Arm-based devices Archives

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Update Bug Triggers BSOD Error

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant bug in its Windows 11 24H2 updates, causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes with the error code “SECUREKERNELERROR” (0x18B). This issue has escalated since the April 2025 Patch Tuesday update, affecting thousands of users globally. The bug leads to system crashes after installing the updates, resulting in persistent crash-restart loops or unbootable systems. Initially reported in March 2025, the problem gained traction following the April update, prompting Microsoft to confirm the bug and investigate its cause. Other issues include failures with Windows Hello and compatibility problems with games and software, particularly on ARM-based devices. To address the crisis, Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to disable the problematic code, which is being automatically pushed to affected devices, although users may experience a delay of up to 24 hours. Users are advised to keep their devices connected to the internet and restart their PCs multiple times to expedite the fix. For enterprise environments, IT administrators must manually deploy a specific Group Policy update. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution, expected in a future update, while also acknowledging related issues and committing to further fixes in the upcoming May 2025 update.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

Rumour: Valve about to launch SteamOS for all PCs

SteamOS is set to be released for all PCs, with expanded hardware support indicated by recent rumors and code changes. Valve announced during CES 2025 that SteamOS will be available to third-party manufacturers, with the Lenovo Legion Go S being the first device to feature it, launching in May 2025. This marks a shift from Valve's previous attempts with Steam Machines. SteamOS is designed as a streamlined Linux alternative for gaming enthusiasts, aiming to compete with Windows by offering a simplified interface. Nvidia's introduction of an ARM chip raises speculation about broader hardware compatibility, potentially including ARM-based devices.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

One of Stardock’s best Windows customization tools is getting even better

Stardock has released the beta version of Fences 6, a desktop organization tool for Windows 11 that enhances user experience and productivity. Key features include tab support for creating multiple fences, icon tinting for visual cohesion, a new color picker for personalization, and improved folder navigation within Folder Portals. Fences 6 now runs natively on Windows on Arm, improving performance on Arm-based devices. The beta is available for .99, with a one-year license, and the annual subscription will be .99 after the beta phase. Users subscribed to the Object Desktop suite will have access to Fences 6 at no additional charge.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Windows 11 and MIDI 2.0: The Biggest OS Update Since 1983 is Coming Soon!

Microsoft is releasing Windows 11, which includes a significant update to the MIDI system, introducing native support for MIDI 2.0. This is the first major update to the MIDI standard since 1983. The new Windows MIDI Services enhance MIDI 1.0 functionality on ARM-based devices and improve communication between electronic instruments and computers. MIDI 2.0 offers increased speed, better transmission quality, more precise control, and advanced two-way communication capabilities. Microsoft collaborated with the Association of Musical Electronics Industry of Japan (AMEI) to develop a robust MIDI class driver and introduced a new networking protocol for MIDI 2.0. Extensive SDK support will facilitate integration of third-party software and hardware. The MIDI architecture is currently being tested and will be included in upcoming Windows updates. Additionally, the latest Canary build of Windows 11 features improvements such as new OneDrive functionality, optimized File Explorer, and options to disable backup reminders.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft doubles down, still won’t let older PCs run Windows 11

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 requirement for Windows 11 is a mandatory standard set by Microsoft, which does not support older PCs lacking these security chips. Users have limited options: purchase a new PC, continue using Windows 10 without support, or switch to Linux. Microsoft emphasizes that TPM 2.0 is essential for modern security and encryption tools. Most new laptops and desktops now come with TPM 2.0 compliant processors, including Arm-based devices. There is skepticism about the transition to Windows 11, as users have faced challenges upgrading older machines. The push for TPM 2.0 is partly driven by increased security threats, including those related to cryptocurrency. This announcement reaffirms Microsoft's previous stance on the necessity of TPM 2.0 for future Windows versions.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Microsoft’s claim that Arm-based Copilot+ PCs are “fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs” is debunked on X – and the community’s verdict isn’t wrong

Microsoft claimed its Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs are the “fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs.” However, fact-checkers disputed the speed claim, noting that these devices are outperformed by high-performance desktop PCs and even laptops with Intel or AMD chipsets. Additionally, Arm-based CPUs, like the Snapdragon X Elite, face compatibility issues with gaming. The intelligence claim refers to AI features like improved video calls and live captions, which are not exclusive to Arm-based devices, as x86-powered Copilot+ laptops also benefit from these advancements.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Microsoft finally releases Windows 11 on Arm ISO

Microsoft has released ISO images of Windows 11 for Arm architecture, specifically for the current version, Windows 11 24H2. This release simplifies access to Windows on Arm, allowing users to create bootable installations. Devices with Snapdragon X Series processors can operate without additional drivers, while earlier Snapdragon generations will require driver injection to avoid boot failures. Users can also set up virtual machines using the ISO, but it does not support native Windows operation on Apple Silicon. The release aims to bolster the appeal of Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs and enhance support for the Arm ecosystem.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Now you can download an ISO file of Windows 11 for Arm chips

Microsoft has made downloadable ISO files of Windows 11 available for Arm-based computers, previously only accessible for x86 versions. Users can now download the ISO directly from Microsoft's website to install Windows 11 on virtual machines or create installation media. However, the ISO file does not include all necessary drivers, which users may need to source separately for full functionality.

Winsage

November 12, 2024

Google says Quick Share is coming to Windows on ARM, including Snapdragon laptops

Google has launched its Quick Share app for ARM-powered Windows devices, allowing file transfers between Android and Windows systems. The app is available for manual download from Google's website and is compatible with ARM-based devices running Windows 11 and later. Quick Share enables simultaneous file transfers across multiple devices, including those not owned by the user. However, it is not yet a native ARM64 application, requiring emulation for installation. Some users have reported installation errors, particularly on devices like the Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite. Google is expected to release a proper download soon, and updates will focus on bug fixes rather than new features.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

This new backup solution natively supports Copilot+ ARM-based Windows devices

Macrium has introduced Reflect X, a backup and recovery software specifically designed for Copilot+ ARM-based Windows devices. It features native bare metal recovery and boot menu recovery options, enhancing performance with image restoration speeds up to five times faster than its predecessor due to improved compression techniques and multithreading optimization. Reflect X aims to address downtime challenges faced by industries like OEM, manufacturing, and energy, allowing for rapid recovery from system failures or cyberattacks. It helps businesses meet their Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO). Additionally, Macrium has made backup files generated with Reflect X open source, allowing for greater specialization in backup, recovery, and image deployment solutions.