Windows Archives

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Windows Server Update Services buckle under Microsoft’s metadata mountain

Microsoft's Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is facing significant challenges, particularly with existing deployments experiencing synchronization issues described as "sync purgatory." The problems stem from "severe degradation" due to a "buildup of publishing metadata," leading to slow synchronization processes and timeouts. This issue is not related to the recent Patch Tuesday update but has seen a "heightened impact" since July 13, 2026. Although WSUS is a critical tool for managing updates in enterprise environments and remains supported, Microsoft has recommended transitioning to alternative solutions, especially cloud-based options, since October 2024. Many administrators continue to rely on WSUS, which poses risks of failed synchronization and potential vulnerabilities. As of now, Microsoft has not provided a workaround for affected servers but has implemented a mitigation for new installations as of July 18. Existing servers are still experiencing difficulties, and Microsoft is working on solutions to help remove problematic metadata. The issue affects nearly all desktop and server operating systems supported by WSUS, including Windows 11 26H1 and older versions like Windows 10 1607 and Windows Server 2012. Administrators currently have limited options and must monitor the situation as it develops.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

LG Monitors Spotted Installing Adware-Like App on Windows PCs

LG monitors connected to Windows PCs can trigger the automatic installation of the LG Monitor App Installer, which promotes paid subscriptions to McAfee antivirus software without user consent. This app appears shortly after Windows Update installs relevant LG packages, displaying McAfee promotions frequently. The app is designed to launch at startup and operates outside the Windows App Sandbox, raising cybersecurity concerns. Reports indicate that this issue affects both newer and older LG monitor models. Microsoft allows manufacturers to link Store applications with device metadata, enabling such installations without clear user choice. Users can remove the app through Windows Settings, but doing so may block other useful applications. LG and Microsoft have not publicly addressed these concerns.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

LG’s monitors come with an unwanted addition for Windows: McAfee pop-up ads

The LG Monitor App Installer installs itself by default, resulting in unwanted ad notifications for users. When connecting a new LG UltraGear monitor to a Windows 11 PC, the LG driver updates and the Monitor App Installer are installed silently via Windows Update without user notification or permission. The app does not provide unique controls but redirects users to other LG applications and promotes McAfee antivirus. Complaints about the app's auto-installation have increased, particularly regarding large pop-up ads. Microsoft allows developers to pair a Hardware Support App with the Windows Store for automatic installation, but this can confuse users. Similar practices exist with Dell's Alienware Command Center app. Users can prevent the LG app from auto-installing through group policy settings or by opting out of automatic downloads in system settings. The LG Monitor App Installer requests extensive permissions and collects device data, internet activity, and geolocation information without explicit user consent.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft is moving another Outlook feature behind a Copilot paywall

Microsoft will retire the Meeting Insight feature for Outlook users by early September 2026, after which users will lose access to meeting insights, relevant files, and emails. The company is introducing a new feature called "Prepare for this meeting" to summarize content for upcoming meetings. Previously, Meeting Insight did not require a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, but Microsoft is now requiring this license for Copilot Chat across applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Microsoft has expanded its Copilot initiative to nearly 80 products and is shifting towards a paid model for features that were once complimentary.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Today’s the last day to get Windows 11 Pro for just $7.97

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its standard price of 9, with a promotion expiring tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT. The operating system includes features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, Azure AD integration, and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows Server Update Services sync delays

Microsoft is addressing an issue impacting Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) servers, causing synchronization challenges for over a week. WSUS, used to manage updates for Microsoft products across enterprise networks, typically syncs daily with Microsoft Update servers. The ongoing issue has disrupted this process, affecting both client platforms (Windows 10 version 1607 and later) and server platforms (Windows Server 2012 and later). Microsoft acknowledged reports of increased synchronization times and sync operation timeouts, with the situation escalating on July 13, 2026. Mitigation measures were implemented to alleviate synchronization issues for newly installed or rebuilt WSUS servers, and Microsoft is working on solutions for previously affected servers. Synchronization times have been restored for new installations, but efforts continue to assist customers in removing affected metadata from older servers. This is not the first WSUS-related challenge for Microsoft; similar issues occurred in May 2025 and July 2025, with resolutions provided shortly after.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft is cutting support for some older OneDrive systems soon – here’s what you need to know

Microsoft will cease support for the OneDrive sync app on Windows 10 version 21H2 and earlier on August 15, 2026. Users of these older versions will no longer receive updates, including new features, bug fixes, or security enhancements. Windows 10 version 22H2 will continue to receive updates until October 10, 2028. Windows 10 accounts for approximately 28% of all Windows installations, while Windows 11 accounts for around 70%. Users can still access OneDrive through a web browser if the app becomes incompatible.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft rushes out Windows fix for Dell’s hot and bothered PCs

Microsoft has released an out-of-band update, KB5121767, to resolve an incompatibility issue affecting certain Dell models, allowing them to receive the July 2026 Windows security patch. This update targets the Intel Innovation Platform Framework drive, which caused performance, power consumption, and system behavior issues. It is applicable for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. A separate hotpatch, KB5121768, is available for eligible Windows 11 Enterprise devices. Microsoft paused the Patch Tuesday rollout for the affected models to facilitate this update. The incompatibility was linked to the Intel driver and the Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface introduced in a June 23 preview update. Users experienced slowdowns, overheating, and unexpected shutdowns.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2026

LG monitors are silently installing adware on your Windows PC

LG has faced criticism for the automatic installation of an application that delivers pop-up advertisements for McAfee antivirus subscriptions when certain LG monitor models are connected to a Windows PC. This issue was highlighted by Gamers Nexus, which reported that the LG Monitor App Installer activates upon connecting models like the LG UltraGear 34GX900A-B and the LG UltraFine 32UN880-B. In a test of 32 system boots, McAfee was promoted in 31 instances. The app can utilize extensive system resources and access internet connections, and LG's privacy policy indicates that user data such as names, phone numbers, birth dates, and online activity may be collected. Complaints about this practice have increased recently, suggesting a broader rollout or more frequent pop-ups. Other manufacturers, including Dell, have faced similar backlash for their software installation methods. Users hope Microsoft will require brands to seek explicit permission before installing utilities, although Microsoft's own history with unsolicited software raises uncertainty about this possibility.