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Windows 11 24H2 finally available on PCs with this unusual game installed
Winsage
March 20, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 finally available on PCs with this unusual game installed

Microsoft has lifted the update block for Windows 11 version 24H2 that previously affected users with the game Asphalt 8: Airborne installed on their PCs. The block was in place due to the game becoming unresponsive after the update, requiring frequent restarts. Users can now upgrade to version 24H2, and it may take up to 48 hours for the update to appear in Windows Update. Restarting the device may expedite the process. Microsoft has previously issued similar update blocks for other software and hardware issues.
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
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.
How to Get Windows Games Working on a Mac
Winsage
March 8, 2025

How to Get Windows Games Working on a Mac

Modern Apple Silicon computers have impressive power, but the gaming landscape on macOS faces challenges, primarily due to the limited availability of popular games that run natively on Macs. Apple phases out support for older applications, such as 32-bit applications, making many older Steam titles inaccessible on newer Macs. For running Windows games on a Mac, three primary tools are recommended: CrossOver, WINE, and Parallels. CrossOver is user-friendly and provides a 14-day free trial, while WINE is free but harder to set up. Parallels creates a virtual Windows environment but comes at a higher cost. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific game and user preferences.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
February 17, 2025

5 reasons I can’t go back to Windows after trying Linux

Linux distributions are popular in the server realm but remain a niche in the broader computing landscape dominated by Windows. The command-line interface (CLI) in Linux aids troubleshooting with detailed logs and accessible commands, unlike Windows, which often requires extensive navigation. Linux package managers, such as Yum and Nix, offer a more secure and straightforward application installation process compared to Windows tools like WinGet and Chocolatey. Linux distributions have lower performance overhead, making them suitable for older devices, while Windows 11 has high system requirements. Linux is viewed as better for privacy, avoiding intrusive advertisements and telemetry services present in Windows. The versatility of Linux allows it to cater to various computing needs, enabling users to transform installations into servers, media hubs, or NAS. Despite its advantages, Windows still excels in certain areas, such as game compatibility and access to Adobe products, which may require a Windows virtual machine for Linux users.
Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments
Winsage
December 19, 2024

Microsoft lays out reasons Windows 10 gamers should upgrade to Windows 11, but I can pick a few holes in these arguments

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, especially targeting gamers. Key features of Windows 11 include Auto HDR for enhanced visuals on SDR games, DirectStorage for reduced loading times and improved frame rates with NVMe SSDs, and Compact Mode for Game Bar for better usability on smaller screens. Other features include Dynamic Lighting for RGB devices, HDR Calibration app, color filters for colorblind players, and Automatic Super Resolution for Arm-based PCs. The effectiveness of these features depends on hardware compatibility, and while some improvements may enhance gaming experiences, they may not be significant enough for all users to upgrade immediately. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options regarding upgrading or sticking with Windows 10.
GOG's Game Preservation Effort Will Include Delisted Titles
AppWizard
December 5, 2024

GOG’s Game Preservation Effort Will Include Delisted Titles

GOG has launched a "Good Old Games" preservation program featuring an initial selection of 100 titles, ensuring they are playable on modern PCs with the latest Windows versions and graphics drivers. The program includes ongoing support for bug fixes and a support service for players encountering issues. GOG will continue to support classic titles like Warcraft and Warcraft II, even after their removal from the store by Blizzard. The initiative aims to address the challenges of game preservation, including the complexities of digital ownership and securing rights from publishers. GOG employs open-source emulators for older DOS-based games and has undertaken quality assurance processes for the titles in the program. The company plans to expand the preservation program monthly and has invested in resolving persistent issues, such as a memory leak in Dragon Age: Origins.
Microsoft temporarily halts Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs with select Ubisoft games — avoiding frequent freezing and black screen glitches in modern Assassin's Creed, Star Wars, and Avatar titles
Winsage
November 24, 2024

Microsoft temporarily halts Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs with select Ubisoft games — avoiding frequent freezing and black screen glitches in modern Assassin’s Creed, Star Wars, and Avatar titles

Microsoft has acknowledged that users may experience crashes or compatibility issues with certain Ubisoft games after installing the Windows 11 24H2 update. To protect user experience, Microsoft has temporarily paused updates for devices with these specific titles installed. Ubisoft is working to mitigate the bug, but there is no definitive timeline for a fix. The 24H2 update has introduced performance enhancements but also compatibility issues, including previous incidents with BSODs on Western Digital SSDs. Microsoft advises against updating for users who want to keep playing Ubisoft games, as it could render them unplayable. Users experiencing game freezes can use Task Manager to terminate the problematic process. Reports of crashes have been ongoing since at least early last month. A rollback to the previous 23H2 version is possible within a 10-day window, and a complete reinstallation of Windows may also resolve the issues.
Update for Windows PCs with ARM chips could improve compatibility with x86 games and applications
Winsage
November 9, 2024

Update for Windows PCs with ARM chips could improve compatibility with x86 games and applications

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors are the fastest ARM-based chips for Windows laptops, making ARM-powered PCs viable alternatives to Intel and AMD. Microsoft has introduced an emulator named Prism to facilitate the execution of x86 applications on Windows PCs. The latest version of Prism enhances performance by supporting additional CPU features during emulation and simulates a virtual x86 CPU, allowing non-natively compatible software to run. It adds support for several x86 instruction set extensions, including AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C, improving compatibility for PC games. The updated Prism is accessible in Windows 11 24H2 and supports any 64-bit x86 application, enabling previously blocked games and creative applications to operate on ARM processors. The new version is currently available to Windows Insider program members, with no details on a broader release timeline.
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