Windows operating system Archives

Winsage

August 15, 2025

RIP Peripherals? Next-Gen Windows to Lean Heavily on AI, Voice, and Vision

Microsoft's corporate VP, Pavan Davuluri, discussed the future of the Windows operating system, focusing on the role of generative AI and voice-activated controls. He indicated that significant changes in human interfaces are expected over the next five years, moving away from traditional input methods like mice and keyboards. Windows will expand across various devices, allowing users to interact through voice commands while writing or inking. Upcoming devices may have the capability to visually understand desktop content, leading to a more multimodal and intuitive user experience. Concerns about data privacy arise due to increased reliance on AI, but Microsoft is exploring AI models that can operate directly on devices to enhance user privacy. Some AI functionalities are already available in Windows 11, while a large portion of users still operates on Windows 10, which will lose official support in October.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Battlefield 6 open beta won’t run if you have Valorant installed, thanks to Riot’s anti-cheat — uninstall if you plan to joint the second open beta this weekend

EA will launch a free open beta for Battlefield 6 from August 14 to August 17, featuring the new "Empire State" map and introducing Rush and Squad deathmatch modes. Players can earn free rewards during the beta. However, players with Valorant installed may face issues launching Battlefield 6 due to a "security violation" error caused by Riot Games' anti-cheat software, Riot Vanguard, which operates at the kernel level. This integration can lead to conflicts between the two games' anti-cheat systems, prompting players to uninstall Valorant to avoid compatibility issues.

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

Microsoft August 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes one zero-day, 107 flaws

A series of vulnerabilities have been identified across various Microsoft platforms, categorized by severity. Critical Vulnerabilities: - CVE-2025-49707: Azure Virtual Machines Spoofing Vulnerability - CVE-2025-53781: Azure Virtual Machines Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2025-53793: Azure Stack Hub Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2025-50176: DirectX Graphics Kernel Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2025-50165: Windows Graphics Component Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Important Vulnerabilities: - CVE-2025-53729: Microsoft Azure File Sync Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2025-53152: Desktop Windows Manager Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2025-53732: Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2025-53740: Microsoft Office Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2025-53738: Microsoft Word Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Windows Operating System Vulnerabilities: - CVE-2025-50170: Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2025-53131: Windows Media Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2025-50158: Windows NTFS Information Disclosure Vulnerability

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows DoS Flaws Enable DDoS Attacks on Domain Controllers

Researchers from SafeBreach Labs have identified four denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s Windows operating system that could allow attackers to use publicly accessible Windows domain controllers in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. These vulnerabilities exploit protocols such as Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), enabling the creation of stealthy botnets without authentication. The flaws arise from improper handling of RPC and LDAP requests in Windows Server environments, including versions up to 2025. One flaw allows unauthenticated users to trigger infinite loops, consuming system resources and facilitating reflection attacks. Microsoft released patches for these vulnerabilities in August 2025, but unpatched systems remain at risk. The vulnerabilities were disclosed at DEF CON 33, where proof-of-concept attacks were demonstrated. SafeBreach has labeled these flaws as “Win-DoS” due to their widespread applicability. Organizations are advised to audit network exposures and isolate domain controllers to mitigate risks. The increase in hyper-volumetric DDoS attacks highlights the urgency for proactive defenses, including automated mitigation tools and regular vulnerability scans. Experts recommend implementing stringent firewall rules to restrict RPC and LDAP exposure and using behavioral analytics to detect anomalous traffic.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

40 years of Windows: How XP changed everything

In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which combined consumer and business versions of Windows and was built on the Windows NT core. It provided a more stable platform compared to Windows 98 and Windows Me, despite initial malware issues. Windows XP featured a vibrant blue interface, the iconic green Start button, and the recognizable "Bliss" wallpaper. It introduced customization options, including user-created themes, and tools like Stardock's WindowBlinds. Key features included System Restore, USB plug-and-play support, built-in CD burning, native ZIP file support, and Windows Movie Maker. Microsoft implemented an activation system to combat software piracy. Security measures improved significantly with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 in 2004, which introduced a default firewall and a Security Center. Windows XP became popular during the rise of the internet and supported applications like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Skype. It left a lasting cultural impact, with many users expressing nostalgia for the operating system.

Tech Optimizer

August 1, 2025

Best Alternative to Microsoft Defender Antivirus of 2025

Microsoft Defender is the default antivirus solution for Windows users, offering real-time alerts and a built-in firewall. TotalAV is a notable alternative that provides a range of features, including an ad blocker, data breach monitoring, and performance optimization tools. Both Microsoft Defender and TotalAV have a protection rate of 99.1%. TotalAV includes features like anti-phishing measures, a VPN service, and a password manager with 256-bit AES encryption. Microsoft Defender is free with Windows, while TotalAV has three pricing tiers: Premium, Internet Security, and Total Security, with prices starting at .95 per year. Microsoft Defender offers basic customer support, while TotalAV provides 24/7 dedicated support and a knowledge base.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

Microsoft Is Giving Windows 10 Users Free Security Updates for a Year, but There’s a Catch

Microsoft will conclude security support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Users can opt for a one-year extended security update for a fee or utilize a free cloud backup solution linked to their OneDrive accounts. Windows 10 remains the most widely adopted Windows operating system, with over 53% of installations as of May 2025. Microsoft will roll out the Extended Security Updates (ESU) wizard in July 2025, allowing users to enroll and receive updates until October 13, 2026. Businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users are entitled to 5GB of complimentary OneDrive storage, but backups may exceed this limit, necessitating a paid plan for additional space.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

6 PowerToys features I can’t believe don’t ship with Windows 11 by default

Microsoft's PowerToys suite includes several features that enhance productivity for Windows users, yet many of these tools have not been integrated into the Windows operating system. 1. Registry Preview: Allows users to view the contents of a registry file before importing it, enhancing safety and accessibility in modifying the Windows Registry. 2. Quick Accent: Simplifies the insertion of accented characters by displaying options when a user holds down a key, making it easier to type in multiple languages. 3. Find My Mouse: Dims the screen around the cursor to help users locate the mouse pointer more effectively than the basic highlighting feature in Windows. 4. Command Palette (or PowerToys Run): An efficient application launcher that allows for quick and reliable launching of applications, addressing a gap in Windows' functionality compared to other operating systems. 5. Peek: Enables users to quickly preview files without opening them, improving file management and accessibility. 6. FancyZones: A window management tool that allows for customizable window layouts, providing enhanced control over desktop environments. These features could significantly improve user experience if integrated into the core Windows operating system.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11’s new update will add a bunch of AI features

Microsoft is introducing the Copilot Vision tool for Windows 11, which scans and analyzes content on users' screens, allowing them to ask questions about what they see and receive immediate assistance. This feature is part of a broader rollout of AI capabilities aimed at improving productivity. For users with Snapdragon-powered Copilot Plus PCs, an AI-driven agent in the Settings app will enable natural language searches for specific settings. The “Click to Do” preview feature will be enhanced for quick actions, and unique features for Copilot Plus PCs will include an AI-powered sticker generator in Paint, an object selection tool for image editing, and an AI lighting option in Photos. The Snipping Tool will also gain a “perfect screenshot” feature. Additionally, all Windows 11 users will benefit from a new color picker in the Snipping Tool and an automatic issue resolution mechanism for unexpected restarts. These features will be rolled out over the next month.