Security News

Microsoft has fixed a known issue causing applications to play high-pitched or squeaking noises while using certain apps in Windows 10 2004, Windows 10 20H2, and Windows 10 21H1. This issue was first introduced in the March 2021 KB5000842 preview cumulative update but continued through cumulative updates released afterward. "After installing KB5000842 or later updates, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio may play containing a high-pitched noise or squeak in certain apps when using certain audio devices and Windows settings," explains Microsoft on their Windows 10 Known issues and notifications center.

A high-severity vulnerability that VMware patched this week in VMware Tools for Windows could be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Tracked as CVE-2021-21999 and featuring a CVSS score of 7.8, the issue is a local privilege escalation that requires for an attacker to have normal access to a virtual machine for successful exploitation.

Microsoft has announced that they have started auto-upgrading a larger number of Windows 10 devices nearing end of life to Windows 10 21H1. Earlier this month, Microsoft began training their machine learning algorithms by automatically upgrading a small amount of Windows 10 2004 users to Windows 10 21H1. Microsoft did this training to discover issues that may arise during the update process before upgrading a larger population of Windows 10 users. For most people, Windows 10 21H1 is still being offered as an optional update displayed when manually performing a 'Check for updates' in Windows Update.

Today, NVIDIA released the Game Ready WHQL Driver 471.11, and it now officially supports Windows 10 21H1, the May 2021 Update, for the first time. Previous Game Ready WHQL drivers had only supported up to Windows 10 20H2, the October 2020 Update.

Microsoft has released the optional KB5003690 Preview cumulative update for Windows 10 2004, Windows 10 20H2, and Windows 10 21H1. This cumulative update is part of Microsoft's June 2021 monthly "C" update, allowing users to test the upcoming fixes scheduled for next month's July 2021 Patch Tuesday. Windows users can install this update by going into Settings, clicking on Windows Update, and selecting 'Check for Updates.

A now-removed Microsoft Azure support document had revealed Windows 11 as the upcoming version of Windows two weeks ago, and everyone missed it until now. Microsoft is revealing their new version of Windows this Thursday, June 24, at 11 AM EST, but has not publicly announced the name of the next OS. While a leaked build of Windows 11 has pretty much confirmed the new name, a new Azure support document spotted this weekend adds further confirmation.

With Microsoft getting ready to unveil the new Windows 11 operating system, we take a look at some of the new Registry hacks that can be used to customize your device. A preview build of Windows 11 was leaked online last week, giving us a sneak peek at the new features Microsoft is bringing to its next generation of Windows.

Microsoft recently announced its Windows event for June 24 and the company has been slowly dropping hints in teasers that suggest Windows 11 or next-gen OS is around the corner. Windows 11 preview build recently leaked online, confirming the speculation and reports that the next generation of Windows is called "Windows 11".

Microsoft has announced an additional Windows developer event for June 24th that will likely reveal new programming API or Microsoft Store changes. Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that they would be holding a special Windows event on June 24th at 11 AM EST to unveil their next generation of Windows.

Rather than opening a backdoor for a ransomware gang to exploit or dropping a malicious payload this malware merely sinkholes a bunch of Pirate Bay domain names by adding them to the Windows hosts file and pointing them at 127.0.0.1 - meaning they'll be inaccessible from the victim's machine. The Pirate Bay is a well-known repository of copyright-infringing files, ranging from films to games to commercial software.