compatibility concerns Archives

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 trips up on AutoCAD 2022

Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold for its Windows 11 24H2 update due to complications with Autodesk AutoCAD 2022, which is causing errors when users attempt to open the software on certain devices. This hold prevents devices with AutoCAD 2022 from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 update. Autodesk has indicated potential compatibility issues with earlier versions of AutoCAD, advising that while installation on Windows 11 is possible, it may lead to problems. Other versions of AutoCAD, including 2023, 2024, and 2025, are functioning properly with Windows 11. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for resolving the issue or lifting the hold.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 now blocked on PCs running older AutoCAD software

Users of Autodesk’s AutoCAD 2022 are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 due to bootup complications. Microsoft has blocked the automatic delivery of this update for systems with AutoCAD 2022 installed, while users with other versions of AutoCAD can upgrade without issues. Microsoft has a history of implementing similar blocks for compatibility concerns and is currently working on a solution for the AutoCAD 2022 issue. Users can manually download and install Windows 11 24H2 on machines with AutoCAD 2022, but Microsoft advises against it.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Why users still couldn’t care less about Windows 11

Users are hesitant to adopt Windows 11, with some comparing its promotion to selling sand at a beach. Although there was a slight increase in Windows 11's market share last month, the transition is not smooth. Windows 11 has strict hardware compatibility requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2 and modern CPU, which frustrated many users at launch. Microsoft added the Surface Studio 2’s Intel Core i7-7820HQ to the compatibility list to address some concerns. As older computers become less common, finding incompatible PCs is becoming rare, yet Windows 10 still dominates the market. The impending end of support for Windows 10 is one of the few reasons users might consider upgrading, but many features in Windows 11 are already available in Windows 10. Organizations question the need to upgrade due to missing features and functionality complaints in Windows 11. Microsoft announced that support for most versions of Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The lack of standout features in Windows 11 makes users reluctant to upgrade, despite hardware vendors shifting focus to AI PCs. Historical transitions between Windows versions were driven by compelling reasons, but the case for Windows 11 lacks persuasive incentives. IT departments may feel pressured to upgrade due to support expiration, but motivation must go beyond compliance. Microsoft needs to offer more than basic features to encourage adoption of Windows 11 and future AI PCs.

AppWizard

December 27, 2024

Why Minecraft Bedrock Actions & Stuff feels better than Java Edition’s animation resource packs

Minecraft Bedrock Edition has introduced the Actions & Stuff addon, a paid enhancement available in the Bedrock Edition Marketplace, which includes new animations for player characters and mobs, as well as revamped textures for blocks and items. Unlike Java Edition mods that separate player and mob animations, the Actions & Stuff addon combines both into a single package, simplifying installation and updates. The addon features more vibrant and dynamic animations compared to Java Edition resource packs, enhancing the visual experience and immersion in the game.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Ubisoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 conflicts causing game crashes

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.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 (2024 update) now available to download for more PCs

Microsoft has expanded the availability of the Windows 11 feature update, version 24H2, as of December 4, 2024, allowing more devices running versions 22H2 and 23H2 to access it. Users can check for the update by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. A new "Fix problems using the Windows Update" feature is available for troubleshooting post-upgrade issues. Some users may need to manually initiate the update through Group Policy adjustments or Registry edits if it is not presented. Certain compatibility blocks may prevent the upgrade, affecting users with specific Ubisoft titles, certain USB scanners, printers, network devices, and some Asus PCs.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Microsoft gets community note on Twitter for saying Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs are the fastest Windows devices — users strike back, saying Snapdragon CPUs can’t game and have “less computing power” than Intel and AMD chips

Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs, launched in May, are marketed as "the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever," but users on X have challenged this claim, noting that devices with Snapdragon processors do not perform as well as high-end Intel or AMD chipsets. Critics have pointed out limitations for gamers and the lack of essential AI functionalities. Microsoft aims to capture 50% of the Windows PC market within five years, but the Copilot+ category currently represents a small fraction of laptop sales, with compatible laptops accounting for less than 10% of total shipments. While Arm chips like Snapdragon offer impressive battery life, Intel and AMD have improved their battery performance significantly. The reliance on an Arm-based processor has led to compatibility issues with certain applications and gaming titles, and some anticipated AI features are unavailable due to privacy and security concerns. Copilot+ PCs may be suitable for basic productivity tasks and web-based applications, but Intel and AMD still excel in processing power and compatibility.

Winsage

November 28, 2024

Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 update that prevents a brand of PC from shutting down

Windows 11 24H2 has been released in the preview channel, but users of Dell PCs are experiencing issues with shutdown and sleep functionalities due to compatibility conflicts with the Dell Encryption application. Dell confirmed that the installation of Dell Encryption v11.10 on systems running Windows 11 24H2 causes failures in Hibernate and shutdown processes. Systems with Dell Encryption v11.9 or earlier are not compatible with the 24H2 update. Dell has released an updated version of the Dell Encryption app to automatically update affected systems and restore full functionality.

Winsage

November 26, 2024

Microsoft Pauses Certain Players’ Windows Updates Over Ubisoft-Game Stability Issues

Microsoft has halted the automatic deployment of Windows updates for PCs with specific Ubisoft games due to compatibility issues reported by users. The Windows 11 24H2 update, which began rolling out last month, caused instabilities in games such as Star Wars Outlaws, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla, leading to startup failures and crashes. Microsoft is investigating the situation and has advised players to avoid manually updating their systems. The problematic Ubisoft games identified include: - Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Assassin's Creed Origins - Assassin's Creed Odyssey - Star Wars Outlaws - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Ubisoft is also working on solutions, with a patch for Star Wars Outlaws providing a temporary workaround, though it may still lead to performance issues. Users are advised to avoid the 24H2 update and consider rolling back to a previous Windows version if necessary.

Winsage

November 25, 2024

Windows 11 update borks a bunch of Ubisoft games

Microsoft issued a warning on November 22 about compatibility issues with Windows 11, version 24H2 affecting several Ubisoft games, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Users may experience problems such as unresponsiveness during startup, loading sequences, or gameplay, and some may encounter a black screen. Ubisoft released a hotfix for Star Wars Outlaws on November 21, but Microsoft noted that performance issues may still persist and has placed a compatibility hold on systems running these Ubisoft titles. Microsoft recommends that users avoid manually updating to version 24H2 until the issues are resolved and suggests using Task Manager to terminate unresponsive games. The specific features causing these issues remain unclear, with speculation about the update's "more streamlined File Explorer."