Intel processors Archives

Winsage

November 5, 2025

Microsoft Warns October 2025 Updates May Trigger BitLocker Recovery on Some Windows Systems

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows 10 version 22H2, where users of specific Intel-based devices encounter unexpected BitLocker recovery screens after installing updates released on or after October 14, 2025. This problem is linked to devices with Connected Standby technology, which affects the startup process but does not indicate a continuous encryption issue. Entering the recovery key resolves the prompt, and subsequent boots do not trigger additional prompts. Microsoft has activated a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to address the issue without requiring users to uninstall previous patches. Server editions of Windows are unaffected, and users are advised to monitor the Windows Release Health dashboard for updates.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2025

Windows 10 users face ransomware nightmare as Microsoft support ends in 2025 worldwide

Microsoft's Digital Defense Report indicates that over 90% of ransomware attacks target unsupported PCs. Unsupported systems are vulnerable due to the lack of security updates, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Users often delay upgrades, thinking they can wait "just one more year," but this increases risk as new vulnerabilities remain unaddressed. Upgrading to Windows 11 provides ongoing security updates and enhances performance. Delaying upgrades can lead to significant financial losses from data recovery and fraud. To improve security while preparing for an upgrade, users should verify compatibility for Windows 11, be cautious of phishing scams, consider using data removal services, secure logins with two-factor authentication, back up data regularly, and stay informed about cyber threats.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Microsoft’s strict rules mean older CPUs can’t run Windows 11

The end of support for Windows 10 means PCs without Windows 11 compatibility will not receive updates, raising security and compatibility concerns. Microsoft requires TPM 2.0 support, Secure Boot compatibility, and specific security features for Windows 11. Intel processors compatible with Windows 11 start from the 8th generation Core series and newer, while AMD compatibility begins with Ryzen 2000 series processors and later. Older Intel Core processors (6th and 7th generation) and first-generation Ryzen processors do not meet the criteria for support.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Windows 11 bug that stopped some Intel PCs from getting the 24H2 update is fixed – but it took a whole year

A bug related to Intel audio drivers affecting Windows 11 users has been resolved after nearly a year. The issue impacted PCs with Intel's 11th-generation processors, specifically those using Intel's Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake chips, preventing upgrades to Windows 11 version 24H2. The problem stemmed from a compatibility hold due to issues with the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver. The resolution was marked complete on September 26, 2025. Affected users are advised to download and install Intel SST driver version 10.30.00.5714 or later, or version 10.29.00.5714 if unsure of their Windows version. The driver should be available in Windows Update. If not, users may need to contact their PC manufacturer for assistance. Intel's Rocket Lake processors are estimated to power about 10% to 15% of Windows PCs.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

9 new features that arrived on the Windows 11 Insider Program during the second half of July 2025

During July 2025, Microsoft released seven preview builds for Windows 11, including updates from version branches 24H2 and 25H2, and builds 27913, 27909, and 27902 in the Canary Channel, with build 27902's ISO file available for download. Key enhancements included: 1. Click to Do improvements allowing image descriptions on AMD and Intel devices, previously exclusive to Qualcomm Snapdragon. 2. Windows Narrator now generates detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs for Intel and AMD processors. 3. A new "Recent activity" feature in the Privacy & security section lets users monitor third-party app access to AI functionalities. 4. AI agent functionality is being gradually introduced in the Settings app, starting with the August 2025 Security Update. 5. The Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience page has consolidated recommendations into a single interface. 6. Windows Search is testing a grid view for image search results. 7. The Notification Center now supports a fly-out from secondary monitors, displaying a full clock. 8. Task Manager has reintroduced a view showing processor usage metrics across various pages, with an option to revert to legacy metrics.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now works with Easy Anti-Cheat (Fortnite), won’t cause BSODs anymore

Windows 11 24H2 is now available to users, with automatic updates for those on older versions like Windows 11 23H2. Initially, the update was blocked for some Intel PC users running games like Fortnite due to compatibility issues with Easy Anti-Cheat. Microsoft has resolved these compatibility concerns as of July 25, confirming that the upgrade is now accessible to all users after nearly ten months of collaboration with Epic Games. The block primarily affected Intel Alder and Intel vPro processors, and while the specific update that fixed the issues was not detailed, it is suggested to be included in the July 2025 Patch Tuesday (KB5062553). Users with Intel vPro (Core i7) systems reported that the update appeared automatically after this patch. Additionally, some users with Ryzen processors also faced similar problems, although this was not widely acknowledged. Users who experienced a Blue Screen of Death error (Memory_Management code) while installing Windows 11 24H2 with Fortnite are advised to uninstall Easy Anti-Cheat and reinstall drivers if issues persist. Support for Windows 11 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025, prompting users to prepare for the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 proactively. The "Pause updates" feature has been reported to be unreliable, potentially allowing mandatory updates to install unexpectedly.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Windows 11 just got a wave of AI features — one Snipping Tool addition makes me want a Copilot+ PC

Windows 11 will introduce a range of artificial intelligence features in the coming weeks, with availability dependent on PC hardware. Users with Copilot+ PCs, especially those with Snapdragon X chips, will have access to the most extensive functionalities. A new agent in the Windows Settings app allows natural language modifications of PC settings, currently available only on Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs. The Click to Do feature is being updated with new actions, accessible via specific shortcuts for compatible Copilot+ PCs. The Photos app will feature Relight, enabling users to manipulate virtual light sources in images, initially available for Snapdragon X-powered devices. The Sticker Generator in Paint allows users to create stickers from prompts, and an object select feature is forthcoming. The Snipping Tool will include a Perfect Screenshot feature for precise captures and a Color Picker for identifying color values on the screen. Copilot Vision, available only in the U.S., provides advice based on screen content, with extended capabilities requiring a Copilot Pro subscription. Quick Machine Recovery will replace the Blue Screen of Death with a less intrusive design. New features will be rolled out gradually, with some already accessible through the latest Windows non-security preview update, and users are encouraged to enable updates in Settings. Certain features remain exclusive to Copilot+ PCs or Snapdragon X processors.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

It’s Week D, So Microsoft (Re)Announces New Features Coming to Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced a suite of new features for Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs, currently available in preview mode. Users can subscribe to a newsletter offering three time-saving tips every Friday and free copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. Key features include: - A new agent in Settings for natural language navigation, available for users with Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs in English. - Click to Do (Preview) improvements for Copilot+ PCs, including actions like Practice in Reading Coach and scheduling Teams meetings. - Photo relight in Photos, providing professional lighting controls for Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors. - Sticker generator and Object select tools in Paint, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. - Enhancements to the Snipping Tool, including a Perfect screenshot tool and Color picker, available to all Windows 11 users. - Copilot Vision, allowing interaction with screen content via the Copilot app and Microsoft Edge, now accessible in the U.S. - Edge Game Assist, a mini-web browser within the Game Bar for gaming assistance. - Quick machine recovery, reducing reboot wait time from 40 seconds to as little as 2 seconds on most Windows 11 version 24H2 PCs, with an updated Black Screen of Death. These updates are rolling out for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 23H2, with some minor fixes for Windows 10 users.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Don’t buy into Microsoft’s “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs” claim — Here’s why it’s stretching the truth

Microsoft's Windows 10 is approaching its "End of Life" on October 14, 2025, prompting the company to promote Windows 11 and encourage users to upgrade. Microsoft has introduced an "Extended Security Updates" (ESU) program, available at no cost for users who sync their Windows 10 settings to the cloud via a Microsoft Account, extending support until 2026. A campaign titled "Stay secure with Windows 11" highlights advantages of Windows 11, including claims that Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs, based on testing conducted in December 2024 using Geekbench 6. This testing compared Windows 10 PCs with older Intel processors to Windows 11 machines with newer Intel processors. The performance gap is influenced by hardware specifications, and users are advised to critically evaluate performance claims, especially those using the phrase "up to."

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Latest beta version of Windows 11 gets the AI agent that Microsoft promised it would add: A search tool that works

Microsoft has introduced an AI tool integrated into the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, designed to enhance user experience in the Settings app. This AI agent is currently available only on devices powered by the Snapdragon X processor, with plans for support on compatible AMD and Intel processors in the future. Additionally, users of this Insider build may hear nostalgic start-up music reminiscent of Windows Vista.