Windows system

BetaBeacon
August 18, 2026
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Winsage
August 17, 2026
Microsoft is removing the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) from Windows 11 to enhance security by eliminating a tool that has been exploited by malware and ransomware. WMIC will not be included in Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, with complete removal scheduled for the August 2026 Patch Tuesday update. The decision to remove WMIC is based on the availability of more secure alternatives like PowerShell. WMIC has been a vector for attacks, allowing threat actors to disable antivirus solutions and access sensitive data. Microsoft has phased out WMIC since 2021, encouraging users to transition to modern tools while continuing to support the underlying Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) infrastructure.
Winsage
August 12, 2026
A survey by the Browser Choice Alliance involving 2,000 U.S. adults reveals significant dissatisfaction with Microsoft's Edge browser. Key findings include: - 86% of respondents believe they should control their default browser, and 80% want a "one-click browser default" option. - 26% currently have Edge as their default browser, but only 19% would choose it if given a free choice. - 72% of those who tried to change their default browser in the past two years faced obstacles, such as Edge being recommended or links opening in Edge. - 29% reported that Windows system updates changed their browser preferences. - Among adults aged 65 and older, 44% found changing their default browser complex, and 61% lacked confidence in the process. - 14% of respondents believe users should not have the ability to choose their default browser. - Microsoft has made changes to enhance user choice only within the EU, ignoring global opportunities. - Tools like MSEdgeRedirect and EdgeDeflector aimed at redirecting links to preferred browsers are now ineffective or limited. - Microsoft announced the discontinuation of support for MV2 extensions, affecting tools like uBlock Origin.
Winsage
August 12, 2026
Microsoft released a patch for a zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2026-68820, which is being exploited by cybercriminals, specifically the North Korean hacking group Lazarus. This vulnerability allows unauthorized attackers to elevate their privileges locally, posing a significant risk to affected systems. The August 2026 Patch Tuesday update addressed 421 vulnerabilities, including three zero-days, with CVE-2026-68820 being the only one confirmed to be actively exploited. The vulnerability's impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are rated as High. Users of Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 11, and various versions of Windows Server should prioritize deploying the patch for this vulnerability.
Winsage
August 5, 2026
System Restore is a recovery feature in Windows that allows users to revert their systems to a previous state by creating snapshots of the current configuration. It captures crucial system components such as Windows system files, Registry settings, device drivers, and installed applications, but does not back up personal files. Windows automatically generates restore points during significant events or after a week without new points, and users can manually create them before making substantial changes. Restore points occupy hard drive space, and the oldest points are deleted when storage is full. To use System Restore, users can configure it in the System Properties window, create restore points, view and select restore points, preview changes, and initiate the restoration process. After restoration, the PC reboots, and users should check if issues are resolved.
Winsage
August 5, 2026
Scott Hanselman, deputy technical director at Microsoft, explained that a service within the Windows diagnostic system collects local performance data to help users identify PC slowdowns. This data remains on the user's device unless the user opts to share it with Microsoft. Hanselman acknowledged that the service's description is unclear and that Microsoft plans to revise it based on user feedback. Concerns about data collection have been raised by Windows users, particularly regarding services like Recall, which faced backlash despite its local data storage promise. Microsoft is reconsidering its data collection approach in light of these concerns.
Winsage
July 31, 2026
Microsoft has updated the Details view in File Explorer for Windows 11 to display file sizes using appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) instead of only kilobytes (KB). This change aims to enhance user understanding of file sizes, particularly for casual users. The update is confirmed in the release notes for Windows 11 KB5101684. Users can enable this feature by downloading ViveTool, running a specific command, and rebooting their system. The original KB-only display can be restored with another command, although there is no toggle option provided by Microsoft for switching back.
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