24H2 Update Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards. 5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields. 6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items. 9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing. 10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows on Arm update could open the door to more gaming

Microsoft is testing a new update for Windows 11 on Arm processors that aims to enhance the performance of gaming applications and broaden the range of applications capable of running on these devices. The update introduces an emulator named Prism, which allows x86 applications to operate on Arm devices, addressing challenges faced by gaming applications. Adobe Premiere Pro is highlighted as a supported application under the new build, part of the Windows 11 24H2 update, which extends compatibility to x64 applications running under emulation. The update includes additional support for various extensions within the x86 instruction set architecture, such as AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. However, it is specifically tailored for 64-bit applications, meaning older 32-bit applications will not benefit from these new features. Qualcomm is collaborating with developers to create Arm-specific versions of popular applications, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the Arm ecosystem.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Microsoft reportedly sabotaged Windows 95 and 98’s Control Panel, or it looks that way – is this a worrying revelation?

A recent investigation revealed an intentional eight-second delay in the 'Add New Hardware' wizard of older Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 95 and 98. This delay was likely introduced due to hardware limitations of the time to address compatibility issues. Users are currently facing various glitches with the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, including BSOD crashes on Intel motherboards and disappearing File Explorer menus. The legacy Control Panel is gradually being phased out as Microsoft transitions to the Settings app, raising concerns about potential hidden issues in the current operating system. Microsoft has been contacted for clarification regarding the historical delay.

Tech Optimizer

November 5, 2024

CrowdStrike strikes again, this time crashing Office apps in Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 24H2 are facing connectivity issues, blue screen crashes, and failed rescue patches, leading Microsoft to block the update for certain affected devices. A specific problem has been identified where Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, crash when CrowdStrike’s Falcon sensor antivirus software is installed, particularly when the “Enhanced Exploitation Visibility Prevention Policy” setting is enabled. Microsoft is collaborating with CrowdStrike to resolve this issue, which primarily affects organizations and managed IT environments. Individual users may consider reverting to a previous version of Windows 11 if they encounter other problems.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Gamers are finally flocking to Windows 11 after 3 years

Windows 11 has reached a 51.97% adoption rate among gamers, a 4.28% increase from the previous month, while Windows 10 has declined to 45.95%, a decrease of 2.71%. Windows 11 first surpassed Windows 10 in adoption in August, and the gap is widening as users migrate. Windows 10 will be retired on October 14, 2025, with Microsoft offering an additional year of security updates for a fee. Recent performance issues with AMD’s Ryzen 9000 CPUs at launch were addressed in the 24H2 update. The Steam hardware survey also reported a 1.53% increase in RTX 3060 users, now at 7.24%. Windows 11 includes features like the Xbox Game Bar and DirectStorage to enhance gaming experiences.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11’s feature to allow typing with your Xbox controller has vanished in a blow for owners of handheld gaming PCs

Windows 11 users will not receive the new gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard as it has been temporarily shelved. Microsoft announced this pause in rollout due to unresolved issues, which was communicated through a recent Beta channel preview build. The feature had been in testing since early September 2024 and was expected to be available with the Windows 11 24H2 update at the end of October. The gamepad on-screen keyboard was designed to enhance typing convenience using an Xbox controller, incorporating shortcuts for functions like backspace and spacebar.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 Update Removes Xbox Gamepad Keyboard Feature After Bugs Plagued It

Microsoft has withdrawn the 'Gamepad keyboard' feature from the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update due to unresolved bugs. The feature, aimed at enhancing text input for Xbox controllers and other gaming devices, was disabled in the latest preview update, and users can no longer access it. Microsoft has not provided specific details about the bugs and has omitted the feature from their release notes, indicating a delay in its rollout. The Gamepad keyboard was first introduced in September 2024 and was expected to be part of the October update. Despite this setback, Microsoft has stated that the feature will return in future updates.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11 is on more than half of all Steam gaming PCs

In October 2024, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in popularity among gamers, accounting for 51.97% of survey participants, an increase of 4.28% in one month, while Windows 10 has declined to 45.95%. Despite Windows 10 holding a majority share in the broader market at 60.97%, this is its lowest market share in years. Windows 11 has captured 35.55% of systems, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 2.16%. The rise in Windows 11 users may be influenced by the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which poses security risks. Windows 11's adoption is challenged by stringent hardware requirements and reported performance issues. The 24H2 update of Windows 11 has been noted for its stability.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 issue causes File Explorer menu to appear outside the screen

In the Windows 11 24H2 update, users have reported that the three-dot menu in File Explorer becomes unreadable in full-screen mode, appearing at the top of the screen instead of below the three dots. This misalignment makes it difficult to access menu options while in full-screen mode. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and plans to address it in future updates, with a significant optional update scheduled for the last week of November and a Patch Tuesday update on November 12. These updates will also include fixes for other critical issues. Regular updates for Windows 11 24H2 will resume in January after a pause in December.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Microsoft: Ditch Windows 10 for Windows 11 for better speed, efficiency, and AI

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Users must decide to either upgrade to Windows 11, if their hardware is compatible, or choose an extended security update for an additional year of security patches. Microsoft encourages the transition to Windows 11, highlighting improvements in speed and efficiency, with claims of performance enhancements for PCs with the latest Copilot+ technology. Windows 11 is marketed as the most secure version of Windows, featuring TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and the Pluton security processor, which purportedly reduce security incidents by up to 62% compared to Windows 10. Organizations may benefit from 50% faster workflows with tools like Windows Autopilot and Intune. Since its release in 2021, Windows 11 has received updates that improve animations and interface design while remaining compatible with Windows 10 applications. Users with older hardware may not experience the same performance benefits, and the option for extended security updates until October 2026 is available for a fee.