crash Archives

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Was Once The Cause Of Laptop Crashes

Janet Jackson's song "Rhythm Nation" caused laptops to crash due to its bass-heavy sound generating a resonant frequency that affected mechanical hard drives. Microsoft investigated the issue and found that the song could induce slight movements in the hard drives, leading to data corruption and system freezes. They implemented a "notch" filter to eliminate the problematic frequency from the launch of Windows XP in 2001 until Windows 7 in 2009. This issue was specific to laptop hard drives and did not affect external models. With the introduction of solid-state drives (SSDs), the problems associated with mechanical drives and resonance have been largely resolved.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ crashed some Windows laptops for years

Playing Janet Jackson's 1989 hit "Rhythm Nation" near certain laptops manufactured from 2005 onward can cause malfunctions, particularly affecting their hard drives. This issue was highlighted by Microsoft employee Raymond Chen, who noted that a major computer manufacturer had to create a custom audio filter to address specific sound frequencies that could disrupt 5,400 RPM hard drives. The problem was serious enough to be listed in the NIST National Vulnerability Database. The audio filter remained in use until at least the Windows 7 era, and there was a hardware vendor that sought an exception to a rule requiring users to disable all audio processing, citing potential physical damage to computers if the audio processing was disabled. Chen expressed uncertainty about whether this rule still exists today.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft engineer reveals more details about Janet Jackson song that used to mysteriously crash Windows XP PCs

A bug affecting Windows XP caused crashes when playing Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" on certain systems, linked to a natural resonant frequency that interfered with 5400rpm hard drives. Microsoft and an OEM developed a custom audio filter to eliminate the problematic frequency, which remained in place until Windows 7 introduced new rules allowing users to disable audio filters. This posed a risk of hardware damage for those unaware of the bug. The OEM received an exemption from the new rule to keep the audio filter active, protecting both their reputation and Microsoft's. The identity of the OEM remains undisclosed, referred to as "Fabrikam" in documentation.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Flappy Bird Added To Epic Games Store For Android

Flappy Bird has teamed up with Epic Games to bring the modern version of the game to the Epic Games Store on Android. The Flappy Bird Foundation is spearheading the game's return and has acquired the official trademark rights. Planned future releases include desktop and mobile web browsers and native app versions on iOS and Android in 2025. The game features Classic mode and Quest mode with new worlds and challenges. The app on Epic Games Store will not have Web3 elements and is supported by ads and in-app purchases.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5305 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5305 (KB5055636) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 23H2. This update is the last for the Beta Channel based on version 23H2, as all Insiders will soon transition to version 24H2, which is currently available as an optional upgrade in the Beta Channel. New features include a profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage profanity masking. Administrators can now allow users to unpin specific pinned apps on the taskbar using a new PinGeneration option. Fixes include resolving a crash issue in File Explorer when using touch, fixing a problem with the Windows Spotlight flyout, addressing a character insertion issue in password fields when using the touch keyboard, and correcting a display issue in the Settings app. A known issue involves some Insiders experiencing a bug with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth, which can be resolved by uninstalling a specific driver in Device Manager. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will continue based on version 23H2 through an enablement package, and features may be gradually rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27842 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. Changes include: - Temporary disappearance of enhanced battery iconography. - A new user interface for unexpected restarts is being previewed, appearing as a “green screen” for Insiders on version 24H2 and higher. - The Windows Security app will display additional details about Pluton TPM chips under Device security. Fixes include: - Resolved issues with Windows Update toggle, high CPU usage by lsass.exe, and crashes in ctfmon.exe and DWM. - Improved reliability of explorer.exe and fixed display issues with external graphics cards and JPG images. - Corrected problems with the Smart App Control icon and the Run dialog autocomplete. Known issues include: - Users on new Copilot+ PCs may lose access to Windows Hello PIN and biometrics. - Night light functionality is not working for some Insiders. - Bugcheck issues when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Canary Channel should note that builds may evolve and features may be removed or never reach general release. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to exit the Canary Channel.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Copilot+ PCs are leveling up — Windows 11 beta reveals new AI upgrades, but there’s a catch

Windows 11 Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel) introduces advancements in Copilot+ PC functionalities and addresses issues with the OneDrive syncing app. Users can register for updates and access the Insider Preview by activating the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option. Notable enhancements include the ability to add custom words to the dictionary through voice commands and an improved guided tour for Voice Access. Additional updates allow users to disable cloud content searches, gain control over widget notifications, and fix Start menu crashes. Not all Copilot+ PCs will receive these updates immediately, with a focus on Snapdragon X Elite devices, though features will eventually be available for AMD and Intel-powered devices. The new accessibility features are available to all users immediately.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Copilot+ PCs are leveling up — Windows 11 beta reveals new AI upgrades, but there’s a catch

Windows 11 Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel) introduces new Copilot+ PC features and addresses significant user issues. Users can access updates by enabling “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” and checking for updates. Key improvements include the ability to add custom words to the dictionary through voice access and an improved voice access tour. Additional updates feature options to disable cloud content searches, refined widget notification controls, and a fix for the Start menu crash when creating folders. Not all Copilot+ PCs will receive these features at the same time, with a focus on Snapdragon devices first, while accessibility features are available immediately to all users.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include: - New Text Actions in Click to Do: - "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation. - "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options. - Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them. - Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings. - File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open. - Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard. - Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app. - Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals. - Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout. - Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update. - Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3872 (KB5055640) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features include: - New text actions in Click to Do: "Practice in Reading Coach" for reading fluency and "Read with Immersive Reader" for a distraction-free reading experience, available on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. - Enhanced Windows Search for locating cloud-stored photos by describing content, available to Insiders in the European Economic Area. - Voice Access improvements: users can add custom words to the dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Users can disable cloud content search on their Copilot+ PCs. - File Explorer will now open folders in a new tab by default if an existing window is open. - Notification settings in widgets are being improved. - Windows Security will show additional details for Pluton TPM chips. - The printer renaming dialog has been updated. Fixes include resolving issues with the Start menu, windowing, search on the taskbar, input, Task Manager, and voice access. Known issues include initial build version discrepancies and non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users. Insiders will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2 via an enablement package.