Windows Update Archives

Winsage

May 30, 2026

How to Disable Windows Defender in Windows 11 (GUI, PowerShell, CMD & Group Policy)

Disabling Windows Defender is common among users setting up virtual machines or optimizing build processes, but it can be frustrating due to Windows 11's resistance to such actions. Many guides suggest using outdated registry keys, which are often reverted by updates, leading to repeated attempts to disable the protections. Users may disable Defender for several reasons, including performance issues with virtual machines, conflicts with Android emulators, hindrances in development environments, troubleshooting disk performance, and security testing in isolated labs. However, disabling antivirus software increases exposure to threats. Microsoft Defender includes components such as Antivirus, Real-Time Protection, Cloud-Delivered Protection, Tamper Protection, and Defender for Endpoint. Tamper Protection is a significant barrier to disabling Defender, as it prevents unauthorized changes to security settings. Key considerations before disabling Defender include the need for administrator rights, the effect of Tamper Protection, potential resets from Windows Updates, temporary toggles for Real-Time Protection, and the option to install third-party antivirus software, which places Defender in passive mode. Methods to disable Defender include using the Windows Security GUI, PowerShell commands, Command Prompt, or Group Policy (available only for certain editions). Disabling Tamper Protection requires accessing the GUI or being managed by an organization. To check if Defender is disabled, users can use PowerShell to review specific fields. Common reasons for Defender reactivating include enabled Tamper Protection, system reboots, Windows Updates, lack of third-party antivirus, and security policy refreshes. Installing a legitimate third-party antivirus is often the best way to maintain a consistent state. Instead of disabling Defender, users can add exclusions for specific folders related to virtual machines or development tools, allowing them to maintain protection while avoiding conflicts. Troubleshooting common problems includes ensuring elevated sessions for PowerShell, checking Tamper Protection status, and understanding the limitations of the Group Policy editor based on the Windows edition. Disabling Defender may be appropriate in specific scenarios, but for regular use, especially on machines handling sensitive tasks, the risks generally outweigh the benefits. Using exclusions is recommended for performance improvements without compromising security.

Winsage

May 30, 2026

Microsoft is killing the one-app-at-a-time camera limit in Windows 11 with new Multi-App mode

Windows 11 has introduced a feature allowing multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously, which will be available to all users with the June 2026 Patch Tuesday. Previously, only one application could use the camera at a time, causing issues for users wanting to use multiple apps like Microsoft Teams and OBS. Users can enable this multi-camera mode by navigating to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras and toggling the advanced settings. Microsoft is also working on improving the reliability of camera and audio connections and has introduced a "Basic Camera" feature to help diagnose camera problems related to driver issues. These enhancements are part of the Windows 11 KB5089573 (May 2026 optional update) and are being rolled out gradually.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Your Windows PC has a security deadline in June 2026

A Secure Boot certificate refresh is being deployed across supported Windows devices via Windows Update. The Secure Boot certificates from 2011 will begin to expire in June 2026, prompting Microsoft to introduce new 2023-dated certificates to maintain security. Most users will require minimal action if their PCs are updated, but older devices may face challenges. The current certificates include: - Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011: expires June 24, 2026 - Microsoft UEFI CA 2011: expires June 27, 2026 - Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011: expires October 19, 2026 The new certificates will remain valid until 2038, with plans for post-quantum cryptography around 2030. While PCs using the 2011 certificates will continue to function, they will lose access to new security protections, making them vulnerable to emerging threats. A notable example of such a threat is the BlackLotus bootkit, which exploited vulnerabilities to bypass Secure Boot. Microsoft's rollout strategy involves a staged update process that typically takes around 48 hours and may require restarts. Users are advised to keep Windows updated and check their Secure Boot status. Known issues may arise for older PCs, systems that bypassed Windows 11 requirements, Legacy BIOS systems, and custom firmware configurations. IT teams managing devices should inventory their systems, monitor specific event IDs, test updates, and document devices that cannot be updated.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Microsoft will let you uninstall Copilot app as Windows 11 clean-up moves ahead

Microsoft has introduced a new Group Policy option in the Windows 11 April 2026 Update that allows administrators to remove the Microsoft Copilot app across all devices within an organization. This change responds to user feedback about the app's deep integration into the operating system. Previously, users could uninstall Copilot, but it often reappeared after system updates or reinstalls. The new policy enables businesses and IT administrators to block or remove Copilot automatically, eliminating the need for manual uninstalls. Additionally, Microsoft is extending this policy to Microsoft 365 Copilot integrations. While the policy is not available for Windows Home users, similar results can be achieved through the Registry Editor or PowerShell commands.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

New Windows 11 update will actually make your PC faster

The Windows 11 update "KB5089573" is designed to enhance PC efficiency and speed, focusing on performance improvements during app launches and core shell experiences like the Start menu and Search. It introduces "Low Latency Profiles" to maximize CPU frequency temporarily when an application is launched, making app launches up to 40% faster and core shell experiences up to 70% quicker. Reliability enhancements include improvements to the sign-in screen, File Explorer, touch gestures, Task Manager, and the ability to share Bluetooth connections with two devices. This update is part of Microsoft's K2 initiative to optimize Windows 11 based on user feedback, with plans for further enhancements in the future. The update is available for installation through the Windows Update tool.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Microsoft is Rolling Out Windows 11 Performance Boosting Update

Microsoft has introduced the "Low Latency Profile" (LLP) feature in the KB5089573 update for Windows 11, aimed at optimizing CPU performance for brief intervals of 1 to 3 seconds to enhance user experience. This feature is expected to improve the launch speed of core Microsoft applications, with in-box apps like Edge and Outlook launching approximately 40% faster, and improvements to the Start Menu and context menus yielding speed increases of up to 70%. Users can activate this performance upgrade by installing the KB5089573 update through Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. The LLP will be activated gradually through a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR), meaning users may not see immediate changes as the system prepares for full implementation. The LLP allows for short bursts of increased CPU performance, which may lead to slightly higher temperatures during lighter tasks, but aims to provide a seamless experience.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Windows Server 2016 fails to find domain controller

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with the May 2026 security update for Windows Server 2016, affecting systems with hostnames of exactly 15 characters, which leads to failed domain controller (DC) lookups. The error occurs during DC lookups, specifically returning the error code ERRORINVALIDPARAMETER. Servers with 14 or 16 character hostnames are not affected. Administrators may face challenges with DFS Namespace management and other functions reliant on DC access. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. Windows Server 2016's mainstream support ended in January 2022, but extended support will continue until January 2027.

Winsage

May 27, 2026

Windows 11’s new update actually makes your PC faster. Here’s how to get it

Microsoft has released an optional update for Windows 11, designated as KB5089573, aimed at enhancing the operating system's performance. This update introduces a feature called the “Low Latency Profile,” which improves responsiveness, particularly for essential tasks. The feature temporarily boosts CPU clock speeds to maximum capacity for up to three seconds to eliminate lag. Insider testers have reported performance improvements, with potential boosts of up to 70% for opening flyouts and 40% for launching applications. The update is currently in a preview phase and can be manually installed. It also includes enhancements to audio, the Task Manager, and the Camera app, with a broader rollout expected in June 2026.

Winsage

May 27, 2026

Microsoft Issues the Week D Preview Updates for Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 can install the preview update KB5089573, upgrading their systems to builds 26100.8524 and 26200.8524, respectively. Users on Windows 11 version 26H1 can install KB5089570, upgrading to build 28000.2179. The updates introduce new features such as shared audio support over Bluetooth LE, multi-app camera support, custom user folder naming during setup, and enhancements to Magnifier, Secure Boot, Task Manager, Windows Hello, and Windows Search. They also include performance improvements and increased reliability for sign-in and Lock screens.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 KB5089573 update that makes your PC genuinely faster and more responsive

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 update KB5089573, which is available as an optional OS upgrade. This update includes a "Low Latency Profile" feature that enhances performance, making system flyouts appear up to 70% faster and application launches up to 40% quicker. The performance improvements will be rolled out gradually over the coming weeks. Additional features include the ability to share Bluetooth connections with two devices simultaneously, an option to name devices during setup, and updates to the Task Manager. Reliability improvements have been made in areas such as sign-in and lock screens, File Explorer, touch gestures, and theme changes within Settings. Users can manually install the update through Windows Settings or enable automatic updates.