Windows operating system Archives

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Windows isn’t an OS, it’s a bad habit bordering on addiction

Microsoft's Windows operating system has approximately 1.5 billion users globally, but faces stagnation as many users find Windows 10 satisfactory and are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 aggressively, incorporating AI features and nudging users toward paid services, which raises concerns about user experience. The company is uncertain about its future direction, with Project Hudson Valley fading away and the potential for a subscription-based licensing model. In corporate environments, IT departments often prioritize compliance over user needs, leaving employees with limited choices. Some users are exploring alternatives like macOS or Linux, seeking better alignment with their values. Resources are available to help users transition gradually from Windows 10 to alternatives, and maintaining a dual-system approach can ease this process.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

Microsoft continues to dismantle the Control Panel as another feature migrates to Settings

Microsoft is migrating features from the Control Panel to the Settings panel, with keyboard repetition settings being the latest to transition. This change is part of a broader initiative to phase out the Control Panel, which was announced in August 2024. Currently, these keyboard settings are hidden in testing builds and have not yet been rolled out to the live version of Windows. Other settings, such as mouse trails and options to hide the cursor while typing, have already made the transition. Users are generally finding the Settings panel to be a suitable replacement for the Control Panel.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Microsoft set to make huge Windows change — and it’s hoping you won’t notice

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (27842) will replace the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) with a new error screen featuring a Medium Forest Green backdrop. This change is part of an effort to create a more streamlined user interface for unexpected restarts, although it may provide less context for troubleshooting. The new design is currently being tested in Microsoft's Canary Channel and is expected to become standard with the Windows 11 25H2 update later this year.

Tech Optimizer

April 24, 2025

4 things I wish somebody told me about Windows before I switched to it

The ongoing rivalry between Windows and Mac sparks passionate discussions among tech enthusiasts, with users appreciating the unique advantages of each platform. The Apple ecosystem offers limited premium models with consistent performance, while Windows provides a vast array of options, leading to significant performance variability based on specifications. Windows has a large selection of software, but its quality can be inconsistent compared to Apple's App Store. Additionally, Windows is more vulnerable to viruses and online threats, requiring robust antivirus solutions. Users may encounter more error messages and compatibility issues on Windows, necessitating more frequent restarts. Syncing files from an iPhone to a Windows PC can also be challenging for those accustomed to the Apple ecosystem.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Microsoft security patch opens up new security vulnerability

Microsoft's recent update aimed at fixing a security vulnerability (CVE-2025-2104) has unintentionally created an "inetpub" folder on the system drive of Windows operating systems. This folder's creation has raised concerns among IT security researchers, particularly Kevin Beaumont, who warns that it could lead to issues with Windows updates. Users can create junctions that redirect to the "inetpub" folder, potentially causing failures in installing updates and leaving systems vulnerable. Microsoft has stated that the "inetpub" folder should not be deleted and that its presence is part of security enhancements.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Windows 11’s crucial new ‘inetpub’ folder is laughably easy to hack

A new folder named "inetpub" appeared on many Windows PCs after an April update, initially thought to be a glitch. Microsoft later stated that this folder was introduced to enhance Windows security by addressing the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability. However, security researcher Kevin Beaumont revealed that the inetpub folder could allow attackers to bypass critical security updates. Beaumont proposed creating a junction point in the C: directory to prevent the inetpub folder's creation, which would also block the installation of the April update and subsequent security updates, leaving PCs vulnerable. This situation could lead to error messages and failed update rollbacks, with attackers able to exploit these issues without elevated privileges. Beaumont has informed Microsoft about the problem, but a response has not yet been received.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Critical Flaw in Windows Update Stack Enables Code Execution and Privilege Escalation

A newly identified vulnerability in the Windows Update Stack, designated as CVE-2025-21204, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code and escalate privileges to SYSTEM level on affected machines. This critical security flaw arises from improper privilege separation and inadequate validation during the update orchestration process. Attackers can exploit it by creating harmful update packages or acting as man-in-the-middle on compromised networks. The vulnerability impacts any Windows system utilizing the vulnerable update mechanism, affecting both enterprise and consumer editions. Microsoft is working on a patch, and users are advised to monitor official channels for updates and apply patches promptly. Organizations should also restrict network access to update servers and monitor for suspicious update activities. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8 (High), indicating significant risk.

Winsage

April 20, 2025

587 Windows Vulnerabilities — A Microsoft Security Record Breaker

Microsoft has reported a record number of 1,360 security vulnerabilities for its products in 2024, marking an 11% increase from 2023. This includes 587 vulnerabilities in Windows (33 classified as critical) and 684 in Windows Server (43 classified as critical). The increase in reported vulnerabilities suggests that security researchers are effectively identifying weaknesses, and Microsoft has invested over a million dollars in bounties to encourage this. The proactive communication and remediation process during Patch Tuesday enhances security, indicating that Microsoft is committed to addressing vulnerabilities rather than being indifferent to user security.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Data Doctors: What’s behind Windows blue screen errors

The blue screen of death (BSOD) indicates a critical system issue in Windows. Common causes include: - Faulty or outdated drivers, often related to hardware changes. - Hardware problems, such as failures in RAM, hard drives, or motherboards. - Overheating due to dust, poor ventilation, or malfunctioning fans. - Corrupt system files from improper shutdowns, power surges, or software bugs. - Software conflicts, particularly with incompatible applications. - Issues from problematic Windows updates. - Viruses or malware that corrupt system files or disrupt functionality. - BIOS or firmware issues that introduce instability. - Defective external devices like USB sticks or hard drives. Resolving BSOD issues requires a systematic approach and understanding of error codes.

Tech Optimizer

April 11, 2025

Windows Defender Antivirus Bypassed Using Direct Syscalls & XOR Encryption

A recent study has revealed a method that bypasses Microsoft’s Windows Defender antivirus by using direct system calls and XOR encryption techniques, exposing vulnerabilities in the security solution. The technique targets the user mode and kernel mode operations of Windows, allowing attackers to execute harmful code without detection. Researchers demonstrated that by directly invoking syscall instructions, they could evade security monitoring that typically occurs at the user mode level. They utilized XOR encryption to obfuscate malicious shellcodes, making them unrecognizable and undetectable by signature-based systems. Tests showed that a Meterpreter reverse shell payload, encrypted with XOR and executed via direct syscalls, successfully bypassed Windows Defender protections without leaving traces on the disk. This method has been effective since at least 2022 and continues to work against recent updates of Windows Defender. The researchers recommend that Microsoft enhance defenses with kernel-level monitoring of syscalls and advise organizations to implement additional security measures beyond Windows Defender.