cleanup Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC

Windows update KB5043145 caused some users to experience the blue screen of death instead of performance improvements. Before rolling back updates, users should check for adequate hard drive space, restart the system, attempt to reinstall updates, disconnect non-essential hardware, check for conflicts in Device Manager, ensure antivirus software is not interfering, and verify that the Windows Update service is activated. To troubleshoot update issues, Windows 11 users can run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings, while Windows 10 users can access it through Update & Security. Users can also utilize system restore points to revert to a previous state, use the Reset Windows Update Tool to repair update components, manually install updates from the Microsoft update catalog, or reset and restart update services via command prompt. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary, though it could result in data loss.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards. 5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields. 6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items. 9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing. 10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Black screens persist for Windows 10 AVD users

Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing issues affecting Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) users after the installation of July's non-security preview update (KB5040525), leading to a black screen that can last 10 to 30 minutes. This issue is linked to a deadlock between the Azure Active Directory broker and the AppX deployment service, as well as the Background tasks infrastructure service. Users with FSLogix user profile containers in multi-session environments are more likely to face these problems. Additionally, Windows 11 24H2 users are experiencing issues with Task Manager displaying zero counts for Apps, Background Processes, and Windows Processes after the October 2024 non-security preview update, particularly when the 'Group by Type' view is enabled. Dave Plummer, the original author of Task Manager, described this as a "fairly severe bug."

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Windows 11 performance booster Microsoft PC Manager adds new features

Microsoft's PC Manager is receiving an update to version 3.14, which introduces new features for Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. Key improvements include real-time internet speed monitoring from the desktop toolbar and an upgraded disk cleanup algorithm for better storage optimization. Developed by Microsoft China, PC Manager is available in select countries via the Microsoft Store but is not accessible in Europe and some other regions due to privacy regulations. The application helps free up RAM and storage to enhance PC performance. The update, which began rolling out on October 24, also supports Windows 11’s Widgets board, allowing users to boost performance directly from the widgets. Additionally, the deep cleanup feature has been enhanced to identify and remove more temporary files than built-in Windows solutions, and users can now analyze disk usage for better storage management.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 bug patch fixes some problems – and creates new ones

Microsoft launched the Windows 11 2024 update (24H2) on October 1, which has faced multiple complications. The KB5044384 update, rolled out on October 24 to fix various glitches, aimed to resolve issues such as incorrect file corruption flags, problems with the Disk Cleanup tool, and screen flickering during window switching. However, users have reported installation failures, with the process stalling at 40% or 90%-95%, and common error codes include 0x800f0922 and 0xc015001a. A workaround involves manually downloading the patch from the Microsoft Update Catalog, but even successful installations may lead to ongoing issues like inaccurate Task Manager counts and persistent Alt+Tab problems. Microsoft is implementing a gradual rollout of the update, and users may consider waiting until the next Patch Tuesday on November 12 for potential fixes.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 9 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft officially released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, improved performance, and greater stability. Users can install the update via Windows Update or download it from Microsoft's page. However, there are reports of bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt the rollout for certain problematic PCs. 1. The Windows System File Checker (SFC) is experiencing a glitch that causes it to falsely report corrupted files. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods; Microsoft confirmed this as a reporting bug. 3. The update may conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Other drivers, particularly those related to Intel Smart Sound Technology, may also cause blue screens. 5. A bug in Chromium-based applications causes the mouse pointer to disappear when interacting with text input fields. 6. Some users report erratic internet connectivity, with devices failing to receive valid IP addresses. 7. Fingerprint sensors on some devices may become unresponsive after the update. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, indicating it is empty despite copied items being present. 9. A network issue prevents devices from appearing in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing capabilities.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2200 (KB5044376) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include: - Windows Studio Effects: Enhances camera and audio experience using AI technology on devices with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). A new icon appears in the system tray for easy access when using compatible applications. - Dynamic Lighting: The settings page now shows a placeholder message when no compatible devices are detected, and new directional options have been added to Wave and Gradient effects. - Start Menu Fix: Resolved an issue where clicking on a letter in the All apps list disrupted functionality. - Taskbar Fix: Fixed a crash issue related to explorer.exe when hovering over specific applications. - Settings Fix: Addressed a bug causing a blank entry in the Privacy & Security section that crashed the Settings app. - Input Fix: Updated the mouse pointer location feature to be DPI-aware for better performance on high DPI monitors. - Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist: Expanded the list of drivers vulnerable to BYOVD attacks. - HTML Applications Support: HTA optional components are now supported in ARM64 Windows PE. - Live Kernel Debug Files: Resolved unnecessary creation of live kernel debug files. - User Interface Fixes: Fixed visibility issues in the UI for certain applications. - Winlogon Fix: Addressed a stop error during system shutdown. - sfc /scannow Command Fix: Fixed recurring errors with this command. - Windows Disk Cleanup App: Improved accuracy of free space estimates. Known issues include unexpected spacing in the Start menu and accessibility problems with Dev Drives in WSL, for which a fix is underway. Insiders in the Dev Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features are gradually rolled out using Control Feature Rollout technology. Users are encouraged to report localization issues via the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

KB5044384: Microsoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 UI, 8.63GB update data, SFC, DirectAccess bugs

Microsoft has released an update for Windows 11, version 24H2, identified as KB5044384 and build 26100.2161, categorized as a non-security preview update for October 2024. The update will be rolled out gradually and includes various enhancements and bug fixes. Key features include the ability to disable notification suggestions from specific apps, a redesigned Wi-Fi password dialog, new shortcuts for the Narrator, a Gamepad keyboard layout for Xbox controllers, and changes to the Start menu. Fixes address issues with ALT + Tab, scanner detection, web sign-in problems, and the Windows Disk Cleanup app. Additional quality improvements include a new button for detaching virtual hard disks, support for UTF-8 encoded SSIDs, the introduction of the Windows Sandbox Client Preview, and various UI fixes. The update also expands the list of drivers vulnerable to BYOVD attacks and resolves issues with the sfc /scannow command and DirectAccess connections.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 KB5044384 update fixes sfc /scannow corrupt file errors

Microsoft has released the optional KB5044384 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which includes twenty-four enhancements, such as fixing the sfc /scannow command's false corrupt file errors. This update is aimed at power users and IT administrators and can be installed via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 to build 26100.2161 and features gradual rollout, new notification management options, an updated Wi-Fi password dialog, new Narrator shortcuts, a new Gamepad keyboard layout, and fixes for various issues, including signing in to accounts from the web and inaccuracies in the Windows Disk Cleanup app. A known issue affects gamers on Arm devices, preventing them from downloading and playing Roblox. Compatibility holds are in place for certain Asus models and specific drivers and software that conflict with the new version. Windows 11 24H2 was officially released on October 1, 2024.

Tech Optimizer

October 23, 2024

Avast One for Mac review: a free antivirus is all you need | Digital Trends

Avast One is an antivirus software package designed for macOS users, offering features such as antivirus protection, ransomware safeguards, and malware blocking. It is available in both free and paid subscription plans. The free version, Avast One Essential, includes a malware scanner, browser protection, and a VPN with a 5GB monthly data limit. Paid tiers include Avast One Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with prices increasing significantly upon renewal. Avast One has shown strong performance in malware protection evaluations by AV-Test, maintaining a near-perfect rating over the past five years. The software includes a user-friendly interface and offers support via chat and email. While the free version may display targeted ads, the paid plans reduce such concerns. Overall, Avast One Essential provides robust protection, making it a notable option for users seeking antivirus solutions for Apple devices.