activation issues Archives

Winsage

January 31, 2026

Final day to get Windows 11 Pro for just $10

A promotion has reduced the price of Windows 11 Pro to a significant discount, making it an attractive option for users currently on Windows 10 or the Home edition of Windows 11. The offer represents a 94% discount from the standard retail price and is a rare opportunity for a current-generation Windows Pro license. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as Snap Layouts, multiple desktops, BitLocker device encryption, Windows Information Protection, Hyper-V virtualization, and Remote Desktop capabilities. It requires a compatible 64-bit CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 4GB of RAM, and adequate storage. Users are advised to purchase from reputable sellers to avoid issues with activation or legitimacy of the license.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Windows 11 KB5074105 update fixes boot, sign-in, and activation issues

Microsoft has released the KB5074105 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, which includes 32 enhancements to improve user experience. This optional update allows administrators to test upcoming fixes and features before the next Patch Tuesday. It addresses issues such as Explorer.exe hanging during login with specific startup apps, system unresponsiveness during startup with Windows Boot Manager debugging enabled, iSCSI boot failures, and problems with Windows license migrations during upgrades. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.7705 and 26100.7705, respectively. Key highlights include enhanced Cross-Device Resume functionality, support for peripheral fingerprint sensors in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, fixes for unresponsiveness when running Windows Terminal with elevated permissions, resolution of GPU-related system errors, and improvements to Windows Sandbox. Microsoft will also introduce distinct identifiers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 updates starting with the January 2026 security update, and has simplified update titles for better accessibility.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Windows 11 Home vs Pro: Expert Issues Upgrade Advice

Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro share consistent performance, with both versions offering the same kernel, gaming features, and applications. Key functionalities such as Copilot, Windows Defender, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 protections are available on both editions, assuming hardware requirements are met. Windows 11 Home is simpler for most consumers, performing updates seamlessly and allowing free upgrades from eligible Windows 10 devices. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced control capabilities through the Group Policy Editor, allowing for update deferrals and more extensive system management. Pro includes BitLocker device encryption, centralized management features, and the ability to join domains and integrate with Azure Active Directory. It also supports virtualization features like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox, which are not available in Home. Pro can serve as a host for remote desktop connections, while Home can only connect to remote PCs. In terms of hardware limits, Windows 11 Home supports up to 128GB of RAM and one CPU socket, while Pro supports up to 2TB of RAM and two CPU sockets. The retail prices are approximately 9 for Home and 9.99 for Pro, with upgrade options available. For general users, Windows 11 Home is recommended, but Pro is advisable for those needing remote desktop hosting, BitLocker management, update deferrals, or virtualization capabilities.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Get Windows 11 Pro for Just $15 at StackSocial for a Limited Time

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a significantly reduced price through StackSocial, offering a lifetime license for , compared to the usual retail price of 9. The operating system includes features such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, Remote Desktop, Group Policy Management, virtualization options, and a Copilot AI Assistant. It also supports virtual desktops and Snap layouts, enhancing multitasking and performance. Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, making this upgrade timely for users on older systems. However, the license keys are sourced from third-party vendors, which may lead to occasional activation issues, although StackSocial provides a 30-day refund policy for non-functional keys.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Windows 10 KB5048652 out with fixes (direct download .msu)

Today marks the rollout of Windows 10 KB5048652, the final security update for this operating system. This update focuses on essential bug fixes and will automatically download and install unless auto-updates are blocked. Users can also manually install it via Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update, upgrading their system to build 19045.5427. The update addresses existing vulnerabilities and includes offline installer files (.msu) for those unable to update through the Settings app. The update omits the new Recommended section in the Start menu, which has been criticized for promoting unnecessary Microsoft Store apps. Bug fixes in this update resolve issues with copying files from cloud storage services, ensure Win32 app shortcuts back up correctly to the cloud, and address Windows 10 activation issues after a motherboard change, as well as problems with Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printers. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches, users are encouraged to consider their options, as security and feature updates will cease after the deadline. There is an option to extend Windows 10 security support for an additional year at a cost, but opportunities to continue using the operating system are limited.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4580 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4580 (KB5046733) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing various changes and improvements. Changes and Improvements: - The simplified system tray has been temporarily disabled due to issues reported by Insiders. - File Explorer now opens folders in a new tab by default when launched from outside the application, with an option to revert to the traditional behavior. - The “Restore previous folder windows at logon” feature will restore all previously opened tabs. - A new option allows users to snooze or disable the “Start backup” reminder in the File Explorer address bar. Fixes: - Resolved an issue for Pinyin IME users where switching windows could unexpectedly change the IME from Chinese to English. - Fixed Bluetooth LE Audio streaming issues for certain devices. - Corrected a problem causing Windows to become unresponsive when using an IPP USB printer. - Addressed activation issues following a motherboard replacement. - Updated profiles for specific mobile operators. Microsoft Store Update: - The Microsoft Store now supports direct updates for Win32 apps provided by their publishers, allowing users to initiate updates from the Downloads page. Reminders: - Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 23H2 through an enablement package. - Features may be rolled out gradually, and not all features may be released to the public. - Localization for features in development may not be complete.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Windows 11 22631.4534 Release Preview brings new features for Start menu, taskbar, and more

Microsoft has rolled out an update for Windows 11 version 23H2, identified as KB5046732 (22631.4534), which includes enhancements to the Start menu, taskbar, input methods, Task Manager, Dynamic Lighting, and accessibility features. Key updates include: - Start menu: Users can access jump lists by right-clicking pinned apps. - Taskbar: The system tray shows a condensed date and time format, and the notification bell icon can be hidden when "Do not disturb" is activated. - Touchscreen: A section for customizing edge gestures has been added. - Mouse: Users can disable enhanced mouse pointer precision and modify scrolling direction. - Task Manager: Supports dark mode and text scaling in Disconnect and Logoff dialogs; provides detailed disk type information. - Input Method Editor (IME): The IME toolbar hides during full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - File Explorer: New sharing feature allows sending content to Android devices via Phone Link. - Windows Search: Operates IFilters within Less Privileged App Containers for enhanced security. - Dynamic Lighting: New placeholder message for unconnected devices and enhanced Wave and Gradient effects. - Narrator: New functionalities in scan mode for easier navigation. - Speech in Windows: Enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities. - Settings: Tailored Experiences feature rebranded to Personalized offers. Fixes include resolution of activation issues after motherboard replacement, updated mobile operator profiles, fixes for unresponsiveness with IPP USB printers, and addressed streaming issues with Bluetooth LE Audio devices.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Windows 10 19045.5194 is out in Beta and Release Preview with fixes for activation issues

Microsoft has released Build 19045.5194 for Windows 10 insiders under KB5046714, which includes several fixes and improvements. Key fixes include: - Resolved an issue with Win32 shortcuts not backing up to the cloud. - Fixed a bug causing files dragged from cloud provider folders to move instead of copy. - Addressed activation issues after a motherboard replacement. - Updated profiles for certain mobile operators. - Fixed a problem causing Windows to stop responding when using an IPP USB printer. Additionally, for Beta Channel participants, Microsoft is rolling out further improvements, and users can adjust their settings to receive updates more rapidly. The Recommended section of the Start menu now showcases select Microsoft Store apps, which can be disabled in Settings under Personalization.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Microsoft’s official Windows 11 virtual machines are no longer available

Microsoft's official virtual machines for the Windows 11 Development Environment are currently unavailable for download as of October 23, 2024, due to expiration and activation issues. Users with operational environments will face activation problems, as these virtual machines do not support activation via product keys, resulting in a black desktop background and shutdown every hour for expired versions. The last update for these virtual machines was in July 2024, based on Windows 11 build 22621.3880. The Windows 11 Development Environment was offered in four configurations: Hyper-V, Parallels for Mac, VirtualBox, and VMware, and included tools such as Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition, .NET Desktop, Azure, Windows App SDK for C#, Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 with Ubuntu, Windows Terminal, and Developer mode.