boot process Archives

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Complaints about Windows 11’s fix for File Explorer sluggishness are overblown – but they underline a fundamental problem with the OS

Windows 11 has introduced a fix in a preview build to improve the speed of File Explorer by preloading the application during system boot. Initial tests indicate a noticeable speed improvement, although it doubles RAM usage with only a modest increase in performance. Critics argue that Microsoft's approach appears reactive and lacks a comprehensive strategy for overall performance enhancement. The preloading fix does provide a tangible speed boost with manageable RAM impact, but concerns remain about the broader user experience and future updates.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

This Trick WIll Let ‘Incompatible’ Windows 10 PCs Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft officially ceased support for Windows 10 as of October, although users can still receive security updates for an additional year. Many computers do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, but some may still be compatible with adjustments to settings. Users can check compatibility using Microsoft's PC Health Check app and may need to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in the BIOS. UEFI should be enabled instead of legacy BIOS mode for compatibility. If compatibility issues persist, adding a TPM module may enhance compatibility for certain motherboards. Upgrading to Windows 11 is advisable for computers six years old or newer due to security vulnerabilities in unsupported systems.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Microsoft raises the security standard for next major Windows Server release – Microsoft Windows Server Blog

Microsoft plans to elevate the security standards for Windows Server hardware certification in its next major release, mandating that TPM 2.0 is installed and enabled by default and that Secure Boot is activated by default on systems pre-installed with the upcoming Windows Server. These requirements will apply to all servers running Windows Server, including bare metal setups, virtual machines on Hyper-V, and third-party hypervisors approved through the Server Virtualization Validation Program (SVVP). Secure Boot ensures that only trusted operating systems are loaded during the boot process, mitigating risks from malware. TPM 2.0 provides hardware support for secure measurements and key storage, enhancing security further by allowing secure capture and storage of the boot sequence. BitLocker leverages TPM 2.0 to ensure volumes are decrypted only if the system booted correctly. The enforcement of these requirements will apply to new server platforms introduced after January 1, 2021, while existing platforms will receive Additional Qualification certification to help customers identify compliant systems.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Windows 11 update takes out USB ports in recovery mode

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting users of Windows 11 version 25H2 (2025 Update) after installing security update KB5066835, released on October 14. This bug disrupts the functionality of USB mice and keyboards within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). The malfunction occurs when users access WinRE, which can be triggered by multiple failed startup attempts or manually interrupting the boot process. While USB devices work normally in the Windows environment, they fail in WinRE, complicating troubleshooting efforts. Microsoft is working on a fix, promising a resolution "in the coming days." Additionally, users have reported other issues related to smartcard authentication, failures of the Windows Update Standalone Installer, and difficulties with server-side applications dependent on Internet Information Services (IIS).

Tech Optimizer

October 7, 2025

6 Windows hardening steps that don’t break gaming or DRM

Windows 11 is not the most secure operating system by default but offers ways to enhance security without affecting gaming performance. Gaming PCs are vulnerable to cyber threats and should adopt security measures. Customizing Windows Firewall allows users to maintain internet access for gaming applications while ensuring security. Users should add key game executable files to the "allowed apps" list and consider using SimpleWall for better control over network activity. Using a standard account for gaming sessions enhances security by limiting admin account access, which should be reserved for software installation and updates. Implementing multi-factor authentication for both admin and standard user accounts adds an extra layer of security. Windows Defender has improved and can be an efficient antivirus option, but third-party solutions may conflict with gaming performance. Game files should be added to Windows Defender's exclusion list to avoid performance issues. Disabling unnecessary Windows services can enhance security and performance by reducing the attack surface and freeing up resources. Common services to disable include Cellular Time, Connected Devices Platform Service, and Telemetry. Secure Boot protects against malicious software during the boot process and may require BIOS adjustments. It does not affect gaming performance and is often necessary for games with kernel-level anti-cheat systems. Memory Integrity and Core Isolation are advanced security features that protect against low-level attacks by creating an isolated environment for critical processes. These features require minimal resources if the CPU supports Intel's Mode-Based Execution Control (MBEC) or AMD's Guest Mode Execution Trap (GMET). Balancing security measures with optimal system performance is essential for a secure gaming experience.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

The window is closing for Windows 10 users

Support for Microsoft Windows 10 will officially cease on October 14, marking a decade since its launch. Approximately 45 percent of Windows users globally still use Windows 10. Microsoft is offering an additional three years of security support for Windows 10, available at a cost per computer for businesses, with a one-year extension available for individual consumers for purchase or free through Microsoft Rewards points. Users can also receive a complimentary one-year extension by activating the Windows Backup service. Windows 11, which debuted in 2021, requires devices to have Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Secure Boot technology, introduced in 2018. Microsoft provides a program to check compatibility for Windows 11, and bypassing compatibility checks will result in a lack of official tech support.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Windows 10 update KB5063709 prepares support extension until October 2026

Official mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Users without the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will not receive security updates after this date, while those enrolled in the ESU can receive critical updates until October 13, 2026. The KB5063709 update introduces an "Enroll now" button in the Windows Update section, allowing users to register for the ESU program. This update also fixes issues with the ESU logon wizard crashing and includes enhancements such as core file system optimizations, input method adjustments, secure boot improvements, and updates for mobile profile settings. KB5063709 upgrades Windows 10, version 22H2, to build number 19045.6216 and version 21H2 to build number 19044.6216. Users can register for the ESU program through a Microsoft account, Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-time fee, and those with local accounts must create a Microsoft account to enroll.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Windows 11’s new “Quick machine recovery” replaces Startup Repair, and it’s a game-changer

Over a year after the CrowdStrike incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in recovery processes, Microsoft announced the Windows Resiliency initiative in 2024, introducing Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11. Quick Machine Recovery allows the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to connect to the internet to download fixes from Microsoft’s servers when boot issues occur, potentially reducing recovery times significantly. This feature is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home editions and can be customized by Pro users. Quick Machine Recovery aims to facilitate faster resolutions during major outages, thereby minimizing downtime for critical services.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

6 settings I turn off on every new Windows computer for a smoother, more efficient experience

Microsoft's Windows 11 often does not meet the diverse needs of its users due to its one-size-fits-all default settings. Here are six adjustments that can improve the user experience: 1. The Recall feature, available only on Copilot+ PCs, allows for system snapshots but poses security risks; opting out during setup is advisable. 2. The default display timeout is set to 3–5 minutes; adjusting it to 15 minutes for display and 20–30 minutes for sleep can enhance productivity. 3. Many applications launch automatically at startup, which can slow down boot times; disabling unnecessary start-up programs can improve performance. 4. Modifying or disabling search indexing can enhance system responsiveness for users who do not frequently use the search function. 5. Curating notification settings can reduce distractions from the numerous system notifications in Windows 11. 6. Uninstalling OneDrive can simplify file management by avoiding complications from syncing desktop shortcuts across devices.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

BIOS shock: getting past Battlefield 6’s anti-cheat error was the faffiest thing a PC game has ever required of me

PC gaming enthusiasts faced technical challenges accessing the Battlefield 6 beta due to a security error indicating that "Secure Boot is not enabled." Secure Boot is a feature in Windows 10 and 11 that ensures only safe software loads during startup, but enabling it requires navigating the BIOS menu, which can be complex and risky. EA's guidance on enabling Secure Boot led to further complications, including issues with disk partition compatibility that required converting from MBR to GPT. Additionally, EA's anti-cheat software, Javelin, necessitates Secure Boot for enhanced security against cheating, a trend also seen in other gaming companies' anti-cheat systems. EA reported blocking over 330,000 cheat attempts during the beta weekend, though concerns about the effectiveness of these measures remain.