driver issues Archives

Winsage

January 7, 2026

9 things I always do after setting up Windows 11 – and why you should too

When setting up a new Windows 11 PC, you can choose between a Microsoft account and a local account, with the former offering enhanced security, data protection, and account recovery options. It's recommended to verify that the correct Windows edition is installed and activated, check for driver issues in Device Manager, install the latest updates, and consult the manufacturer's support site for updated drivers. You can remove unwanted third-party app shortcuts from the Start menu and customize it by adjusting pinned and recommended items. The taskbar can be streamlined by disabling unnecessary features and unpinning unused applications. Popular apps can be installed from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Sandbox can be enabled for secure testing of new applications or websites.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

How to generate a Wi-Fi report on Windows 11

Connectivity issues with wireless adapters on Windows 11 can include sluggish internet speeds, sporadic connections, or complete disconnection from networks. These problems may arise from outdated drivers, signal interference, router limitations, misconfigured settings, physical distance, or issues with the internet service provider. To generate a wireless report, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command: netsh wlan show wlanreport. The report will be saved as an HTML file, typically located in C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsWlanReport. The Wi-Fi report provides details on connection sessions, including duration and errors, and includes sections for report info, general system info, user info, network adapters, and script output. It summarizes connection successes and failures, and catalogs wireless session events with specific details. The report can help diagnose issues like driver problems, authentication failures, and unstable connections, but it does not automatically fix network problems. It lists the wireless adapter name, driver version, and error codes for troubleshooting purposes.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

The peril of PC gaming strikes again as NVIDIA’s latest driver breaks older Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsport games

NVIDIA's latest driver update has disrupted gameplay for several older Microsoft titles, including Forza Horizon 3, Forza Motorsport 6 Apex, and Forza Motorsport 7, due to compatibility issues. Players are encountering the AP204 error, indicating GPU incompatibility with the new driver. A workaround involves using the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove the current driver and downloading the older driver version 576.88 from the NVIDIA website to restore functionality for these classic games.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Don’t want Windows 11 yet? Here is how to keep updates on Windows 10

Support for Windows 10 officially ends on 14 October 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates and patches. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows users to continue receiving critical security updates until 13 October 2026. To qualify for ESU, PCs must run Windows 10, version 22H2, be one of the specified editions (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstations), have the latest updates installed, and be signed in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. Enrollment can be done at no cost if settings are synced with a Microsoft account, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or through a one-time purchase. Each ESU license covers up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account. If users do not enroll in ESU, their PCs will not receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for long-term security, but many older PCs may not meet the necessary hardware requirements. After October 2026, even those enrolled in ESU will lose official security support.

Winsage

October 5, 2025

How to switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint – for free

The countdown for Windows 10 support is underway, prompting users to consider alternatives like Linux Mint, especially if they are hesitant about upgrading to Windows 11 or if their hardware does not meet the requirements. Linux has become more user-friendly, and Linux Mint is recommended for both newcomers and experienced users. To switch to Linux Mint, users need a Windows PC, an internet connection, and a USB stick with at least 4GB of storage, with an estimated installation time of about 2 hours. Users should compile a list of essential programs and check for Linux-compatible alternatives. Many cloud-based applications work on Linux, and Windows 10 can be run within Linux using Oracle VirtualBox for incompatible programs. The installation process involves downloading the Linux Mint ISO from the website, preparing a USB drive, and adjusting the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Users should disable Secure Boot to ensure a smooth installation. After rebooting, the Mint interface will appear, and the installation wizard will guide users through the setup process, including language preferences and partitioning the hard drive. Enabling Timeshift for system backups and using the Backup Tool for personal files is recommended. After installation, users should check for additional drivers and install multimedia codecs. Linux Mint requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM and 20GB of disk space and is compatible with most modern hardware. Running both Linux Mint and Windows on the same PC is possible, either by dual-booting or using a virtual machine. Most modern hardware is compatible with Linux, and testing Mint through a live session on a USB stick can confirm compatibility. Software-as-a-service applications generally work well on Linux, while older programs may require additional tools. Many popular applications are available on Linux, and Steam-based games perform well.

Winsage

October 3, 2025

How to switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint

Windows 10 support is ending, prompting users to consider alternatives like Linux Mint, which is compatible with PCs running Windows 10 and allows exploration without altering the existing setup. To switch to Linux Mint, users need a Windows PC, internet connection, and a USB stick or DVD-RW with at least 4GB of storage, with an estimated installation time of about 2 hours. Users should back up important files before installation and may need to disable Windows Fast Startup, BitLocker, and Secure Boot for a smoother transition. Linux Mint requires 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended) and 20GB of disk space (100GB recommended), and it can run on older machines. Most modern hardware is compatible with Linux, and many cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365 work on Linux. Users can test Mint in a live session before installation to check hardware compatibility.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Windows 11 bug that stopped some Intel PCs from getting the 24H2 update is fixed – but it took a whole year

A bug related to Intel audio drivers affecting Windows 11 users has been resolved after nearly a year. The issue impacted PCs with Intel's 11th-generation processors, specifically those using Intel's Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake chips, preventing upgrades to Windows 11 version 24H2. The problem stemmed from a compatibility hold due to issues with the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver. The resolution was marked complete on September 26, 2025. Affected users are advised to download and install Intel SST driver version 10.30.00.5714 or later, or version 10.29.00.5714 if unsure of their Windows version. The driver should be available in Windows Update. If not, users may need to contact their PC manufacturer for assistance. Intel's Rocket Lake processors are estimated to power about 10% to 15% of Windows PCs.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to fix a second monitor not detected in Windows 10 and 11

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, users can enhance productivity by connecting a second display, although issues may arise with older monitors due to driver or hardware complications. To manually detect a second monitor on Windows 10, users can go to Settings > System > Display and click the Detect button. For wireless displays, users should navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, activate Bluetooth, and select the wireless display. Graphics driver issues can be resolved by updating, reinstalling, or rolling back the driver through Device Manager. On Windows 11, the process is similar; users can detect external monitors via Settings > System > Display and connect wireless displays through Settings > Bluetooth & devices. To update graphics drivers on Windows 11, users should go to Settings > Windows Update > Optional updates.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Enterprises staying on Windows 10 could shell out billions

Free support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, leading to potential costs of up to .3 billion in the first year for enterprises that choose extended security updates. Microsoft has over 1.4 billion monthly active devices, with approximately 30 percent (around 420 million) being used by commercial or public sector organizations. An estimated 181 million enterprise devices are currently running Windows 10, and projections suggest about 121 million will still be active when support ends. Each device requiring a year of Extended Security Updates could result in significant expenses. Additionally, Windows 11 has a higher rate of system crashes (1.2 percent) and hard resets (9.9 percent) compared to Windows 10, with issues often linked to drivers and migrations rather than the OS itself. Tim Flower from Nexthink emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to OS migrations, focusing on user experience rather than just compliance.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I built a portable Windows 11 install on an external SSD, and you can do it too

Linux users can boot entire distributions from a flash drive, while Windows users lost the Windows To Go feature in 2020. The Rufus utility allows users to create a faux Windows To Go installation using a Windows 11 ISO. The process involves selecting the ISO and flash drive, adjusting the Image option, and starting the flashing process. A fast and large drive, such as a 128GB SSD, is recommended for better performance. Users may encounter driver issues and compatibility challenges across different devices. Despite initial setup hurdles, running Windows 11 from a flash drive can provide an efficient and portable workspace, with programs retaining settings across machines. A minimum of a 64GB USB drive is advisable for functionality.