Windows Themes

Winsage
May 8, 2025
Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.
Winsage
May 1, 2025
Windows 10 will reach its end of life in 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11, which offers applications to recreate the Windows 10 experience. Transitioning to Windows 11 is possible through an update process if hardware requirements are met, with a temporary backup allowing a revert to Windows 10 within ten days. Applications like Start11 and Startallback enable customization of the Windows 11 interface to resemble Windows 10 or 7. Users can also install themes from the Microsoft Store or online, using Ultra UX Theme Patcher for third-party themes. Windhawk mods further enhance customization options. RevertSV provides an ISO image that mimics Windows 10, mainly for testing in virtual machines.
Winsage
April 5, 2025
Installing a nostalgic Windows theme can evoke memories of simpler times through retro designs. Notable themes for Windows 11 include: 1. Windows XP Final Edition: Offers a near-authentic representation of Windows XP, requiring tools like Theme Patcher and SecureUXTheme ThemeTool for installation. 2. SynthWave 84: Features vibrant ‘80s disco-inspired designs with two color schemes and a collection of wallpapers and icons. 3. Retro Theme: Captures the ‘70s aesthetic with altered menu bar colors and 15 HD images reflecting the era's cultural references. 4. Vintage Theme: Evokes pre-digital nostalgia with 17 images representing vintage life, easily installed through the Settings menu. 5. Autumn Colors: Showcases 17 HD images of fall's color palette, highlighting nature's beauty without altering cursors or sounds.
Winsage
December 24, 2024
The evaluation of the Wubuntu operating system revealed a positive initial experience, but after a week, a pop-up requesting a product key for PowerTools made the desktop inaccessible without purchase. The developer claimed the user was on the Pro version and provided a license key to resolve the issue, leading to further investigation into Wubuntu's origins. It was discovered that Wubuntu is rumored to be a rebranding of LinuxFX, which has a questionable reputation. Discussions on Reddit highlighted vulnerabilities in Wubuntu's licensing system and potential data breaches. The developer clarified that Wubuntu is an Ubuntu variant with Windows themes, differing from LinuxFX's unique theme and applications. However, links between Wubuntu and the LinuxFX Redsand Theme on Sourceforge raised concerns about its reliability. The situation calls for skepticism due to persistent licensing issues and unclear associations with LinuxFX. Mainstream distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint are recommended as trustworthy options, while Zorin OS is suggested for users seeking a Windows-like experience without compromising trustworthiness.
Winsage
December 10, 2024
Microsoft has issued new guidance to help organizations defend against NTLM relay attacks following the discovery of a zero-day vulnerability affecting all versions of Windows Workstation and Server, from Windows 7 to Windows 11. This vulnerability allows attackers to capture NTLM credentials by tricking users into opening a malicious file. Microsoft has classified the vulnerability as having moderate severity and expects a fix to be rolled out in April. This is the second NTLM credential leak zero-day reported to Microsoft by ACROS Security since October. Microsoft has updated its guidance on enabling Extended Protection for Authentication (EPA) by default on LDAP, AD CS, and Exchange Server to mitigate NTLM-related vulnerabilities.
Winsage
December 7, 2024
Acros Security has identified an unpatched NTLM vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, affecting versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11 v24H2, which risks credential theft. The vulnerability can be exploited through Windows Explorer when users view a malicious file, exposing their NTLM hash to remote attackers. Acros plans to release a micropatch to mitigate the risk and has contacted Microsoft regarding the issue. Historically, Acros has reported several zero-day vulnerabilities to Microsoft. The micropatching industry aims to provide more permanent solutions to security flaws, though it may introduce complications. As Windows 10 approaches retirement, IT managers may increasingly consider micropatching for system protection. Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in 2015, with extended support concluding in 2020.
Winsage
November 1, 2024
A significant security vulnerability has been discovered in Windows operating systems due to the use of the outdated NTLM password hashing method. This vulnerability affects all Windows client versions starting from Windows 7, leaving a large number of users at risk. Exploiting the vulnerability does not require special privileges, allowing a wide range of attackers to capture NTLM authentication hashes, which can lead to further security breaches. The vulnerability can be triggered easily by viewing a malicious theme file in Windows Explorer, and users may unknowingly activate it through automatic downloads.
Winsage
October 31, 2024
Researchers from 0patch discovered a new zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-38030, while developing a micropatch for an existing Windows security flaw, CVE-2024-21320, which allowed attackers to extract NT Lan Manager user credentials through malicious Windows theme files. Microsoft’s patch for CVE-2024-21320 did not fully address all potential credential leakage scenarios, prompting the identification of the new vulnerability. 0patch created a more general patch for Windows theme files that covers all execution paths leading to credential leakage. Microsoft has acknowledged the new vulnerability and is working on a fix, but an official patch has not yet been released. Meanwhile, 0patch users can install a micropatch to protect their systems.
Winsage
October 31, 2024
Security researchers at Acros have identified a new zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2024-38030) related to Windows theme files that can lead to the potential exposure of NTLM credentials. This vulnerability affects multiple Windows platforms, including Windows 11 (version 24H2). The issue arises when a theme file specifies a network file path for certain properties, causing Windows to send authenticated network requests to remote hosts, which can result in credential leaks if a malicious theme file is used. Microsoft issued a patch for an earlier related vulnerability (CVE-2024-21320), but researchers found it insufficient for systems that had stopped receiving updates. A more comprehensive patch has been developed by researchers to address all execution paths that could lead to credential leaks, and users of the micropatch service 0patch are currently protected against this vulnerability. The micropatches are available for all supported Windows versions and some legacy versions, specifically for Windows Workstation, and not for Windows Server.
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