Drivers 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

November 7, 2024

New Windows Build Brings AVX Support To Snapdragon X For Gaming And More

Recent evaluations of laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors have praised their performance and battery life, but issues arose with the high-end Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip in the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, where certain applications were found incompatible due to limitations in emulation capabilities. The Windows operating system uses an emulation layer called Prism to run x86-64 applications on Arm architecture, but it initially lacked support for essential SIMD instructions like AVX2 and AVX. Microsoft announced an update in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 that enhances Prism by adding support for AVX, AVX2, and other instructions, allowing Snapdragon-based Windows machines to run x86 software requiring these instruction sets. However, only x64 applications will benefit from this update, leaving legacy 32-bit x86 applications unaffected. This is significant for gaming, as many recent titles utilize AVX for improved processing speeds, potentially increasing compatibility for previously unplayable games on Snapdragon devices. Despite these advancements, Microsoft has not addressed the potential performance implications of the emulation process. Initial observations suggest that while performance degradation from Prism emulation is less severe than expected, it still does not match that of native Arm applications. Qualcomm is tasked with improving Snapdragon X Elite gaming capabilities, facing challenges with Windows graphics drivers, particularly the Adreno graphics drivers, which may hinder its competitiveness against AMD and Intel in the Windows laptop market.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Are you suffering from printer woes on Windows 11 24H2 for Arm? It’s not just you, says Microsoft

Users of Windows on Arm devices are experiencing difficulties in installing printer drivers, whether using bundled software or downloading from manufacturers' websites. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and provided a workaround. To add a printer, users should go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select Add device, unless specific instructions for Windows on ARM PCs are provided by the manufacturer. To check if a device is ARM-based, users can go to Settings > System > About and look for "ARM based processor" under Device specifications.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard PC Performance Analysis

EA has released Dragon Age: The Veilguard for PC, built on the Frostbite Engine. The performance analysis was conducted using an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and various AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. The game features extensive graphics settings, including options for Textures, Lighting, Level of Detail, Terrain, Ray Tracing, DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3.0, and Intel XeSS. It does not have a built-in benchmark tool, but performance was analyzed in a demanding initial area. The game can utilize more than eight CPU cores, with minimum framerates improving when Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) is enabled. A minimum of six CPU cores is recommended for optimal performance. At 1080p with Ultra Settings and no Ray Tracing, the game runs smoothly on various GPUs, with the NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti achieving over 70FPS. For 1440p at Ultra Settings, an NVIDIA RTX 3080 or equivalent is advised, while the AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX and NVIDIA RTX 4090 maintain over 60FPS at native 4K with Ultra Settings. The game showcases high-quality character models, detailed environments, and smooth gameplay without stuttering issues.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard PC Performance Analysis

EA released Dragon Age: The Veilguard for PC, utilizing the Frostbite Engine. Performance testing was conducted on a system with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor and various GPUs, including AMD Radeon and NVIDIA models. The game features extensive graphics settings, including Ray Tracing, DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3.0, and Intel XeSS. It does not have a built-in benchmark but was tested in a demanding initial area. The game supports more than eight CPU cores, with minimum framerates improving with Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT). A minimum of six CPU cores is recommended for optimal performance. At 1080p with Ultra Settings and no Ray Tracing, the game performs well across multiple GPUs, with the RTX 2080Ti achieving over 70FPS. For 1440p at Ultra Settings without Ray Tracing, an RTX 3080 is recommended. At Native 4K with Ultra Settings, the AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX and NVIDIA RTX 4090 maintain above 60FPS. The game features detailed character models and high-quality environments, with smooth performance and no stuttering issues. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is noted for being one of the most optimized PC games of 2024.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

When these 9 problems happen, I know it’s to reinstall Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 may experience performance issues that indicate a need for reinstallation. Key indicators include: 1. Significant performance drops due to accumulated applications, storage issues, or malware. 2. Frequent crashes and freezes that persist despite troubleshooting. 3. Regular system errors suggesting instability. 4. Corrupted system files identified by tools like System File Checker (SFC) or DISM. 5. New hardware installations that require a clean installation for optimal compatibility. 6. Startup issues that do not improve with disabling startup programs. 7. Malware infections that may necessitate a complete reinstallation. 8. System instability after major changes like new drivers or modifications. 9. Failed troubleshooting attempts that consume more time than productive use of the system. Reinstallation methods include: - Using Windows Update to reinstall while preserving files, settings, and applications. - Resetting the PC to keep files while removing apps and settings. - Removing everything for a clean installation, requiring restoration of files and reinstallation of applications. For severe issues, creating a bootable USB may be necessary.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Frustrated with Windows 11? Nitrux Linux is the OS you deserve

Nitrux is a modern Linux operating system designed for speed, simplicity, and elegance. The latest version, Nitrux 3.7.1, features an updated Linux 6.11.5-1 system, focusing on performance, security, and compatibility. It includes software enhancements like Firefox 132.0, MESA 24.2.4 for graphics, and the latest Nvidia and AMD drivers, along with support for new hardware such as Qualcomm’s Wi-Fi 6 and Intel graphics. Performance improvements are aimed at gamers and developers, with enhanced network settings, memory optimizations, and a redesigned display manager (SDDM). New GameMode support optimizes settings for gaming, and security measures have been strengthened against network attacks. The KZones feature allows users to snap windows into custom zones, and soft word wrapping is enabled by default in the micro editor for developers. Users can download Nitrux 3.7.1 and run it as a live OS to test its capabilities.

AppWizard

November 2, 2024

As Monster Hunter Wilds PC players fight horrible polygons and struggle to hit 60 FPS, Capcom says the game is “already in a more improved state compared to the beta”

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is currently available on all platforms, but some PC players are experiencing performance issues, including graphical glitches and framerate struggles. These issues are attributed to bugs rather than fundamental performance problems, and Capcom has provided troubleshooting options for players. Recommendations include adding the game to anti-virus exceptions, granting administrative privileges, updating drivers, and verifying the game's Steam cache. Specific advice for stability issues includes deleting shader cache files and enabling 'GPU scheduling.' Players using NVIDIA DLSS should be cautious with changing the Upscaling Mode to avoid increased VRAM usage. Reports indicate that achieving or maintaining 60 FPS at 1080p or 1440p is challenging for users with outdated hardware, while stable performance is noted among those with RTX 3080 or 4070 GPUs. The game relies heavily on frame generation and upscaling, and CPU performance may also impact gameplay. Historical context shows that previous Monster Hunter titles faced similar performance challenges at launch but improved over time. A second beta test is expected in December or January, and players are encouraged to provide feedback and adjust graphics settings.

BetaBeacon

November 1, 2024

Top 17 best tycoon games for Android phone and tablets

- Egg, Inc. is an incremental clicker game where players manage an egg farm, hatch chickens, distribute eggs, hire drivers, and even send expeditions into space. - Game Dev Story allows players to become a game developer tycoon, managing staff, creating games, and making millions without coding. - Idle Museum lets players own and expand their own museum with various exhibits, rewarding constant efforts with visitors and currency.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

9 ways to decrease power consumption on your Windows server

Excessive power consumption in Windows Server management can result from misconfigurations and inefficient component management. Strategies to enhance energy efficiency include: 1. Adjusting power settings through the Power Options menu, which offers Balanced, High Performance, and Power Saver plans, and fine-tuning Processor Power Management settings. 2. Disabling unnecessary services and roles via Server Manager to lower CPU load. 3. Investing in energy-efficient hardware, such as processors with low thermal design points, energy-efficient RAM, and solid-state drives instead of hard disk drives. 4. Scheduling resource-intensive tasks during off-peak hours to balance power load. 5. Utilizing virtualization with Hyper-V to consolidate workloads and reduce the number of active devices. 6. Optimizing the cooling system with variable-speed fans and maintaining proper airflow. 7. Using remote management tools like Windows Admin Center and PowerShell to manage servers without physical access, reducing the need for peripherals. 8. Regularly updating firmware and drivers to ensure hardware operates efficiently. 9. Reducing display power consumption by turning off inactive monitors and setting them to sleep mode after inactivity.