Windows Archives

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft just broke custom folder icons in Windows, and the reason is a bug from 2003

Microsoft has updated Windows to stop trusting untrusted desktop.ini files, a change aimed at addressing a long-standing security vulnerability that has existed since 2003. This decision affects the display of custom folder icons, as Windows will now ignore customization metadata from potentially unsafe sources. Users can still use custom folder icons if the desktop.ini file and icon resources come from trusted locations. A workaround allows users to manually create a desktop.ini file with the desired icon while following new security protocols.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft just confirmed that this Windows 11 bug is hoarding up to 500GB of your storage

Microsoft has acknowledged a storage issue related to the Capability Access Manager service in Windows 11, which can consume up to 500GB of SSD space due to a bug causing the log file, CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal, to inflate to gigabytes instead of a few megabytes. Users have reported file sizes reaching 200GB and even 513GB. The issue can be checked via Settings > Storage > System & reserved or by using a command in the Windows Command Prompt. Microsoft plans to address this in the June KB5095093 update, which will improve disk space usage for the log file, with updates expected to roll out starting July 14.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

A Windows 11 bug can eat 500GB of your storage. Here’s how to check

A hidden bug in Windows 11 can consume up to 500 GB of storage due to the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which should only occupy a few megabytes but can grow significantly on certain systems. Users can check for this issue using applications like TreeSize or by executing a command in the Windows Command Prompt. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and provided a fix in the optional June 2026 update, with a broader rollout planned for the July Patch Tuesday update. Users are advised not to modify or delete the file to avoid further complications.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Circle Generator Minecraft: Build With a Circle Chart

Building a circle in Minecraft involves using a block grid, which can be challenging due to the need for specific block patterns for different diameters. A Minecraft circle graph visually represents a circle on this grid, where filled cells indicate placed blocks and empty cells are unoccupied. The Bresenham circle algorithm is used to create these graphs, making it a standard method for rendering curves in the game. A circle generator allows players to input a desired diameter and receive a grid layout to follow, ensuring accuracy in construction. To read a circle chart, players look at a square grid filled with filled and empty squares, placing blocks according to the layout row by row. For three-dimensional builds, the pattern is replicated across height layers. Odd diameters have a single center block, while even diameters have a 2x2 center, simplifying calculations. Optimal circle sizes for aesthetic results start from 15 blocks, with smaller circles often appearing more octagonal. Recommended diameters include 15-25 blocks for towers, 40-60 blocks for arenas, and starting from 30 blocks for domes. Errors can be corrected by comparing the current row with the generator's output and making adjustments. Large circles, such as those with a 60-block diameter, can strain server resources, making it essential to use a stable server for accurate block placement.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

MacPaw Moonlock antivirus review

MacPaw launched Moonlock as a standalone antivirus application in October 2025, building on its existing malware removal module from CleanMyMac. Moonlock focuses on educating users about malware rather than overwhelming them with technical details, following a 'care, not scare' philosophy. Research indicated that 66% of Mac users faced cyber threats last year, with a 67% increase in macOS backdoor variants in 2025. Moonlock Lab has identified new malware variants and maintains a strict zero-logs policy for its VPN. The application requires macOS 13 or later and 515MB of disk space, operates efficiently without significant performance impact, and necessitates a MacPaw account for installation. Support includes a knowledge base and email inquiries, but lacks live chat or phone options. Moonlock competes with ClamXAV, which is cheaper but lacks some features, and Intego Mac Internet Security X9, which offers a network monitor. Moonlock is priced at .95 per year for a single device, nearly double ClamXAV’s price for three devices, but includes additional features like a VPN and network inspection. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

How to quickly launch multiple apps with a single action in Windows 11

Windows includes a Task Scheduler for automating tasks and batch files for streamlining operations. Batch files, with a .bat extension, are plaintext scripts that execute a series of commands in sequence, useful for automating repetitive tasks. A common use is launching multiple applications simultaneously, such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Google Chrome, Excel, and File Explorer, to enhance productivity. To create a batch file, users should identify the executable locations of the desired applications, create a text file named Launch Apps.bat, and input a specific script to launch the applications. The batch file can be executed by double-clicking it, and users can add echo commands for execution status or automate it with Task Scheduler. Some applications may require administrator privileges, and paths may need adjustments based on installation locations.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft may redesign one of its most useful free Windows 11 tools to make it even better

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11 that improves the Start menu and introduces new customization policies. The PowerToys suite, designed for power users, includes a feature called Awake, which prevents a PC from entering sleep mode. Awake is being redesigned to enhance accessibility and functionality, with a new flyout interface that consolidates key modes into a user-friendly format. Upcoming enhancements for Awake include custom durations for keeping the PC awake and the ability to attach the feature to specific processes. Microsoft is seeking community feedback on these proposals, which may lead to their inclusion in a future stable release.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft admits a Windows 11 bug is eating up to 500GB of storage, verify if you are affected

To check for excessive storage consumption in Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Storage > System & Reserved. A file named CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal can cause significant storage issues, potentially consuming hundreds of gigabytes. This file is associated with the Windows Capability Access Manager service, which manages app permissions for features like microphone and camera access. Normally, this file should occupy only a few megabytes, but reports indicate it can expand to sizes like 200GB or even 513GB. Microsoft acknowledged this issue in the release notes for Windows 11 KB5095093, stating that an update to improve disk space usage for this file is scheduled for July 14, 2026. To check if your system is affected, tools like WizTree or TreeSize can be used, or a command can be executed in Command Prompt to verify the file size. If the file is excessively large, it is recommended to wait for the update or rename the file to allow Windows to regenerate it, rather than deleting it.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

‘This creates a misleading impression of safety’: Experts warn of hackers hijacking legitimate news websites and reviews to drum up publicity

Check Point Research has identified a public relations-style campaign by hackers to distribute a Rust clipboard hijacker disguised as legitimate software, targeting both Windows and macOS. The malware monitors clipboard activity for cryptocurrency wallet addresses and replaces them with those of the attackers, leading victims to send funds to the hackers. The threat actors use a phishing page as a hub, promote projects on GitHub and SourceForge through fake accounts, and operate a YouTube channel with AI-generated narrators to create a false sense of credibility.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

Protect Your Business Without Ruining the Budget: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Is Just $20

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is currently available for .99 (regularly .99) for a one-year subscription. It offers comprehensive protection features including real-time antivirus, multi-layer ransomware defense, anti-phishing tools, and advanced threat defense. Additional privacy features include Safepay, a built-in VPN with 200MB of encrypted traffic daily, a vulnerability scanner, and anti-tracking tools. The software operates seamlessly in the background with features like Autopilot, Bitdefender Photon, and Work Mode, ensuring minimal interruptions. Prices on StackSocial are subject to change.