compatibility issues Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Qualcomm triples Windows on Arm OEM design wins since May

Qualcomm's CEO Cristiano R. Amon announced a significant increase in design wins for the Snapdragon X Plus eight-core platform, rising from 20 to 58 in six months. This reflects growing interest among OEMs in Arm-based Windows laptops. However, Qualcomm faces challenges in converting these design wins into consumer sales due to compatibility issues and performance concerns. Intel and AMD continue to dominate the market with hundreds of design wins annually. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus platform offers AI capabilities, 5G connectivity, and improved battery life, but software compatibility remains a challenge. In Q4 2024, Qualcomm reported revenue of .2 billion, a 19% year-on-year increase, and a net income of .92 billion, a 96% rise. Over the fiscal year, revenue increased 9% to .9 billion, and net profit surged 40% to .14 billion.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

What apps do you need on Windows on Arm?

Microsoft has released a new build of Windows 11 for Insiders in the Canary channel, enhancing support for additional CPU extensions for emulated 64-bit x86 applications, which improves the functionality of Windows Arm PCs. Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the first applications to benefit from this update. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with application compatibility on Arm PCs, highlighting any applications that have caused issues or underperformed during emulation. The author noted that the messaging app Beeper performed poorly on a Windows on Arm PC.

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.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Don’t look now, but Macs are finally getting good for gaming

The evolution of gaming on Mac has progressed significantly, with notable improvements in performance, particularly with the introduction of the M-series chips. The Mac Studio M2 Ultra and the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max have demonstrated impressive gaming capabilities, with the latter achieving nearly 90 frames per second in Baldur's Gate 3 and maintaining around 50 FPS at high graphics settings. Historical data shows a clear trajectory of improvement in gaming performance across different MacBook models, with the M3 Max able to run Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 120 FPS at 1200p resolution. Despite these advancements, MacBooks still face challenges compared to dedicated GPUs from competitors like AMD and Nvidia. Upcoming M4 MacBooks are expected to further narrow the performance gap with Windows laptops, particularly as some Windows devices struggle with compatibility issues.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options before support ends in 2025

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive updates, including security patches. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10, buy new hardware, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay for Extended Security Options (ESUs) from Microsoft, or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 despite potential risks. The final version of Windows 10, 22H2, will receive monthly security updates until the end-of-support date.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Frustrated with Windows 11? Nitrux Linux is the OS you deserve

Nitrux is a modern Linux operating system designed for speed, simplicity, and elegance. The latest version, Nitrux 3.7.1, features an updated Linux 6.11.5-1 system, focusing on performance, security, and compatibility. It includes software enhancements like Firefox 132.0, MESA 24.2.4 for graphics, and the latest Nvidia and AMD drivers, along with support for new hardware such as Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 6 and Intel graphics. Performance improvements are aimed at gamers and developers, with enhanced network settings, memory optimizations, and a redesigned display manager (SDDM). New GameMode support optimizes settings for gaming, and security measures have been strengthened against network attacks. The KZones feature allows users to snap windows into custom zones, and soft word wrapping is enabled by default in the micro editor for developers. Users can download Nitrux 3.7.1 and run it as a live OS to test its capabilities.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft is making you pay to use Windows 10 securely after 2025. Here’s how much it’ll cost you

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 users can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of coverage beyond the end of support date of October 14, 2025. This is the first time Microsoft is offering this option to consumers. Users unable to transition to Windows 11 can receive monthly security patches for an extra 12 months through the ESU program, but it is available for only one year. After the end of support, Microsoft will stop providing free monthly security updates and bug fixes for Windows 10, which may lead to compatibility issues over time as support from app developers and hardware manufacturers diminishes. Approximately 60% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, equating to around 900 million active devices, while Windows 11 accounts for about 30%, or roughly 500 million devices.

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.