driver issues Archives

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

I love that DOOM: The Dark Ages requires ray tracing, and I hope more games follow

DOOM: The Dark Ages requires a graphics card with ray tracing hardware, specifically at least an NVIDIA 20-series card, making older models like the GTX 1080 incompatible. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also necessitates ray tracing capabilities, raising concerns about performance on existing hardware. Billy Khan from id Software stated that ray tracing significantly reduces game development time, allowing for real-time adjustments. Ray tracing has been part of the graphics card landscape for over seven years, with all current consoles supporting it. NVIDIA's latest RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 cards have faced driver issues affecting gameplay, while alternatives from AMD and Intel, as well as NVIDIA’s 30 and 40-series cards, can still provide good performance. Other studios, like 4A Games, have begun incorporating ray tracing into their development processes.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Microsoft set to make huge Windows change — and it’s hoping you won’t notice

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (27842) will replace the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) with a new error screen featuring a Medium Forest Green backdrop. This change is part of an effort to create a more streamlined user interface for unexpected restarts, although it may provide less context for troubleshooting. The new design is currently being tested in Microsoft's Canary Channel and is expected to become standard with the Windows 11 25H2 update later this year.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Microsoft blocks latest Windows 11 24H2 update due to driver crashes

Microsoft is addressing complications from the Windows 11 24H2 update caused by an incompatible driver, sprotect.sys, developed by SenseShield Technology. This driver, used for encryption protection, has led to significant issues, including blue screen errors and black screen crashes. The problematic driver versions are 1.0.2.372 and 1.0.3.48903. Microsoft has implemented an update block (ID number 56318982) to prevent affected systems from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 update. They are collaborating with SenseShield Technology to resolve these issues and restore update eligibility for users.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Here’s why you should reinstall Windows 11 every two months – no, I’m not kidding

Windows has evolved through various versions, creating a strong connection among users. Bugs can arise from updates, driver issues, or upgrades, and it is often advised to avoid upgrades in favor of fresh installations. Corrupted registry files and mislabelled directories can lead to resource consumption by background programs. A dual-storage drive system is recommended, designating a fast drive for the OS and a slower drive for media and backups, facilitating easier reinstallation. This setup encourages robust backup practices and helps maintain system integrity. Windows Defender is highlighted as an effective antivirus solution, and preparation for installation, including having necessary drivers on a USB stick, is crucial. A proactive approach to system maintenance can enhance the Windows experience.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

6 things you didn’t know you can do with advanced startup settings in Windows

To access the advanced startup options in Windows, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now, or it may appear after repeated boot failures. System Restore allows users to revert their PC to a previous state to undo recent changes, accessible from the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System restore. Windows enables users to create a system image, an exact replica of their hard drive, which can be restored from the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > See more recovery options > System Image Recovery. Users can roll back recent system updates through the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates. Safe Mode, accessible via the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings, helps troubleshoot driver issues by loading Windows with only essential drivers. Users can access BIOS settings through the advanced startup options by navigating to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware settings. The advanced startup options allow for testing unsigned drivers by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings and pressing 7 after restarting, though this is rarely needed.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update force installs new Microsoft Outlook app

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes the new Outlook for Windows app and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update provides essential security updates for January 2025 and can be installed via Windows Update. After installation, version 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5487, and version 21H2 to build 19044.5487. Users can also manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update includes several fixes, such as the introduction of the new Outlook app, resolution of issues with the Capture Service and Snipping Tool, disabling automatic suggestions from Bing in the Chinese Pinyin IME, fixes for USB audio device driver issues, and a solution for virtual memory depletion. Three known issues from previous updates include potential failures in OpenSSH connections, installation failures due to the Citrix Session Recording Agent, and an Event 7023 error related to SgrmBroker.exe, which does not affect device functionality. Microsoft plans to address these issues in future updates.

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.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on devices with known issues

The Windows 11 24H2 update, scheduled for 2024, has faced significant issues, including disappearing mouse cursors, SSD and driver-related crashes, undeletable crash files, and a malfunctioning Clipboard History feature. Users have also reported broken internet connections and long installation times, along with the removal of several features and applications. The update is blocked from installing on certain Asus models (X415KA and X515KA) due to incompatibilities, resulting in error messages and blue screens. Integrated cameras using face or object recognition technologies are also malfunctioning, affecting the Camera app and Windows Hello. Additionally, users of the Voicemeeter application are experiencing blue screen crashes due to driver issues. Microsoft is working on solutions but advises against manual installation of the update for affected devices until a patch is available. Users facing disruptions may consider rolling back to the previous version.

Winsage

October 21, 2024

A TechTuber nostalgically runs Windows 95 on a Nintendo 3DS with 256MB of RAM and a stylus pen — but painfully slow boot times hashed his mellow

MetraByte has successfully run Windows 95 on the Nintendo 3DS using DOSBox, but faced significant challenges such as slow boot times and performance issues. Initial attempts to run applications like Paint were frustrating, leading him to abandon plans for music creation. Each installation attempt took around 30 minutes, with a final successful installation taking over two hours, often resulting in Blue Screen of Death errors and driver issues. The experiment illustrates the nostalgic appeal of older operating systems, despite the difficulties encountered in retro computing.