Windows features Archives

Winsage

April 30, 2025

A mysterious new Windows 11 folder appeared – and now there’s a new exploit

Windows 11 users encountered the "inetpub" folder after the April 2023 update (KB5055523), which is a crucial component for addressing the security vulnerability CVE-2025-21204. Microsoft stated that the folder should not be removed, as it helps manage Windows Update security vulnerabilities by preventing unauthorized control through symbolic links. However, cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont revealed that the same patch introduced a new vulnerability that could allow remote exploitation, prompting Microsoft to acknowledge this issue with a "Moderate" status and indicate that a fix is forthcoming. Users are advised to keep their systems updated and not delete the "inetpub" folder. If the folder is deleted, it can be restored by enabling Internet Information Services in the Control Panel.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Windows Insider Program: What is it and why you should consider joining it (and few reasons you shouldn’t)

The Windows Insider Program allows users to explore unreleased features of Microsoft's Windows operating system by enrolling in various channels. To join, Windows 11 users can go to Settings >> Windows Update and select Windows Insider Program, enabling optional diagnostic data sharing with Microsoft. There are four channels to choose from: 1. Canary Channel: For technical users wanting to preview early-stage features, often unstable. 2. Dev Channel: More stable than Canary, includes features under consideration for future releases. 3. Beta Channel: Recommended for most users, offers a balance of stability and innovation with features likely to be rolled out to all users. 4. Release Preview Channel: The most stable option, providing a preview of the next major release with tested functionalities. Reasons to join include early access to new features, the ability to provide feedback to Microsoft, professional advantages for IT administrators, community engagement, and skill improvement. However, drawbacks include potential system instability and bugs, as well as privacy concerns related to sharing diagnostic data.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

5 hidden Windows features I wish I’d been using all along

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity: 1. Clipboard History: Allows users to copy and paste multiple items. To enable, go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on Clipboard history and Clipboard history across devices. 2. Scroll Inactive Windows: Enables scrolling through inactive windows by hovering over them. To activate, go to Settings -> Bluetooth & devices -> Mouse and toggle on "Scroll inactive windows when hovering over them." 3. Ctrl+Shift+Enter in Run Dialog Box: Launches applications with administrative privileges using the Ctrl+Shift+Enter shortcut in the Run dialog box. 4. Enable Enhanced Search: Expands search capabilities to include the entire drive. To enable, go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> Searching Windows and select the Enhanced option. 5. Enable God Mode: Provides access to numerous system settings in one location. To activate, create a new folder and rename it to a specific string that grants access to these settings.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (KB5055632) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. New features include: - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage the masking of profane words. - Click to Do is now available in preview, allowing users to configure pen shortcuts to launch it. - Improved Windows Search for OneDrive users, which now only displays matches for keywords found within cloud file text. - Enhanced Accessibility flyout in quick settings, organizing assistive technologies into categories. Fixes include: - Addressed issues causing certain apps to appear blank after installation. - Resolved problems with Windows Hello facial recognition and input issues with the touch keyboard. - Fixed issues preventing Quick Assist from functioning for non-administrator users and problems with USB devices disconnecting after sleep. Known issues include: - Users may initially receive an older build upon joining the Dev Channel. - Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a specific error. - Reports of core Windows surfaces failing to load in safe mode are under investigation. - A bugcheck issue when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth is noted. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (KB5055634) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as a profanity filter setting for voice typing, the Click to Do feature for pen users, and improved Windows Search functionality for OneDrive users. Enhancements to the Accessibility flyout in quick settings have been made, and various fixes have been implemented, including issues with Windows Hello facial recognition and the touch keyboard. Known issues include problems with Windows Sandbox and Xbox Controller connectivity. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include: - New Text Actions in Click to Do: - "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation. - "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options. - Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them. - Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings. - File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open. - Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard. - Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app. - Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals. - Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout. - Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update. - Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Don’t Delete This Empty Folder on Windows 11

The "inetpub" folder, which appeared after the latest Patch Tuesday update on Windows 11, is part of a security enhancement addressing the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability that could allow attackers to modify system files. Users are advised not to delete this folder, as it contributes to increased protection. If deleted, it can be restored by navigating to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, selecting "Turn Windows features on or off," checking the box next to Internet Information Services, and clicking OK. This process recreates the folder with the same security protections.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Don’t delete inetpub folder. It’s a Windows security fix

A new folder, typically located at C:inetpub, appears on Windows systems after installing the April Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10 and 11. This folder is created as a security measure related to the vulnerability CVE-2025-21204, which could allow unauthorized access to system-level file management. Microsoft advises users to leave this folder untouched, as it is established with read-only SYSTEM-level access to prevent privilege escalation exploits. The folder will be created even if Internet Information Services (IIS) is not installed, and there are currently no known exploits for CVE-2025-21204. If the folder is deleted, it can be recreated by enabling IIS in the Windows features settings. Users can also manually create the folder with the appropriate permissions if desired.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

No, it’s not OK to delete that new inetpub folder

Microsoft has introduced a new inetpub folder located at %systemdrive%inetpub on user devices as part of the April Patch Tuesday updates to enhance system protection. This folder is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS), which is not installed by default. Microsoft advises that this folder should not be deleted, regardless of whether IIS is active. The vulnerability CVE-2025-21204 allows an authenticated attacker to elevate privileges locally, enabling them to perform file management operations on the victim machine. The "link following flaw" refers to inadequate prevention of filename linking to unintended resources, and mitigating this risk involves denying access to specific files and setting appropriate folder permissions. The inetpub folder serves as a protective measure against potential exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

If You Deleted This Weird New Folder in Windows, You Need to Put It Back. Here’s How

Windows 11 users have noticed an empty folder named "inetpub" appearing after a recent update, which is important for managing logs for Internet Information Services (IIS), even for those without IIS activated. Microsoft has warned against deleting this folder, as it can lead to security vulnerabilities, allowing potential attackers to exploit a "link following flaw." If the folder is deleted, it can be restored by reactivating IIS through the Control Panel under Windows features.