Windows Update Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Windows 11 KB5077181 & KB5075941 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5077181 and KB5075941 for Windows 11, affecting versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, which include the February 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches. Users can install these updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build numbers will change to 26200.7840 for 25H2, 26100.7840 for 24H2, and 226x1.6050 for 23H2. Key enhancements include: - Fixed gaming device eligibility issues. - Resolved connectivity issues with WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi networks. - Introduced new Secure Boot certificate targeting data. - New Cross Device Resume feature for continuing activities from Android phones on PCs. - Enhanced MIDI support for musicians with compatibility for MIDI 1.0 and 2.0. - Improved Narrator control over on-screen announcements. - New Device card in Settings for PC specifications. - Ability to toggle Smart App Control without a clean installation. - Revamped Voice Access setup process. - New Wait time setting for Voice Typing commands. - Enhanced sign-in security for Windows Hello with peripheral fingerprint sensors. No new issues have been reported with this month's updates.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Users Solve Windows 11 Issues With Four Settings Checks

To address slowdowns and glitches in Windows 11, users should verify several settings before considering a complete reinstallation. Key actions include: 1. Check for Windows Updates: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update to install patches and update device drivers. Uninstall problematic updates if necessary. 2. Manage Startup Applications: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) or Settings > Apps > Startup to disable unnecessary auto-starting applications to improve boot speed. 3. Pause OneDrive Syncing: Temporarily pause OneDrive syncing during resource-intensive tasks to prevent performance degradation. 4. Adjust Visual Effects: Disable Transparency effects and Animation effects in Settings > Personalization > Colors and Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects, respectively, to reduce GPU strain. 5. Limit Notifications: Turn off notifications in Settings > System > Notifications to minimize interruptions. 6. Restrict Background Activity: Set background app permissions to "Never" for infrequently used applications to conserve memory and disk usage. 7. Run Security Scans: Use Windows Security to perform a Quick scan and ensure that real-time protection features are enabled to detect malware and adware. 8. Browser Maintenance: Reset browser settings, remove unknown extensions, and enable tracking protection to improve resource management. If issues persist, further steps include running System File Checker, testing memory, checking storage health, or performing a repair install of Windows.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Microsoft fixes six actively exploited flaws in latest Windows 11 update

Microsoft's February 2026 Patch Tuesday addressed 59 vulnerabilities in Windows 11, with six confirmed as actively exploited. The most critical vulnerability is CVE-2026-21510, a Windows Shell security feature bypass with a CVSS rating of 8.8, allowing attackers to evade warnings by tricking users into opening malicious files. Another significant vulnerability, CVE-2026-21513, also rated at 8.8, affects MSHTML and allows remote attackers to bypass execution prompts through malicious code in HTML or shortcut files. CVE-2026-21514 impacts Microsoft Word and enables adversaries to disable OLE mitigations, posing risks through document-based attacks. Two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities are CVE-2026-21519 in Desktop Window Manager and CVE-2026-21533 in Windows Remote Desktop Services, with CVSS scores of 7.8. CVE-2026-21525 is a denial-of-service vulnerability in Remote Access Connection Manager. The update includes 53 additional vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products and services, with CVE-2026-21531 in Azure SDK rated at 9.8 and CVE-2026-20841 affecting Windows Notepad rated at 8.8. The cumulative update for Windows 11 (KB5077181) also includes enhancements and resolves WPA3 Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Microsoft reminded users of the June 2026 expiration of Secure Boot certificates, which requires timely updates to ensure secure booting. Users can install the updates via Windows Update.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

How to Disable Windows 11 Defender: Temporary and Permanent

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the built-in security solution for Windows 11, protecting against viruses, malware, and ransomware. Users may need to disable it temporarily or permanently for various reasons, including software installation, penetration testing, performance issues, transitioning to third-party antivirus solutions, or troubleshooting conflicts. Temporary disabling can be done through the Windows Security app, which will automatically re-enable after a restart. Permanent disabling requires changes in Group Policy, applicable only to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and necessitates disabling Tamper Protection first. Another method for permanent disabling is installing a third-party antivirus, which automatically deactivates Defender's real-time protection. Windows 11 Home users cannot use Group Policy for permanent disabling but can still temporarily disable Defender or install a third-party antivirus. Disabling Defender exposes the system to threats, and users should ensure they have alternative protection in place. Major Windows updates may reset Defender settings, and caution is advised when modifying system settings.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

Microsoft says latest Windows 11 issue crashes explorer.exe, makes taskbar disappear, but a fix is rolling out

A bug in Windows 11 has been causing disruptions, particularly affecting the Explorer.exe process, leading to the desktop user interface and taskbar disappearing for users. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and will release a fix in the optional update, Windows 11 KB5074105, in January 2026. The problem affects Windows installations with certain startup applications configured, causing Explorer.exe to stop responding upon signing in. Users are advised to manually restart Explorer.exe via Task Manager if it becomes unresponsive. The KB5074105 update will also fix issues with Explorer not displaying custom folder names correctly and resolve problems with an unresponsive lock screen and black screens linked to a previous update.

Winsage

February 1, 2026

Windows 11 has 1 billion users

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Windows 11 has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, following the end of support for Windows 10. Despite this milestone, there is significant customer dissatisfaction. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri acknowledged the need for improvements in system performance, reliability, and overall user experience. Recent updates have been problematic, with glitches reported during the first Patch Tuesday update of 2026. The integration of AI features has left some users feeling overwhelmed, while the constant upsell prompts for services like Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft 365 have been criticized as bloatware. Users have also expressed frustration over forced migrations to OneDrive, where files have been deleted without consent. Additionally, there is a notable disparity in support for home users compared to corporate users, raising concerns about Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the consumer experience.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074105 update fixes boot, sign-in, and activation issues

Microsoft has released the KB5074105 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, which includes 32 enhancements to improve user experience. This optional update allows administrators to test upcoming fixes and features before the next Patch Tuesday. It addresses issues such as Explorer.exe hanging during login with specific startup apps, system unresponsiveness during startup with Windows Boot Manager debugging enabled, iSCSI boot failures, and problems with Windows license migrations during upgrades. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.7705 and 26100.7705, respectively. Key highlights include enhanced Cross-Device Resume functionality, support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, fixes for unresponsiveness when running Windows Terminal with elevated permissions, resolution of GPU-related system errors, and improvements to Windows Sandbox. Microsoft will also introduce distinct identifiers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 updates starting with the January 2026 security update, and has simplified update titles for better accessibility.

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

Using Windows 10? Do This Now to Lower Your Risk of Being Hacked

Support for Windows 10 officially ended last year, and Microsoft recommends users transition to Windows 11 or buy new computers. Users will no longer receive security updates, and any issues encountered will not be supported by Microsoft. Windows Update will indicate that devices are no longer receiving updates, leaving users to manage security vulnerabilities themselves. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive updates until October 2028, and users can enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026, under certain conditions. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 at 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. Users opting to stay on Windows 10 should implement third-party security solutions to mitigate risks from the lack of official updates.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

This free tool lets you make all the Windows registry changes you’ve been avoiding

Windows 11 generally provides a satisfactory experience, but power users often seek more control due to telemetry services, background applications, and bloatware. Winaero Tweaker offers a user-friendly graphical interface for making system adjustments, including restoring the classic context menu and File Explorer ribbon. It allows users to disable ads across various platforms with a one-click solution and provides an easy way to eliminate bloatware by disabling unnecessary background apps and services. Winaero Tweaker also enables users to disable automatic driver updates, giving them control over their system's drivers. Compared to the Registry Editor, Winaero Tweaker simplifies the customization process with clear toggles and explanations, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft vows to make “behind-the-scenes platform changes” as it begins testing next phase of Windows 11

Microsoft is testing new builds in the Insider Dev Channel, advancing to the 26300 series. These builds will include features from the 26220 series, which will remain in the Beta Channel. The 26300 builds are expected to be finalized as version 26H2 this fall, while version 26H1 is set to launch in the spring for next-generation Arm devices. The upcoming version 26H1 is based on a newer platform, codenamed Bromine, while 26H2 will be built on an older platform version. Insiders can test the 26300 series builds by enrolling in the Insider Dev Channel and checking for updates in Windows Update.