BSoD Archives

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Microsoft reportedly sabotaged Windows 95 and 98’s Control Panel, or it looks that way – is this a worrying revelation?

A recent investigation revealed an intentional eight-second delay in the 'Add New Hardware' wizard of older Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 95 and 98. This delay was likely introduced due to hardware limitations of the time to address compatibility issues. Users are currently facing various glitches with the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, including BSOD crashes on Intel motherboards and disappearing File Explorer menus. The legacy Control Panel is gradually being phased out as Microsoft transitions to the Settings app, raising concerns about potential hidden issues in the current operating system. Microsoft has been contacted for clarification regarding the historical delay.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows Server 2025 blue screen, install issues

Microsoft has acknowledged bugs in Windows Server 2025 affecting systems with more than 256 logical processors, leading to installation failures, prolonged restarts, and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Symptoms include unresponsive installation processes, server restarts taking over three hours, and blue screens during application launches. Not all devices are affected, and users can check their system's logical processor count via the Windows Task Manager. Microsoft is working on a fix for these issues, expected in a future update, and recommends limiting logical processors to 256 or fewer as a temporary solution. Additional problems include language discrepancies during installation and boot issues in iSCSI environments. Windows Server 2025, introduced in January to the Windows Insider program, includes features like next-gen Active Directory and hotpatching capabilities, and is now generally available with a 180-day trial.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Microsoft warns dreaded ‘blue screen of death’ bug plaguing computers

Microsoft's latest Windows update for Windows Server 2025 is causing significant issues, including the blue screen of death (BSOD) for users. Multiple bugs are leading to software failures or excessively long restart times. Microsoft is working on a fix expected within a month and advises users to check system settings to mitigate BSOD risks by reducing the number of logical processors to 256 or fewer. Users have reported being locked out of their PCs for hours due to BSOD errors, with some considering switching to alternative operating systems. Microsoft has provided guidance on adjusting logical processor settings through the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) setup to prevent instability. DailyMail.com has sought clarification from Microsoft regarding the impact and timeline for updates.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 released—here are the new features

Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2025, which will be generally available starting November 1, 2024. The new version includes features such as hotpatching, next-gen Active Directory, and SMB over QUIC alternative ports. Windows Server is available through the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and the Annual Channel (AC). Key enhancements include: - Hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc for automatic updates and backup options. - NVMe storage performance improvements, offering up to 60% more IOPs compared to Windows Server 2022. - Block cloning support using the ReFS file system. - New Active Directory functionalities, including AD object repair and improved security. - Credential Guard for safeguarding against credential theft. - SMB hardening with secure access to file shares over the Internet. - Delegate Managed Service Accounts (dMSA) for automated password management. - Accelerated Networking (AccelNet) for reduced latency and CPU utilization. - DTrace for real-time system performance monitoring. - Virtualization-based security (VBS) enclaves for enhanced security. - Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) for unique password generation and management. Microsoft is investigating known issues, including installation failures and BSOD errors for systems with more than 256 logical processors, boot issues in iSCSI environments, and language display problems during setup. Windows Server 2025 will reach its end of support on October 10, 2029, with extended support ending on October 10, 2034. A free 180-day trial is available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft slams the brakes on its new Windows 11 update after it caused some PCs to crash and broke webcams

Microsoft has paused the deployment of the Windows 11 update 24H2 for specific hardware configurations due to technical challenges. PCs with Intel Z890 motherboards are significantly affected, experiencing issues such as reboot cycles and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Similar problems have been reported with motherboards from MSI and Gigabyte. Users have found a temporary workaround by disabling integrated graphics in BIOS settings. ASUS laptop models X415KA and X515KA also face BSOD errors post-update, and users of the Voicemeeter application report crashes. Devices with integrated cameras have malfunctioned, affecting features like object and face detection. Microsoft advises against manually installing the update on blocked devices. For successful installations, the update includes enhancements like a new Copilot AI assistant, support for 7z and TAR compression in File Explorer, improved security features, and system-wide support for Wi-Fi 7.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft halts Windows 11 24H2 update citing compatibility issues

Microsoft has postponed the rollout of its Windows 11 24H2 update due to incompatibility issues. Users are advised not to force the update as it may lead to bugs, crashes, performance degradation, freezes, and blue screens of death (BSOD). Safeguard holds have been implemented to prevent affected devices from receiving the update. Known issues include: - Asus X415KA and X515KA laptops experiencing blue screens, with updates paused until Asus releases a fix. - Voicemeeter audio management application causing blue screens; users can remove it or wait for an update. - Older versions of the Safe Exam browser are affected but can be fixed with a straightforward update. - Easy Anti-Cheat may cause blue screens for users with Intel Alder Lake processors and outdated drivers; updating is recommended. - Fingerprint sensors on certain devices may become unresponsive after being locked, with a firmware update expected to resolve the issue. - Wallpaper customization apps may lead to missing wallpapers and crashes; users should update these apps. - Intel Smart Sound Technology driver issues can cause blue screens, but only older versions are affected; updating is advised. - Asphalt 8 (Airborne) may freeze with the update; users can uninstall it to proceed or wait for a fix. - New Z890 motherboards are experiencing conflicts with the update, causing crashes and reboots due to issues between dedicated and integrated GPUs; users may need to disable integrated graphics in BIOS as a workaround. The situation raises questions about accountability and affects the reputation of Windows 11, with hopes for improvements by 2025.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

5 reasons I’m never upgrading to Windows 11

Over seven years have passed since the installation of Windows 10, which began with a gaming PC using AMD's Ryzen CPUs and a GTX 1050 Ti. Many users feel upgrading to Windows 11 is unnecessary due to a strong attachment to Windows 10. Windows 11 has been criticized for its pervasive ads, privacy issues, and the integration of Copilot+ features that have not significantly improved the user experience. Current Windows 11 users report dissatisfaction with unexpected functionality, compatibility issues, and frequent updates introducing new bugs. Complaints about driver compatibility and blue screens of death (BSOD) are common. The latest 24H2 update has also caused problems, prompting user frustrations. A brief experience with Windows 11 revealed issues like changes in the Start menu, missing context menu options, and the presence of bloatware. Concerns about future bugs, particularly related to specific WD SSDs, contribute to reluctance in upgrading. Users appreciate the familiarity and efficiency of Windows 10, with its intuitive Start menu, accessible settings, and absence of forced Microsoft account usage. As Windows 10's lifespan decreases, many users are cautious about navigating Windows 11, weighing risks against potential rewards.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 issues just keep getting worse, with the new update now causing crashes on Intel motherboards

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has caused frequent crashes and unexpected reboots for users with Intel Z890 motherboards, attributed to a conflict between dedicated and integrated GPUs. Users from various manufacturers, including MSI and Gigabyte, are experiencing similar issues. To resolve the crashes, users are advised to disable integrated graphics in their motherboard BIOS. While the issue is inconvenient, it does not pose a risk of permanent hardware damage. Additionally, users have faced random Blue Screen of Death errors linked to Western Digital SSDs. Motherboard manufacturers are releasing urgent BIOS updates to address these problems.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Windows 11 24H2: The hardware and software blocking the new update

Windows 11 24H2 is currently inaccessible to many users due to compatibility holds by Microsoft aimed at preventing crashes and performance issues. Affected devices include ASUS X415KA and X515KA models, which face blue screen errors, leading to a paused update until ASUS releases a firmware update. Users of the Voicemeeter application may experience MEMORY MANAGEMENT errors, prompting Microsoft to suspend the update until a fix is provided. Integrated cameras may malfunction post-upgrade, affecting various applications, resulting in a hold on the update for impacted devices. The Safe Exam Browser versions 3.7 or lower encounter operational issues after the update, leading to restrictions for those devices. Devices using Easy Anti-Cheat may crash due to outdated drivers, causing Microsoft to pause the update until users update their drivers. Fingerprint sensors may cause devices to become unresponsive after locking, prompting a hold until a firmware update is available. Wallpaper customization apps can lead to issues post-update, resulting in a compatibility hold until users update these applications. Intel Smart Sound Technology devices may face blue screen errors with specific driver versions, and users are advised to update their drivers to resolve the issue. The presence of Asphalt 8 (Airborne) can also block the update due to a bug causing gameplay freezes, leading to a hold on affected devices. Microsoft recommends users check for updates to software or drivers instead of forcing the upgrade, as this could cause significant issues.

Winsage

October 27, 2024

Colburn: How to pause the problematic Windows update

Concerns have arisen regarding the latest Windows update, particularly for Windows 10 and 11 users. The rollout of Windows 11's update version 24H2 is phased, and some users report issues such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and system freezes, often due to driver compatibility conflicts. Microsoft has automatic updates in place, which can complicate matters when problematic updates are released. Users can temporarily disable automatic updates by turning off the option in the 'Updates' menu. The update addresses critical security vulnerabilities, prompting the U.S. government to advise federal employees to implement mitigations or stop using affected devices. Older Windows versions (XP, 7, 8.1) no longer receive security patches, and users are advised to disconnect from the Internet until they can secure their data. Windows 10 users should consider upgrading to Windows 11 before support ends on October 14, 2025. If issues arise after installation, users should roll back the update promptly.