feature update Archives

Winsage

April 6, 2025

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on some new PCs

Microsoft has informed Windows 10 users that their devices are not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 due to system requirements and recommends transitioning to a new PC with Windows 11. A new compatibility issue has arisen with the sprotect.sys driver, causing system freezes and errors on Windows 11 version 24H2, leading Microsoft to impose a compatibility hold on affected devices. This hold prevents these devices from being prompted to install Windows 11, version 24H2. Users with impacted devices will see a notification on the Windows Update page indicating no immediate action is required. IT administrators can monitor the issue using safeguard ID 56318982. Microsoft advises against forcing the update if the system is incompatible and is working with SenseShield Technology Co. to resolve the issue.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Price drop alert: Get Windows 11 Pro for life for just £11.51

Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows 11 Pro in 2024, featuring enhancements in Copilot AI, platform speed, and phone integrations. Currently, a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for £11.51, reduced from £153.03, representing a 92% discount, and allows installation on two PCs. The update includes a modern design and a fully integrated Copilot, an AI assistant based on GPT-4, which can answer queries and assist with tasks. Windows 11 Pro offers unique features such as BitLocker device encryption, remote desktop access, Azure AD for secure management, and Hyper-V for running virtual machines.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

6 essential skills every Windows 11 user needs to master

- Windows 11 users can enhance their experience and security by mastering essential skills such as managing updates, securing online presence, and utilizing system settings. - To protect accounts and sensitive information online, users should consider using a password manager, passkeys, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts. - A VPN with end-to-end encryption can enhance online security, and users should familiarize themselves with their web browser's security settings. - Windows 11 updates are released on the first Tuesday of each month, with a major feature update annually; users can prevent auto-restarts and pause updates for up to five weeks. - The Settings app in Windows 11 has replaced much of the Control Panel for managing system settings, and users should explore it thoroughly. - OneDrive is integrated into Windows 11 for backing up, restoring, and sharing files, and users can create encrypted folders and use Files-on-Demand. - Regularly reviewing and uninstalling unnecessary applications can help maintain PC performance, and users can manage default applications and disable startup apps via Task Manager. - Accessing the BIOS/UEFI allows for updates, security adjustments, and hardware configuration changes, typically done by pressing keys like Esc, F2, or F8 during boot.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

No, your printer isn’t possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has numerous bugs, leading many users to stick with the earlier 23H2 version. A specific issue reported with the KB5050092 preview update in 23H2 involves USB-connected printers producing pages filled with random characters upon startup, and disconnecting the printer does not resolve the problem. Users not reliant on USB printers may prefer 23H2, which lacks severe bugs found in 24H2. Gamers have faced challenges with Bluetooth connectivity and game compatibility issues, particularly with Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed, which required a game update. Recent Nvidia Game Ready Drivers have further complicated the situation for gamers.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: super-fast file managers for Windows 11, faster Edge, new builds, and more

Microsoft Edge has received performance improvements, particularly for lower-end devices, with the latest version 132 enhancing the user interface. Alternatives to File Explorer for Windows 10 and 11, such as File Pilot, are emerging. Support for Windows 95 has ended in a widely-used application, and Microsoft has released several updates for the Windows Insider Program, including new builds for Windows 11 and 10. The Snipping Tool app has been updated to include a cropping tool for easier editing of screen recordings. Microsoft clarified that a feature to keep Microsoft Accounts always signed in will not be implemented at this time. Additionally, a significant update patched high-severity vulnerabilities in Edge, and the Edge Add-ons website has been revamped. Finalwire's AIDA64 has dropped support for Windows 95, 98, and Me. Battery Flyout has been updated to generate detailed battery reports. Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers can expect new game releases in February 2025, including titles like Avowed and EA Sports F1 24. Sea of Thieves has introduced new content in Season 15, and GTA V on PC will receive an upgrade on March 4. Xbox consoles can now support external hard drives larger than 16TB. The GeForce NOW streaming service has added new titles to its library.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Is Notepad Forcing A Microsoft Login On Copilot+ PC? Yes And No

Windows Notepad has introduced a new AI-powered "Rewrite" feature, requiring users to log into their Microsoft accounts to access it. While signing in is optional for those who prefer the traditional Notepad experience, some users are exploring alternatives like Notepad++ and expressing a desire to revert to the classic Windows 7 calculator app. The introduction of the new feature has sparked concerns among users about Notepad's shift away from its original simplicity.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

How to block Windows 11 24H2 if it is already downloading

The wushowhide tool can be used to block the Windows 11 24H2 update by selecting "Hide updates" and choosing the 24H2 version. Users can also prevent the update by stopping update-related services via Command Prompt, deleting files in the Software Distribution folder, and restarting the services. To block the update using the Group Policy Editor, users can set the target version to 23H2. For Home edition users without Group Policy Editor, registry modifications can be made by creating specific string and DWORD values under HKEYLOCALMACHINESoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows. Support for Windows 11 23H2 will retire in November 2025, so users should be prepared to update in the future.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 KB5044284 / KB5046617 can’t install new updates

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting users of Windows 11 version 24H2 who installed the OS using external media like CDs or USB drives. Users may be unable to install security updates released during the October 2024 (KB5044284) and November 2024 (KB5046617) Patch Tuesdays if they used external media for installation. This issue does not affect installations via Windows Update or the Update Catalog. The problem arises when the installation media includes the October or November security updates. Microsoft recommends avoiding installations with these updates and instead using media that includes the December 2024 monthly security update or later. Microsoft is investigating the issue and will provide further updates.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Microsoft posts official uninstall and recovery guide for botched Windows 11/10 update

Microsoft released a new support article detailing the functionality of the Windows 11 feature 'Fix problems using Windows Update' and scenarios where it may not be effective. A shortcut link to the recovery settings menu has been introduced as part of the guidance for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Microsoft updated another support article regarding the uninstallation of Windows Updates, now including instructions for using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for this purpose, applicable to both Windows 10 and 11. Users can uninstall updates via WinRE by accessing Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates. A disclaimer about the end of support for Windows 10 is also present on the page. Additionally, a cautionary note regarding BitLocker recovery key requirements is included. Microsoft has emphasized the importance of system requirements such as TPM and Secure Boot in relation to Windows 11 24H2. Third-party backup and cloning applications are making adjustments to align with these updates.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft lists all Windows 11 gaming features you miss if you don’t update from Windows 10

Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, highlighting the gaming features they would miss by staying on Windows 10. Benefits of Windows 11 include DirectStorage for faster load times, Auto HDR for enhanced visuals, and improved gaming performance. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support next year, which will result in a lack of security and quality updates. Many older systems are incompatible with Windows 11 due to stringent eligibility requirements, and Microsoft recommends that users with ineligible PCs invest in new hardware. Despite the advantages, the rollout of the latest feature update, version 24H2, has been temporarily halted due to issues with Ubisoft titles and Auto HDR functionality. Microsoft has also produced advertisements and articles to encourage users to upgrade and address misconceptions about the process.