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Windows 11's driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there
Winsage
September 27, 2026

Windows 11’s driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there

Windows 11 requires drivers to be digitally signed, a policy aimed at enhancing security by preventing unauthorized code from executing at the kernel level. This requirement, which began with Windows Vista and became mandatory with Windows 10, version 1607, has tightened over the years, especially with the introduction of UEFI Secure Boot and TPM in Windows 11. While this enforcement protects against malware and supports anti-cheat systems in gaming, it limits user autonomy and imposes significant challenges for developers, particularly those working on smaller projects. In contrast, Linux allows users more freedom to modify their systems, though this flexibility can compromise security.
Google researcher explains why Windows NT "puts Linux to shame," and imagines an alternate history where it won
Winsage
September 27, 2026

Google researcher explains why Windows NT “puts Linux to shame,” and imagines an alternate history where it won

Laurie Kirk, a Google researcher and former Microsoft reverse engineer, argues that the Windows NT kernel is superior to Linux in several aspects, particularly in its architecture for managing resources and access permissions. She emphasizes that her critique focuses on the system architecture rather than the user interface of Windows 11. Kirk raises concerns about Linux's suitability for AI agents due to its complex security model, while praising NT's object-based design and security framework. She speculates on an alternate history where Microsoft had created an "Open NT," allowing for customizable components, but acknowledges the challenges of maintaining forks in operating systems. Critics of NT highlight its performance and reliability issues, while Linux's open-source nature has contributed to its dominance in servers and cloud computing. Kirk suggests that future operating systems may need to balance the defined resource types of NT with the flexibility of Linux, especially as AI technology evolves.
More choice and possibility with Windows PCs at IFA
Winsage
September 16, 2026

More choice and possibility with Windows PCs at IFA

At IFA, the Windows ecosystem showcased new PCs from various partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, MSI, AMD, and NVIDIA, highlighting their ability to meet diverse user needs. Acer introduced the sustainable Vero 16 laptop, while ASUS presented the ProArt P16 and P14 for creators. Dell unveiled the portable 14S laptop, and Lenovo expanded its Yoga portfolio with the Yoga Pro 9n for demanding tasks. MSI launched the Venture 15 AI+ B3M, balancing productivity and gaming. AMD announced support for Microsoft’s Project Zenith with its Ryzen AI Halo systems, and NVIDIA introduced tools for local AI on Windows. The event emphasized the collaboration among partners to deliver innovative technologies.
Microsoft tried to kill Paint in Windows for a successor nobody wanted, then killed the successor
Winsage
September 15, 2026

Microsoft tried to kill Paint in Windows for a successor nobody wanted, then killed the successor

Microsoft's Paint has been a popular tool since its launch in Windows 1.0 in 1985, with over 100 million monthly users reported in 2017. Paint 3D was introduced as part of Microsoft's vision for "3D for everyone," featuring tools like 3D Doodle, Brushes for 3D surfaces, Magic Select, and Mixed Reality Viewer. However, it struggled to resonate with users due to a cumbersome interface and a lack of necessity for 3D capabilities, leading to its deprecation in 2024. By 2021, Paint 3D was no longer preinstalled on new Windows 10 devices, and Microsoft shifted focus back to the original Paint, enhancing it with features like background removal and AI-driven tools. Despite its potential, Paint 3D failed to bridge the gap between casual users and professional 3D software, and an open-source approach could be a way to revitalize it.
Microsoft warns that killing VBScript could break Windows activation for businesses
Winsage
September 12, 2026

Microsoft warns that killing VBScript could break Windows activation for businesses

Microsoft is phasing out VBScript and urging organizations to transition to PowerShell. The Slmgr.vbs tool, used for managing Windows activation, will lose functionality as VBScript is deprecated. Slmgr.vbs allows users to install product keys, activate Windows, and check licensing status. VBScript will soon only be available as a Feature on Demand, requiring manual installation in future updates. PowerShell's OSLicense module offers similar capabilities to Slmgr.vbs for managing activation information. The OSLicense module is available for Windows 11 users after the August 2026 Preview update and will be supported in the next major release of Windows Server. Organizations are advised to review their existing scripts and tools to adapt to this transition.
Windows Activation Automation Must Move Beyond VBScript
Winsage
September 11, 2026

Windows Activation Automation Must Move Beyond VBScript

Many organizations still use legacy Windows activation scripts based on slmgr.vbs, which are integrated into deployment workflows and IT management tools. Microsoft is phasing out VBScript, which these automations rely on, leading to potential activation failures in newer Windows versions. Microsoft recommends transitioning to the OSLicense PowerShell module to replace slmgr.vbs functions. Organizations should identify dependencies on VBScript components and test replacement scripts before production deployment. Compatibility of OSLicense with various Windows releases must be confirmed, and organizations may need to invest time in testing, documentation, retraining, and fallback planning during the migration process. Proactive migration planning can ease the transition compared to delaying until VBScript is fully removed.
CVE-2026-85880 and CVE-2026-81963: Microsoft Patches Two Actively Exploited Windows Zero-Days
Winsage
September 10, 2026

CVE-2026-85880 and CVE-2026-81963: Microsoft Patches Two Actively Exploited Windows Zero-Days

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday on September 8, 2026, addressed two critical Windows privilege escalation vulnerabilities: CVE-2026-85880 and CVE-2026-81963, both with a CVSS score of 7.8. CVE-2026-85880 is a heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC), allowing attackers with low-privilege local access to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. CVE-2026-81963 involves improper link resolution in the Windows Update Stack, enabling similar privilege escalation. Both vulnerabilities require no user interaction and have been actively exploited prior to the patch release. CISA added them to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on September 8, 2026, with a remediation deadline of September 22 for U.S. federal agencies. CVE-2026-85880 affects various Windows 10 and Server versions but excludes Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. CVE-2026-81963 impacts newer Windows platforms, including Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft released security updates for both vulnerabilities on September 8, 2026, and organizations are advised to prioritize these updates. Security teams should monitor for signs of privilege escalation and unusual SYSTEM-level activities related to these vulnerabilities.
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