Recent content by Cilantro7536

My opinion: Microsoft set this up as the default. It's also a setup less likely for the user to lose access to their computer right away due to forgetting the BitLocker PIN. The company may change the default admin password right away, making this less imperative. All in all, though...

More or less, you are asking how to circumvent the security measures put in place by the website, even with the cookies you already have. In general, though, without circumventing the security in place, if you use a direct URL to the resource you want to access and it allows you to do so with...

Probably meant to stay out of Softpedia for AV applications & updates. Here's from Wikipedia:

You can try this, but success will depend on your computer (Windows 11 works; unclear on 10), your phone (if Android, 13+), etc. Try it on a website, either this demo site (https://www.token2.com/tools/fido2-demo) or a Discourse forum (one that enables security key 2FA). Turn on Bluetooth on...

You mean the "anti-edge" icon? So, it's an executable?

Some sort of persistent web browser notification? Although it doesn't look very convincing, don't be too hard on your dad. We all need to learn. BitDefender has a scam chatbot that can help figure out (or slow down) scams. Uploading the above image does get a warning...

The "CrystalMark Inc." signage does seem a bit odd, although the developer did explicitly mentioned it. I don't think the certificate companies give these nilly-nally. Did the developer really establish a company? This incurs expenses and may be unusual. Has someone unknown bought the...

I think you are talking about any executables that output to the console windows. AFAIK, there isn't a list keeping track of all executed files. If the console windows show after login following an update, they are most likely parts of the update. If they show regularly but unexpectedly, these...

Don't know what the problem is, but here's an option that can be tried before a full system reset: Settings > System > Fix problems using Windows Update.

A 4TB HDD seems to cost the same as a "Microsoft 365 Personal" subscription. If a drive lasts 5-10 years, it seems that just for storage, you aren't going to beat the local backup in the long run. Perhaps you can get one and move less important backups onto the HDD first and see how it goes from...

Windows 11 with 8GB works better for me than Windows 10 with the same RAM; this seems like a rarity. Microsoft also lists 16GB for Copilot++ PC.

Use tools/hash/built-in signatures to authenticate/verify. Use VirusTotal. Upload the file, and almost certainly, you'll get the same link as above. If you do this for all your executables, it may put your mind somewhat at ease. Also, if you press Alt+Enter on the file in File Explorer and...

The file is signed with the right certificate. VirusTotal reports 0 suspicions. There is nothing to worry about except for the name. https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/92a1568bfe664c7a824e455501648d57419b9b1ad4927a44f29e7bdf1d3e777f/detection As for the ads, time will tell.

You can improve your security on public Wi-Fi networks by enabling encryption for DNS queries, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) for Windows and private DNS for Android. Otherwise, all your communications are typically encrypted already. Note that some people will tell you that using a VPN in such...

Have you followed this suggestion? For example, try using VPN/mobile/Wifi on the mobile when signing in to see if you have a different behavior. If you are using Windows hello to log into your Windows account, and if you ever succeed in logging into your MS account via the Windows PC, you...