Windows Firewall Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

I tested the best antivirus software for Windows: Here’s what I’d use to protect my PC

Windows Security is a free antivirus program pre-installed on every Windows PC, offering solid protection. Bitdefender provides a comprehensive antivirus solution with a yearly subscription. Malwarebytes is recommended as the top antivirus choice for Windows users, featuring a user-friendly interface and both free and paid versions. TotalAV is an affordable option with a built-in VPN and system tune-up tool. McAfee Total Protection offers extensive features, including identity theft coverage. Avast One is designed for gamers, providing a Do Not Disturb mode. uBlock Origin is an ad blocker that enhances browser security, while Brave is a secure web browser with built-in tracking and ad blocking features.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft asks Windows 11 users to ignore yet another error message

Microsoft has advised users to disregard a new error related to the CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll), logged as Error ID 57 in the Event Viewer, which may appear after installing the optional July 2025 update or later updates. The error message states that the 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' provider was not loaded due to initialization failure. Microsoft clarified that this error can be safely ignored, as it does not indicate an issue with any active Windows component and is related to a feature under development. There is no impact on Windows processes, and no action is required from users.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft asks users to ignore certificate enrollment errors

Microsoft has advised users to disregard certain CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll) errors following the installation of the July 2025 preview update and subsequent Windows 11 24H2 updates. Users were also encouraged to overlook Windows Firewall configuration errors after rebooting post-installation of the June 2025 preview update. In April 2025, Microsoft confirmed and rectified a known issue causing invalid 0x80070643 failure errors after applying April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment updates, and addressed a bug triggering BitLocker drive encryption errors on Windows 10 and 11 devices. In October, Microsoft clarified that a specific issue primarily affected managed Windows environments with enforced drive encryption. Recently, Microsoft updated its Windows release health dashboard, asking users to ignore an error logged in Event Viewer with Error ID 57, related to the 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' not loading due to initialization failure. They emphasized that this error can be safely ignored and does not indicate issues with active Windows components, as it stems from a feature still under development.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Latest Windows patches cause false error to appear

Microsoft is addressing an issue with its Windows operating system where users see an event log message after installing the July 2025 non-security preview update or the August 2025 security update. The Event Viewer may show an error with ID 57 related to the CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll), stating: "The 'Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider' provider was not loaded because initialization failed." This error can be safely ignored, as it pertains to a feature under development, specifically the Pluton architecture for processor security, and affects users on Windows 11 24H2. Microsoft is working on a resolution and has indicated that there is no impact on Windows processes related to this event, advising users that no action is needed.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5063878 (24H2) boosts performance, direct download links (.msu)

Windows 11 KB5063878 is a mandatory update that introduces features such as Quick Machine Recovery, improved stability, and enhanced system performance. The update will automatically download and install, identified as the 2025-08 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5063878), advancing systems to Windows 11 Build 26100.4946. It addresses stability issues reported after the May 2025 updates, particularly in gaming scenarios. Direct download links for offline installers (.msu) are available on the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes a new Settings UI with an AI-powered search bar, enhancements for handheld gaming, a redesigned Black Screen of Death (BSOD), and Quick Machine Recovery for unbootable systems. Users in Europe with Copilot+ PCs gain new AI features like Recall, which can be disabled through Privacy & Security settings. Fixes in this update include resolving Windows Firewall errors, issues with the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), visibility problems in File Explorer, and bugs affecting the Settings app and laptop lid options. Microsoft is unaware of any current issues with the update and will continue testing.

Tech Optimizer

August 1, 2025

Best Alternative to AVG Antivirus of 2025

Avira is a strong alternative to AVG in the antivirus software market, offering a powerful free version with features like a VPN, identity theft protection, and performance optimization tools. Its user interface is intuitive, allowing for a quick "Smart Scan" that addresses security, privacy, and performance. Avira achieves a 99.3% threat blocking rate with minimal false positives, while AVG matches this rate but has more false positives. Avira's cloud-based scanning is faster and less resource-intensive than AVG's. It includes a web browser extension for protection against phishing and ads, and offers customizable firewall options. Avira's paid plans include a password manager with unlimited storage and device syncing, and an unlimited VPN service, while AVG requires separate purchases for these features. Avira's pricing starts with a free version, and its paid plans range from €21.95 to €59.95 annually for one to five devices, respectively. Both providers offer good customer support, but Avira's knowledge base is more extensive.

Tech Optimizer

July 31, 2025

Malwarebytes 5.3.5.204

Malwarebytes has launched version 5.xx of its anti-malware application, enhancing its capabilities to provide a robust alternative to traditional antivirus solutions. The new version features a unified user experience across desktop and mobile platforms, modern security and privacy integrations including an ultra-fast VPN, and a Trusted Advisor feature that offers real-time insights and guidance. The changelog for version 5.3.5.204 includes the introduction of a Deep Scan, a preview of the new Windows Firewall Control feature, a revamped Dashboard layout for the free version, and fixes for minor usability and localization issues. The software is available for download at 397.0 MB, with both free and paid upgrade options.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft quietly fixed Windows 11 24H2 issues caused by past update

Microsoft has confirmed that the mandatory Windows 11 24H2 updates have negatively impacted the operating system's stability. Users have reported various error messages while trying to install updates KB5060842 and KB5063060, including 0x800f0922, 0x80070002, 0x80070306, and 0x800f0991. Gamers have experienced unexpected restarts, taskbar freezes, erroneous Windows Firewall notifications, and performance drops in games. Microsoft has addressed these stability concerns in the optional preview update KB5062660, which is not automatically installed and is scheduled for general release in August. Users can manually install it to mitigate the issues. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11's performance and stability by implementing stricter driver standards.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 24H2 stability issues, affecting games, tests performance fixes

Microsoft has acknowledged stability issues with Windows 11 24H2, particularly after mandatory cumulative updates, leading to problems such as the Blue Screen of Death, installation errors (0x800f0922, 0x80070002, 0x80070306, 0x800f0991), unexpected reboots during gaming, taskbar freezes, misleading Windows Firewall Event 2042 warnings, and cursor lag during gaming sessions. Following updates in May 2025, users reported performance declines, including FPS drops in games like Fortnite and CS:GO, attributed to recent cumulative updates rather than GeForce drivers. Microsoft identified the root cause of these issues in update KB5062660, released on July 22, which addresses specific stability problems and introduces new features. A fix for these stability issues is expected in the August 2025 Patch Tuesday update on August 12, 2025, but KB5062660 is optional and requires manual download.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Microsoft claims Windows 11 24H2 is the ‘most reliable’ Windows version ever

Microsoft announced enhancements to Windows 11 with the optional July update (KB5062660), which includes the new features Windows Recall for EU users and Quick Machine Recovery for repairing boot failures. The company claims Windows 11 24H2 is the most reliable version of Windows yet, citing a 24% reduction in unexpected restart failure rates compared to Windows 10 22H2. However, the reliability of this claim is questioned due to selective telemetry data and reports of disruptions in functionalities such as USB printers, audio output, Bluetooth connections, Windows Update, and Windows Firewall.