BIOS update Archives

Winsage

March 30, 2025

A Windows 11 update causes issues with some Lenovo laptops

Windows 11 has encountered issues affecting Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, where a recent security update has blocked the installation of a crucial BIOS update. This problem is linked to changes in the Vulnerable Driver Blocklist and modifications to the WinFlash64.exe file. Lenovo ThinkPad owners receive an error message when attempting to update their BIOS through the BIOS Update Utility or Vantage app. Lenovo is rolling out a new BIOS version 1.61 to address the issue and recommends using Windows Update for the BIOS update. Additionally, Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10, with support ending on October 14, 2025, and encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. Over 50% of Windows users still operate on Windows 10, despite the rise in Windows 11 users. Microsoft has been notifying Windows 10 users about potential security risks and offering a streamlined upgrade process to Windows 11, which can be done for free, though it may involve some downtime.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Windows 11 update flags a core Lenovo tool as risky – and it’s causing problems

Lenovo ThinkPad users are experiencing difficulties with BIOS updates due to a modification by Microsoft affecting the executable file WinFlash64.exe, following recent Windows 11 and Windows 10 updates. The latest Windows patches (24H2, 23H2, and 22H2 for Windows 11, and 22H2 for Windows 10) have categorized the BIOS update as a 'vulnerable driver,' preventing installation. Users report failures when using Lenovo's BIOS Update Utility or the Lenovo Vantage app. A fix is in development, and users may try applying the BIOS update through Windows Update if available. Lenovo plans to release a resolution with BIOS version v1.61.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 upgrade block after Asphalt 8 crash fix

Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block that prevented players of Asphalt 8: Airborne from transitioning to Windows 11 24H2 due to compatibility issues. The game had over 322,000 ratings and around 470 million players, but users experienced freezing issues and error messages after the Windows update. A compatibility hold was implemented, identified by safeguard ID 52796746, which affected devices running versions 22H2 and 23H2. Microsoft announced that the known issue has been addressed and the safeguard hold has been lifted, with the update expected to be offered within 48 hours. Additionally, Microsoft removed a block related to the Easy Anti-Cheat app affecting Intel Alder Lake+ processors, and lifted restrictions for AutoCAD users and PCs with Auto HDR enabled. The company is also working on resolving other compatibility concerns related to various software and hardware.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

Microsoft says Windows 11 24H2 is ready for ASUS PCs after a BIOS update fixes BSOD

Windows 11 24H2 is now available for a wider range of ASUS PCs after a BIOS update that resolves a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue. Initially, the update was accessible only to systems using the Auto HDR feature. Certain ASUS models, such as the X415KA and X515KA, faced crashes during the update process due to compatibility issues linked to specific hardware features. A new BIOS patch has been released via Windows Update for affected ASUS PCs, which is necessary for certain configurations. ASUS BIOS versions 311 or older are not eligible for the Windows 11 24H2 update. This BIOS update is classified as a Critical Update and will not install automatically. Ongoing issues that may block the update include audio output loss on PCs with Dirac Audio, older versions of Safe Exam Browser failing to launch, BSOD errors on Intel Alder Lake+ and vPro systems, problems with third-party wallpaper applications, and BSODs related to specific Intel SST driver versions.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft reiterates “non-negotiable” TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11

Windows 11 requires systems to have Secure Boot enabled and a supported processor, specifically an 8th-generation Intel Core CPU, an AMD Ryzen 2000 series CPU, or a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 CPU or newer. Systems with compatible CPUs but lacking TPM 2.0 support may enable TPM through BIOS settings. Windows 11 can be installed on systems with older TPM 1.2 modules or without any TPM, but Microsoft may withhold updates for these unsupported configurations. Performance on such devices is expected to be comparable to Windows 10.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Asus Z890 motherboards update the BIOS without unzipping the file — EZ Flash 4 comes with support for ZIP files

Asus has introduced a streamlined BIOS update process with its EZ Flash 4 utility, eliminating the need to unpack compressed update files. This feature is available on Asus Z890 motherboards and is designed for users of all technical levels. The BIOS interface has been revamped to operate at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, the Z890 motherboards include a PCIe Slot Q-Release button, allowing users to easily remove GPUs or other PCIe add-in cards without reaching deep into the motherboard.