installation media Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Your ‘unsupported’ Windows 10 PC can still run Windows 11 in 2025

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users considering upgrading to Windows 11 may face obstacles due to hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and specific CPU models. Workarounds exist for upgrading incompatible PCs. To check compatibility: - Determine if the PC uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS via System Information (msinfo32.exe). - Ensure BIOS Mode is UEFI. - Check TPM status using the TPM Management tool (tpm.msc). - Verify CPU compatibility; most Intel CPUs from 2009 or later and AMD CPUs from 2013 or later should meet the standards. Option 1: Registry Edit Method (for PCs with TPM 1.2+ and UEFI) 1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as an administrator. 2. Navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetup; create MoSetup key if absent. 3. Create DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU, set value to 1, and restart. 4. Download Windows 11 ISO from aka.ms/DownloadWindows11. 5. Mount the ISO file and run Setup.exe. Option 2: Using Rufus (for PCs without TPM or UEFI) 1. Download Rufus version 4.6 or later and Windows 11 ISO. 2. Prepare a USB flash drive (16GB or larger). 3. Launch Rufus, select the USB drive, choose the Windows 11 ISO, and check the box to remove requirements for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. 4. Create the bootable drive and run Setup.exe from the USB drive. These methods are unofficial workarounds. Users may encounter compatibility warnings, and the registry method is preferred for its simplicity. Some very old systems, especially those with AMD processors lacking SSE4.2 support, may still be incompatible.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11

On Windows 11, an answer file named autounattend.xml can be created to streamline the installation process by bypassing setup steps. To create this file, users need to install the DISMTools application, which provides a wizard for generating the unattended file. The installation of DISMTools involves using Command Prompt to run the command: winget install CodingWondersSoftware.DISMTools.Preview. To create the unattended file, users launch DISMTools, navigate to the "Unattended answer file creator," and follow the wizard to configure settings such as system language, processor architecture, disk settings, product key, account settings, and network settings. The final step is saving the file as autounattend.xml. To integrate the answer file into Windows 11 installation media, users download the Media Creation Tool, select the USB flash drive option, and copy the autounattend.xml file to the USB drive. This prepares the USB for an unattended installation of Windows 11. The XML file may also appear as "unattend.xml" in other contexts.

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 19, 2025

How to transfer your Windows 11 setup to a new hard drive — no extra app required

Users of Windows 11 may need to upgrade their hard drive due to space constraints or the drive nearing the end of its lifespan, typically within three to five years. They can create a system image backup using the Backup and Restore feature in Windows 11. To create a system image, users must access the Control Panel, navigate to System and Security, and select "Create a system image." The backup can be saved on a hard disk, and users can choose to include additional drives. To create a USB bootable media for recovery, users should visit the Windows 11 download page, download the Media Creation Tool, and follow the prompts to create a USB flash drive. Replacing the hard drive involves powering down the computer, removing the cover, disconnecting cables, and installing the new drive. After installation, users can restore the previous Windows 11 installation from the system image backup by booting from the USB drive and selecting "System Image Recovery." If the new drive has unallocated space, users can create a new partition or expand the existing setup partition. To create a data partition, users can access Settings, navigate to Storage, and create a new volume from unallocated space. To expand the setup partition, users must delete the recovery partition, extend the installation drive, and recreate the recovery partition using Command Prompt and Disk Management. Finally, users should re-enable BitLocker after completing these processes.

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 10, 2025

Windows 11: Microsoft sets status of issue to resolved without providing a solution

In late December 2024, Microsoft acknowledged an issue affecting the installation of updates on certain Windows 11 devices, specifically those set up using installation media containing the October or November 2024 security updates. The affected devices are those running Windows 11, version 24H2, installed via media that included these updates. Microsoft proposed a workaround involving the reinstallation of Windows 11 using updated installation media that includes the December 2024 security updates or later. As of February 6, 2025, Microsoft marked the issue as resolved, but did not provide a definitive solution for impacted users, leaving them with concerns about data loss and limited options for restoring update functionality.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

Are you unable to get security updates for Windows 11 24H2? Here’s the likely reason why, and the fix to get your PC safe and secure again

Users of Windows 11 24H2 who installed the OS via USB drives may face issues receiving security updates due to flawed installation packages from Microsoft based on updates released in October and November 2024. Microsoft acknowledged that devices installed with these packages might not accept further security updates. This problem does not affect users who installed Windows 11 24H2 through the Windows Update feature. Microsoft first recognized the issue on December 24, 2024, and it has since been marked as 'resolved.' Affected users are advised to reinstall Windows 11 24H2 using the December 2024 version or later, while backing up their files beforehand.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

If you installed Windows 11 with certain security updates and a USB stick, you may not get any more security updates warns Microsoft

Users who installed Windows 11 via media files from the October or November updates are unable to access future security updates. This issue was reported on December 24, 2024, and resolved on February 6, 2025. A fresh installation of the operating system is required to remedy the situation. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 at the end of this year, increasing the urgency for users to upgrade. A new workaround allows installation on devices that do not meet hardware requirements, but a clean reinstall is necessary for those who used tools like Rufus or Flyby11. Users should download the latest version of Windows 11 for installation, which does not require the removal of personal files. Prompt action is advised to avoid complications from postponed updates.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft shares workaround for Windows security update issues

Microsoft has identified an issue affecting certain users of Windows 11, version 24H2, who cannot receive security updates when installed via CDs or USB flash drives with cumulative updates from October or November 2024. This issue specifically affects installations made between October 8 and November 12, 2024. Users receiving updates through Windows Update or using installation media with updates from December 2024 or later are not impacted. Microsoft advises affected users to reinstall Windows 11, version 24H2, using media with security updates from December 2024 or later. Additionally, the January 2025 optional updates will address another issue preventing non-admin users from modifying their time zone settings, with a temporary solution available through the Windows Control Panel until the fix is fully deployed.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

6 reasons you’re going to keep using Windows despite its problems

Windows 11 is widely criticized but remains popular due to several factors. It has extensive software availability, with most applications designed for Windows, making it the preferred platform for many users. For gaming, Windows is the dominant platform, with most new PC games developed primarily for it, while macOS and Linux lag in game availability and support. Hardware support is another critical factor, as many specialized devices only have software compatibility with Windows, making it challenging for users to switch to other operating systems. Installing new operating systems can be difficult for average users, with macOS being hard to install on non-Apple hardware and Linux requiring additional considerations. Macs are generally more expensive than Windows laptops, which offer more budget-friendly options. Additionally, users are often reluctant to learn new systems, as they are accustomed to the layout and functionality of Windows.