Category: Software

  • Windows 11 February 2026 Update: KB5077181 & KB5075941 Fix Bugs

    Windows 11 February 2026 Update: KB5077181 & KB5075941 Fix Bugs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft released cumulative security updates for Windows 11 on February 10, 2026, with KB5077181 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, and KB5075941 for version 23H2.
    2. Secure Boot certificates will begin expiring in June 2026, and users are advised to follow Microsoft’s guidance to avoid potential issues.
    3. KB5077181 includes fixes for full-screen gaming eligibility and connectivity issues with WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi networks.
    4. KB5075941 addresses a problem where computers using Virtual Secure Mode might restart instead of shutting down or hibernating after updates.
    5. The February 2026 release also features updates such as expanded Cross-Device Resume, improvements to Windows MIDI Services, and adjustments to Narrator verbosity controls.

    Microsoft has put out its cumulative security updates for Windows 11 as of February 10, 2026. For users on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, the update is designated as KB5077181, which upgrades the operating system to Builds 26100.7840 (for 24H2) and 26200.7840 (for 25H2).

    Updates for Windows 11 23H2

    As for Windows 11 version 23H2, Microsoft has released KB5075941, which raises the OS to Build 22631.6649. Both of these updates come packed with this month’s security patches and also include some “non-security updates” from the previous optional preview release, depending on the version track you’re on.

    Important Secure Boot Information

    In the release notes for the two updates, Microsoft has highlighted a critical upcoming deadline for Secure Boot maintenance. The Secure Boot certificates that are utilized by most Windows devices are set to begin expiring in June 2026. Microsoft cautions that devices might face issues “if not updated in time” and directs users and organizations towards its guidance for Secure Boot preparation.

    On the 24H2/25H2 versions, Microsoft has stated that it is using this month’s servicing to further its phased rollout strategy. The quality updates for Windows now include targeting data that helps identify which devices are ready to receive new Secure Boot certificates, with the certificates being distributed only after there are “sufficient successful update signals.”

    Fixes and Improvements in Updates

    Within KB5077181, Microsoft points out several fixes, including resolving a full-screen gaming eligibility problem and addressing a bug that could prevent connections to certain WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi networks following a previous update. They have also announced that updated AI components (Image Search, Content Extraction, Semantic Analysis, and a Settings Model) are now at version 1.2601.1268.0, as detailed in the release notes.

    At the time of writing, Microsoft has indicated that it is not aware of any issues with KB5077181.

    For the Windows 11 version 23H2 update, Microsoft has mentioned a change regarding Secure Boot/Boot Manager: on devices that already have the Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificate within the Secure Boot signature database (DB), the update will replace the older 2011-signed bootmgfw.efi with the 2023-signed version. They also warn that resetting the DB or toggling Secure Boot could lead to a “Secure Boot violation” and notes that recovery media is a potential solution in rare cases.

    Additional Fixes in KB5075941

    KB5075941 also addresses a commonly discussed problem where some computers using Virtual Secure Mode (VSM) might restart instead of shutting down or entering hibernation after receiving security updates from January 13, 2026, onwards.

    Similar to the package for 24H2/25H2, Microsoft asserts that there are no known issues with KB5075941 at the time of this publication.

    BleepingComputer has reported that the February 2026 Patch Tuesday release also includes feature updates that are rolling out progressively. These updates feature expanded Cross-Device Resume, enhancements to Windows MIDI Services, additional controls for Narrator verbosity, and adjustments to Smart App Control behavior. It is important to note that, like many Windows features, the availability of these updates can vary depending on your device, configuration, and rollout status.

    Microsoft support: KB5077181

    Microsoft support: KB5075941

    BleepingComputer

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  • Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 Now Available for Google Pixel Devices

    Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 Now Available for Google Pixel Devices

    Key Takeaways

    1. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 was released on February 10, 2026, for supported Pixel devices, featuring automatic updates and quick installation.
    2. The update maintains the January 5, 2026 security patch level and does not provide a specific list of fixes, focusing instead on stability and usability improvements from Beta 2.
    3. Supported devices include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, and the Pixel 9 and 10 families.
    4. Switching between beta and production versions requires a complete device reset, so users should back up their data beforehand.
    5. Google encourages users to report issues via the Issue Tracker and Android Beta Feedback app, and suggests checking release notes for known issues before submitting new reports.

    Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 for the Pixel beta track, on February 10, 2026. If you’re part of the program, you can expect this update to appear automatically, install swiftly, and then be done with it.

    Device Specifications

    According to Google’s notes, the majority of supported devices are marked as CP11.251209.009.A1. The Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7 are specifically noted on CP11.251209.009. The update maintains the same security patch level from January 5, 2026, identifies Google Play services version 25.47.33, and still lists emulator support as “TBA.”

    Update Details

    Here’s the thing: the Beta 2.1 update is essentially just a label set—date, builds, patch level, and Play services—without any specific list of fixes for Beta 2.1 in the official notes. So if you’re hoping for a tidy changelog that says “fixed X, fixed Y,” you won’t find it.

    For a bit of background, Google does explain what Beta 2 was aiming to address in the same document, highlighting a range of stability and usability improvements, such as crashes, freezes, battery management, connectivity problems (like slow Wi-Fi and missed calls), along with some UI issues. This context pertains to Beta 2, not a definitive fix list for Beta 2.1, but it gives insight into the type of challenges this QPR3 version has been focusing on.

    Supported Devices

    Google lists support for Android 16 QPR3 beta on Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, along with the Pixel 9 family (including Fold), and lastly the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 10 family (including Fold). It’s also important to note that once you join the beta program, your phone will receive constant OTA beta updates until you decide to leave the program.

    If you like to do things manually, Google suggests using the Android Flash Tool as the recommended method for flashing.

    Important Considerations

    Google is quite clear on this point: switching from the production version to beta, or back again, necessitates a complete device reset that wipes all user data. Always remember to back up your data first!

    Additionally, Google makes OTA images available for QPR beta builds and promotes them as a useful option for testing—and, in certain situations, for restoring a device after a troublesome OTA update.

    For reporting any issues, Google directs testers to the Issue Tracker and the Android Beta Feedback app included in preview builds. It also recommends checking the release notes and looking at “top open issues” before submitting a new report, to avoid submitting something that’s already been reported.

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  • Microsoft 2026 Deadline for Secure Boot Certificate Expiration

    Microsoft 2026 Deadline for Secure Boot Certificate Expiration

    Key Takeaways

    1. Initial Secure Boot certificates from 2011 will start expiring in June 2026, with all expiring by October 2026.
    2. Microsoft is rolling out new 2023 certificates through regular Windows updates, but some devices may require firmware updates from OEMs.
    3. Devices will still boot normally after expiration, but will lose new protections related to the boot process and updates for vulnerabilities.
    4. Microsoft is transitioning to new certificate authorities and signing updates for Secure Boot components, with guidance for managed devices to implement updates.
    5. Users should not disable Secure Boot as a workaround, and additional resources for support and guidance are available from Microsoft.

    Microsoft is alerting Windows users and IT administrators that the initial Secure Boot certificates that were issued back in 2011 will begin to expire in June 2026, with more expirations occurring through October 2026. The company has started to roll out new 2023 certificates to affected systems via regular Windows updates for many devices.

    Important Updates

    This information was shared in Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday release notes on January 13, 2026, for Windows 11 (KB5074109), specifically under the section titled “Windows Secure Boot certificate expiration.” Here, Microsoft highlights the June 2026 start date and directs users to resources for preparation.

    On February 10, 2026, Microsoft also released KB5079373, which discusses what the expiration entails and confirms that most devices will receive updates automatically. However, some may need firmware updates from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

    Booting After Expiration

    Microsoft explains that devices that hit the expiration date will still boot as usual and continue to get standard Windows updates. The main change is that systems without the new certificates won’t gain new protections for the early boot process. This includes updates linked to Windows Boot Manager, Secure Boot databases, revocation lists, and fixes for any newly found vulnerabilities in the boot chain.

    In a broader explanation regarding Secure Boot certificates (KB5062710), Microsoft similarly warns that while everyday usage might seem unaffected, affected machines will gradually lose protection as new threats at the boot level appear.

    Transition to New Certificates

    In its IT guidance, Microsoft lists three Secure Boot certificates that have been in use since the era of Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, stating they will start to expire in June 2026 and will all be expired by October 2026.

    Microsoft is transitioning devices to certificate authorities from 2023, including new sources for signing updates to the Secure Boot database and Windows boot components. Some environments might need to add separate 2023 certificates depending on what trust is required (like trust related to Option ROM).

    Consumer and Managed Devices

    For the majority of consumer PCs, Microsoft asserts that the new certificates should come through Microsoft-managed updates. However, it warns that some systems might need an OEM firmware update for the new certificates to be applied correctly. Microsoft also discourages users from disabling Secure Boot as a workaround.

    For managed fleets, Microsoft’s guidance provides strategies to inventory, monitor, and implement the updates (including through Intune, Group Policy, and registry methods) before the June 2026 deadline.

    Reports from third-party sources indicate that Microsoft is considering this a “generational refresh” of the boot trust chain, with updates now being delivered via regular Windows servicing for supported devices.

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  • Venus Lava Tunnel Formed by Volcanic Eruptions Discovered

    Venus Lava Tunnel Formed by Volcanic Eruptions Discovered

    Key Takeaways

    1. Venus is often called Earth’s twin but has extremely harsh and severe conditions.
    2. Studying Venus is difficult due to thick clouds, but the Magellan spacecraft mapped its surface using radar technology from 1990 to 1992.
    3. A recent study suggests the discovery of a possible lava tunnel near the Nyx Mons volcano, challenging previous beliefs about Venus being geologically inactive.
    4. This potential lava tunnel would be the second identified on Venus, but further observations are needed to confirm its size and composition.
    5. Ongoing research, including future missions like EnVision, aims to enhance our understanding of Venus’s geological activity.

    Considered the twin sister of Earth, Venus is an extremely harsh planet with severe conditions. Nevertheless, astronomers have been examining this planet for many years, and recently, by looking at data from decades ago, they found a possible lava tunnel formed by volcanic activity.

    Difficulty in Study

    Studying Venus is quite challenging due to the thick clouds that shroud its surface. However, between 1990 and 1992, the Magellan spacecraft successfully created a map of Venus’s surface using radar technology that transmitted radio waves down to the planet. Scientists were then able to gauge how long it took for these signals to bounce back, which allowed them to form a detailed representation of the planet’s topography.

    New Findings

    A recent study published on February 9 in the journal Nature Communications looked into surface collapses brought on by rockfalls. One of these collapses is found near the Nyx Mons volcano, and it might be a lava tunnel that stretches several dozen kilometers.

    This finding calls into question previous ideas that Venus is a geologically inactive world. Moreover, if this discovery is verified, it would mark the second lava tunnel identified on the planet. Still, more observations and studies are necessary, especially with probes like EnVision, to figure out the tunnel’s exact size and what it’s made of.

    Future Research

    Nature Communications’ findings could reshape our understanding of Venus and its geological activity. Further research will help clarify the mysteries surrounding this inhospitable yet fascinating planet.

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  • Home Assistant App Update: 10+ New Features and Improvements

    Home Assistant App Update: 10+ New Features and Improvements

    Key Takeaways

    1. New version 2026.2 of the Home Assistant app for iOS has been released, following version 2026.1.
    2. Users can now add entities directly to Apple Watch, CarPlay, or Widgets from the dashboard.
    3. A new optional Quick search gesture has been introduced for better efficiency.
    4. Enhancements have been made to the entity picker, download manager, and WebRTC camera player, along with edge-to-edge drawing on the Dashboard.
    5. The app will no longer refresh automatically after five minutes of inactivity.

    A fresh update for the Home Assistant app on iOS has been released. The new version, 2026.2, comes about a month after the previous version 2026.1, which introduced enhancements for CarPlay and the Control Center.

    New Features

    With the 2026.2 update, users can now add entities directly from their dashboard to their Apple Watch, CarPlay, or Widgets. An exciting addition is a new optional Quick search gesture, allowing for more efficient usage. Furthermore, there is a “mute response” option available when utilizing the Assist function.

    Improvements and Settings

    According to the release notes, this version also features enhancements to the entity picker, download manager, and the WebRTC camera player; however, specific details on these improvements have not been provided by Home Assistant. Another notable change is a new setting that allows for edge-to-edge drawing on the Home Assistant Dashboard. Additionally, the app will no longer refresh automatically after five minutes of not being used.

    For those interested in the complete change log for the Home Assistant iOS app version 2026.2, it’s available in the screenshot below. To get this update, simply head over to the Apple App Store.

    Home Assistant via Apple App Store.

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  • Discord to Require ID or Face Scans for Some Servers in March

    Discord to Require ID or Face Scans for Some Servers in March

    Key Takeaways

    1. Starting in March, all Discord users must provide ID verification to access 18+ servers, using video selfies or identity documents.
    2. Users who do not complete the verification will have access restricted, with blurred channels and limited messaging features.
    3. Age restrictions apply only to servers with 18+ content, and Discord will monitor non-compliant communities.
    4. An automated age inference model will be introduced, but its effectiveness is still uncertain.
    5. Discord assures users that personal information will be protected, with identity documents deleted quickly, despite past security concerns involving third-party vendors.

    Starting in March, every Discord user will need to provide ID verification or they won’t be able to access servers meant for older audiences. The company shared this information in a press release, stating that users can submit either video selfies or identity documents. The aim of this is to foster a safer space for teens, but there are worries about the security of this sensitive data.

    Impact on Features

    If users don’t finish the verification process, channels meant for 18+ users will show up as blurred. Also, messaging features like voice chats will be restricted. The app intends to direct direct messages from unknown users into a different inbox to enhance safety.

    Age-Restricted Servers

    Not every Discord server has age restrictions, so this update might not impact all users. However, if a community shares 18+ content, the administrators are required to implement age restrictions. Failing to do so could lead to Discord monitoring the activity and taking measures on its own.

    Automated Age Inference

    In an effort to simplify things, Discord is set to introduce an automated “age inference model.” It’s still unknown how well this background system will work at identifying a user’s age.

    Discord has been under pressure to safeguard vulnerable users from predators. To prevent lawsuits and bans, it’s gearing up to roll out these changes worldwide. The platform already required extra verification in Australia and the UK due to new legal requirements.

    User Confidentiality

    The blog post aims to calm users regarding the privacy of their personal information. Short videos that estimate users’ ages will only be stored on phones or the devices used for capture. The company asserts that “Identity documents submitted to our vendor partners are deleted quickly— in most cases, immediately after age confirmation.”

    Despite this assurance, critics may not be easily convinced, especially since those vendors were targets of a hacking attempt. In October 2025, a data breach involving third parties may have exposed government IDs of 70,000 individuals. Full names, email addresses, and IP addresses were also potentially at risk from malicious actors.

    Enhanced Security Measures

    Following this incident, Discord committed to adding security measures to protect its users’ information. The new ID verification requirements will put these measures to the test when they start in March.

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  • Philips Hue Introduces New App Tool for Smart Lighting Control

    Philips Hue Introduces New App Tool for Smart Lighting Control

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue app version 5.60.1 supports AI assistant in Spanish, German, and Dutch.
    2. New functionalities for Hue Secure wired cameras and the Hue Secure Wired video doorbell were introduced.
    3. Users can now manage automations directly from a Room or Zone in the app.
    4. A new Automations section was added to the Room or Zone View for better organization.
    5. The latest version of the Philips Hue app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

    In the latest update of the Philips Hue smartphone app, a surprise feature has appeared. The app’s version 5.60.1 for both iOS and Android started being made available to users in late January 2026. According to the change log, this update introduced support for the AI assistant in Spanish, German, and Dutch. Additionally, it included new functionalities for those using the Hue Secure wired cameras and the Hue Secure Wired video doorbell, which is currently priced at $169.99 on Amazon.

    New Automation Features

    With the arrival of version 5.60.1, a previously discussed enhancement for automations is now part of the Philips Hue experience. Updates for the Philips Hue Bridge v2 and the Bridge Pro in January 2026 were reported to be setting up a new tool that would enable users to manage automations right from a Room or Zone in the app. This feature was successfully integrated into the Philips Hue app with version 5.60.1.

    Room or Zone View Enhancements

    In the Room or Zone View, the layout remains similar for the first three sections: My Scenes (your saved scenes), Lights (the connected devices), and Controls (the connected accessories). Below these, a new Automations section has been added, displaying all automations associated with that specific Room or Zone. If you wish to rearrange the new Room or Zone View, you can do it by selecting (…) > Edit Room > Order.

    It’s not clear why this particular feature was absent from the release notes for the Philips Hue app version 5.60.1. Users can get the most recent version of the Philips Hue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

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  • Home Assistant 2026.2 Launches New Power Distribution Card

    Home Assistant 2026.2 Launches New Power Distribution Card

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Home Dashboard is now the default view for all new installations, known as ‘Overview’, with an option to switch back to ‘Overview (legacy)’.
    2. A new card in the For You section displays new devices found by Home Assistant.
    3. Users can now organize devices by room using the ‘Assign area’ feature in the Devices section.
    4. The term ‘Add-ons’ has been changed to ‘Apps’ to clarify the distinction from other integrations.
    5. New integrations include Cloudflare R2, Prana heat recovery systems, and HDFury HDMI devices, along with a new distribution card for tracking power usage.

    Home Assistant version 2026.2 has been released. This new version of the open-source smart home automation tool comes about a month after the 2026.1 update, which introduced more specific triggers and a revamped Settings page.

    New Features and Changes

    In Home Assistant 2026.2, the Home Dashboard is now the default view for all new installations, referred to as ‘Overview’. For those who liked the old layout, they can switch back to ‘Overview (legacy)’ by selecting it in Settings > Dashboards. A fresh card has been added to the For You section, which shows any new devices found by Home Assistant. Additionally, in the recently added Devices section, users can now quickly organize devices by room with the ‘Assign area’ feature.

    Updates to App Terminology

    Another significant update in Home Assistant 2026.2 is the change of ‘Add-ons’ to ‘Apps’. The company explains this is to clearly separate these standalone applications from other integrations. There’s also a new Quick search option, which can be activated with Ctrl + K on Windows and Linux, or ⌘ + K on macOS. Moreover, the new distribution card allows users to track how power is distributed across different devices and appliances directly from their dashboard. New integrations in this release include Cloudflare R2, Prana heat recovery ventilation systems, and HDFury HDMI video processing devices like the VRROOM (currently priced at $599 on Amazon).

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  • Garmin Releases New Update for Pro Smartwatches with Improvements

    Garmin Releases New Update for Pro Smartwatches with Improvements

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has been developing the v21.xx public beta for over six weeks without switching to stable software.
    2. The removal of certain functions in Beta Version 21.22 indicates more updates are still needed.
    3. Recent beta updates show limited changes, suggesting Garmin is nearing completion of v21.xx development.
    4. About 50% of eligible smartwatches received alerts for Beta Version 21.22, indicating progress in the update process.
    5. Future updates are expected, as Garmin continues to enhance device features through ongoing beta developments.

    In other words, Garmin has been working on v21.xx public beta for over six weeks now. However, the company doesn’t appear to be nearing a switch of v21.xx builds to its stable software line. The removal of Aviation, Dive, and ECG functions in Beta Version 21.22 suggests that Garmin still has more v21.xx beta updates in the pipeline.

    Changes Indicate Progress

    The low number of modifications seen in recent beta updates implies that Garmin is making progress towards completing the v21.xx beta development. This time, Garmin only reports fixing a problem that prevented Fenix 8 Pro smartwatches from getting GPS signals in CIQ applications. Allegedly, about 50% of qualifying smartwatches have received alerts to download Beta Version 21.22. Therefore, we anticipate Garmin to wrap up its automatic update process in the coming days.

    Looking Ahead

    Garmin’s plans remain somewhat unclear, but the continuous beta updates hint at ongoing developments. Users are encouraged to stay tuned for future updates, as more features may be added. The gradual rollout of Beta Version 21.22 indicates that the company is working diligently to enhance their devices.

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  • Microsoft Addresses Windows 11 Issues to Restore User Trust

    Microsoft Addresses Windows 11 Issues to Restore User Trust

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is focusing on enhancing the core performance and reliability of Windows 11 through a new strategy called “swarming.”
    2. The company will reallocate engineers to address significant “pain points” in Windows 11, prioritizing system performance and user experience.
    3. Recent update-related challenges have caused frustration among users and IT administrators, prompting the need for this strategic shift.
    4. Microsoft aims to fix basic problems, such as boot failures and UI inconsistencies, to improve everyday performance and stability.
    5. The effectiveness of the swarming approach will be evaluated based on upcoming updates and whether they reduce issues and enhance component responsiveness.

    Microsoft is putting more focus on enhancing the core performance and reliability of Windows 11. They are adopting a strategy called “swarming,” which involves gathering different teams to quickly address significant issues. This decision comes after a challenging start to 2026 for Windows updates and is part of Microsoft’s efforts to regain user trust.

    Redirecting Engineering Efforts

    In the next few months, Microsoft will be reallocating engineers to tackle “pain points” within Windows 11 using their swarming method. Pavan Davuluri, the president of Windows and Devices, informed various reporters that they aim to enhance aspects that are “meaningful for people.” Key areas of focus include system performance, reliability, and the general Windows experience.

    Addressing Update Issues

    The swarming strategy follows a series of update-related challenges that have annoyed both users and IT administrators. Notably, during January’s Patch Tuesday for Windows 11, there were issues documented in Microsoft’s release health information. For instance, KB5074109 (Windows 11 24H2/25H2) caused problems when opening or saving files to cloud services like OneDrive or Dropbox, which was later addressed in an out-of-band update.

    Fixing Basic Problems

    Reports also highlight boot-failure issues that arose from systems that did not install the December 2025 security update properly, leaving them in a problematic state. This illustrates how servicing issues can accumulate over time with monthly updates. Media sources mention that Microsoft might prioritize fundamental fixes, such as resolving persistent UI inconsistencies and improving everyday performance in areas like File Explorer. The focus seems to be shifting from major features to enhancing stability and usability, especially since Windows 11 has faced criticism for bugs and inconsistent performance.

    Microsoft has yet to release a detailed public plan for its swarming approach. The most tangible indication of progress will be whether upcoming cumulative updates lead to fewer regressions and better responsiveness in commonly used components, like File Explorer, which often receives complaints. If Microsoft highlights these reliability improvements in their official release notes or health updates, it will be an easy way to see if this is a lasting quality improvement or just a temporary fix in response to recent patch issues.

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