audio drivers Archives

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks File Explorer

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, identified as KB5051987, aimed to fix various bugs and enhance user experience but has resulted in numerous user complaints. Issues reported include difficulties with File Explorer, such as the inability to open folders and launch the application, as well as installation problems where updates halt or freeze. Additional glitches reported include mouse stuttering, undetectable cameras, issues with .NET app installations, malfunctioning Taskbar animations, decreased battery life, and clipboard history failures. Some users have experienced delays in the Windows desktop appearing after login and context menu issues. Despite some users not facing these problems, the overall feedback indicates that the 2024 version of Windows 11 has more issues than previous versions.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Don’t ignore Microsoft’s February Patch Tuesday – it’s a big one for all Windows 11 users

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday updates, released on February 11, include KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5051989 for Windows 11 23H2. The updates introduce enhancements to the Taskbar and File Explorer, including improved previews and animations for Taskbar icons, a new icon in the System Tray for Windows Studio Effects, and a new simplified Chinese font named Simsun-ExtG. A feature allowing certain applications to automatically restart after signing back in has also been added. File Explorer now includes a "New Folder" command in the context menu and can restore previously open tabs at logon. The updates fix various bugs, including issues with Auto HDR in games, playback interruptions for USB audio devices, and problems with USB audio drivers. They also address issues from the January 2025 security update, such as USB camera recognition and slower shutdown processes with connected controllers. On the security side, the update resolves 56 vulnerabilities, three of which are critical. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-21391 (file deletion), CVE-2025-21418 (remote code execution), CVE-2025-21377 (authentication spoofing), and CVE-2025-21376 (malicious code execution). The updates are set to install automatically, but users can check for updates manually through Windows Update.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 11 Patch Tuesday tweaks taskbar and adds handy icon in system tray for AI effects

Windows 11's latest Patch Tuesday updates include several enhancements and fixes: - Taskbar: Improved visual previews and smoother animations for taskbar applications. - Windows Studio Effects: New system tray icon for applications using Windows Studio Effects, with access to the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. - Fonts: Introduction of Simsun-ExtG, a new simplified Chinese font supporting 9,753 ideographs. - File Explorer: New "New Folder" option in the context menu, restoration of previously open tabs, automatic activation of specific settings, and several fixes related to search functionality and icon updates. - Settings: Users can change time zones without administrative privileges. - Mouse: Fixed issues with cursor disappearance, transparency, and performance. - Pinyin IME: Bug fix for language switching. - Snipping Tool: Resolved distortion issues for multi-monitor screenshots. - Microsoft Excel 2016: Fixed loading screen issue for certain files. - Game Bar: Fixed recording failure issue. - HDR: Corrected oversaturation issues in some games. - DAC: Fixed playback issues with USB audio devices. - USB audio device drivers: Resolved code 10 error message. - Chinese Pinyin IME: Bing no longer provides automatic suggestions for certain search engines. - USB cameras: Fixed recognition issues post-January 2025 security update. - Passkey: Eliminated one-minute timeout for mobile device passkeys. - Power: Improved shutdown times with connected controllers. - Wi-Fi: Resolved unresponsive Windows Security dialog when signing into certain networks.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5051987 & KB5051989 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11, KB5051987 and KB5051989, for versions 24H2 and 23H2, respectively. These updates are mandatory and include the February 2025 Patch Tuesday security enhancements. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will be updated to Build 26100.3194, and for 23H2 to 226x1.4890. Key features and fixes include: - Taskbar: Enhancements to app previews and animations. - Windows Studio Effects: New system tray icon for compatible applications using a neural processing unit (NPU). - Fonts: Introduction of Simsun-ExtG, a new simplified Chinese font with 9,753 ideographs. - File Explorer: New "New Folder" command, restoration of previously open tabs, and automatic activation of specific settings. Several issues fixed, including search behavior and file properties. - HDR: Fixed oversaturation issues in some games with Auto HDR. - USB audio devices: Resolved issues with USB 1.0 DAC audio drivers and fixed code 10 error messages. - Chinese Pinyin IME: Bing will stop providing automatic suggestions for specific search engines. - USB cameras: Fixed recognition issues post-January 2025 security update. - Passkey: Removed the one-minute timeout for mobile usage. - Power: Addressed slow shutdown issues with connected controllers. - Wi-Fi: Fixed unresponsiveness in Windows Security dialog when signing into certain networks. Microsoft reports no new issues following these updates. Users can check for updates manually to receive the latest enhancements.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update force installs new Microsoft Outlook app

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes the new Outlook for Windows app and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update provides essential security updates for January 2025 and can be installed via Windows Update. After installation, version 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5487, and version 21H2 to build 19044.5487. Users can also manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes several fixes, such as the introduction of the new Outlook app, resolution of issues with the Capture Service and Snipping Tool, disabling automatic suggestions from Bing in the Chinese Pinyin IME, fixes for USB audio device driver issues, and a solution for virtual memory depletion. Three known issues from previous updates include potential failures in OpenSSH connections, installation failures due to the Citrix Session Recording Agent, and an Event 7023 error related to SgrmBroker.exe, which does not affect device functionality. Microsoft plans to address these issues in future updates.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Microsoft debuts Windows MIDI Services with MIDI 2.0 support

Microsoft has released a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, supporting the MIDI 2.0 standard, as part of build 27788 in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Canary Channel. Users may encounter a known installation error (0x8007000d) and a failed .NET update (0x80073712), and are advised to retry the build while avoiding the .NET update. The development of Windows MIDI Services has been ongoing, with updates provided since 2022 and a GitHub repository opened in 2023. The feature was anticipated to debut in Windows Insider builds but was delayed until February. MIDI serves as a standard for connecting electronic instruments to computers for music creation, and this update is particularly beneficial for electronic music users. Microsoft plans to extend this technology to supported versions of Windows 10 and 11 before October.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Offer Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Upgrade

Microsoft is facing a challenge as 850 million Windows users approach a deadline to update their systems. Approximately 40 million users upgraded their PCs in the past month, despite many Windows 10 users being reluctant to transition to Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for users whose hardware meets security requirements, but Microsoft has indicated that this free upgrade may not be available indefinitely. Recent statistics show a reversal in the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11, with around 40 million users making the switch, representing about 2.5% of the Windows install base. However, if the current upgrade pace continues, around 500 million users may remain vulnerable due to hardware security checks. Microsoft is encouraging users to refresh their Windows 11 PCs by 2025, particularly with AI integration, but an unprecedented number of PCs are expected to lose security support in October. It is uncertain whether Microsoft will take drastic measures to address the situation, such as mandatory upgrades or a lighter version for incompatible devices.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft says Auto HDR causes game freezes on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has implemented a block on Windows 11 24H2 upgrades for systems with Auto HDR enabled due to reports of game freezes and graphical anomalies. Auto HDR enhances gaming visuals but has caused concerns among users regarding high-contrast and oversaturated visuals. Microsoft warned that enabling Auto HDR could lead to incorrect color representation and unresponsive games. Users experiencing issues are advised to disable Auto HDR through the 'Settings' app. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, tagged with safeguard ID 55382406. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted a previous compatibility hold related to Ubisoft game bugs and blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations and incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

No sound after waking from Sleep mode or Hibernate in Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 and 10 have reported issues with no sound after waking their computers from Sleep or Hibernate mode, often due to a corrupted audio driver or crashes of the audio service. Troubleshooting steps include: 1. Check for Windows Update. 2. Run the Audio Troubleshooter. 3. Roll back the audio driver. 4. Reinstall the audio driver. 5. Check the status of essential services (Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, Plug and Play). 6. Update the chipset driver. 7. Restore or reset the PC. Improper Power Management settings for keyboard and mouse can prevent a computer from waking up from Sleep or Hibernate. Uninstalling and reinstalling the audio driver can resolve sound issues, and checking application settings and the Volume Mixer may also help.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

Intel driver 23.100.0 adds improved Wi-Fi sensing to Windows 11 / Windows 10

Windows 11 and Windows 10 users can benefit from Intel's driver update version 23.100.0, which enhances Wi-Fi connectivity and improves the detection of Wi-Fi networks, particularly on Windows 11 devices like the Spectre. The update includes a new refresh button for Windows 11 24H2 users, although it does not significantly speed up detection. Windows 10 users do not have this refresh option. The update also optimizes Intel adapters for better performance with Wi-Fi 6 technology and includes various security enhancements. Users can obtain the update through Windows Update or the Driver and Support Assistant tool. Additionally, Microsoft has warned of potential BSOD issues for Windows 11 24H2 users with outdated audio drivers, advising the use of the latest drivers for improved performance.