Windows Security app Archives

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. Changes include: - Temporary disappearance of enhanced battery iconography. - A new user interface for unexpected restarts is being previewed, appearing as a “green screen” for Insiders on version 24H2 and higher. - The Windows Security app will display additional details about Pluton TPM chips under Device security. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with Windows Update toggle, high CPU usage by lsass.exe, and crashes in ctfmon.exe and DWM. - Improved reliability of explorer.exe and fixed display issues with external graphics cards and JPG images. - Corrected problems with the Smart App Control icon and the Run dialog autocomplete. Known issues include: - Users on new Copilot+ PCs may lose access to Windows Hello PIN and biometrics. - Night light functionality is not working for some Insiders. - Bugcheck issues when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Canary Channel should note that builds may evolve and features may be removed or never reach general release. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include: - New Text Actions in Click to Do: - "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation. - "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options. - Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them. - Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings. - File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open. - Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard. - Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app. - Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals. - Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout. - Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update. - Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (KB5055640) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features include: - New text actions in Click to Do: "Practice in Reading Coach" for reading fluency and "Read with Immersive Reader" for a distraction-free reading experience, available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Enhanced Windows Search for locating cloud-stored photos by describing content, available to Insiders in the European Economic Area. - Voice Access improvements: users can add custom words to the dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Users can disable cloud content search on their Copilot+ PCs. - File Explorer will now open folders in a new tab by default if an existing window is open. - Notification settings in widgets are being improved. - Windows Security will show additional details for Pluton TPM chips. - The printer renaming dialog has been updated. Fixes include resolving issues with the Start menu, windowing, search on the taskbar, input, Task Manager, and voice access. Known issues include initial build version discrepancies and non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users. Insiders will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2025

Steps to Scan Your Computer for Free and Check for Viruses and Malware

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in security tool in Windows 10 and 11 that provides comprehensive protection against viruses and malware without requiring additional software. Users can perform manual scans, including Quick, Full, and Custom scans, to identify and eliminate threats. To run a scan, users must open Windows Security, navigate to "Virus & threat protection," and select the desired scan option. Windows Security also includes features such as real-time protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, device security, and account protection. It is essential to keep Windows Security updated with the latest virus definitions for optimal protection. Users can also schedule automatic scans for regular checks.

Tech Optimizer

April 12, 2025

I abandoned third-party antivirus tools, and here’s what I do instead

The author has transitioned from using third-party antivirus solutions to relying on Windows Security, which is built into Windows 10 and 11, due to its effectiveness and lack of cost. They emphasize the importance of keeping Windows Security updated and performing regular virus scans for added peace of mind. Ransomware protection features, such as Controlled Folder Access, are highlighted as essential. The Microsoft PC Manager app is recommended for optimizing system performance and security. The author advocates for good security hygiene, including avoiding suspicious emails and enabling two-factor authentication, as effective practices to maintain security without third-party antivirus software.

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2025

6 overlooked security practices I implemented at home and I regret not using sooner

- Safeguarding technology is crucial in the digital age due to potential threats from various devices. - Two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances online account security by requiring a second code sent to a phone, email, or authentication app. - Biometric verification methods and hardware authentication devices like YubiKeys can further enhance security. - Backup codes should be printed when setting up 2FA, and passkeys offer a passwordless solution for securing accounts. - Ransomware can lock users out of data until a ransom is paid, and Windows 10 and 11 have a feature called Controlled Folder Access (CFA) to protect essential folders. - Windows Security provides baseline protection for PCs, and users should regularly check for updates and conduct manual scans. - Microsoft's PC Manager utility enhances system security by offering features for storage and app management alongside virus scanning. - Securing web browsers is vital, with unique settings available in browsers like Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Chrome to improve privacy and security. - Regularly clearing browsing history and keeping browsers updated helps mitigate risks from malware and phishing attacks. - Securing Wi-Fi routers involves changing the default admin password and SSID, using strong encryption like WPA3, and regularly updating firmware. - Custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt can enhance router security and functionality.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Windows 11 File Explorer is about to get a speed boost

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 27818 for users in the Canary Channel, enhancing File Explorer's performance for extracting zip files. The update includes general improvements and fixes, such as displaying additional details about Pluton TPM chips in the Windows Security app. The suggested actions feature for copying phone numbers or future dates is being deprecated. A critical fix addresses a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches. Other improvements include enhanced performance for unzipping files, fixes for File Explorer Home loading issues, taskbar app window preview corrections, resolution of a ctmon.exe crash impacting typing, fixes for Settings launch errors, graphics performance improvements, resolution of Visual Studio Code installation issues with Admin Protection, and fixes for Remote Desktop freezing issues. Additionally, a fix addresses application opening failures related to a virtual machine component error.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

How to Improve Game Data Loading Times in Windows

Most modern games rely on real-time asset loading, making storage choice crucial for optimal gaming. A slow SSD or HDD can lead to long loading times and performance issues. 1. Disabling NTFS Last Access Time can improve loading speeds by reducing disk overhead. This can be done via Command Prompt with the command: fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 1. 2. Enabling Large System Cache can enhance performance for games with substantial assets, requiring at least 16 GB of RAM and editing the Windows Registry. 3. Disabling antivirus scanning for the game folder can reduce loading times by preventing real-time scans. This can be done through Windows Security settings. 4. Using an exFAT drive can efficiently process large files, which may benefit games with sizable assets. This involves creating a new volume in Disk Management. 5. Disabling Full-Screen Optimizations can reduce input lag and improve performance by changing settings in the game's executable properties. 6. Increasing Shader Cache Size can improve loading times, with Nvidia users advised to set it to 10 GB or Unlimited in the Nvidia Control Panel. 7. Using a third-party cache management program like PrimoCache can enhance loading times by reserving RAM for caching frequently used programs.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

How to Disable Microsoft Defender for a Specific App in Windows

Microsoft Defender can obstruct the functionality of certain applications for Windows users. Users can selectively disable Microsoft Defender for specific apps by following these steps: 1. Open Windows Security via the Start menu. 2. Navigate to the 'Virus & threat protection' section. 3. Click on 'Manage settings' under 'Virus & threat protection settings.' 4. Select 'Add or remove exclusions' in the 'Exclusions' section to specify the app or file to exempt. 5. Save the changes to allow the app to run without interference. This process helps maintain a balance between security and functionality.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

Windows 11 hidden toggle reveals how to turn on or off Administrator protection

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 security by enforcing a TPM 2.0 requirement and testing a feature called Administrator protection. This feature limits administrator rights access to specific events and is currently hidden in the Windows Security app. Users can enable it to grant temporary administrator rights, requiring a PIN or preferred authentication method. When a task needing elevated privileges is initiated, a temporary admin token is generated and deleted after the task is completed, reducing vulnerability to malware. To enable Administrator protection, users can toggle it on in the Windows Security app or use the Group Policy Editor to configure settings. Microsoft is expected to enable this feature by default in future updates.