Latest news with #Windows7
5 days ago
- Business
Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 Are Getting New Features
Microsoft is releasing updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 to keep users up to date. The updates include shortcuts like Win + C and a new FAQs section within the OS settings menu. It's still best to update to 24H2 now for more features and security, with 25H2 on the way. When Microsoft releases a new major update to Windows 11, the company wants you to update your computer, and therefore quickly deprecates the previous versions. In a relatively rare move, Microsoft is rolling out a few updates to Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2. Microsoft has released a non-security update for Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 11 22H2. These updates first came out in late 2023 and late 2022, respectively. 22H2 was deprecated last year, in October 2024, while 23H2 is scheduled to reach end-of-life on November 11 this year. So it's pretty surprising to see Microsoft release updates for these two versions in the first place, and the fact that they're feature updates rather than just security updates adds to the weirdness. So what's exactly in this update? For one, Microsoft is adding the Win + C shortcut, which fires up Copilot, to these two older versions. Because your operating system might be deprecated, but Microsoft doesn't want you to miss out on easier ways to access Copilot. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the reason Microsoft wanted to roll out this particular update to older versions. When the company wants to push something to users, it goes all the way. In case you don't remember, back when Microsoft released the Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge, the company famously pushed the update to Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 users, despite the fact Windows 7 was not receiving updates anymore. It's not the only addition, at least. Microsoft has added a new FAQs section directly within the OS' settings menu. By going under System and then on the About page, this section can give you a few quick answers to commonly asked questions regarding your PC and the Windows 11 operating system itself. Another user-facing improvement focuses on file sharing. When you drag a local file from File Explorer or the desktop, a new tray interface will now appear at the top of the screen. This will display suggested applications for quickly sharing or opening the file. If the app you're looking for isn't immediately suggested, you can select a "More" option, which will then open the standard Windows share window to give you more options for sharing or opening. Your best course of action is to take the 24H2 update now. It's free, it will give you a lot more features, and it will keep your PC safe for another year. 25H2 is also getting close. This is a preview update, and a more finalized version should roll out to your computer within the next few weeks if you have one of these versions. Source: Microsoft
Time Business News
19-05-2025
- Time Business News
Unlocking Windows and Office: How KMSPico Offers a Cost-Free Solution
When it comes to activating Microsoft Windows or Office, most users hit the same snag — the high cost of official licenses. Genuine product keys can be expensive, and not everyone can afford to shell out hundreds of dollars just to get past the activation screen. If you find yourself stuck in this situation, KMSPico offers an alternative that's caught the attention of millions around the world. In simple terms, KMSPico is a tool designed to activate Windows and Office software without needing a traditional product key. It works by emulating Microsoft's Key Management Service (KMS) activation process locally on your PC. This means your system 'thinks' it's been properly licensed, giving you full access to all features without the official price tag. If you're curious to try it out, a safe KMSPico is available from trusted online communities. You might wonder why activation is such a big deal. The truth is, until your copy of Windows or Office is activated, you're locked out of certain features — things like personalization, updates, and sometimes even basic functionality. Microsoft uses activation to verify you're running a legitimate copy. For many users, especially students or freelancers, paying for a full license just to get these basic features unlocked can be tough. That's why tools like KMSPico have become a go-to solution for those wanting to unlock their system without emptying their wallets. Unlike other complicated methods that require manual input of long product keys, KMSPico is incredibly straightforward. Here's what sets it apart: One-Click Activation: Just launch the tool and click a button. It does the rest automatically, no confusing codes or tech skills needed. Just launch the tool and click a button. It does the rest automatically, no confusing codes or tech skills needed. Works Offline: You don't need to be connected to the internet, which is a huge bonus for users with unstable or no internet access. You don't need to be connected to the internet, which is a huge bonus for users with unstable or no internet access. Long-Lasting Activation: Once activated, your system won't suddenly deactivate or nag you again. Once activated, your system won't suddenly deactivate or nag you again. Wide Support: Whether you're using Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, or Office 2016, 2019, or 2021, KMSPico has you covered. Whether you're using Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, or Office 2016, 2019, or 2021, has you covered. Free: No charges, no subscriptions, just a clean, effective activation. Looking for the latest version? Just find a trusted KMSPico Download from reputable sources. In a nutshell, KMSPico tricks your computer into believing it's connected to a legitimate Microsoft KMS server. Normally, large organizations use KMS servers to manage volume licenses, activating many computers at once. KMSPico creates a local server on your PC that mimics this setup, fooling Windows and Office into thinking the license is genuine. This process activates your software without requiring any actual product key or internet validation with Microsoft. A big concern people have is security. Since KMSPico isn't an official Microsoft product, you have to be cautious where you download it from. Many unofficial versions online contain harmful software or malware. To stay safe, always use well-known tech forums, GitHub repositories, or trusted community sites to get your KMSPico Download. Avoid shady websites or random pop-up ads promising quick activation. If you've legally purchased Windows or Office but lost your product key, KMSPico can be a practical way to reactivate your software without repurchasing licenses. It's also helpful for those who want a hassle-free activation method without digging through paperwork or waiting on support. However, businesses and organizations should avoid it, as volume licensing agreements and compliance require genuine activation. Once activated with KMSPico, your Windows and Office installations behave just like fully licensed copies. You get access to all updates, security patches, and features — no limitations. The activation remains valid after reboots, and you won't see annoying reminders. A big plus for KMSPico users is the strong community backing the tool. Online forums, social media groups, and video tutorials provide guidance and troubleshoot issues. This support network helps new users feel comfortable and confident. If paying for a Microsoft license feels out of reach, KMSPico offers a simple, no-cost way to activate your system and unlock its full potential. Just remember to download from reliable sources and use the tool responsibly. Ready to give it a try? Find a secure KMSPico, and activate your Windows or Office today — hassle-free and without the hefty price tag. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality Audit and Risk Committee raises concerns over City Integrity and Investigations Unit
eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele said that the city was addressing all concerns raised by the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC). Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers The eThekwini Municipality Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) was concerned over the City Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU) and whether it had adequate capacity to process the current volume of investigations it had. The consolidated ARC report for the second quarter, which ended at ended 30 December 2024. was presented to the eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on Tuesday. The purpose of the report was to provide feedback to Exco about the significant findings between 1 October 2024 to 30 December 2024 to prevent unnecessary risks from materialising. Siboniso Shabalala, ARC Chairperson, said the CIIU report for quarter two was presented recently. Shabalala said the ARC raised concerns regarding the approved structure and the areas that are not funded and that this can have a direct impact on the ability of the CIIU to fully carry out its mandate and may hinder progress in addressing and clearing caseloads timeously. Shabalala said the other area raised was whether the CIIU had adequate capacity to process the current volume as well as whether the various systems and processes in the justice system are creating further delays in closing out the reported items. 'Management gave assurance that ongoing discussions with the Chief Financial Officer continue to source additional funding for the unit and currently, it is being done on an incremental basis. The unit does ensure the competency of the employees but some of the long outstanding cases regarding the implementation of consequence management that is reported, rest with line management to address and close. Ongoing engagement with the units continues to address these matters,' Shabalala said. Shabalala said that ARC also requested management to review how the Unit will address capacity if there is an influx of cases. Shabalala said the resourcing of the unit continues to remain an area of concern as it is critical to improve consequence management and the number of open cases to reduce significantly. Shabalala urged city management to implement action plans that address the root cause of the findings with a sense of urgency. On other issues, the ARC raised questions about ethical hijacking after the ARC found that an internal audit was able to exploit certain vulnerabilities on the CCTV devices which allowed them to upload and delete unauthorised application packages. 'Internal Audit attempted to exploit certain vulnerabilities of critical and high impact via specific open-source software tools after receiving approval and confirmation from management and were able to exploit one vulnerability on the Windows 7 environment which resulted in denial-of-service conditions. However, we were unsuccessful in exploiting the other vulnerabilities,' Shabalala said.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Forbes
New Windows 7 And Windows Server 2008 Security Updates Confirmed
Windows 7 users get good security update news. NurPhoto via Getty Images Security updates are very much in the news at the moment, what with a no-reboot patching feature for Windows 11 and Microsoft's announcement that hotpatching will cost at least $1.50 per core for Windows Server 2025 users. Yet, with hundreds of security vulnerabilities being uncovered that impact Windows users, and cybercriminals evolving to strike at record speed, the matter of keeping on top of security updates has never been more vital. Unless you are a user of a Windows platform that has reached end-of-support status, such as Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, for example. There simply are no security patches available for these two platforms. Or are there? I have some good news for you if you just can't bear to part ways with your favourite Windows computer. The secret to the continuing availability of security patches to protect your systems if you are a hardened Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 user has been hinted at in a number of my articles. On March 27, I reported how a zero-day vulnerability impacting everything from Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 to the latest Windows 11 v24H2 and Server 2025 could be mitigated even though Microsoft didn't have any official patch at the time. Back on Dec 7, 2024, I reported how another zero-day, impacting all Windows users, could be fixed using the same method. Those fixes came by way of a micro patching service called 0patch — the same service that can now save you if you want to keep your legacy Windows systems alive and protected. 0patch addresses the vulnerability gap between zero-days being discovered and any official patch being released. It does this by providing what it refers to as micro patches, much like the subscription fee incurring Windows Server 2025 hot patch system. These work by applying the fix in memory without disturbing the process itself and without requiring any reboots. Posting to X, formerly known as Twitter, on April 29, Mitja Kolsek, the CEO of ACROS Security, the company behind 0patch, said: 'Due to (wow!) growing demand, we've decided to extend support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with security patches for another year (Jan/2027). Reminder: our security patches are the only security patches existing for these Windows versions.' Wow, indeed. So, if you are a user of either platform, now is the time to reach out and get those micro patch security updates to protect your systems and your data. You only have one other choice, it would seem, and that's to remain at risk of attack.
Forbes
28-04-2025
- Forbes
Will Microsoft Really Kill Off Windows 10 In October?
Windows 10 is still the world's most used desktop operating system There's now less than six months until Microsoft plans to kill support for Windows 10. There's just one major problem: it's still the world's most used desktop operating system. Microsoft plans to end free support for Windows 10 on October 14, potentially leaving hundreds of millions, if not billions, of PCs without protection from security threats. Businesses and (for the first time) consumers will be offered the chance to extend support further for a fee, but how many people will be willing to pay upwards of $30 for operating system updates awaits to be seen. Only Microsoft knows the true number of Windows 10 machines still ticking in the world, but it's not a number the company reports publicly. However, third-party analysis says that it's still more widely used than Windows 11, which was launched in October 2021. StatCounter – which collates the operating systems used by computers visiting more than 1.5 million websites – reported that Windows 10 was still used on 54.2% of all Windows PCs in March 2025. Windows 11, while starting to climb more rapidly in recent months, remains in second place on 42.7% of all Windows machines. Windows 11 has overtaken its older sibling in many Western countries, including the U.S.A., the U.K. and Canada. But in parts of Asia and Africa, there's still an enormous gulf between Windows 10 and Windows 11. In India, for example, Windows 10 holds strong on 62.1% of all Windows PCs, with Windows 11 only found on 36.2%. In Nigeria, 64.9% of Windows users remain on Windows 10, and it has even increased its market share slightly in March. Windows 11 usage is below 30% in the country, while just under 5% are still using Windows 7, support for which ended five years ago. Microsoft has never been in a situation like this before. When Windows 7 left mainstream support in January 2015, it was by far and away the most used operating system, with just over 60% of Windows PCs using the operating system, according to Statcounter. But by the time extended support expired in 2020, it was only on a fifth of all Windows machines. At the current trajectory, Windows 10 will likely still be on around half of all Windows machines when its extended support deadline expires in October. Why has Windows 10 proved so enduringly popular? Partly because Microsoft raised the hardware bar quite significantly for Windows 11, with many Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to the latest operating system. Uncertainty over Microsoft's plans for Windows 12 may also be leaving some consumers and businesses unsure over whether to upgrade to a Windows 11 PC or wait for a new operating system. Microsoft shocked the entire industry when it abruptly announced Windows 11 in June 2021 and released it that autumn, having previously indicated it wasn't going to release major new versions of the operating system but continue updating Windows 10 instead. Now nobody's quite sure if a Windows 12 will be announced later this year, giving users another option before the curtain comes down on Windows 10. Even if Microsoft does stick with its plans to end support in October, Windows 10 users will have the safety net of Extended Support Updates. For consumers, this means a one-off fee of $30 for a further year's worth of updates. For businesses, Extended Support Updates will be available for another three years, with a punishing sliding scale of fees that start at $61 for the first year, but double the following year, and then double again in year three. Third-party security firms will also continue to support Windows 10 beyond the deadline. However, security software can't plug holes in the operating system itself. All it can do is to continue to ward off viruses and other malware as best it can. The pinch point will come if a major exploit is discovered in Windows 10 after the support deadline expires. Will Microsoft tough it out, and only offer patches to customers paying for Extended Support Updates? Or will it issue a free, general update to prevent a widespread security problem? It will be a test of nerve for both Windows 10 users and Microsoft alike.
