connectivity issues Archives

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

5 apps I install on every new phone

Unboxing a new smartphone is an exciting experience that includes setting up essential apps. Spotify provides access to millions of tracks and integrates with Android Auto for music and podcasts. Avast Antivirus offers robust protection and features like threat scanning and a network scanner, ensuring digital security without excessive ads or subscriptions. FitOn is a fitness app that sets realistic goals, tracks activity levels, and offers tailored workouts, including features like celebrity trainers and meal plans. Brave is a browser app that blocks ads and trackers, providing a distraction-free browsing experience with customizable settings. Microsoft 365 allows access to Word and Excel files on the go, with OneDrive for document storage and backup, although some features remain underutilized. These five applications enhance daily smartphone use by serving unique purposes.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Which USB Port Is This? Microsoft Vows To End The Lottery

The USB-C connector has become complex, with varying standards causing confusion among users. Microsoft found that over 25% of users encounter errors when connecting USB-C devices due to unsupported functionalities. To address this, Microsoft plans to establish a minimum standard for USB-C port capabilities on personal computers, which will be part of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program. Future USB-C ports will support device charging, DisplayPort Alt-mode, and compatibility with USB 40Gbps, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. However, not all USB-C ports will operate at the same speeds, and existing devices will not receive these enhancements, meaning it may take years for users to benefit from the new standards.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

I activated the Linux terminal on my Pixel, and you should too

Google's Pixel devices now include a Linux Terminal app, introduced with the March 2025 Pixel Drop update. This app allows users to access a version of Debian on their smartphones, enabling them to execute commands, install packages, and perform internet-related tasks similar to a desktop Linux terminal. The app is available for Pixel phones running Android 15 or newer and is currently exclusive to these devices. To activate the app, users must enable Developer options, toggle on the Linux development environment, and install the app, which has a download size of approximately 565MB. The feature is experimental and may have bugs, such as persistent notifications and connectivity issues. The app operates within a virtual machine, isolating it from the device's data but allowing access to the Downloads folder.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

Celebrate Star Wars being good again with up to 85% off EA’s Jedi and Battlefront games until May 15

This year's Star Wars Day has generated excitement among fans and gamers, partly due to the success of the Andor TV series and the announcement of Star Wars Zero Company from Bit Reactor. EA is offering discounts of up to 85% on its Star Wars games on Steam, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for .99 (£5.24) and Jedi Survivor for .99 (£11.99). The 2015 reboot of Star Wars: Battlefront is available for .99, while Battlefront 2 is priced at .99 (£6.99). Star Wars: Squadrons is also on sale for .99 (£5.24). These offers will be available until May 15. Future Star Wars gaming projects include Zero Company, a third Jedi game from Respawn, and ongoing developments for Star Wars Eclipse and the KOTOR Remake.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

CISOs should re-consider using Microsoft RDP due to password flaw, says expert

Microsoft has clarified that a feature in its operating system, which allows at least one user account to log in after prolonged offline periods, is a deliberate design choice and not a security vulnerability. The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) caches the last set of credentials used to prevent administrators from being locked out, but this can lead to complications if credentials are changed, potentially allowing unauthorized access if outdated credentials are exploited. Johannes Ullrich from the SANS Institute emphasized the importance of securing RDP and recommended robust authentication measures and isolation of RDP endpoints to mitigate risks.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055627 update released with 30 new changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5055627 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, which introduces new features and bug fixes. This update is part of optional non-security preview updates and does not include security updates. Users can install it via Settings under Windows Update or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.3915 and includes features such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), improved Windows Search, Narrator enhancements, Phone Link, interactive Widgets, curated views in File Explorer, updated Settings for app recommendations, and Windows Studio Effects. It also addresses bugs related to blue screen errors, DHCP Client connectivity issues, Windows Hello functionality, and provides estimated offline times for updates. Notable issues include potential installation blocks for Citrix components and download issues for Roblox players on Windows Arm devices, with workarounds available.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows Server 2025 domain controllers may lose connectivity after reboot, says Microsoft

Microsoft has alerted IT administrators about potential connectivity issues with Windows Server 2025 domain controllers after a restart, which may lead to network disruptions and unauthorized access. Applications and services relying on these domain controllers could fail or become unreachable. IT administrators are advised to exercise caution when planning server restarts.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Windows Server Update Services live to patch another day

Microsoft has announced an extension of support for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), postponing the planned end of support originally set for April 2025, in response to user feedback. The decision comes shortly before the scheduled cutoff and addresses challenges associated with disconnected device scenarios. Initially, Microsoft planned to make drivers available only through the Microsoft Update Catalog, but user feedback prompted a change. While some IT administrators may welcome the decision, others argue that WSUS is outdated and lacks essential capabilities for modern security. Gene Moody, field CTO at Action1, noted that WSUS is ill-equipped to meet contemporary demands and highlighted its limitations in enforcing updates and providing real-time visibility. Moody suggested that the extension of support is influenced by specific scenarios where WSUS remains necessary, such as environments with legal obligations or air-gapped networks. He cautioned that this decision should not be seen as a shift away from Microsoft's goal of phasing out WSUS in favor of cloud-based solutions.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

6 features worth enabling God Mode in Windows 11 for

God Mode in Windows grants access to over 200 settings and functionalities, many of which are typically hidden. Users can pin the God Mode folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer for easy access. Key features include: - BitLocker: A disk encryption tool that protects data on drives using AES encryption, accessible via password, PIN, or Windows Hello. - Network Management: Simplifies access to network settings for connecting, checking status, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. - Power Management: Allows quick adjustments to power plans, battery settings, and actions for closing the laptop lid or pressing power buttons. - Accessibility: Offers extensive settings for users with disabilities, including tools like Narrator and Magnifier. - File Type Options: Enables users to manage file type associations and visibility of files and folders. - Windows Tools: Centralizes access to built-in maintenance tools like Disk Cleanup and Task Scheduler. God Mode enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient way to navigate system features compared to the traditional Control Panel.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

How to Fix Minecraft “Failed to Find Installed Product” Error

Mojang has released the first major update for Minecraft in 2025, called Spring to Life. Some players encountered the "failed to find installed product" error when launching the Bedrock version, which Mojang has addressed with a hotfix. This error occurs when the Minecraft launcher cannot detect the necessary files to start the game and is not directly related to the Spring to Life update. It has been reported by players, especially after the stable release of version 1.21.5. Contributing factors include pending updates, connectivity issues, or bugs. Effective solutions to resolve this error include launching Minecraft from the Microsoft Store, checking for updates in the Minecraft Launcher, reinstalling Minecraft Bedrock Edition, reinstalling the Minecraft Launcher, checking the internet connection, and restarting the PC. If these methods do not work, contacting Minecraft support is advised.