Command Prompt Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that! PCs refuse to shutdown after Microsoft patch

Microsoft's January Patch Tuesday update has caused shutdown and hibernation issues for some Windows 11 23H2 users, with devices refusing to power down despite user commands. The problem is linked to the Secure Launch feature, which prevents shutdown, restart, and hibernation attempts from functioning correctly. Microsoft has suggested a workaround using the command "shutdown /s /t 0" to force shutdown. They have not disclosed how many devices are affected or provided a timeline for a fix. Additionally, there is a separate issue affecting classic Outlook POP account profiles that may freeze or hang after the update.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.

Winsage

January 10, 2026

How to edit text files directly from Command Prompt and PowerShell on Windows 11 — using Microsoft Edit just like Linux’s Nano

Windows 11 includes the Microsoft Edit command-line tool for editing text files directly within Command Prompt or PowerShell. The tool is under 250KB in size. To install Microsoft Edit, users can open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: winget install --id Microsoft.Edit. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from GitHub, but manual configuration is required. To use Microsoft Edit, users can launch it by typing PLACEHOLDERb167be8248c505bb in Command Prompt or PLACEHOLDER4905f66b5f26fc6f for administrator access. Existing text files can be edited using the command edit filename.txt, and new files can be created with the same command. Basic editing options include undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, and find and replace. Files can be saved with "Ctrl + S" and exited with "Ctrl + Q". The tool is designed for straightforward text editing without the need to switch applications.

Winsage

January 8, 2026

How to get started with PowerToys Command Palette on Windows 11 — an answer to macOS Spotlight for Windows PCs

The Command Palette is a feature in PowerToys for Windows 11 that allows advanced users to access applications, settings, and system tools quickly, similar to macOS Spotlight. To install it, users must install PowerToys via Command Prompt or the Microsoft Store. Configuration involves enabling the Command Palette, customizing activation shortcuts, and adjusting display settings. Users can search for applications, settings, and files, perform calculations, access clipboard history, and execute system commands. Keyboard modifiers enhance functionality, and users can create custom search shortcuts with community plugins. The Command Palette also includes a Registry browser extension for navigating the Windows Registry.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

Hackers Use Fake Windows BSOD To Spread Malware

Security researchers have identified a social engineering campaign that mimics the Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to deceive users into installing a remote access Trojan (RAT). The campaign, named PHALT#BLYX, begins with phishing emails that appear to be legitimate cancellation notices from travel websites, leading victims to a fake login page and an interactive CAPTCHA. This culminates in a full-screen imitation of the BSOD, prompting users to follow instructions that ultimately allow attackers to gain control of their computers. The attackers use a “ClickFix” process that involves executing commands through native Windows tools like PowerShell and MSBuild, making detection more challenging. The malware delivered is an obfuscated version of DCRat, which provides attackers with remote control capabilities, keylogging, and the ability to download additional malware. The campaign primarily targets hotels and hospitality businesses in Europe, exploiting the urgency of front-desk staff to respond to apparent technical issues. Indicators of a fake BSOD include the ability to interact with the screen, requests to execute commands via Windows tools, and the presence of CAPTCHA prompts. Organizations are advised to train employees, implement application control, enhance email and web defenses, and prepare for incident response to mitigate risks associated with such attacks.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

How to generate a Wi-Fi report on Windows 11

Connectivity issues with wireless adapters on Windows 11 can include sluggish internet speeds, sporadic connections, or complete disconnection from networks. These problems may arise from outdated drivers, signal interference, router limitations, misconfigured settings, physical distance, or issues with the internet service provider. To generate a wireless report, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command: netsh wlan show wlanreport. The report will be saved as an HTML file, typically located in C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsWlanReport. The Wi-Fi report provides details on connection sessions, including duration and errors, and includes sections for report info, general system info, user info, network adapters, and script output. It summarizes connection successes and failures, and catalogs wireless session events with specific details. The report can help diagnose issues like driver problems, authentication failures, and unstable connections, but it does not automatically fix network problems. It lists the wireless adapter name, driver version, and error codes for troubleshooting purposes.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

New laptop? How to wipe your old Windows PC clean before getting rid of it

Many individuals and businesses upgrade their PCs as the new year approaches and face decisions about their old devices. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, or selling. Essential steps for transitioning include migrating applications and files, securely erasing personal data, and resetting the operating system. To migrate apps and files, use the Windows Backup app to back up settings and installed apps, and transfer personal folders to OneDrive. For legacy software, ensure you have activation codes and installation files. Back up important files using cloud storage or create a full image backup to a removable hard drive. To wipe old data, enable BitLocker Disk Encryption on Windows 11 Pro or delete sensitive files and wipe disk space on Windows 11 Home using the command cipher /w:c:. To prepare the old PC for a new owner, options for installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 include resetting the PC, reinstalling a factory image, or performing a clean install using bootable media. Resetting involves navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Remove everything." Reimaging uses a manufacturer-provided recovery image, while a clean install requires bootable media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

How to Install Windows Configuration Designer Using Winget Command

The Windows Configuration Designer is a tool from Microsoft that allows users to create provisioning packages for automating the setup of Windows devices. These packages, saved as .ppkg files, can pre-configure settings such as network configurations, user accounts, and device names. The tool is not pre-installed on Windows systems and is primarily intended for IT administrators. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or installed via the command-line tool winget, which requires the package name to be enclosed in double quotes for proper recognition. The installation process involves opening a terminal as an administrator, checking for winget availability, and executing the installation command. The download size is approximately 30 to 50 MB, and installation typically completes in under a minute. Users can verify the installation by searching for the application or using winget commands. Alternative installation methods include using the Microsoft Store or the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). The tool is free and does not require a Microsoft account for winget installations.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong

Windows 11 Point-in-Time Restore is a recovery feature that captures snapshots of the system's state, including system files, applications, settings, and user data, allowing users to revert to a recent stable state when issues arise. It operates automatically once activated, using Volume Shadow Copy technology for comprehensive backups. The feature can quickly reverse changes made within the last 72 hours, addressing problems like faulty driver installations without requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. However, it has limitations, such as storing restore points locally for a maximum of 72 hours, not recovering long-deleted files, and requiring significant storage space. To enable it, users must use ViveTool to unlock the feature, configure settings for snapshot frequency and retention, and access restore options through the Windows Recovery Environment if needed. It is particularly useful for casual users who frequently modify their systems but may not suffice for power users needing comprehensive backup solutions.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Microsoft Adds Sudo to Windows 11 24H2 for Seamless Elevated Commands

Microsoft has introduced the sudo command in Windows 11 version 24H2, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges directly from a standard command prompt or PowerShell window. Users can enable this feature via Settings under System > For Developers. Sudo can run commands in three modes: “in a new window,” “with input disabled,” and “inline.” The inline mode runs the elevated command in the same console session, preserving context and variables. Microsoft has open-sourced the project on GitHub, inviting community contributions. Sudo integrates with User Account Control (UAC) for security, ensuring every elevation request is vetted. It simplifies administrative tasks for software engineers and system administrators, particularly in corporate environments where full admin access is restricted. The feature works seamlessly in Windows Terminal and supports Azure integrations. While some users have reported compatibility issues, Microsoft emphasizes that sudo is a developer tool rather than a complete replacement for Linux's sudo. Future developments may include community-driven extensions and integration with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).