crashes Archives

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC This Way

Microsoft has issued an advisory for Windows users regarding potential issues when updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 using external media. If users create installation media that includes the October or November 2024 security updates, their devices may end up in a state where they cannot accept further Windows security updates. This problem does not affect devices that receive updates through the standard Windows Update process. The issue is reported to impact only a small number of users, and Microsoft recommends using the Media Creation Tool to create new media and reinstall the operating system if users encounter update problems.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Windows 11 installation media bug causes security update failures

Microsoft has warned that using media support (CD or USB flash drives) to install Windows 11, version 24H2 may prevent the operating system from accepting security updates released between October 8 and November 12. This issue occurs when the installation media includes security updates from October 2024 or November 2024. It does not affect updates applied through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, and installations using the December 2024 security update are not impacted. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and recommends using the December 2024 security update for media-based installations. Additionally, users have reported various issues with the 24H2 update, including audio problems, application launch failures, game freezes, and performance issues with certain hardware and software configurations.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Five lesser known Task Manager features in Windows 11

Windows 11's Task Manager includes several features that enhance productivity and system management: - Users can generate a live kernel or full crash dump to troubleshoot crashes, which can be analyzed for root cause identification. - Holding the CTRL key pauses the Task Manager updates, allowing users to easily locate processes, while the F5 key refreshes values for real-time updates. - The "Efficiency Mode" can be activated by right-clicking on an app or process to limit CPU usage, reducing power consumption and freeing up resources. - The Startup Apps section provides an overview of applications that launch at boot, allowing users to disable unnecessary ones to improve startup time and system performance. - The App History tab shows resource usage by applications since the last shutdown, helping users identify which apps are consuming significant resources.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

STALKER 2 Update 1.1.3 Released, Is 7.4GB, Full Patch Notes

GSC GameWorld has released Patch 1.1.3 for the PC version of STALKER 2, approximately 7.4GB in size, primarily serving as a hotfix. The patch introduces a temporary workaround to prevent crashes during shader compilation by allowing players to skip the shaders warm-up phase. It also resolves several ACCESS VIOLATION ERROR crashes and fixes an issue where controls could be lost after shooting, reloading, and examining artifacts. Additionally, it addresses the inability to save invert axis options after restarting the game. User save files can now be backed up at “C:Users%username%AppDataLocalStalker2SavedBackup.” The update is compatible with various mods that enhance gameplay mechanics. Steam will automatically download this update when users launch the client.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 is the unwanted holiday gift that keeps on giving thanks to Auto HDR game crashes, audio device woes, odd bouts of stuttering and more

Microsoft's 24H2 update for Windows 11 has caused various issues for users, including game stuttering, unexpected crashes, and disappearing audio devices. The update has led to problems with Auto HDR, resulting in incorrect game colors and crashes, particularly affecting certain display configurations. Audio issues have been reported with devices using Dirac Audio, but others have experienced similar problems without it. Users have also faced driver disruptions, notification glitches, animation issues, and browser freezing. The update has been withheld from machines with certain Ubisoft games installed to prevent crashes, and previous issues included an audio bug and a BSOD bug related to Western Digital SSDs.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on more PCs due to new gaming issues

Many users view Windows 11 as a reimagined version of Windows 10, but it includes exclusive features for gamers. Microsoft has restricted access to the latest Windows 11 update due to complications with the Auto HDR feature, which enhances visuals by converting SDR content to HDR. A bug in Auto HDR has caused games to display incorrect colors or freeze. Microsoft has not specified which devices or games are affected and has implemented a compatibility hold on devices using Auto HDR, preventing them from installing Windows 11 version 24H2. Users are advised to disable Auto HDR to proceed with the update. Additionally, there have been other gaming-related issues with Windows 11 version 24H2, including crashes in games using Easy Anti-Cheat and responsiveness issues in titles like Asphalt 8, along with compatibility challenges with certain Ubisoft games.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Gamers beware: Windows 11 24H2 update could wreck your colors and crash your games

Windows 11's 24H2 update has introduced a bug affecting users with the Auto HDR feature, causing incorrect color displays and potential game crashes. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, which impacts both gaming and desktop environments. Users have reported crashes in popular games like Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and Far Cry. To address the problem, Microsoft suggests disabling Auto HDR or staying on the previous version, 23H2. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, preventing them from receiving the 24H2 update until a fix is available. Users can turn off Auto HDR in the Settings menu under Display and Graphics.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft says Auto HDR causes game freezes on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has implemented a block on Windows 11 24H2 upgrades for systems with Auto HDR enabled due to reports of game freezes and graphical anomalies. Auto HDR enhances gaming visuals but has caused concerns among users regarding high-contrast and oversaturated visuals. Microsoft warned that enabling Auto HDR could lead to incorrect color representation and unresponsive games. Users experiencing issues are advised to disable Auto HDR through the 'Settings' app. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, tagged with safeguard ID 55382406. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted a previous compatibility hold related to Ubisoft game bugs and blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations and incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 breaks audio and Auto HDR, update blocked on affected PCs

The Windows 11 24H2 update, released in October, has caused issues for users, particularly with audio output and the Auto HDR feature. Microsoft has acknowledged that the audio issue affects systems from an undisclosed manufacturer using Dirac Audio and the cridspapo.dll file, preventing sound output through various devices without a workaround. The Auto HDR feature is experiencing glitches, including incorrect colors and system crashes, with the only temporary fix being to disable it. Microsoft has blocked the update on affected systems until these issues are resolved.