HP Archives

Winsage

March 27, 2025

10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches

In October, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which enhances Copilot AI, refines File Explorer, and improves performance and stability. The update is available for users of Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 through the Windows Update screen or Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. However, various bugs have been reported, leading Microsoft to temporarily pause the update for certain problematic PCs. Notable issues include: 1. AutoCAD 2022 may not open on some systems. 2. PCs with Citrix components may struggle with installation due to a glitch from the January Patch Tuesday update. 3. Compatibility issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat program can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly on Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Users report internet connectivity problems after the update, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 5. Network sharing issues prevent devices from appearing in the network list. 6. Printer setup issues affect users of Copilot+ PCs from various manufacturers. 7. Audio output problems occur on PCs with Dirac Audio technology. 8. Outlook may fail to launch if Google Workspace Sync is installed. 9. Integrated camera issues affect the Windows camera app and Windows Hello facial recognition. 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers may trigger blue screens on certain PCs. Microsoft has issued several patches to address these bugs since the update's launch, but some patches have introduced new issues.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns

Qualcomm and Microsoft are enhancing the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, highlighted during the Microsoft Build event in May 2024. The Surface brand laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors received positive feedback for performance and battery life. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) has been flagged by Amazon as a "frequently returned item," prompting buyers to check reviews. Customer feedback indicates that app compatibility issues are a primary reason for the returns. Intel's interim Co-CEO suggested that devices with Snapdragon chips are returned at higher rates due to unmet functionality expectations. Despite this, the market for Windows-on-Arm systems remains strong, with major manufacturers adopting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Other Snapdragon-powered devices, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, have not faced similar return warnings. The Surface Laptop may have higher return rates due to its popularity and specific shortcomings noted in reviews, such as display quality and keyboard comfort. Microsoft also offers Intel versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which may confuse consumers. Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with developers to improve software support for Windows-on-Arm, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop now available. Challenges remain, including Qualcomm's discontinuation of its Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows and limited native support for some applications. Users with specialized needs may prefer traditional x86 Windows versions. Qualcomm plans to unveil its second generation of Snapdragon X processors in late 2025.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

The best Windows laptop for work has one major letdown

HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14 is a premium productivity laptop priced around ,100 for a model with a 1TB drive and 16GB of RAM, and approximately ,300 for a version with 32GB of RAM. It features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, a 12-core processor, and offers nearly 13 hours of battery life. The laptop weighs about 1.5kg and measures 1.5cm in thickness, with a design that combines aesthetics and functionality. It includes two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-A port. The QHD IPS touchscreen is bright for indoor use, and it has an integrated camera and microphone for virtual meetings. The AI capabilities include an AI Assistant app and a dedicated Copilot button for Microsoft’s assistant, but the practical applications of the AI technology are limited. Comparatively, the OmniBook Ultra 14 outperforms other laptops in its category, such as the Framework Laptop 13 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, particularly in AI capabilities and processing power.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Amazon warns Surface Laptop 7 shoppers as Mojang unveils massive visual update to Minecraft and Microsoft leaks a potential new feature for the Xbox app on Windows 11

Amazon has reported that the Surface Laptop 7 is frequently returned by customers. Mojang has introduced a "Vibrant Visuals" update for Minecraft, enhancing the game's aesthetics while keeping its gameplay mechanics intact. Microsoft is developing a Steam filter for the Xbox app on PC, suggesting deeper integration with Steam. HP announced 25 new PCs at its Amplify conference, including the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i and the OmniBook 7 Aero 13. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld received a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its performance and features.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Windows update bug makes USB printers print gibberish, and the fix is a hassle

Users have reported that their printers are unexpectedly printing random text and IPP protocol headers instead of the intended document, primarily affecting USB-connected dual-mode printers. This issue is linked to Microsoft's K5050092 update released on January 29, 2025. The problem manifests when printers are powered on or reconnected after disconnection, impacting various Windows versions, including Windows 11 version 23H2, version 22H2, and Windows 10 22H2. A temporary workaround, Known Issue Rollback (KIR), has been provided for system administrators to revert affected machines to a previous state. A permanent fix is being developed by Microsoft.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

10 bugs still haunt Windows 11 24H2 despite multiple patches

In October, Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update, enhancing Copilot AI and improving File Explorer, performance, and stability. The update is available for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 through Windows Update or Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page. However, the update has encountered multiple bugs, leading Microsoft to pause it for certain problematic PCs. Several patches have been released to address these issues, including initial fixes in late October, further resolutions in mid-November, and specific updates for USB device issues, conflicts with Ubisoft games, and an optional preview update in January. Ongoing issues include AutoCAD 2022 not opening, conflicts with Citrix components, Easy Anti-Cheat causing blue screens, driver incompatibilities leading to blue screens, internet connection problems, broken clipboard history, network sharing failures, printer setup issues on Copilot+ PCs, audio output glitches, and Outlook failing to launch with Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and is working on solutions while maintaining a Known Issues and Notifications page.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Low PC penetration, Windows 10 upgrade to fuel Snapdragon X growth in India: Qualcomm SVP

Low penetration of personal computers in India is around 10 percent. Qualcomm anticipates a significant shift in consumer mindset with the upgrade to Windows 10, which will end support in October 2025. The company has partnered with manufacturers like Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP, and Dell to introduce Snapdragon X platform-based PCs in India. Asus plans to launch its Snapdragon X-based Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 on March 10, priced at Rs 65,990 and Rs 99,990, respectively. Qualcomm held a 26 percent share of the Indian smartphone market in 2024, with its chipsets in one in three premium smartphones priced above Rs 25,000. The Snapdragon X platform is reported to deliver performance up to 163 percent faster than competitors while consuming 168 percent less power. Qualcomm has opened its first experience center in collaboration with Croma and plans to establish more stores to extend its reach into smaller towns across India.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: A new era for Surface

The Windows Central Podcast discusses the latest developments in Windows 11, including new features from the Dev and Beta Channels and changes in system requirements. The hosts also consider the future of Surface devices amid significant changes in Microsoft's hardware strategy. Additionally, they explore Microsoft's announcement regarding Quantum chip technology and its potential impact. The podcast mentions HP's acquisition of Humane AI and its implications for the future of artificial intelligence in the business sector.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft admits Windows 11 File Explorer can be slow when using title bar buttons

Windows 11's File Explorer has performance issues, affecting users even on high-end devices like the HP Spectre with 32GB of RAM. Users report slow responses and partial loading, particularly when using the close, minimize, or maximize buttons. Microsoft has acknowledged these concerns with the release of Windows 11 Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078) in the Beta Channel, indicating they are working on a fix for the slow closing issue. While some users have noted minor improvements, many feel that significant enhancements are still needed compared to Windows 10's File Explorer. Feedback from users highlights ongoing frustrations with sluggish opening times and modern design elements that seem to exacerbate the loading process. Microsoft is investigating these performance issues further.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

WinApps: Virtualized Windows Apps On Linux, Plus Windowing

Linux users can now run the latest version of Photoshop on Linux machines with access to a dedicated mobile GPU, thanks to innovative open-source solutions. This is achieved through the WinApps project, which integrates a virtual machine into the Linux desktop using Remote Desktop Protocol, allowing Windows applications to run alongside native Linux programs. The setup requires significant effort, particularly in recognizing the GPU, but it enables heavy-duty applications to function effectively on machines like the HP Envy 16 with an Intel i7-12700H processor and 32GB of RAM. While WinApps offers substantial benefits for users relying on Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office 365, it is best suited for casual use due to potential bugs and performance issues. The development of WinApps reflects the contributions of various open-source teams, including those at Red Hat, and suggests future enhancements may improve accessibility for users.