blue screen

Winsage
December 25, 2024
Windows 11's Task Manager includes several features that enhance productivity and system management: - Users can generate a live kernel or full crash dump to troubleshoot crashes, which can be analyzed for root cause identification. - Holding the CTRL key pauses the Task Manager updates, allowing users to easily locate processes, while the F5 key refreshes values for real-time updates. - The "Efficiency Mode" can be activated by right-clicking on an app or process to limit CPU usage, reducing power consumption and freeing up resources. - The Startup Apps section provides an overview of applications that launch at boot, allowing users to disable unnecessary ones to improve startup time and system performance. - The App History tab shows resource usage by applications since the last shutdown, helping users identify which apps are consuming significant resources.
Winsage
December 23, 2024
On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
Many users view Windows 11 as a reimagined version of Windows 10, but it includes exclusive features for gamers. Microsoft has restricted access to the latest Windows 11 update due to complications with the Auto HDR feature, which enhances visuals by converting SDR content to HDR. A bug in Auto HDR has caused games to display incorrect colors or freeze. Microsoft has not specified which devices or games are affected and has implemented a compatibility hold on devices using Auto HDR, preventing them from installing Windows 11 version 24H2. Users are advised to disable Auto HDR to proceed with the update. Additionally, there have been other gaming-related issues with Windows 11 version 24H2, including crashes in games using Easy Anti-Cheat and responsiveness issues in titles like Asphalt 8, along with compatibility challenges with certain Ubisoft games.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
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.
Tech Optimizer
December 12, 2024
Microsoft offers Windows Security for Windows 11 and Windows Defender for Windows 10, both providing integrated security solutions focused on virus detection and protection against malware, phishing, and ransomware. Users often consider third-party antivirus options for enhanced protection. Windows Security has drawbacks, including false positives that can lead to the removal of legitimate applications and significant resource consumption affecting performance on older devices. Users contemplating permanent removal of Windows Security may do so for reasons such as preferring third-party solutions with additional features, performance issues, and frustration from false alarms. Before removing Windows Security, users should ensure they have an alternative antivirus solution ready, understand that they will lose automatic updates for threats, and be cautious of improper removal methods that could cause system instability. Methods to disable Windows Security include using the Local Group Policy Editor, modifying the Windows Registry, disabling Tamper Protection, or using the Windows Defender Remover tool available on GitHub. Alternatives to complete removal include adding exclusions for specific files, disabling real-time protection, or installing a third-party antivirus that automatically disables Windows Security.
Winsage
December 12, 2024
Microsoft has removed a compatibility barrier for upgrades to Windows 11 24H2 after resolving a bug affecting USB connections for certain scanners. The issue was identified as a failure of some devices to transition from eSCL to USB mode. Microsoft implemented a safeguard hold and advised users not to manually update until the issue was resolved. Affected devices included standalone scanners, multi-function printers, fax machines, modems, and other eSCL network devices. The problem was addressed with the release of the KB5048667 cumulative update, which applies to all editions of Windows 11, version 24H2. Users may experience a delay of up to 48 hours after installing the update before receiving the Windows 11, version 24H2 upgrade. Additionally, Microsoft has imposed a safeguard hold on devices with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers and has blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations.
Winsage
December 10, 2024
PatchGuard, or Kernel Patch Protection (KPP), is a security feature in 64-bit versions of Windows designed to protect the operating system's integrity by preventing unauthorized modifications to kernel code and data structures. It periodically scans kernel areas, computes checksums, and compares them to boot-time values; discrepancies result in a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with BugCheck code 0x109. Introduced in 2005 with Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, its internal verification processes are mostly undisclosed, but believed to be randomized. Techniques to bypass PatchGuard include "GhostHook," "InfinityHook," and "ByePg."
Winsage
December 10, 2024
Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold on Windows devices using Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook (GWSMO) due to issues with Outlook launch failures after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. The current version of GWSMO required for proper functionality is 4.3.68.0, released on November 22. Users who do not update to this version will face difficulties launching Outlook. The compatibility hold is identified by ID 54318776 in Windows Update for Business reports. Users should not use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool if they experience the safeguard hold. If the hold persists 48 hours after updating GWSMO, users are advised to contact Google Workspace Support. Microsoft has previously implemented similar safeguard holds for various other software and hardware compatibility issues.
Winsage
December 10, 2024
Microsoft has stepped away from the mobile arena, but a community is exploring running Windows on smartphones. It is now possible to install Windows 11 on select modern smartphones with Arm architecture through the Renegade Project, which provides specialized UEFI firmware for devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs. This firmware allows users to switch between various operating systems, including Windows. The installation process is complex and requires specific tools and configurations. Supported devices include the Nokia Lumia 950, 950 XL, Surface Duo, and Duo 2. A Reddit user successfully installed Windows 11 on a Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro, experiencing some touchscreen glitches but overall smooth performance. However, drawbacks include poor battery life of about 2.5 hours, lack of fast-charging support, and overheating issues. Microsoft’s last mobile OS, Windows 10 Mobile, was released in 2015, with official support ending on January 14, 2020.
Winsage
December 9, 2024
Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold on upgrades for devices running the Ubisoft games Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which were previously affected by crashes, freezes, and audio glitches after the Windows 24H2 update. This hold was imposed due to user complaints about game performance issues, including immediate crashes and freezing. Ubisoft has released temporary hotfixes to mitigate these problems, although some performance issues may still persist. Users experiencing difficulties exiting the games are advised to use the Task Manager as a workaround. Microsoft has also recommended that gamers avoid upgrading affected PCs using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool until a full resolution is achieved. Additionally, Microsoft announced a new compatibility hold affecting systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations, which have caused issues with launching Outlook.
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