IT administrators Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft adds hotpatching support for Windows 11 enterprise users as it looks to end unnecessary downtime for work devices

Microsoft has introduced hotpatch updates for Windows 11 Enterprise version 24H2, allowing compatible business devices to install OS security patches without requiring a restart. This feature minimizes downtime and user disruption while maintaining security. Hotpatch updates take effect immediately and provide the same level of security as traditional Patch Tuesday releases. Companies must establish a hotpatch-enabled quality update policy through Microsoft Intune to implement this feature. Devices will still require a reboot for security updates installed quarterly, but updates can occur without a restart during the other months. Arm64 devices are currently in public preview, with general availability for hotpatching set for April 2, 2025.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft reveals new tool to help with Windows 11 boot recovery crashes

Microsoft is piloting a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool for Windows 11, available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel for version 24H2. QMR aims to reduce downtime from boot crashes by activating when a device encounters startup issues, transitioning to Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to reconnect to the network for crash data analysis. Microsoft can then deliver solutions via Windows Update. The feature will be enabled by default on Windows 11 Home devices, while Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise administrators can manage its functionality. The initial rollout allows IT administrators to enable/disable the tool, configure scanning intervals, and conduct readiness tests. Feedback from users is encouraged to improve the tool, though a timeline for general availability has not been announced.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 PC won’t boot? Microsoft’s new tool tries to fix it before you even panic

Microsoft is introducing a new tool called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up issues in Windows PCs, currently available for testing in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. QMR, designed for both IT administrators and home users, automates the recovery process by entering the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) when a critical boot-up error occurs. The PC will connect to the internet, send diagnostic data to Microsoft, and receive a tailored fix via Windows Update, allowing it to boot normally without further user intervention. QMR is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative and aims to simplify the recovery process for users.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a secret weapon for boot failures

Microsoft has introduced a new tool called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up issues in Windows PCs, currently available for testing in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. QMR automates the recovery process by utilizing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), allowing PCs to automatically enter recovery mode, connect to the internet, and send diagnostic data to Microsoft. Based on this data, a tailored fix is sent to the device through Windows Update. QMR is designed for both IT administrators and home users, with the latter having it enabled by default. It is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, and the company is encouraging feedback from testers.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows’ new Quick Machine Recovery auto-fixes system failures for you

Microsoft is enhancing its recovery tools for Windows 11 with the introduction of Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), currently being tested in the Windows Insider Program’s Beta Channel. QMR allows IT administrators to remotely address boot issues, even if the computer fails to start normally, and utilizes the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to connect to the internet and send diagnostic data to Microsoft for targeted updates via Windows Update. Initially aimed at business users, QMR will also be available to private individuals by default, with administrators in managed IT environments retaining control over its availability. Users can access QMR in the Windows recovery menu under “Advanced Options,” and it is designed to enhance system resilience by automatically identifying errors and implementing solutions.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 adds auto-recovery, kills offline setup loophole

Microsoft is introducing the Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature in build 26120.3653 for Windows Insiders, aimed at assisting administrators with devices that become unbootable due to problematic updates. QMR automatically redirects affected devices to the Windows Recovery Environment (RE) for troubleshooting and remediation. It is enabled by default for home users, while IT administrators can toggle it on or off and configure scanning intervals and restart timings. QMR is applicable only to Windows 11 24H2. Additionally, Microsoft has removed the bypassnro.cmd script, which allowed users to bypass the Microsoft account requirement during Windows 11 setup without an internet connection. This change aims to enhance security and requires all users to have internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during setup.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11’s new headline security feature is now in testing — here’s how it can help your PC

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature called quick machine recovery (QMR) to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel, designed to automatically detect and resolve boot issues directly from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). When enabled, QMR identifies and applies fixes for common boot problems, and in case of a critical boot failure, it transitions the device into WinRE, connects to the network, and sends diagnostic data to Microsoft for targeted remediation via Windows Update. This feature will be enabled by default for home users and is available for testing by Windows Insiders. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a speech recap feature in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken, access live transcriptions, and copy the last spoken phrase using keyboard shortcuts. The speech recap window can display the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator and refreshes each time Narrator starts. Windows 11 Build 26120.3653 includes a streamlined user interface for unexpected restarts, a new way to launch Copilot using Win + C, and the Click to Do feature accessible from the Start menu, which supports multiple languages. Improvements to Windows Share include a visual preview of content and quick image editing options.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11 quick machine recovery: Restoring devices with boot issues

Microsoft has launched a quick machine recovery feature in its Windows operating system to help IT administrators remotely execute fixes on machines that cannot boot, particularly during widespread outages. This feature allows devices to automatically enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and connect with Microsoft’s recovery services for tailored remediations delivered via Windows Update. IT administrators can enable or disable this feature remotely and configure settings such as scanning intervals and restart timeouts. Currently, quick machine recovery is in testing and available to users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans for future accessibility to IT administrators managing Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise devices.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

A New Microsoft Tool Automatically Detects, Diagnoses, and Resolves Boot Issues in Windows

Microsoft has introduced a tool called "Quick Machine Recovery" to address boot failures in Windows devices. This feature automatically detects, diagnoses, and resolves critical system issues that prevent devices from starting correctly. It is currently available in the Windows Insider Preview Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Quick Machine Recovery aims to reduce downtime by automating the diagnostic and remediation processes, allowing IT administrators to deploy targeted fixes directly to affected devices through the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). Key capabilities include automated remediation based on real-time crash data, admin customization options, and a test mode for simulating recovery processes. The recovery process begins when a device enters Windows RE due to a boot failure, utilizing a network connection to communicate with Microsoft’s recovery services. Future updates are expected to enhance networking configuration support. The feature is enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users, while IT administrators for Pro and Enterprise devices can customize its deployment.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft redesigns Windows 11 24H2’s BSOD, drops QR code, frowning face, blue colour

Microsoft is retiring the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a new Black Screen of Death in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 build. The new design features a black background and omits the frowning face, which has raised concerns about clarity. The Black Screen of Death indicates a significant issue requiring a restart but resembles the Windows Update screen, potentially causing confusion. It simplifies the message to “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” reducing the amount of technical information previously provided, which could hinder troubleshooting for IT administrators.