driver updates Archives

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft Releases Detailed Guide to Fix Windows Blue Screen Errors

Microsoft has released an official guide to address the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issues in Windows 11 and Windows 10, updated on May 11, 2025, following a significant global outage in July 2024 caused by a problematic CrowdStrike update. The guide categorizes troubleshooting into basic and advanced steps, highlighting common error codes like PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA (0x00000050). Approximately 75% of stop errors are attributed to faulty drivers, making driver verification essential. Basic troubleshooting includes removing recently added hardware, booting into Safe Mode, checking Device Manager for problematic components, ensuring 10-15% free disk space, installing the latest Windows Updates, and using System Restore. Advanced troubleshooting involves using Event Viewer, running Windows Memory Diagnostics, and analyzing memory dumps with WinDbg. The guide emphasizes the resource-intensive nature of Driver Verifier and suggests testing suspicious drivers in smaller groups. It also includes hardware-specific troubleshooting tips, such as checking for overheating components and performing disk diagnostics with the “chkdsk” command.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Struggling with the latest Windows 11 update? You aren’t alone

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 11 following a recent update, including sluggish performance, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and blue screen errors. To troubleshoot, users should first ensure their PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which include: - Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC. - RAM: At least 4 GB. - Storage: 64 GB or more of available storage. - Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. - TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 must be enabled. - Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later and have a WDDM 2.0 driver. - Display: High definition (720p) display, at least 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel. - Internet and Microsoft account: Required for initial setup of Windows 11 Home and for updates and some features on all editions. To resolve issues, users can: 1. Uninstall the latest update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. 2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter found in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. 3. Check for driver updates in Device Manager by looking for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. 4. Perform a System Restore through Control Panel > Open System Restore. 5. Use Microsoft's built-in repair tool "Fix problems using Windows Update" found in Settings > System > Recovery. 6. Check for known issues acknowledged by Microsoft. 7. Access advanced startup options by holding down the Shift key while clicking Restart to use Startup Repair or Command Prompt. 8. Reset the PC from the advanced recovery menu, which can reinstall Windows while preserving files or perform a clean reset. Users should back up important files before proceeding with significant troubleshooting steps.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft fixes actively exploited Windows CLFS zero-day (CVE-2025-29824)

April 2025 Patch Tuesday introduced fixes for over 120 vulnerabilities, including a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) that is actively exploited. CVE-2025-29824 is a user-after-free vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS), allowing privilege escalation to SYSTEM on compromised Windows machines. Microsoft has patched 32 CLFS vulnerabilities since 2022, with six exploited in the wild. Updates for Windows 10 are not yet available. Other notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-26663 and CVE-2025-26670, both unauthenticated user-after-free vulnerabilities in Windows LDAP, and CVE-2025-27480 and CVE-2025-27482 in Windows Remote Desktop Services. None of these vulnerabilities have been patched for Windows 10 systems, but updates are forthcoming. Microsoft reversed its decision to discontinue driver update synchronization to WSUS servers, confirming that WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

Microsoft listens to users and revises its WSUS driver synchronization deprecation plans

Microsoft has decided to postpone the removal of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) driver synchronization, which was initially scheduled for April 18, 2025, due to user feedback. WSUS will continue to synchronize driver updates from the Windows Update service and import them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft is encouraging administrators to consider alternative technologies such as Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

WSUS Driver Synchronization: Microsoft postpones end

Microsoft has postponed the discontinuation of driver distribution via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), originally set for April 18, due to substantial user feedback. WSUS Driver Synchronization, initially marked as “deprecated,” will continue to be supported and operational, although it will not receive active development. Microsoft acknowledged the needs of users in disconnected environments and will maintain the service for synchronizing driver updates from the Windows Update Service and importing updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The company is also developing a new roadmap to streamline services and promote alternative technologies like Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch for Windows 11 devices.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Nvidia driver 572.83 is causing a black screen on Windows 11, Windows 10

Nvidia's driver version 572.83, released on March 18, is causing black screens during installation, after rebooting, and while gaming for users of Windows 11 and Windows 10. The update was intended to fix issues with RTX 5080 and 5090 graphics cards but has instead led to widespread reports of black screens, particularly affecting newer 50-series GPUs like the 5070 Ti, 5080, and 5090, as well as some 40-series and older 30-series cards. Users have reported needing to force reboot their systems due to the black screen issue. Additionally, there are isolated reports of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) linked to the nvlddmkm.sys file, and some users have experienced severe issues like random white lines on the screen and crashes of Windows 11. Speculation regarding the root cause includes potential DisplayPort handshake problems at high refresh rates, although this has not been conclusively proven. Users facing these issues are advised to revert to a previous stable driver version or try workarounds such as disabling G-Sync or lowering refresh rates.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

How to optimize Windows Update for Business policies

The transition to cloud-native endpoint management is changing Windows device management, particularly regarding Windows Update. IT administrators are increasingly relying on Windows Update services for security patches and features. Microsoft has introduced Windows Update for Business to give IT administrators better control over update policies through Group Policy or Mobile Device Management (MDM). Effective management requires understanding which policies to implement for specific desktops. The best approach for managing monthly updates is through servicing rings, which group Windows devices and assign specific update cadences and policies. This method allows controlled rollouts of updates, enabling administrators to prioritize stability and minimize disruption by testing updates on pilot groups before wider deployment. Windows Update for Business manages three update channels: the General Availability Channel for immediate feature updates, the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) for stability-focused devices, and the Windows Insider Program for testing updates. Administrators can control these channels using specific Group Policy Object (GPO) settings. Two primary update release types are managed: quality updates, which are released monthly and can be deferred for up to 30 days, and feature updates, which are annual and can be deferred for up to 365 days. Administrators can pause the deployment of updates temporarily for up to 35 days. Driver updates are also managed through Windows Update, with options to include or exclude them in monthly quality updates. Optional updates, available monthly, can be controlled using specific GPO and MDM settings.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches

In October, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which enhances Copilot AI, refines File Explorer, and improves performance and stability. The update is available for users of Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 through the Windows Update screen or Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. However, various bugs have been reported, leading Microsoft to temporarily pause the update for certain problematic PCs. Notable issues include: 1. AutoCAD 2022 may not open on some systems. 2. PCs with Citrix components may struggle with installation due to a glitch from the January Patch Tuesday update. 3. Compatibility issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat program can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly on Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Users report internet connectivity problems after the update, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 5. Network sharing issues prevent devices from appearing in the network list. 6. Printer setup issues affect users of Copilot+ PCs from various manufacturers. 7. Audio output problems occur on PCs with Dirac Audio technology. 8. Outlook may fail to launch if Google Workspace Sync is installed. 9. Integrated camera issues affect the Windows camera app and Windows Hello facial recognition. 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers may trigger blue screens on certain PCs. Microsoft has issued several patches to address these bugs since the update's launch, but some patches have introduced new issues.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Epic Games and Qualcomm are teaming up to solve one of the biggest roadblocks to gaming on Snapdragon X PCs

Epic Games and Qualcomm have announced a partnership to enhance Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) support for Snapdragon X-powered PCs later this year. Fortnite will be the first game to implement this support. Epic Games will provide developers with an Epic Online Services SDK to help integrate EAC compatibility into their titles. The collaboration aims to improve the gaming experience on Snapdragon X, addressing challenges related to anticheat software.

Tech Optimizer

March 10, 2025

The best Android antivirus in 2025: Save 50% on Avast Mobile Security

Avast Mobile Security is offering a 50% discount on its annual paid plans for the first year, effective March 10. The discounted prices are £42.50 for Premium Security and £69.99 for Avast One Gold. Premium Security includes features like virus and malware blocking, app monitoring, an advanced firewall, and protection against fraudulent websites. Avast One Gold offers all Premium Security features plus an unlimited VPN, online account breach monitoring, automatic driver updates, and device cleanup assistance. After the first year, Premium Security will renew at the standard price unless cancelled.