media creation Archives

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 KB5068861 won’t install, File Explorer SMB search not working on network shares, and other issues

Windows 11 users are facing installation issues with the KB5068861 update from the November 2025 Patch Tuesday release, which addresses 63 critical security vulnerabilities. Errors reported include 0x80070306, 0x800f0983, and 0x800f081f. Affected users can wait for an optional release or use the Media Creation Tool, which downloads the same patch. Some users have reported a malfunctioning SMB search feature after the update. The installation errors have prompted reports of specific error codes, and attempts to resolve them through SFC scans or health checks have been largely ineffective. Downloading the .msu package from the Microsoft Update Catalog is recommended, followed by an installation attempt. If unsuccessful, the Media Creation Tool can be used while retaining user data. The November 2025 Update includes enhancements like a revamped Start menu, improved battery icons, and performance improvements, particularly for gamers. However, some users have encountered Bluetooth connectivity issues, especially on AMD PCs, with a temporary fix involving adjustments in Device Manager. The KB5068861 update has also caused a bug affecting search functionality over shared networks, leading to slower search results or empty listings for businesses. This issue arises from a breakdown in communication between the Windows client and the server’s search index. Users can restore functionality by restarting the Windows Search service or rebuilding the index. Additionally, the remote search functionality over SMB is compromised, preventing the Windows client from utilizing the server’s index. Users may need to uninstall the update to restore functionality, which requires disabling the Sandbox feature first. Specific DISM commands can be used to identify and remove the update, or it can be uninstalled through the Settings menu.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Can’t sign up for Windows 10’s extended updates? Here’s why that might be – and what you can do about it

Users of Windows 10 are facing challenges with Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which is not functioning properly for some due to regional limitations and technical glitches. These issues prevent certain users from enrolling in the program, which is intended to provide critical security updates. Some users report that the ESU rollout is unavailable in their area, while others are blocked from signing up due to bugs misidentifying their Windows 10 PCs. While some have attempted to resolve these issues using the Media Creation Tool for an in-place upgrade, caution is advised, and backing up data is recommended. Users are also considering waiting for Microsoft to address these enrollment challenges, although the first security update under the ESU program is set to roll out soon, leaving those unable to enroll feeling vulnerable. A suggestion circulating on platforms like Reddit involves accessing the ESU enrollment via a specific link in Microsoft's end-of-support portal, which has reportedly helped some users bypass standard enrollment issues. However, many users express frustration as the October 14 End of Life deadline for Windows 10 approaches, and some may consider upgrading to Windows 11 if ESU issues persist. Additionally, even users who have successfully enrolled in the ESU program sometimes receive incorrect notifications indicating they are not supported.

Winsage

November 4, 2025

Microsoft WSUS Patch Breaks Hotpatching on Windows Server 2025

A recent Microsoft security update (KB5070881) aimed at fixing a critical vulnerability in the Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) inadvertently disrupted hotpatching for some Windows Server 2025 systems enrolled in the Hotpatch program. This disruption prevents affected servers from applying updates without requiring a restart, forcing administrators to revert to traditional cumulative updates until January 2026. The vulnerability, CVE-2025-59287, allowed potential remote code execution by exploiting weaknesses in WSUS. Microsoft has since released a new update (KB5070893) that addresses the vulnerability while restoring hotpatching capabilities for those who have not yet installed the problematic update.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Microsoft: Patch for WSUS flaw disabled Windows Server hotpatching

An out-of-band security update, KB5070881, has disrupted the hotpatching feature for some Windows Server 2025 devices. This update was released alongside reports of the CVE-2025-59287 remote code execution vulnerability. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has instructed U.S. government agencies to strengthen their systems against this vulnerability. Microsoft has acknowledged that the OOB update caused some Hotpatch-enrolled Windows Server 2025 systems to lose their enrollment status and has ceased distributing the update to these devices. Those who installed the update will not receive Hotpatch updates in November and December but will get standard monthly security updates. Administrators can install the KB5070893 security update to address the CVE-2025-59287 flaw without disrupting hotpatching. Microsoft has also disabled the display of synchronization error details in its WSUS error reporting system and resolved various issues affecting Windows 11.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Microsoft: Windows Task Manager won’t quit after KB5067036 update

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 11 users after installing the optional October 2025 update (KB5067036), where the Task Manager does not fully close when the "Close" button is used, resulting in multiple instances of taskmgr.exe running in the background. This can lead to performance degradation, including system stuttering and CPU hangs. A temporary workaround involves manually terminating each Task Manager process or using the Command Prompt with the command: taskkill.exe /im taskmgr.exe /f. The KB5067036 update also introduced enhancements like an updated Start Menu and restored functionality to the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, while addressing specific update errors.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Can you still bypass Windows 11 requirements as Windows 10 hits EOL? We tested it

Windows 11 requires a 1GHz dual-core CPU that supports TPM 2.0 and at least 4GB of RAM. Users with older PCs running Windows 10 can still install Windows 11 25H2 using known bypass methods, even if their hardware does not meet these specifications. The installation methods include using a command line for an in-place upgrade, utilizing Rufus to create a bootable USB, or editing the Registry during setup. The Windows 11 ISO file is approximately 7.20 GB in size and can be downloaded from Microsoft's official site. Users can revert to Windows 10 by navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Go back."

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 October Update Bug Renders Recovery Environment Unusable

Microsoft is facing a challenge with the Windows 11 25H2 October update (KB5066835), which disrupts mouse and keyboard functionality in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), making it inoperative. WinRE is a troubleshooting toolkit that activates during startup problems or system malfunctions. Microsoft confirmed that USB keyboard and mouse work normally within the Windows operating system and is working on a solution. This issue adds to other complications from recent Windows 11 updates, including localhost issues and disruptions to the Windows Media Creation Tool. Users are unable to initiate recovery processes due to the lack of functional input devices.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 KB5066835 issues. Localhost, File Explorer preview, install errors

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows 11 update KB5066835 is causing significant disruptions, particularly affecting localhost (127.0.0.1) HTTP/2 connections, preventing locally hosted applications from connecting to the network. Installation of the October 2025 Patch Tuesday update may fail due to error codes including 0x800f0922, 0x800f0983, 0x800f081f, 0x80071a2d, and 0x800f0991. A bug is obstructing File Explorer's document previews in the Preview pane, citing security concerns. Compatibility issues have arisen with certain Logitech peripherals, rendering them non-functional, and users are reporting unresponsive mouse and keyboard inputs in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Despite being a mandatory security update, KB5066835 has introduced features like repositioning on-screen volume indicators and enhancing File Explorer's context menu loading speed, but these enhancements have disrupted critical functionalities. Microsoft is rolling out an emergency patch to resolve localhost-related problems, which may take over 48 hours to appear. A workaround for localhost issues involves modifying the Windows Registry to disable HTTP/2. File Explorer's preview issue can be addressed by unblocking files using PowerShell or modifying the registry. Logitech's specialized features have stopped working for some users, and keyboard and mouse inputs are unresponsive in WinRE after the update. Users can disable WinRE and replace the WinRE image as a potential fix, but this is recommended only for IT administrators.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks Advanced Startup, disables keyboard and mouse

Users are experiencing issues accessing BIOS and Safe Mode after installing the October 2025 update KB5066835, which has rendered input devices like keyboards and mice non-functional during the Advanced Startup environment. Complaints indicate that the update has disrupted essential functionalities, including IIS and localhost. Users have attempted various solutions, such as changing USB ports and disabling fast startup, but these have not resolved the issue. Some users reported success by replacing the problematic Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) image file with an older version. A workaround to access Safe Mode involves creating a Windows 11 installation USB, booting from it, and using Command Prompt to set the system to boot into Safe Mode. The issue appears to affect systems with USB 3.0-only ports, while some laptops retain functionality with built-in keyboards. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged the problem, but a resolution is expected soon.