Windows platforms Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2025

Sakura RAT Released on GitHub Can Bypass Antivirus and EDR Tools

Sakura RAT is a newly developed remote administration tool available on GitHub, designed for use by malware analysts and security researchers. It features capabilities such as hidden browsing, hidden virtual network computing (HVNC), fileless execution, multi-session control, and anti-detection mechanisms to evade antivirus and endpoint detection systems. While marketed for research purposes, its open availability raises concerns about potential misuse by cybercriminals for activities like data exfiltration and ransomware deployment. Cybersecurity experts are advocating for the removal of the repository from GitHub and calling for improved detection systems to combat the risks posed by such advanced tools.

Tech Optimizer

April 5, 2025

I put Trend Micro and McAfee antivirus in a head to head showdown – here’s how it went

McAfee and Trend Micro are two antivirus software options with distinct features. Specifications: - McAfee costs per year for a single user; Trend Micro starts at per year for 2 adults and 4 children. - McAfee supports Windows 10 and 11; Trend Micro supports Windows 8.1 to 11. - Malware protection is rated as good for McAfee and adequate for Trend Micro. - Both do not offer backup software. - System resource usage is light to heavy for both. Costs and Coverage: - Both do not have a free tier but offer a 30-day trial. - Trend Micro's entry-level Antivirus + Security is priced at , while McAfee's Basic plan typically retails for for a single device. - Trend Micro offers packages for 3 devices, 5 systems, and 10 systems, while McAfee's plans cover up to two adults and four children. Antivirus Protection: - Trend Micro uses heuristic behavioral analysis, while McAfee employs cloud-based infrastructure and machine learning. - Both provide periodic updates, but McAfee features Ransom Guard for monitoring file changes. Antivirus Performance: - McAfee has a 99.8% protection rate; Trend Micro has a 98.1% rate. - McAfee has fewer false positives (10) compared to Trend Micro (76). Security and Privacy Features: - Trend Micro includes a Firewall Booster; McAfee emphasizes phishing protection and personal data privacy. Performance and System Impact: - Trend Micro has minimal impact on system resources; McAfee uses more resources during scans. Interface: - Trend Micro's interface is user-friendly; McAfee's interface is simplified but less customizable. Installation and Support: - McAfee's installation takes under five minutes; Trend Micro's takes over twelve minutes. - McAfee offers 24/7 support; Trend Micro's support is limited to business hours unless on a premium plan. Overall, McAfee is rated higher in performance and features, while Trend Micro is noted for its efficient resource management and user-friendly interface.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Android 15 blocked Phone Link from mirroring sensitive notifications, but Microsoft has a fix

Microsoft's Phone Link app can now mirror sensitive notifications from Android devices to Windows PCs after the Android 15 update had initially restricted this capability. The Android 15 update classified two-factor authentication codes as sensitive, blocking their visibility to most notification listeners, including Phone Link. To access sensitive notifications, Phone Link must be preinstalled on the device and granted the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission. Users with devices that have Link to Windows preinstalled, like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, can grant permission to restore full functionality. For devices without the preinstalled app, workarounds include disabling Android System Intelligence notification processing or manually granting permissions.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

First signs of dedicated Xbox interface for Windows 11 PCs spotted in latest preview

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 to better support gaming handhelds by developing a dedicated interface for gamepad controls. Recent Windows 11 preview builds have revealed references to a "full screen experience" that users may set as their default home experience upon startup. Specific phrases such as "Boot into the Full screen experience at device startup" suggest users will have options for multiple game-focused interfaces. Microsoft is also rumored to be collaborating with ASUS on a gaming handheld called Project Kennan, which will be the first Windows-powered handheld under the Xbox ecosystem. An official announcement regarding this new Xbox ecosystem is anticipated, with the ASUS handheld expected to launch later this year.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Microsoft begins testing next phase of Windows 11 — Dev Channel to flight new platform changes

Microsoft is testing platform changes in Windows 11 for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing new builds in the 26200 range as a precursor to version 25H2, expected later this year. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC requires platform modifications previously exclusive to the Windows Canary Channel, which Microsoft is backporting to the Dev Channel to support devices with the X2 chip on Germanium-based Windows 11. Germanium is the platform for version 24H2, and while it is unclear if version 25H2 will use the same platform, the backporting suggests a strong possibility. This initiative aims to enhance performance, security, and user experience while streamlining servicing processes for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is working to minimize fragmentation among its Windows platforms, currently supporting Vibranium, Nickel, and Germanium. With Windows 10 support ending in October, Microsoft may consolidate users onto a single platform, likely Germanium, as version 25H2 is anticipated in the latter half of the year, coinciding with the expiration of support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

This new Windows 11 feature would be perfect for an Xbox gaming handheld

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11 Build 22631.5116, which includes the gamepad keyboard feature for Xbox controllers, enhancing gaming accessibility on smaller screens. The update also improves Task Manager's CPU utilization calculations, File Explorer's text scaling support, and Settings with a new home page feature for commercial devices. Additionally, a new system tray icon for the emoji panel has been introduced. The rollout is gradual, with Microsoft addressing bugs like those affecting ctfmon.exe and printer outputs. This update aims to optimize Windows 11 for gaming, especially with upcoming handheld devices.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D reportedly runs up to 20% faster on Windows 10

Recent tests by Tech YES City indicate that Windows 10 can outperform Windows 11 by up to 20% in certain gaming scenarios, particularly in Fortnite at 1080p resolution. This performance gap is attributed to Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), which, when enabled on Windows 11, can lead to a performance loss in CPU-intensive games. The performance difference diminishes at 4K resolution, where both operating systems perform similarly. Windows 10 also showed better performance in games like Counter-Strike 2, Baldur's Gate 3, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, although to a lesser extent. Users with high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D may benefit from staying with Windows 10 longer despite its impending end of support.

Tech Optimizer

March 13, 2025

Maximize Your Data Security With the Best Antivirus for Windows in 2025

Antivirus software should effectively block malware threats and receive regular updates. It is advisable to choose software with high ratings from reputable labs like AV-Test. The software should not consume excessive system resources, and personal testing through free trials is recommended. Antivirus solutions monitor user activities to identify and neutralize threats, prioritizing user privacy by anonymizing data and not selling it. Many providers offer bundled services, including ransomware protection, phishing protection, password managers, VPNs, safe browsing tools, parental controls, and identity theft protection. While bundles can save time and money, individual tools may be more suitable for specific needs. Leading antivirus solutions for Windows often extend protection to Android, iOS, and MacOS, though some features may be limited on non-Windows platforms. Initial discounts for antivirus solutions may lead to higher renewal prices, and plans typically cater to multiple devices, with options for single or dual-device plans available.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

GOG expands preservation program to protect delisted games

GOG launched a preservation program for older PC games, which now includes delisted titles like Warcraft 1 and Warcraft 2. Blizzard requested the removal of these games from GOG's storefront on December 13, and GOG complied but will continue to support these titles through its preservation program. GOG guarantees ongoing technical support for users who own these delisted games, ensuring compatibility with future Windows operating systems. The program currently focuses on Windows platforms and includes other notable titles such as the first three installments of Resident Evil and Alpha Protocol. A 2023 study indicated that nearly all games released before 2010 are now inaccessible. The U.S. Copyright Office recently rejected a proposal by the Video Game History Foundation for an exemption to DMCA rules, siding with the Entertainment Software Association, which argues that preservation is the responsibility of publishers.

Winsage

November 12, 2024

Google’s answer to AirDrop looks like it’s on the way to Windows on Arm PCs powered by Snapdragon X

Google's Quick Share for Windows is set to launch on Windows on Arm PCs, allowing seamless sharing of photos, videos, and files between Android and Windows platforms. Currently, Quick Share does not support Arm-equipped PCs, which includes many AI devices using Snapdragon X Elite chips. A Google webpage briefly indicated support for Windows on Arm but reverted to stating it is not compatible. Quick Share is designed for 64-bit Windows 10 or later and was previously known as Nearby Share. It aims to create a unified sharing experience across Android devices and Windows PCs, competing with solutions like Phone Link.