driver updates Archives

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 13, 2025

6 changes I made to Windows 11 with Winaero Tweaker

Windows 11 has limitations, but tools like Winaero Tweaker allow for customization. Users can enable the classic context menu by selecting the Classic Full Context Menus option and restarting Explorer. Winaero Tweaker also enables desktop stickers, which can be accessed by signing out and back in after checking the Enable Stickers for Desktop Background option. Users can disable background activity for all Microsoft Store apps with a single toggle. The tool allows users to stop automatic driver updates by selecting the Disable driver updates option. It consolidates options to eliminate ads and suggestions in the Ads and Unwanted Apps section. Users can disable telemetry data collection through a checkbox. Winaero Tweaker offers many more customization options beyond those mentioned.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Windows 11 is finally fixing poor sound quality with Bluetooth headphones – and PC gamers will be particularly happy

Microsoft is transitioning from Bluetooth Classic Audio to Bluetooth LE Audio for Bluetooth headphone users on Windows 11, enhancing sound quality and microphone use, particularly for gamers. Both the PC and headphones must support the specific LE Audio standard, and users can check compatibility through a Microsoft support document. Users need to run the latest Windows 11 version (24H2 update) and have a compatible Bluetooth audio driver. Many existing PC models will receive driver updates later this year. Most new laptops launched by late 2025 are expected to have this Bluetooth sound capability integrated.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows PC just got a big Bluetooth audio upgrade from Microsoft

Microsoft has announced a new Bluetooth streaming technology called Low Energy (LE) Audio for Windows 11, aimed at improving audio quality for online gaming and virtual meetings. LE Audio integrates the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Hands-Free Profile (HFP) into a single profile, allowing high-quality audio and microphone use simultaneously. This technology utilizes superior audio compression for high-quality sound in stereo. Users can experience enhanced audio quality in applications like Microsoft Teams, where Spatial Audio will now function with wireless Bluetooth headsets. To utilize LE Audio, users need compatible Bluetooth devices and a Windows 11 PC, specifically running Windows 11 24H2 with the latest updates and Bluetooth audio drivers. Some existing PCs will receive updates, while new laptops launching in late 2025 are expected to support LE Audio natively.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Microsoft wants to soothe a big pain for PC gamers: Shaders

Microsoft is introducing "advanced shader delivery" to improve the gaming experience for PC users by standardizing shader packaging. This involves creating a State Object Database (SODB) that collects shader data, which is then paired with a cloud-based compiler to form a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB). This PSDB will be downloaded with the game, allowing for quick access to shaders without additional compilation. The feature is currently available on the Xbox gaming store, the Xbox PC app, and devices with AMD processors. Microsoft plans to extend this technology to other storefronts and game developers, and existing games will also benefit in the future. The shader cache will refresh automatically after driver updates. Further details are expected to be shared in September.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here’s how I do it

Maintaining a computer's performance requires regular software upkeep in addition to physical care. An annual deep clean is advisable, with more frequent maintenance being beneficial. 1. Uninstall unused applications using the built-in Settings app or a tool like BCUninstaller, which can bulk uninstall and identify leftover files. 2. Run debloat scripts, such as Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility, to remove bloatware and manage privacy settings. 3. Disable unnecessary startup apps through the Task Manager to optimize boot times. 4. Check for driver updates manually under Advanced options > Optional updates, and visit manufacturer websites for graphics drivers. 5. Run a malware scan using MalwareBytes for periodic checks. 6. Delete temporary files via System > Storage > Temporary files in the Settings app, and manage cached files in web browsers.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Still stuck on Windows 10? Microsoft reveals the reasons why you can’t upgrade to Windows 11, and how to fix them

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been challenging for many users due to Microsoft's strict requirements, including the necessity of a TPM 2.0 chip and other high system specifications. Microsoft has introduced a pop-up notification and a support article to assist users with the upgrade process. Steps for upgrading include checking for updates in Settings, using laptop companion applications for BIOS updates, and searching for driver updates from manufacturers' websites. It is technically possible to install Windows 11 on systems that do not meet the official requirements, but users are advised to proceed with caution due to potential compatibility issues. Microsoft has acknowledged the lack of clear guidance regarding end-of-life notifications and is now providing support initiatives to help users transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

NVIDIA announces end-of-life support for many of its GTX cards — but it’s not all bad news

NVIDIA will issue one final major driver update for its Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta graphics card architectures in October 2025, after which these cards will only receive quarterly security updates. Regular "Game Ready" updates will cease, although support for these architectures will continue until October 2028. The Pascal architecture, launched in 2016, remains popular, with the GTX 1060 being used by 2.15% of PCs as of June 2025. NVIDIA will extend Game Ready driver support for its newer RTX GPUs on Windows 10 until October 2026.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Nvidia says it’s game over come October for GTX 10, 9 and 7-series graphics cards driver support but RTX owners running Windows 10 are getting an extra year of grace

Nvidia has confirmed the end of support for its Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta graphics architectures, with one final major driver update scheduled for October 2025. After this, users will receive quarterly security updates for these architectures until October 2028. Nvidia will continue to provide Windows 10 Game Ready Drivers for all RTX GPUs until October 2026. Maxwell includes the GeForce GTX 7 and 9 series, while Pascal is for the GTX 10 Series. The GTX 1650 and GTX 1660 are based on the Turing architecture, which is not affected. Volta is primarily for enterprise use and does not have gaming GPUs. Users will no longer receive "Game Ready" optimizations after the final driver release.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Nvidia announces end of GPU driver updates for GeForce 10-series, Windows 10

Nvidia will provide quarterly security updates for its Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs until October 2028, ensuring users can continue to use these older graphics cards without security vulnerabilities. The company previously announced that CUDA support for these architectures has reached "feature complete" status, marking the end of further development. As of June 2025, Windows 10 powers over a third of PCs surveyed in the Steam Hardware Survey, while Windows 11 has over 60 percent market share.