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Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues
Winsage
August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a system stability and gaming performance issue on Windows 11 devices, which has caused crashes, game launch failures, and freezing, often with the "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" error message. The problem was linked to updates from August 2026 and was identified as being related to peripherals with RGB lighting features that installed disruptive drivers. Specifically, the inpoutx64.sys driver was found to be responsible for these disruptions. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected systems, starting from August 26, 2026. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices, a temporary workaround involves manually disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has assured users that this action should not cause unintended behavior and can be reversed.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a problem causing system crashes and gaming disruptions on Windows 11 devices, specifically related to game launch failures and freezing with "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The issue affects various games, including ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and is linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been identified as the cause of these complications. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected devices, starting on August 26, 2026, and it may take up to 24 hours to reach all impacted devices. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices that do not automatically receive the fix, a temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has stated that disabling this registry key should not lead to unintended behavior.
Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues

Microsoft has acknowledged gaming issues related to Windows 11 updates released on August 11, 2026, affecting games like ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Problems reported include game crashes, failures to launch, freezes, and unexpected system restarts, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft identified a link between these issues and drivers or components associated with RGB lighting devices, specifically the inpoutx64.sys driver. A temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry, with caution advised regarding potential unintended consequences. Users are encouraged to report issues via the Feedback Hub app as Microsoft investigates further.
Microsoft says August Windows updates may cause gaming issues
Winsage
August 20, 2026

Microsoft says August Windows updates may cause gaming issues

Microsoft is investigating issues related to the August 2026 updates that may affect the launch of certain games or cause crashes on select Windows 11 systems. Users have reported problems such as games freezing, closing unexpectedly, encountering "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors, and unexpected system restarts. The updates in question include KB5121003, which was part of the August 2026 Patch Tuesday and included enhancements like Secure Boot updates and improvements to File Explorer and Windows Search. Microsoft has encouraged affected gamers to report issues via the Feedback Hub app. In the past, Microsoft had to block Windows 24H2 upgrades due to known issues and lifted compatibility holds for several popular games.
Windows 11 is now just $10
Winsage
May 10, 2026

Windows 11 is now just $10

Windows 11 features a modern interface, enhanced security with TPM 2.0, and includes DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved gaming performance. It offers productivity tools like snap layouts and virtual desktops, and supports remote work with Azure AD and Hyper-V. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 and earlier versions in October, making Windows 11 essential for updates and performance enhancements. A limited-time offer allows users to purchase a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from 9, until May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License Drops To $12.97
Winsage
March 19, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License Drops To $12.97

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, which is a 93% discount from Microsoft's standard price of 9. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz or faster 64-bit CPU with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, TPM 2.0, and UEFI with Secure Boot. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support, meaning it will no longer receive security updates, which poses risks for users. Windows 11 includes features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Group Policy management, and AI-assisted Copilot. Users upgrading from Windows 10 should back up their files and ensure drivers are current. Windows 11 offers performance enhancements for gaming, such as DirectStorage and Auto HDR. Keys priced low are often OEM or volume-license keys tied to a single machine and may not be transferable.
Opinion: Windows 11 isn’t the disaster some claim - and it’s time to say so
Winsage
February 22, 2026

Opinion: Windows 11 isn’t the disaster some claim – and it’s time to say so

Windows 11 has faced challenges, including a comprehensive list of top issues identified in 2025, but it is not uniquely unstable compared to earlier versions like Windows 95, 98, XP, 7, and 10. Recent headlines have highlighted various problems such as printer malfunctions and performance issues, but these are often exaggerated due to increased visibility. Historically, Windows has experienced similar cycles of instability, and the perception of widespread failure today is amplified by rapid documentation of minor issues. User trust in Windows has eroded, with skepticism about performance stemming from cumulative updates and the personal impact of issues on over a billion users. The focus should shift to improving predictability and transparency regarding updates rather than solely counting bugs. Windows 11's frequency of out-of-band updates is comparable to that of Windows 7 and 10, with improved mechanisms for addressing problems quickly. Gamers continue to adopt Windows 11 due to enhanced CPU scheduling, improved GPU performance, and features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Microsoft is committed to further improving the gaming experience. The scale of Windows operations, with over a billion users and multiple concurrent releases, contributes to occasional anomalies. Despite criticisms, most Windows 11 systems operate without significant issues, performing adequately for daily tasks and gaming. Microsoft has announced plans for enhancements, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and security upgrades, indicating that Windows 11 remains a solid choice for users.
Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Gains And Limits Revealed
Winsage
January 19, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Gains And Limits Revealed

Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Pro does not significantly change the day-to-day experience, as both editions share a similar interface, performance, and core features like Copilot, File Explorer tabs, and enhanced Game Mode. Security features, including Secure Boot and Windows Defender, are consistent across both editions. The Pro edition offers additional administrative tools for enhanced security, remote access, and device management, making it suitable for users managing multiple PCs or needing corporate resource access. Key features of Pro include the ability to join Active Directory domains, centralized control over settings, full BitLocker capabilities, Remote Desktop hosting, and virtualization tools like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. Pro also supports higher hardware limits, accommodating up to 2TB of RAM and multiple CPU sockets. The pricing for Windows 11 Home is typically 9.99, while Pro is 9.99, with an upgrade fee of .99 from Home to Pro. Upgrading from eligible Windows 10 devices does not incur additional costs. Users who should consider upgrading to Pro include those managing multiple PCs, requiring Remote Desktop, or needing to comply with encryption policies. In contrast, gamers or casual users may find Home sufficient, as both editions provide the same gaming capabilities and interface without performance differences.
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