motherboards Archives

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Here’s why you should reinstall Windows 11 every two months – no, I’m not kidding

Windows has evolved through various versions, creating a strong connection among users. Bugs can arise from updates, driver issues, or upgrades, and it is often advised to avoid upgrades in favor of fresh installations. Corrupted registry files and mislabelled directories can lead to resource consumption by background programs. A dual-storage drive system is recommended, designating a fast drive for the OS and a slower drive for media and backups, facilitating easier reinstallation. This setup encourages robust backup practices and helps maintain system integrity. Windows Defender is highlighted as an effective antivirus solution, and preparation for installation, including having necessary drivers on a USB stick, is crucial. A proactive approach to system maintenance can enhance the Windows experience.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Microsoft updates Windows 11 CPU support for OEM systems to include 8th to 10th Gen Intel CPUs

In mid-February 2025, Microsoft updated its support documentation regarding Intel processors' compatibility with Windows 11 24H2, adding several models from the 8th, 9th, and 10th generations that were previously excluded. These processors, introduced about eight years ago, can still perform adequately if their motherboards meet the TPM 2.0 requirement. Microsoft confirmed that these Intel CPU models meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and indicated that future processor generations meeting similar principles will also be considered supported. Although the three Intel generations have not been reinstated on the official list, systems using these processors will not be rendered obsolete or stop receiving updates. Manufacturers are advised against using these older processors in new systems running Windows 11. An official list of supported CPUs for non-OEM or custom PC builders is not available, but builders should refer to Microsoft’s Windows 11 System Requirements, which require a CPU operating at 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores. It is possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by adjusting certain registry values, but this may result in missing system and security updates. Users can also continue using Windows 10 for ongoing security updates or consider transitioning to a Linux operating system.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

AMD RX 9070 requires UEFI — bad news for Windows 10 die-hards

The end of Windows 10 support is approaching in eight months, causing concern among PC gamers. AMD's new graphics cards, the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, require Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of traditional BIOS. AMD confirmed that all graphics cards from the 9000 series will have "UEFI-only support." While many users have transitioned to UEFI, over 40 percent of Steam users still use Windows 10, which is compatible with older BIOS systems. AMD's announcement does not clarify the compatibility of the 9000-series cards with BIOS or motherboards with Compatibility Support Module (CSM). Gamers on Windows 10 may face increasing compatibility issues if they upgrade their hardware after the end-of-service date.

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.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

PC Gamer magazine’s new issue is on sale now: inZOI

PC Gamer features an exclusive look at the life simulation game inZOI, developed by Krafton, which aims to compete with The Sims. Game director Hyungjun Kim discusses the game's character creator, narrative, and gameplay mechanics, including AI-controlled NPCs. The issue also includes a review of Civilization 7, a retrospective on the series since its 1991 debut, and a preview of Doom: The Dark Ages, which focuses on ground-based combat in a medieval setting. Additionally, the reviews section covers various titles, and the tech team builds a high-performance gaming rig with the GeForce RTX 5090. The issue highlights new gaming experiences from Japan and is available in print and digital formats.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Still using Windows 95? This app will no longer work for you

AIDA64 has released version 7.60, which no longer supports Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME. The update maintains compatibility with Windows 2000 and later versions. New features include support for AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards, new dark themes, support for Asus ROG Ryujin III Series LCDs, integration of Turing LCD support, enhanced compatibility with B840, B850, and B860 chipset motherboards, support for Corsair HX1200i 2023 PSU sensors, improvements in kernel driver security, better support for Intel Arrow Lake-H and Arrow Lake-U processors, and detailed GPU information for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5000 Series.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Still using Windows 95? This app will no longer work for you

FinalWire Ltd. has released AIDA64 v7.60, which introduces new features and improvements while discontinuing support for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME. The application remains compatible with Windows 2000 and later versions. New features include support for AMD Radeon 9070 and 9070 XT GPU cards, new dark themes, support for Asus ROG Ryujin III Series LCDs, integration with Turing LCDs, enhanced compatibility with B840, B850, and B860 chipset motherboards, support for Corsair HX1200i 2023 PSU sensors, improvements in kernel driver security, better support for Intel Arrow Lake-H and Arrow Lake-U processors, and detailed GPU information for AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT, as well as Nvidia GeForce RTX 5000 Series cards.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

“Roll back to Windows 10 immediately”: Microsoft issues stark warning to wily Windows 11 users

Microsoft has advised Windows 11 users on unsupported hardware to revert to Windows 10, especially as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. The recommendation is aimed at users who bypassed Windows 11's hardware requirements, particularly the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. Microsoft has begun blocking third-party tools that allow installation on ineligible devices, labeling such tools as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) or hacking tools. Devices not meeting Windows 11's requirements will not receive support or updates, including critical security patches. Users can continue using Windows 10 past its end-of-support date but will lack essential updates unless they pay for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Windows 11 hits a new market share milestone ahead of Windows 10’s end-of-life support

As of July 2025, Windows 10 will have been in service for a decade, with its end-of-life status set for October 2025. Microsoft typically provides five years of broader support followed by five years of security updates for its operating systems. Windows 10 has a user base reluctant to upgrade, partly due to concerns over telemetry and new hardware requirements for Windows 11, which some older motherboards do not meet. Recent data shows Windows 11's market share at 36.65%, while Windows 10's share has declined to 60.33%. Windows 7 holds about 2.4% of the market. Many enterprises prefer paying for extended security support instead of upgrading. The UK National Health Service upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 10 in 2018. Microsoft and OEM partners expect the end-of-life status for Windows 10 to drive upgrades in 2025, although trade tensions could complicate this. Valve's Steam Hardware Survey indicates Windows 11 has seen a slight decline in market share, while it still dominates the gaming market with approximately 54%. Overall, Windows holds a 96% share on Steam, with Linux at around 2% and macOS at 1.4%.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.