. Apple uses digital signatures and sandboxing to protect against malicious software, while Windows' security features are often limited to Pro and Enterprise editions. User behavior and knowledge significantly influence the likelihood of encountering malware, regardless of the operating system used.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft says Auto HDR causes game freezes on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has implemented a block on Windows 11 24H2 upgrades for systems with Auto HDR enabled due to reports of game freezes and graphical anomalies. Auto HDR enhances gaming visuals but has caused concerns among users regarding high-contrast and oversaturated visuals. Microsoft warned that enabling Auto HDR could lead to incorrect color representation and unresponsive games. Users experiencing issues are advised to disable Auto HDR through the 'Settings' app. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, tagged with safeguard ID 55382406. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted a previous compatibility hold related to Ubisoft game bugs and blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations and incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 upgrades blocked on some PCs due to audio issues

Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold on the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade for systems using Dirac audio enhancement software due to compatibility issues that disrupt sound output. The problem is associated with the cridspapo.dll software component, which affects integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and headsets, rendering them non-functional after the upgrade. Users are advised not to manually upgrade their devices until Dirac releases a fix for their audio driver. The safeguard hold will remain until the issue is resolved. Affected users can check for safeguard holds in Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced another upgrade block for Windows 11 24H2 concerning systems with Auto HDR due to compatibility issues causing game freezes.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

No sound after waking from Sleep mode or Hibernate in Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 and 10 have reported issues with no sound after waking their computers from Sleep or Hibernate mode, often due to a corrupted audio driver or crashes of the audio service. Troubleshooting steps include: 1. Check for Windows Update. 2. Run the Audio Troubleshooter. 3. Roll back the audio driver. 4. Reinstall the audio driver. 5. Check the status of essential services (Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, Plug and Play). 6. Update the chipset driver. 7. Restore or reset the PC. Improper Power Management settings for keyboard and mouse can prevent a computer from waking up from Sleep or Hibernate. Uninstalling and reinstalling the audio driver can resolve sound issues, and checking application settings and the Volume Mixer may also help.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

Windows can’t mirror sensitive notifications from some devices with One UI 7.0

Google's Android 15 introduces enhanced privacy features that prevent sensitive notifications from being mirrored to linked Windows PCs via Microsoft's Phone Link app. Notifications containing sensitive information, such as two-factor authentication codes and credit card details, will not be shared with third-party applications, including Phone Link. However, users with devices pre-loaded with Phone Link and supporting the Companion Device Role, like Galaxy smartphones on One UI 6.1 or newer, will still receive these notifications. Users can disable the ‘Enhanced Notifications’ setting to bypass this limitation, but doing so will also disable advanced features like reply suggestions.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

New Windows 0Day Attack Confirmed—Homeland Security Says Update Now

Microsoft has confirmed a zero-day security vulnerability, CVE-2024-49138, which poses a significant risk of full system compromise for Windows devices. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has included this vulnerability in its Known Exploited Vulnerability Catalog and recommends immediate action to mitigate risks. CVE-2024-49138 is a heap-based buffer overflow in the Microsoft Windows Common Log File System driver, affecting various editions of Windows since Server 2008. It has a CVSSv3.1 score of 7.8 and is rated Important by Microsoft, with risk-based prioritization suggesting it should be treated as Critical. Evidence indicates that this vulnerability is being exploited in the wild, raising concerns about potential ransomware attacks. Users are urged to update their systems promptly.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Outdated Google Workspace Sync blocks Windows 11 24H2 upgrades

Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold on Windows devices using Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook (GWSMO) due to issues with Outlook launch failures after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. The current version of GWSMO required for proper functionality is 4.3.68.0, released on November 22. Users who do not update to this version will face difficulties launching Outlook. The compatibility hold is identified by ID 54318776 in Windows Update for Business reports. Users should not use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool if they experience the safeguard hold. If the hold persists 48 hours after updating GWSMO, users are advised to contact Google Workspace Support. Microsoft has previously implemented similar safeguard holds for various other software and hardware compatibility issues.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Critical Windows Zero-Day Vulnerability Exploited in the Wild

Microsoft has addressed a zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-38193, exploited by the North Korean hacker group Lazarus APT. Discovered in June 2024, the flaw affected the Windows Ancillary Function Driver (AFD.sys) and posed a risk to Windows users globally. The vulnerability involved a race condition between two functions, leading to a use-after-free scenario that could be exploited. The Lazarus group used this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges through a rootkit called FudModule, designed to evade detection. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating high risk, and could grant attackers complete control over affected devices. Microsoft included a fix in its August 2024 Patch Tuesday update. Independent researcher Nephster published proof-of-concept code on GitHub, increasing risks for unpatched systems.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

How to prepare for the Windows 10 shutdown

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. It once had over a billion users and still holds over half of the market share. Users face vulnerabilities without security updates post-deadline, and about one in five laptops may not be compatible with Windows 11. Alternatives to Windows 11 include open-source operating systems like Linux and Google's OS Flex. Remanufacturing as a Service (RaaS) offers a sustainable option for extending IT infrastructure lifespan, with remanufactured laptops being up to 70% less expensive and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 316 kg per laptop. Microsoft has announced a one-year security update extension for Windows 10 users at a cost of £23. The end of Windows 10 coincides with International E-waste Day, presenting an opportunity for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.