hotfix Archives

Winsage

December 2, 2025

Gamers confirm frame drops after Windows 11 update that Microsoft won’t acknowledge, but Nvidia has fixed it

Windows 11's October update (KB5066835) has caused significant performance issues for gamers, particularly those using Nvidia GPUs, leading to a drop in frame rates from 120–140 FPS to 40–70 FPS. The update has primarily affected systems running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, while users on Windows 10 and those using Linux or Steam Deck reported no issues. Affected Nvidia models include the RTX 5000 series and RTX 4080 and 4090. In contrast, AMD graphics card users maintained normal performance levels. The cause of the frame rate drops is unclear, but it may involve conflicts between Windows updates, Nvidia drivers, and game engine interactions. Nvidia released a hotfix driver on November 19, which reportedly restored and even improved performance for some users.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Windows update makes sign-in password icon invisible — Microsoft says you can still click on empty space to enter your password

Microsoft has acknowledged a minor issue in the non-security preview update KB5064081, which may complicate the login process for users by causing the password icon to be missing or invisible on the lock screen. Users can still log in by clicking on the empty space where the button typically resides. This issue primarily affects the Windows user interface and is expected to impact only users within the preview channel. Microsoft is actively working to resolve this issue. Additionally, Microsoft previously issued an emergency patch for a different update that rendered users unable to use their keyboard and mouse in the Windows Recovery Environment and released a driver update that improved performance in certain games by 50%. Windows Insider channels are in place to catch most bugs before they reach the general user base, but some glitches still occur in wider releases.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

This recent Windows 11 update could ruin your gaming frame rates, tanking Assassin’s Creed Shadows by up to 50%

Recent updates to Windows 11, specifically the October security and feature patch (KB5066835), have caused frame rate drops in games, with Digital Foundry reporting significant performance issues in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Testing with an AMD Ryzen 9800X3D and Nvidia RTX 5090 showed low frame rates until a hotfix from Nvidia was applied, which improved performance from 34fps to 72fps. Without the hotfix, gamers could see a performance decline of 33% to 50%. Anecdotal evidence suggests the hotfix may also improve performance in Counter-Strike 2, with an 11% increase in 1% lows reported. Nvidia's documentation indicates the hotfix addresses issues in "some games," but further testing is needed to determine if the performance issues affect only Nvidia GPUs or also AMD graphics cards. Gamers with recent Nvidia graphics cards experiencing performance dips are advised to download the hotfix.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Nvidia confirms October Windows updates cause gaming issues

Nvidia has acknowledged that recent security updates have caused gaming performance challenges for users on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. To address these issues, Nvidia released the GeForce Hotfix Display Driver version 581.94. This hotfix driver is a beta version and has not undergone the standard quality assurance procedures, allowing for quicker deployment. Users may experience diminished performance in certain games after installing the Windows 11 October 2025 update, specifically KB5066835. The hotfix drivers are optional and have been expedited to provide timely solutions. Users can access the driver for both Windows 10 x64 and Windows 11 x64 systems via Nvidia's Customer Care support site. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed various bugs in recent Windows updates, including issues with localhost HTTP connections, smart card authentication, and the Windows Recovery Environment.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Nvidia hotfix tackles Windows 11 gaming slowdown

The Windows 11 October 2025 Update has caused declines in gaming performance for some users, prompting Nvidia to release a hotfix based on version 581.80 of its Game Ready Driver. This hotfix is a quick solution aimed at addressing specific issues from the update, particularly gaming slowdowns. Microsoft has acknowledged various problems related to the update, including issues with Blu-ray, DVD, and digital applications, as well as USB mice and keyboards not functioning in the Windows Recovery Environment. Developers have reported disruptions to localhost functionality, affecting web applications on local machines. Despite these challenges, Nvidia's financial results remain strong, although concerns about the high costs and overheating issues of its latest RTX 50 Series cards have been raised. Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the gaming performance issues in its release notes for the October 2025 Update, despite Nvidia confirming their existence.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Nvidia rushes out a GPU fix, blaming Windows 11’s October update for sluggish performance in games

Nvidia GPU users have experienced performance issues after the October update of Windows 11 (KB5066835), leading to slowdowns in various PC games. Nvidia has released an emergency hotfix to address these performance problems, but users are advised to be cautious as hotfixes undergo less testing than regular updates. Some users report improved frame rates in certain games like Assassin's Creed Shadows, while others still face issues such as monitor flickering. Users with AMD and Intel systems have also reported performance problems due to the October update, which has also disrupted the Windows Recovery Environment, prompting Microsoft to issue an emergency patch.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

As Windows turns 40, Microsoft faces an AI backlash

Microsoft is transforming Windows into an "agentic OS" by integrating advanced AI capabilities, as announced at the Ignite conference. The reception has been mixed, with users expressing concerns similar to those after the release of Windows 8. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri faced criticism on social media regarding the initiative, with users calling for a return to simpler interfaces like Windows 7. Despite acknowledging user pain points, many feel that the focus on AI features overshadows necessary improvements. The integration of AI tools like Copilot has received mixed reviews, with reports of unreliability. CEO Satya Nadella envisions a shift towards AI agents performing tasks, while also emphasizing the need for user control over their experience. Microsoft aims to balance innovation with user preferences, allowing users to opt-in to AI features at their own pace. Recent developments include a hotfix driver from Nvidia for Windows 11 performance issues, the return of a calendar feature to Windows 11, integration of Google's AI models into GitHub Copilot, and enhancements in security and performance for Windows and Office applications.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

NVIDIA GeForce Hotfix 581.94 Addresses Windows 11 Game Performance Bug

NVIDIA has released a GeForce hotfix driver (version 581.94) to address performance issues for some users following the Windows 11 October update (KB5066835), which reportedly caused a decline in frame rates and overall game smoothness. The hotfix is based on the previous Game Ready driver (581.80) and aims to remedy slower performance in certain games. NVIDIA cautions that hotfix drivers undergo limited testing and are essentially beta versions, with a comprehensive fix expected in the next WHQL driver. Users with functioning systems may choose to wait for the official driver instead of rushing to update.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Nvidia releases emergency driver update for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 — fixes reduced gaming performance driven by botched Windows updates

Nvidia released the GeForce Hotfix Display Driver 581.94 to address performance issues in certain games caused by Microsoft's mandatory patch KB5066835, which affected Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update led to decreased game frame rates for some users. Nvidia recommends that gamers experiencing performance dips download the latest GPU driver. The company issued a second hotfix a week later to resolve remaining issues, including crashes and clock speed irregularities. The initial patch also caused problems with USB keyboards and mice in the Windows Recovery Environment and triggered BitLocker encryption unexpectedly. It is unclear if Intel and AMD will release their own driver updates in response to the issues caused by KB5066835, although performance problems have been reported with their GPUs as well.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection launches to mixed reviews on Steam

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection includes the first four Mortal Kombat games, the WaveNet version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, and Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, along with an interactive documentary about the series. After its release, 55% of reviews on Steam were negative, mainly due to input lag and issues with online multiplayer. Players criticized the online experience, noting limitations in matchmaking. Developers announced upcoming updates to add features like lobbies and fix bugs, while a hotfix has already been released for audio issues. The documentary included in the collection received positive feedback.