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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

Windows Server 2025 is now available – but Microsoft warns admins to watch out for three major bugs, including one that causes the dreaded blue screen of death

Microsoft has released Windows Server 2025, succeeding Windows Server 2022, along with System Center 2025. This version supports seamless application deployment across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. Key security enhancements include improved Active Directory cryptographic support and defenses against various attacks on server message block (SMB). New features for cloud services include hotpatching, which requires an additional subscription fee, and integration with Azure Arc for better onboarding and network management. Windows Server 2025 is optimized for AI and machine learning workloads, offering up to 60% more storage IOPs performance than its predecessor. Certain features, such as WordPad and the Windows PowerShell 2.0 engine, have been discontinued. Microsoft has acknowledged three bugs related to installation: English text display issues, problems with high-core-count devices, and a "boot device inaccessible" error in iSCSI environments. Windows Server 2025 is available now, with extended support until 2034 and mainstream support until 2029. Users can upgrade from Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2022 will be supported until October 2026. The operating system is compatible with most 64-bit processors, and a list of certified processors is provided.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Proton VPN now supports Windows on Arm natively

Proton VPN has announced native support for Windows on Arm devices, aligning with other applications like Vegas Pro and ExpressVPN. The service will mirror the features of its x64 version, including a kill switch, Secure Core, port forwarding, and modern NAT. The recent improvements in the Prism emulator with Windows 11 version 24H2 have enhanced emulation speed, prompting Proton VPN to adapt to this architecture. The company anticipates an increase in Windows on Arm devices and believes that the availability of popular applications will broaden its user base. Proton VPN is a VPN solution focused on user privacy and security, offering various plan options.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) fixes multi-monitor desktop background and more

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) in the Dev Channel. Key changes include the temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard feature, improvements to the Start menu, and enhancements for users typing in Chinese or Japanese, such as hiding the IME toolbar in full-screen mode. Fixes include enhanced reliability and corrected spacing in the Start menu, adjustments in File Explorer for navigation pane padding and RAW image display, taskbar improvements including a search box for auto-hide settings, and general fixes for all users addressing game launch issues and Task Manager display problems. Known issues include a problem with desktop backgrounds not displaying correctly across multiple monitors. Windows Insiders receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually and subject to change based on feedback.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

How AI will shape the games industry: Exclusive insights from the AI Gamechangers newsletter

OpenAI recently achieved record investments in AI, with ongoing funding announcements for AI in gaming. The Pocket Gamer Connects and Big Screen Gaming conferences featured over 10 hours of AI-related content, indicating strong industry interest. The AI Gamechangers newsletter was launched to inform readers about AI's impact on gaming, covering various platforms and aspects of game development. It offers weekly interviews with industry innovators and curated news on AI in gaming. Notable contributors to the newsletter include professionals from Charisma.ai, Quicksave, Kinetix, and others, discussing topics like interactive narratives, AI in game studios, and legal implications for intellectual property. The consensus among industry leaders is that AI will significantly impact gaming, but its implementation should enhance human creativity. Additionally, AI technologies may transform legal processes in mergers and acquisitions by streamlining document analysis. An upcoming AI-powered cozy game, AuraVale, is also mentioned, along with future interview topics related to AI in game development.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Exploring eBPF for Windows: Opportunities and Limitations

The extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) allows for the execution of custom code in kernel space, enhancing application performance management and security. Windows has introduced support for eBPF, but it has limitations. Microsoft began a project in 2021 to enable eBPF capabilities on Windows, allowing the use of existing Linux eBPF tools and libraries. To install eBPF on Windows, a kernel debugger or test-signing mode is required, which is impractical for production systems. eBPF for Windows is still in development, suitable for experimentation, but not yet ready for real-world deployment. There is no clear timeline for a production-ready version, and development activity has slowed.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 now generally available, with advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility – Microsoft Windows Server Blog

Windows Server 2025 is now generally available, featuring enhanced security capabilities such as improvements to Active Directory, SMB hardening with SMB over QUIC, and Delegate Managed Service Accounts for automated password management. It also introduces hybrid cloud capabilities like hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc, easy Azure Arc onboarding, and unified network policy management. The platform supports demanding workloads with built-in GPU partitioning, NVMe storage performance improvements, and significant enhancements in Hyper-V performance and scalability. System Center 2025 has been released alongside Windows Server 2025, offering improved management capabilities. Microsoft Ignite 2024 will showcase these features, and existing Windows Server customers can access Azure management tools at no extra cost.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Valorant is winning the war against PC gaming cheaters

In 2020, multiplayer games experienced a surge in cheating during COVID-19 lockdowns, with titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Destiny 2 struggling against aimbots and wallhacks. Riot Games launched Valorant with its anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which has effectively deterred cheat developers. Vanguard employs a kernel-level driver that detects unauthorized access attempts and has led to a decrease in traditional software cheats, although some cheaters have shifted to hardware solutions like direct memory access (DMA) techniques. Vanguard has also been successful in detecting and blocking suspicious hardware-level DMA attempts. Currently, triggerbots account for about 80 percent of cheats in Valorant. Vanguard was introduced to League of Legends, resulting in over 175,000 account bans. A study from the University of Birmingham indicated that Valorant has the top anti-cheat system, while other games like Call of Duty: Warzone continue to struggle. Riot is exploring collaborations with Microsoft to enhance security and may adjust Vanguard's activation based on Windows 11 features. There are no plans for Linux support due to risks of kernel manipulation. The potential rise of AI-powered cheats presents a new challenge, as AI could replicate human gameplay, complicating anti-cheat efforts.

Tech Optimizer

November 3, 2024

The best antivirus software for Mac

All products featured are independently selected, and Mashable may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on their site. Macs are not immune to viruses; they are more secure than Windows but still vulnerable to attacks. Investing in antivirus software is recommended for Mac users. The rate of malware targeting Macs has surpassed that of PCs. Malware includes various harmful software types, while a virus is a specific type of malware that replicates itself. Infections can occur from emails, social media links, and downloads. Ransomware locks users out of systems until a ransom is paid. Password managers help generate and store unique passwords, enhancing security. The best antivirus software for Macs varies based on usage patterns, and research has been conducted to evaluate leading antivirus solutions for effectiveness and additional security features.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 issue causes File Explorer menu to appear outside the screen

In the Windows 11 24H2 update, users have reported that the three-dot menu in File Explorer becomes unreadable in full-screen mode, appearing at the top of the screen instead of below the three dots. This misalignment makes it difficult to access menu options while in full-screen mode. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and plans to address it in future updates, with a significant optional update scheduled for the last week of November and a Patch Tuesday update on November 12. These updates will also include fixes for other critical issues. Regular updates for Windows 11 24H2 will resume in January after a pause in December.