Windows PCs Archives

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft engineer reveals more details about Janet Jackson song that used to mysteriously crash Windows XP PCs

A bug affecting Windows XP caused crashes when playing Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" on certain systems, linked to a natural resonant frequency that interfered with 5400rpm hard drives. Microsoft and an OEM developed a custom audio filter to eliminate the problematic frequency, which remained in place until Windows 7 introduced new rules allowing users to disable audio filters. This posed a risk of hardware damage for those unaware of the bug. The OEM received an exemption from the new rule to keep the audio filter active, protecting both their reputation and Microsoft's. The identity of the OEM remains undisclosed, referred to as "Fabrikam" in documentation.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft wants users to ditch Windows 10 before its imminent death — Using Copilot+ PCs with Recall to upsell Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through its new Copilot+ PCs. These PCs meet Windows 11's system requirements and feature AI-powered enhancements, including up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4, operating up to 5 times faster than five-year-old Windows devices, and offering up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge. In January, Microsoft reported that 15% of premium-priced laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter were Copilot+ PCs, with expectations for this percentage to increase. Windows 11's market share is currently 42.69%, while Windows 10 holds 54.2%.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft invites computer users to buy Copilot+

Microsoft is promoting the Copilot+ computer, claiming it to be the most powerful Windows PCs ever made with enhanced AI features. The campaign targets Windows 10 users, encouraging them to upgrade by highlighting the exceptional value of Copilot+ devices. Microsoft has introduced full-screen pop-ups to prompt users to upgrade to Windows 11 and emphasizes the significant experience enhancement offered by Copilot+ computers. Currently, only 20 million users engage with Copilot weekly, compared to 400 million users of ChatGPT, indicating a potential for growth in Copilot adoption.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Microsoft’s AI Secretly Copying All Your Private Messages

Microsoft is relaunching its AI-driven feature, Recall, which continuously captures background screenshots on Copilot+ PCs optimized for AI functionalities. Initially introduced in May, Recall was retracted due to privacy concerns over unencrypted storage of screenshots containing sensitive user data. After testing through Microsoft's Insider program, Recall has been updated to encrypt the screenshot database and requires users to opt in to save screenshots. However, it still poses risks by potentially capturing sensitive information from communications without the knowledge of other parties involved. Security researcher Kevin Beaumont has noted that the sensitive information filter is unreliable, and the encrypted database is only secured by a basic four-digit PIN. Beaumont's testing revealed that Recall indexed everything it stored, including ephemeral messages and images. He cautioned users to check if Recall is enabled when discussing sensitive topics with others on Windows PCs.

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 20, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer—Bad News For 240 Million Windows Users

Microsoft is encouraging approximately 240 million PC owners to recycle outdated devices, as they will not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11 without new hardware. The company emphasizes the importance of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a security chip that determines eligibility for the upgrade and protects sensitive data. TPM 2.0 offers several security benefits, including data encryption, verification of trusted software, detection of physical tampering, and support for advanced security features in Windows 11. Currently, around 240 million PCs are estimated to be ineligible for the upgrade, which may hinder the adoption of Windows 11 and leave many devices vulnerable to cyber threats.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC isn’t dead yet – this OS from Google can revive it

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of life, affecting users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. ChromeOS Flex is a free operating system by Google designed to modernize older Windows PCs and Macs, offering a fast and secure alternative built on Chromium OS. It does not support standalone Windows applications but allows access to Microsoft 365 and other SaaS applications via web portals. ChromeOS Flex focuses on security with features like automatic updates and data encryption, and it has never experienced a reported ransomware attack. The minimum system requirements include an Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and the ability to boot from a USB drive. To install ChromeOS Flex, users must back up their files, create a USB installation drive using the Chromebook Recovery Utility, and boot from the USB drive to test compatibility before proceeding with a full installation.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2025

Hackers find a way around built-in Windows protections

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) is a built-in security feature on Windows PCs that restricts the execution of unauthorized software by allowing only trusted applications. However, hackers have discovered multiple methods to bypass WDAC, exposing systems to malware and cyber threats. Techniques for bypassing WDAC include using Living-off-the-Land Binaries (LOLBins), DLL sideloading, and exploiting misconfigurations in WDAC policies. Attackers can execute unauthorized code without triggering alerts from traditional security solutions, enabling them to install ransomware or create backdoors. Microsoft operates a bug bounty program to address vulnerabilities in WDAC, but some bypass techniques remain unpatched for long periods. Users can mitigate risks by keeping Windows updated, being cautious with software downloads, and using strong antivirus software.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

What does Microsoft’s new ReFS file system mean for Windows?

The NTFS file system has been the default for Windows operating systems for decades, but Microsoft is developing the Resilient File System (ReFS), which has been in use primarily in Windows Server environments since its introduction in 2012. ReFS is designed to enhance system and data resilience, featuring error detection and correction capabilities, a data integrity scanner, and the ability to repair detected corruption using another volume. It supports file and volume sizes up to 35 petabytes and includes advanced features like Block Clone and Sparse VDL, which improve performance in specific scenarios. However, ReFS is not a full replacement for NTFS, as it lacks several critical features such as file system compression, encryption, bootable media support, and support for removable media. Its current limitations make it unsuitable for typical home PC use, and while it may eventually replace NTFS, this transition is not expected to happen soon. ReFS is primarily designed for specialized applications involving large data sets and environments with multiple drives.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Neptune RAT malware is hijacking Windows PCs, holding them for ransom and stealing passwords

Cybercriminals have released a new malware strain called Neptune RAT, which targets Windows PCs and is capable of stealing cryptocurrencies and passwords, as well as holding data for ransom. It features a crypto clipper that can alter cryptocurrency wallet addresses, a password-stealing function affecting over 270 applications, and ransomware capabilities that lock files until a ransom is paid. The malware can disable antivirus software, monitor victims' screens in real-time, and has the ability to wipe a PC. It is distributed through platforms like GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube, making it difficult for cybersecurity researchers to analyze. Users are advised to be cautious with downloads, consider identity theft protection services, and practice safe browsing habits to mitigate risks.