motherboards Archives

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.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Microsoft does not want you running Windows 11 on an unsupported PC — here’s how it will pressure users

Microsoft is pushing users to transition to Windows 11, particularly those with unsupported hardware, as PCs lacking a TPM 2.0 chip will not be eligible for the operating system. A watermark will be introduced on PCs that do not meet the minimum system requirements, along with a notification in the Settings app informing users of their non-compliance. The message warns that installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs is not recommended, may lead to compatibility issues, and will result in the loss of support and updates. Windows 10 support ends in October next year, increasing the urgency to upgrade. The hardware requirements, especially the need for a TPM 2.0 chip, have left many older PCs ineligible. While users can purchase a TPM 2.0 module for compatible motherboards, this option is unavailable for laptops. Unsupported PCs may face security risks due to a lack of updates, prompting antivirus companies to find ways to protect these systems. Microsoft's strict hardware criteria may alienate users, as many capable PCs are deemed obsolete.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft doesn’t care if your unsupported PC can run Windows 11 – it wants you to stop using it right now

Microsoft is set to introduce a watermark and persistent pop-up notifications for users running Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, specifically those lacking the required Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. This measure aims to encourage users to upgrade to compliant hardware. Users who install Windows 11 on non-compliant machines will face visual reminders of their unsupported status and may miss critical updates, increasing security risks. While workarounds exist, Microsoft is discouraging their use and prefers users either revert to Windows 10 or purchase new machines. The situation highlights dissatisfaction among users who can run Windows 11 effectively but are hindered by strict hardware requirements.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards. 5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields. 6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items. 9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing. 10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Microsoft reportedly sabotaged Windows 95 and 98’s Control Panel, or it looks that way – is this a worrying revelation?

A recent investigation revealed an intentional eight-second delay in the 'Add New Hardware' wizard of older Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 95 and 98. This delay was likely introduced due to hardware limitations of the time to address compatibility issues. Users are currently facing various glitches with the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, including BSOD crashes on Intel motherboards and disappearing File Explorer menus. The legacy Control Panel is gradually being phased out as Microsoft transitions to the Settings app, raising concerns about potential hidden issues in the current operating system. Microsoft has been contacted for clarification regarding the historical delay.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft slams the brakes on its new Windows 11 update after it caused some PCs to crash and broke webcams

Microsoft has paused the deployment of the Windows 11 update 24H2 for specific hardware configurations due to technical challenges. PCs with Intel Z890 motherboards are significantly affected, experiencing issues such as reboot cycles and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Similar problems have been reported with motherboards from MSI and Gigabyte. Users have found a temporary workaround by disabling integrated graphics in BIOS settings. ASUS laptop models X415KA and X515KA also face BSOD errors post-update, and users of the Voicemeeter application report crashes. Devices with integrated cameras have malfunctioned, affecting features like object and face detection. Microsoft advises against manually installing the update on blocked devices. For successful installations, the update includes enhancements like a new Copilot AI assistant, support for 7z and TAR compression in File Explorer, improved security features, and system-wide support for Wi-Fi 7.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft halts Windows 11 24H2 update citing compatibility issues

Microsoft has postponed the rollout of its Windows 11 24H2 update due to incompatibility issues. Users are advised not to force the update as it may lead to bugs, crashes, performance degradation, freezes, and blue screens of death (BSOD). Safeguard holds have been implemented to prevent affected devices from receiving the update. Known issues include: - Asus X415KA and X515KA laptops experiencing blue screens, with updates paused until Asus releases a fix. - Voicemeeter audio management application causing blue screens; users can remove it or wait for an update. - Older versions of the Safe Exam browser are affected but can be fixed with a straightforward update. - Easy Anti-Cheat may cause blue screens for users with Intel Alder Lake processors and outdated drivers; updating is recommended. - Fingerprint sensors on certain devices may become unresponsive after being locked, with a firmware update expected to resolve the issue. - Wallpaper customization apps may lead to missing wallpapers and crashes; users should update these apps. - Intel Smart Sound Technology driver issues can cause blue screens, but only older versions are affected; updating is advised. - Asphalt 8 (Airborne) may freeze with the update; users can uninstall it to proceed or wait for a fix. - New Z890 motherboards are experiencing conflicts with the update, causing crashes and reboots due to issues between dedicated and integrated GPUs; users may need to disable integrated graphics in BIOS as a workaround. The situation raises questions about accountability and affects the reputation of Windows 11, with hopes for improvements by 2025.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Microsoft’s word-soup has made Windows 11 updates noticeably quicker via the ‘parallel processing of component manifests’ complementing ‘the parallel hydration of newly serviced components using reverse and forward differentials’

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has significantly improved update installation speed, with internal tests showing a 44 to 46% increase compared to the previous 22H2 version. Restart times during updates are also 34 to 40% quicker, depending on hardware. The enhancements are attributed to technical innovations such as parallel processing of component manifests and caching information about update packages, which utilize CPU capabilities more effectively. Additionally, some update packages have been reduced in size by up to 200 MB.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 update disaster — it’s now crashing Intel motherboards

The Windows 11 version 24H2 update has caused significant issues for users, particularly those with Intel motherboards, leading to unexpected crashes. Reports indicate that Intel Z890 motherboards are primarily affected due to conflicts between dedicated and integrated GPUs. Additionally, complications have arisen with Western Digital SSDs. Users are automatically receiving these updates during system restarts or shutdowns, leaving them with limited options. Despite the widespread problems, there is no evidence of permanent hardware damage.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Asus Z890 motherboards update the BIOS without unzipping the file — EZ Flash 4 comes with support for ZIP files

Asus has introduced a streamlined BIOS update process with its EZ Flash 4 utility, eliminating the need to unpack compressed update files. This feature is available on Asus Z890 motherboards and is designed for users of all technical levels. The BIOS interface has been revamped to operate at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, the Z890 motherboards include a PCIe Slot Q-Release button, allowing users to easily remove GPUs or other PCIe add-in cards without reaching deep into the motherboard.