IT administrators Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 is getting some big upgrades to tackle dreaded boot failures – and help novices set up their new PC

Windows 11 has released a new preview build, 26200.5622, in the Dev channel, introducing several features aimed at improving user experience. Key additions include Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) for recovering from boot failures, a PC-to-PC migration feature for easier transitions to new devices, a new option in Phone Link to mirror Android phone screens from the Start menu, enhancements to the widgets board with a navigation bar, and a Click to Do feature for drafting text in Word using Copilot on Copilot+ PCs. These features are in early testing and may be included in the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 release.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft adds quick machine recovery to Windows 11 settings

Microsoft is piloting a new dedicated page within Windows Settings under System > Recovery to enhance machine recovery processes. This feature allows users to toggle recovery options, configure automatic solution searches, set check frequencies, and determine restart timings for fixes. It is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel using Windows 11 24H2 and will soon be accessible to Dev Channel Insiders. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative in November, allows IT administrators to address boot issues remotely. When activated, QMR boots devices into the Windows Recovery Environment to initiate the Quick Machine Recovery Tool if Windows fails to start. Microsoft plans to enable QMR by default in Windows 11 Home editions, while enterprise customers can customize it in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft patches the patch that put Windows 11 in a coma

Microsoft has released a fix for a recent patch that caused some Windows 11 PCs to enter recovery mode due to an error code linked to the May Patch Tuesday update. The issue primarily affected virtual boxes and some physical devices, displaying the message: "Your PC/Device needs to be repaired. The operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors. File: ACPI.sys. Error code: 0xc0000098." The fix, identified as KB5062170, does not address an ongoing issue with Noto fonts, where CJK characters appear blurry in Chromium browsers at 100 percent scaling. Users can temporarily adjust the scaling to 125 or 150 percent to mitigate this problem. Microsoft has faced similar challenges with out-of-band fixes in the past, affecting both Windows 10 and Windows Server.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Microsoft Debuts Windows Update Orchestration Platform For Updating All Apps From A Single Place

Microsoft has introduced the Windows Update Orchestration Platform, which aims to centralize the management of line-of-business (LOB) and third-party applications through a single interface, enhancing the app update process for developers and users. Currently in private preview, the platform invites developers to explore its features, which include eco-efficient scheduling, consistent notifications, centralized update history, and unified troubleshooting tools. Developers can integrate their applications using Windows Runtime APIs and PowerShell commands to manage various aspects such as registration and update definitions. The initiative addresses challenges like CPU and bandwidth spikes, conflicting notifications, and increased support costs faced by users and IT administrators.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft unveils “centralized” software update tool for Windows

Microsoft is developing a Windows-native update orchestration platform to improve the software updating experience for IT administrators and end-users. This platform aims to streamline the management of updates across various applications and components within the Windows ecosystem, reducing confusion caused by independent updates for different products. Currently in private preview, developers can access the platform through Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs and PowerShell commands by registering as update providers. The orchestrator will intelligently defer updates based on user activity and system performance, and it will automatically reschedule failed attempts. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Windows Backup for Organizations to assist with the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This feature simplifies the backup and restoration of settings for Windows 10 and 11 devices. To use this functionality, devices must be Microsoft Entra hybrid joined or Microsoft Entra joined and running a supported version of Windows. The restore feature is compatible only with Microsoft Entra joined devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 and later. The Windows Backup for Organizations feature is currently in a limited public preview for select members of the Microsoft Management Customer Connection Program.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Windows 11 Version 24H2 Gets a Featured-Packed Optional Update

Microsoft has released the May optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2, introducing features such as the Win + C keyboard shortcut for quick access to Copilot, a drag tray feature, and cross-device resume notifications for OneDrive files. The Copilot+ feature is now available in the European Economic Area (EEA) and supports intelligent text actions in Spanish and French. Users can utilize the 'Ask Copilot' option to highlight text or images and open Copilot with the selected content. New text actions for summarizing, creating bulleted lists, or rewriting highlighted text are available for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. Pen users can configure a shortcut button for Click to Do, and Windows Search improvements allow direct typing of settings. The Narrator feature provides detailed descriptions of images for blind and low-vision users. Energy saver controls for IT admins have been introduced, along with HDR and Dolby Vision controls. A new FAQs section in Settings assists users with common inquiries, and mouse settings have been simplified. Users can now edit images shared through the Windows Share window, and a new drag tray area appears when dragging local files. Taskbar policies have been improved to allow unpinning specific apps. The features will roll out with the upcoming Patch Tuesday update, alongside the optional KB5058481 update for Windows 10, which reinstates the clock view displaying seconds on the calendar flyout.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Windows 11’s new update system is a brutal reminder of where the Microsoft Store falls short

Microsoft has introduced a "unified future for app updates" through a new Windows Update orchestration platform, aiming to streamline the update process for applications, drivers, and components on personal computers. This initiative addresses the fragmented nature of traditional app and driver updates, which often burden IT administrators. In late 2024, Microsoft began testing a feature allowing the Microsoft Store to update applications not hosted on its servers, transforming it into a "one-stop shop for all app updates." The new orchestration platform supports apps and components not listed in the Microsoft Store, enhancing the update experience alongside improvements to the Microsoft Store and the Windows Package Manager.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Securing Windows Endpoints in 2025 Enterprise Environments

In 2025, 61% of organizations worldwide have adopted Zero Trust initiatives, up from 24% in 2021. Microsoft's Zero Trust framework centralizes security policy enforcement through the cloud, with integrated solutions like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. AI is now a critical component of endpoint security, enabling systems to detect irregularities and autonomously isolate compromised devices. Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to allow IT administrators to fix unbootable PCs remotely. Windows Server 2025 features enhanced security measures, including advanced algorithms and a customized security baseline with over 350 preconfigured settings. Additionally, 75% of organizations are consolidating security vendors, favoring comprehensive platforms like SentinelOne Singularity and Microsoft Defender XDR. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) has been enhanced to better regulate application usage, with Microsoft promoting its adoption over AppLocker.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft Opens Windows Update to 3rd-Party Apps

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows Update tool to manage updates for both its products and third-party applications, aiming to streamline the update process. A private preview for developers will be initiated, focusing on business applications but eventually accommodating a wider range of apps. The new "Windows Update orchestration platform" will allow developers to integrate their applications into a unified system that intelligently schedules updates based on factors like user activity and battery status. This platform will provide an API for updates through Windows Update, improving user experience by centralizing updates and allowing better control over the update process. The initiative addresses the fragmented experience IT administrators face and aims to create a cohesive update process. Critics note the delay in implementing a unified update framework, while the initiative also seeks to enhance security by consolidating updates and reducing the risks associated with ad-hoc update agents.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Windows 10 relocation assistance with “Windows Backup for Organizations”

Microsoft is launching a public preview of "Windows Backup for Organizations" to facilitate the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool allows for the backup of settings from Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and enables restoration on devices integrated with Microsoft Entra. The initiative aims to streamline the migration process as Windows 10 support ends on October 14. Devices must be "Microsoft Entra joined" or "Microsoft Entra hybrid joined," running a supported version of Windows 10 or 11, with full functionality requiring Windows 11 22H2 or newer, Microsoft Entra integration, and active Microsoft Intune test tenant and administrator rights. Interested participants can apply through a designated form. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a migration assistant within the Insider Beta preview of Windows 11 to simplify transferring files and settings from old PCs to new ones.