bugs Archives

A bug in Windows 10 means your passwords could disappear

Software: Can’t live with it, can’t work without it. It sure would be nice if all computer programs worked the way they are supposed to every time we need them, but as you’re well aware, that’s not the case.

The reality is that bugs happen, and they happen often. Any Microsoft Windows user can tell you that much. A Windows patch that was released earlier this year fixed a whopping 113 bugs — and plenty of more updates have followed.

But even with all of those fixes, there’s still some work to do in Windows. A fix for that annoying bug that causes your PC to forget passwords would be a good start. Fortunately, that’s precisely what will be rolling out shortly. Here’s what you can do to get around the bug in the meantime.

Windows bug forgets your passwords

Does your PC keep forgetting the username and password for installed apps? It could be related to a bug in Windows 10 version 2004. This bug makes PCs forget login information for your apps, including Outlook, and it’s a major annoyance for the people who are stuck dealing with it.

You may not have to deal with it for too much longer, though. Microsoft says it has a workaround for the issue. It’s also developing a fix for the bug that should roll out soon.

According to Microsoft, the bug was the result of the May 2020 Windows update. The build containing the bug was initially released in April, and PC users have been complaining about the forgotten credential problem ever since.

“After installing Windows 10 Version 2004 Build 19041.173 and related updates, you find that Outlook and other applications do not remember your password anymore,” Microsoft stated in a support post.

Issues are much more widespread than just Outlook amnesia, though. Some people report being asked to log in to Office 365 via Outlook every few hours. Others note issues with Adobe Acrobat, including being asked to log in to Adobe every time a PDF is loaded or having to reauthenticate accounts regularly.

Some are even reporting issues with their LastPass password manager extensions that are used with the Firefox browser. The main complaint stems from repeatedly entering passwords, even if the system is configured to require a biometric login instead.

According to Microsoft, the problem happens when certain Windows 10 Task Scheduler Tasks are “configured in a certain way,” which causes password amnesia to occur. The permanent fix will be on the way via an update shortly, but if you want to resolve the issue right now, you’ll need to disable the Task Scheduler tasks.

To do this, you’ll need to:

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Fortify your life

🧑‍💻 From snoops to trackers, these tools give you peace of mind.

🔑 Fort Knox at home: This smart lock (42% off) unlocks automatically. Great when your hands are full.

🔎 I spy a creep: Whip out a hidden camera detector (33% off) at your next Airbnb. Catch bugs before they catch you.

🔒 OG security: Master Lock’s padlocks (15% off) still do the trick. Ideal for gym lockers.

📍 Lost your bag? Not with a slim smart card (10% off) that tracks your wallet right from your phone.

🐶 Tag that tail: A waterproof AirTag holder ($5.99) clips to your pup’s collar. Helps me keep track of my pup Bella.

🚨 Don’t stop lockin’: Dive into Amazon’s smart security gear, and hit up my shop for more handpicked privacy gadgets.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

📈 Turn your text into visuals: Napkin.ai turns words into flowcharts, infographics and diagrams. Just paste your text and click the lightning icon to generate a few options. Pick one you like, make tweaks and hit Export. FYI, all their plans are free while it’s in beta, but you may have to deal with some bugs. Triple-check numbers if you’re using this for work.

"It won't happen to me"

Open/download audio

Viruses aren’t just bugs that spam your computer or shut down your system anymore. Hackers employ sophisticated attacks that can bring your whole digital life crashing down. Are you making the mistake of thinking cybercriminals won’t possibly come after you?

⚡ Solar hacker warning: Turns out smart inverters in home solar panels can be hacked. If attackers exploit hardware bugs or trick people into granting app access, they could disrupt entire power grids and trigger blackouts. The kicker? These inverters last over 15 years, so even good security now might not hold up later.

50 years

That’s how long it’s been since we got a brand-new antibiotic that works this differently. Meet zosurabalpin: not just a mouthful, but a microscopic wrecking ball. It blocks the bacterial equivalent of armor construction, leaving the bad bugs bare and vulnerable.

🚨 Find hidden cameras: Do a quick sweep by turning off the lights and shining your phone’s flashlight around vents, smoke detectors, remote controls, wall outlets and other random objects. Hidden lenses will reflect back at you. Want a pro-level check? This hidden camera detector spots bugs, trackers and cams in seconds.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

It’s a bug’s life

🦟 Patio season is here. I’ve got secret weapons to fight back.

Set up a fly trap ($10) outside to lure those pests away.
Plug in an electric bug zapper ($46), so they buzz straight into the light.
Take matters into your own hands with an electric fly swatter (11% off).
This magnetic screen door ($29) lets in the breeze but not insects.
An ultrasonic repeller (17% off) is like an invisible shield for your home.
Use Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap ($9.99 for a two-pack). Bugs hate it and won’t come near you!
These mosquito repellent bracelets (23% off) help keep bugs off your skin. No sprays or mess needed.

WOW! Amazon is clearing out these older MacBook Airs. You can snag one for up to 33% off its original price.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

📞 Hackers love call centers: They’re bribing low-paid call center workers to bypass security (paywall link) and loot crypto wallets. Coinbase alone may be out $400 million. All it took was screenshots, Chrome bugs and $2,500 Venmo bribes.

🦗 Bugs in the system: Insects aren’t paying off. Some of the biggest insect-farming startups have gone bust, and investors are tapping out. The pitch: sustainable protein. The reality: not cheap enough, not scalable yet. But researchers think genetic engineering (without the scary GMO label) could fix it, turning flies into nutrient factories and faster breeders.

Up to 16.7%

That’s the automatic price hike coming to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps subscribers on June 17. Why? The new plan, now called Creative Cloud Pro, includes AI tools like Generative Fill in Photoshop. Individual annual plans will jump from $60 to $70 a month, and team plans will go from $90 to $100. At least the bugs will be free.

🆕 Android 16 beta is here: It comes with a big design refresh called Material 3 Expressive. Think new customization options, bouncier animations and more. You can try it now if you’ve got a Pixel 6 to 9 or a Pixel Tablet. Just sign up on the Android beta site. FYI, it’s still a beta, so expect some bugs.

You can watch “Severance,” too: For the first time, Apple TV+ is available on Android. The app has been around for years and the reviews stink, so expect some bugs along with the $9.99-per-month charge.

Start fresh: You can reset your browser’s settings to wipe out bugs and improve its performance. In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings. Look for a similar option in your browser of choice.

Windows users, take note: Mike in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, wrote in to ask if it’s safe to upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2, which rolled out in October. I’m glad you held off, Mike, because there were a lot of bugs. The major kinks have been worked out now, so you’re good to go.

100% brightness

Cranking up randomly on Philips Hue smart bulbs. Philips recently made their bulbs compatible with Matter. A bug is making lights flicker without warning. Until they fix it, disconnect your Hue Bridge from Matter on your iPhone.

Patch Tuesday: Updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2 and 21H2 just dropped. Top of the list? A fix for that annoying bug that caused VPN connections to fail. Your PC should handle this update automatically, or go DIY if you’re feeling antsy: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates.