compatibility issues Archives

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now works with Easy Anti-Cheat (Fortnite), won’t cause BSODs anymore

Windows 11 24H2 is now available to users, with automatic updates for those on older versions like Windows 11 23H2. Initially, the update was blocked for some Intel PC users running games like Fortnite due to compatibility issues with Easy Anti-Cheat. Microsoft has resolved these compatibility concerns as of July 25, confirming that the upgrade is now accessible to all users after nearly ten months of collaboration with Epic Games. The block primarily affected Intel Alder and Intel vPro processors, and while the specific update that fixed the issues was not detailed, it is suggested to be included in the July 2025 Patch Tuesday (KB5062553). Users with Intel vPro (Core i7) systems reported that the update appeared automatically after this patch. Additionally, some users with Ryzen processors also faced similar problems, although this was not widely acknowledged. Users who experienced a Blue Screen of Death error (Memory_Management code) while installing Windows 11 24H2 with Fortnite are advised to uninstall Easy Anti-Cheat and reinstall drivers if issues persist. Support for Windows 11 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025, prompting users to prepare for the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 proactively. The "Pause updates" feature has been reported to be unreliable, potentially allowing mandatory updates to install unexpectedly.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

I’m not upgrading to Windows 11, but I’m not tolerating Linux either

The author has been using an HP Pavilion laptop for a decade, but its performance on Windows 11 has declined due to modern applications and web standards. The laptop's 4th-gen i5 processor struggles with current operating system demands, leading to slowdowns during simple tasks. Attempts to optimize Windows 11 provided only marginal improvements. The author considered switching to Chrome OS Flex for its lightweight nature but found its reliance on web applications and lack of support for certain software limiting. Linux was also considered but deemed too complicated and incompatible with essential Windows-native applications. Ultimately, the author decided to install Chrome OS using the Brunch Framework, which allowed the aging laptop to run more efficiently and support the Google Play Store, improving overall performance and user experience.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 update block for Easy Anti-Cheat users

Microsoft has lifted the compatibility hold that previously prevented some users of Easy Anti-Cheat from upgrading to the Windows 11 2024 Update due to issues causing unexpected restarts and blue screen of death (BSOD) errors. An emergency update (KB5063060) was released on June 11 to address these compatibility issues. As of July 24, 2025, eligible devices can now install Windows 11, version 24H2 via Windows Update, although users may see a warning about an incompatible version of Easy Anti-Cheat. Microsoft confirmed that older versions of Easy Anti-Cheat will not trigger a BSOD unless activated by a game. Additionally, a safeguard hold imposed in October for Intel Alder Lake+ and vPro systems was lifted in March after resolving related issues. Other compatibility holds affecting AutoCAD and Safe Exam Browser users have also been removed.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Flyby11 Lets You Install Windows 11 on Older Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Can’t (or won’t) upgrade to Windows 11, but afraid to switch from Windows 10 to Linux? This app might make the transition easy

A migration tool named Operese is in development to assist users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux. It allows the transfer of files, settings, and installed applications. Currently, it supports only one Linux distribution, Kubuntu, but there are plans to expand compatibility to other distributions in the future. The developer, TechnoPorg, aims to complete the tool by October, coinciding with Windows 10's End of Life. There are uncertainties regarding the transfer of applications due to compatibility issues with Linux. The project may become open source to enhance security and community collaboration. Windows 10 users can extend support for an additional year through the Windows Backup app.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Windows 11 Latest Update Is ‘Most Reliable’ Ever, Microsoft Claims

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 24H2, claiming it to be the "most reliable Windows yet," supported by a 24% reduction in failure rates and unexpected restarts compared to previous versions. The update features a new black screen for the Blue Screen of Death, which includes a stop code and faulty driver information, reducing wait time from 40 seconds to 2 seconds. However, users have reported issues such as Blue Screen of Death errors, sluggish performance, and driver failures. Critics have raised concerns about compatibility issues with drivers and legacy applications. The update also introduces a quick machine recovery feature that automatically detects and resolves critical boot issues, although immediate patches for minor problems are not guaranteed. User sentiment regarding the reliability of Windows 11 24H2 remains mixed.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

You DO see Win 11 as an AI PC opportunity, say Dell, Intel

Dell and Intel are promoting the upgrade of PC fleets from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as a strategic opportunity for businesses to prepare for artificial intelligence (AI). Their "Windows 11 & AI PC Readiness Report" suggests that this is an ideal time for organizations to improve productivity, collaboration, and security with AI-ready PCs. A survey indicated that 80 percent of UK businesses plan to transition to Windows 11 by October 14, when support for Windows 10 ends. However, there are concerns about software and hardware compatibility, as well as the high costs associated with AI PCs, which may deter buyers. The report shows that 62 percent of IT decision-makers prefer Copilot+ AI PCs, while 64 percent believe it is critical to acquire new PCs capable of running AI applications. Despite claims of enhanced productivity with AI PCs, a study found that employees using such systems were less productive than those with traditional hardware.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11 migration is still causing lots of headaches for some firms

Recent research by Panasonic indicates that many businesses are hesitant to migrate to Windows 11 due to cybersecurity threats and financial implications. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of devices in use will need replacement or upgrades for compatibility with Windows 11, rising to 76% for larger enterprises with over 5,000 employees. Concerns about ransomware and malware are prevalent, with 93% of respondents expressing worry, and two-thirds believe migrating could increase overall costs, including 55% anticipating higher cybersecurity expenses. Additionally, 47% of organizations face software compatibility issues, and 45% are concerned about productivity losses during the transition. The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is estimated to cost around £320,000 over three years for 1,000 devices. Despite these challenges, about one-third of organizations see potential benefits in upgrading, such as improved performance (36%), a more future-proof ecosystem (36%), and access to advanced AI features (34%). Chris Turner from Panasonic emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates for Those Who Don’t Want to Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Users can access a free extension for security updates by utilizing cloud backup linked to their OneDrive account. As of May 2025, Windows 10 accounts for over 53% of installations. Microsoft plans to roll out the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program sign-up wizard in July 2025, allowing users to receive updates until October 13, 2026. Businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. The transition to Windows 11 has been slow due to user hesitance and compatibility issues.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Hate Windows 11? Here’s how you can make it work more like Windows 10

User feedback has significantly influenced the evolution of Windows 11, particularly regarding changes to the user interface that differ from Windows 10. Early adopters expressed frustration, but many have adapted over time, while some still prefer the previous interface. Microsoft removed a considerable amount of legacy code, overhauling key components like the taskbar, Start menu, and File Explorer, which has disoriented some users. Microsoft has responded to feedback with updates, including the reinstatement of the Task Manager option in the taskbar's right-click menu and improvements to search functionality in version 22H2, as well as a redesign of File Explorer in version 24H2. Users can reposition the taskbar and Start button, but the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen is still missing. A significant redesign of the Start menu is being tested. Keyboard shortcuts can help users navigate the new layout, and users can disable the widgets feature through Taskbar settings. Third-party applications like ExplorerPatcher, Open Shell, Start11, and StartAllBack offer customization options to revert to a more traditional layout, though they may pose compatibility risks with future updates.