driver updates Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards. 5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields. 6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items. 9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing. 10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

5 tweaks I always make to Windows for PC gaming

Many PC gamers prefer Windows as their operating system due to its gaming performance, which can be optimized through various adjustments. 1. Close background programs to free up system resources by disabling or uninstalling non-essential applications. 2. Enable Game Mode in Windows 10 and 11 to prioritize resources for gaming by suspending background tasks. 3. Disable mouse acceleration for more precise control during gameplay by adjusting settings in the Mouse options. 4. Adjust power settings to the Ultimate Performance plan to minimize throttling and maximize performance, particularly for high-end hardware. 5. Keep GPU drivers up to date to ensure optimal performance and benefit from bug fixes and optimizations for new games.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 9 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft officially released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, improved performance, and greater stability. Users can install the update via Windows Update or download it from Microsoft's page. However, there are reports of bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt the rollout for certain problematic PCs. 1. The Windows System File Checker (SFC) is experiencing a glitch that causes it to falsely report corrupted files. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods; Microsoft confirmed this as a reporting bug. 3. The update may conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Other drivers, particularly those related to Intel Smart Sound Technology, may also cause blue screens. 5. A bug in Chromium-based applications causes the mouse pointer to disappear when interacting with text input fields. 6. Some users report erratic internet connectivity, with devices failing to receive valid IP addresses. 7. Fingerprint sensors on some devices may become unresponsive after the update. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, indicating it is empty despite copied items being present. 9. A network issue prevents devices from appearing in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing capabilities.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 comes with an added dose of problems

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 24H2, but users are facing hardware and software challenges during installation due to stringent prerequisites. To address potential issues, Microsoft has implemented 'compatibility holds' that prevent the update until systems meet the necessary criteria. Certain ASUS laptop models, specifically the X415KA and X515KA, are experiencing significant problems, including blue screen errors, prompting Microsoft to halt the update for these devices until users install a firmware update from ASUS. Various applications are also causing complications, leading to the rollout pause. Notable problematic applications include Voicemeeter, Safe Exam Browser (version 3.7 and earlier), custom wallpaper applications, Asphalt 8, and Easy Anti-Cheat software, particularly on devices with Intel Alder Lake+ processors and Intel vPro technology. Users are advised to update their drivers and applications for a smoother transition. Issues with facial recognition features and camera functionalities have been reported, with built-in cameras and fingerprint sensors potentially ceasing to function post-update. Microsoft has paused updates related to these functionalities, and firmware updates may be necessary. Devices using Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) are encountering blue screen errors linked to specific driver versions (10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152), with a recommended update to driver versions 10.30.00.5714, 10.29.00.5714, or later to resolve these issues.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

8 reasons to avoid the latest Windows 11 update (hint: they’re all bugs)

Microsoft has released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, and performance improvements. Users can access the update through Windows Update or Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page. However, the update has several bugs, including: 1. System File Checker Bug: The SFC tool shows false positives for corrupted files related to WebView2. 2. Cache File Deletion Glitch: An 8.63GB update cache is resistant to deletion, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup" in Disk Cleanup. 3. Conflict with Easy Anti-Cheat: Users may experience blue screens with the Easy Anti-Cheat software, especially on Intel Alder Lake+ devices. 4. Blue Screens from Driver Compatibility: Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and certain Western Digital SSDs can cause blue screens. 5. Disappearing Mouse Pointer: The mouse cursor may vanish in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text fields. 6. Internet Connection Issues: Users may face problems obtaining a valid IP address, despite seemingly functional Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections. 7. Fingerprint Sensor Glitch: Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive after the update. 8. Broken Clipboard History: The clipboard history feature may appear empty despite items being copied. Microsoft has acknowledged these and other issues on its Known Issues and Notifications page. Users are advised to consider delaying the update due to these challenges.

Winsage

October 17, 2024

7 reasons to avoid the latest Windows 11 update (hint: they’re all bugs)

Microsoft has released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a new File Explorer, improved performance, and increased stability. The update is available through Windows Update and Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page. However, it has been reported to contain several bugs, including: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) tool is producing false positives for corrupted files. 2. An 8.63GB update cache is not deletable by standard methods, though it can be removed via "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. A conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application may cause blue screens for users with Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens may also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology and specific Western Digital SSDs. 5. A glitch in Chromium-based applications causes the mouse pointer to disappear in text input fields. 6. Users are experiencing erratic internet connections, with the system failing to assign valid IP addresses. 7. Some devices have unresponsive fingerprint sensors after the update. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues, and users may want to delay the update until these problems are resolved.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

10 tweaks you didn’t know you can make in Windows 11 with the Group Policy Editor

Windows 11 Pro editions and above include access to the Group Policy Editor, allowing users to modify various settings that enhance their experience. Users can disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus, bypass Windows Update safeguards, disable USB drives, disable OneDrive, stop automatic driver updates, stop toast notifications, block software installations, prevent unexpected restarts, disable Command Prompt and PowerShell, and block access to the Control Panel and Settings apps. Each of these adjustments can be made by navigating through specific paths in the Group Policy Editor and applying the necessary changes.

Winsage

September 27, 2024

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error on Your Windows PC – PUNE.NEWS

The “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error in Windows 10 and 11 indicates potential issues with system file integrity, often due to corrupted data on storage drives, damaged Windows OS files, or faulty RAM. To address this error, several methods can be employed: 1. Repair corrupted system files using DISM and SFC commands. 2. Perform a System Restore to revert to a previous state. 3. Update Windows and device drivers. 4. Run a memory test to check for faulty RAM. 5. Check the health of the storage drive and consider replacing it if failing. 6. Clean install graphics drivers. 7. Disable third-party services that may cause conflicts. It is advised to back up data before making significant system changes and to seek professional help if issues persist.

Winsage

August 24, 2024

5 things Windows needs to do to be better for gaming handhelds

Windows-based PC gaming handhelds face challenges in competing with the Steam Deck, primarily due to the operating system's design not being optimized for small-screen devices. Key issues include: - Cumbersome driver updates, with a fragmented approach complicating the update process. - The need for a unified driver management system to improve compatibility and performance. - A desktop interface that is not optimized for touch interactions, requiring evolution for better usability. - A tedious setup process that could benefit from a dedicated setup experience to guide users. - Limited power management options, necessitating advanced features for user control over performance settings. - A gaming user interface that is not designed for handheld controllers, lacking a dedicated gaming mode. Despite these challenges, Windows remains popular among manufacturers due to its software support and user familiarity. Addressing these issues is essential for effective competition with dedicated gaming devices.

Winsage

August 7, 2024

KB5041979: Microsoft released new Windows 11 24H2 Recovery update

Microsoft has rolled out non-security preview updates for Windows 11 (KB5040527) and Windows 10 (KB5040525). An additional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, known as the 2024 update (KB5040529), has been introduced for Copilot+ PCs. Another update, KB5001716, has been initiated for both Windows 10 and 11, which forces the installation of newer feature updates. The Safe OS Dynamic Update (KB5041979) for Windows 11 version 24H2 enhances the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Dynamic Updates for Windows 10 include Setup Updates, Safe OS Updates, Servicing Stack Updates, the latest cumulative update, and driver updates, ensuring that Language Pack and Features on Demand content are preserved during upgrades. These dynamic updates are available for manual download from the Windows Update Catalog.