enterprise users Archives

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Emergency Update For Windows Users

Microsoft has released an emergency update for Windows 10 due to issues following May’s mandatory security update, which caused BitLocker Recovery screens and Blue Screens of Death for users. The problem primarily affects devices with Intel Trusted Execution Technology on 10th generation or later Intel vPro processors. Users who encounter these issues are advised to disable Intel VT for Direct I/O and Intel TXT in BIOS/UEFI settings, install update KB5061768, and then re-enable the settings. Microsoft has stated that its support team cannot retrieve lost BitLocker recovery keys. This issue mainly impacts enterprise users, as consumer devices generally do not use Intel vPro processors.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

ChatGPT’s Image Generator Is Now in Microsoft Copilot. Here’s What You Can Do With It

Microsoft has upgraded its Copilot AI assistant by integrating OpenAI's GPT-4o model, enhancing its image generation capabilities within Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook. Users can now create intricate visuals by describing their desired images. Copilot can draft documents, analyze data, create presentations, manage emails, and now generate high-quality, photorealistic images from text prompts. This feature allows for the creation and modification of custom graphics without external design software. The GPT-4o image generation capabilities were initially rolled out to enterprise users and are now available to the general public. This enhancement positions Microsoft Copilot ahead of other creative tools that use older DALL-E models, aiming to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google Gemini.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft Offers Free Windows Upgrade To Stop 60% Of Attacks

Microsoft will cease to provide feature or security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users upgrading to Windows 11 report a 62% reduction in security incidents. PCs must have a compatible TPM 2.0 module to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but at least 240 million PCs may not meet these requirements. Microsoft is increasing communication about the upgrade, and Windows 11 usage has surpassed that of Windows 10 in the U.S. for the first time.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows 11 update failure stops machines from updating to version 24H2 using WSUS

Business and enterprise users are facing challenges upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to an issue stemming from an update released on April 8th, which primarily affects machines using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Windows 11 Home users are not impacted by this issue. Microsoft is investigating a fix but has not yet provided a solution, leaving users who installed the April 8th update unable to upgrade. The affected versions of Windows 11 include 23H2 and 22H2.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 updates fail with 0x80240069 errors

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting enterprise users trying to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) after installing the April 2025 security updates, specifically the monthly security update KB5055528. Users with Windows 11 23H2 or 22H2 are encountering Windows Update Service errors with the code 0x80240069, preventing the download process for Windows 11 24H2 from initiating or completing. Microsoft confirmed that devices with the April security update might be unable to update via WSUS. WSUS, primarily used in enterprise settings, has been deprecated as of September 2024, but Microsoft will continue to support existing functionalities. Additionally, Microsoft is addressing a "latent code issue" that has caused some devices to upgrade to Windows 11 despite Intune policies against such upgrades.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

The Gemini app is becoming more like NotebookLM in April’s Workspace feature drop

In the April 2025 Workspace feature drop, Google introduced new AI tools across Gemini, Gmail, Slides, and Chat. Gemini gained two features similar to NotebookLM: Canvas and Audio Overviews. Gmail can now automatically detect event invites in emails and prompt users to add them to their Calendar with one click. Additionally, Gmail will offer Contextual Smart Replies for efficient communication. Google Slides received a new design sidebar for easier presentation creation, allowing users to explore templates and add elements without leaving their current slide. For enterprise users, a board tab in Chat will enable teams to pin messages, files, and links, and a new HubSpot app for Google Chat will enhance workflow efficiency. These features are now widely accessible as part of the April 2025 update.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Update Bug Triggers BSOD Error

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant bug in its Windows 11 24H2 updates, causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes with the error code “SECUREKERNELERROR” (0x18B). This issue has escalated since the April 2025 Patch Tuesday update, affecting thousands of users globally. The bug leads to system crashes after installing the updates, resulting in persistent crash-restart loops or unbootable systems. Initially reported in March 2025, the problem gained traction following the April update, prompting Microsoft to confirm the bug and investigate its cause. Other issues include failures with Windows Hello and compatibility problems with games and software, particularly on ARM-based devices. To address the crisis, Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to disable the problematic code, which is being automatically pushed to affected devices, although users may experience a delay of up to 24 hours. Users are advised to keep their devices connected to the internet and restart their PCs multiple times to expedite the fix. For enterprise environments, IT administrators must manually deploy a specific Group Policy update. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution, expected in a future update, while also acknowledging related issues and committing to further fixes in the upcoming May 2025 update.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

OneDrive clients for Windows, Mac still broken 10 months on

In June 2024, OneDrive users for macOS and Windows reported that shared folders on their local drives had disappeared, replaced by .url files linking to OneDrive's web interface. This issue has persisted for ten months without a concrete solution from Microsoft, which has acknowledged it as a known bug under investigation. Users are frustrated by the lack of offline access and syncing capabilities, with complaints continuing in community forums. The problem is linked to a new "shortcut" model for shared folders, resulting from an ongoing backend migration. Small business users feel particularly abandoned, while enterprise users seem largely unaffected. Various proposed workarounds have had limited success. Microsoft has not provided further clarification beyond initial statements.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer For 500 Million Windows Users

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life date on October 14, leaving approximately 750 million users vulnerable without critical security updates unless they opt for paid support. Currently, 53% of users, or around 240 million, are still on Windows 10 and may lack the hardware for a free upgrade to Windows 11. A critical zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2025-29824, poses risks to Windows 10 users, and Microsoft has indicated that outdated versions will not receive necessary security patches. Recent updates to Windows 10 have caused issues, including the removal of certain features and bugs affecting Outlook Calendar and Office 2016 applications.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 365 Link Cloud PC now available for $349.99

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, its first cloud PC, available for purchase in the U.S. at a price of .99. The device features an Intel N250 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64GB of UFS storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A 3.2 Gen1, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4. It measures 120 x 120 x 30mm. The device requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance, and its hardware specifications may not meet the demands of intensive tasks. In comparison, Apple's Mac Mini, priced at 9, features an M2 chip, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. Microsoft claims that Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop can save employees 6 to 12 minutes daily and organizations between .1M and .2M over three years through BYOPC programs. The Windows 365 Link is aimed at businesses integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cost-effective solution for cloud-managed workstations.