network connection Archives

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Microsoft’s new option to switch from Windows 10 to a new Windows 11 device could be ideal for people who hate OneDrive

Microsoft is developing a PC-to-PC migration feature for Windows 11 to assist users transitioning from Windows 10, contingent on hardware compatibility. This feature is partially integrated but non-functional until further updates. To migrate, both PCs must be on the same network and logged in with a Microsoft account. Users can transfer selected files and settings, excluding temporary/system files, applications, and saved passwords. A timer will display the estimated migration duration, and if the network drops, Windows will attempt to resume the transfer automatically. The migration feature is an alternative to using OneDrive for backups, but still requires a Microsoft account. Users configuring a backup via the Windows Backup app receive an additional year of Windows 10 support. The migration does not transfer applications directly, similar to the Backup app, which provides download links instead. Drives encrypted with BitLocker must be decrypted before migration, and Arm CPU devices are currently unsupported. The full functionality of this feature is expected to roll out soon in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

10 useful Windows built-in tools you’ve never used

- Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM for errors that may cause system crashes or freezes. It can be launched by typing "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start Menu or using the Run Command with mdsched.exe. - Resource Monitor provides detailed insights into CPU, RAM, disk activity, and network bandwidth, helping identify resource-consuming applications. It can be accessed through Task Manager or the Windows search box. - Reliability Monitor displays a timeline of system stability, including software installations, updates, crashes, and hardware errors, aiding in troubleshooting. It can be found by searching in the Start bar or through Control Panel > Security and Maintenance. - DirectX Diagnostic Tool offers information about GPU, audio drivers, and DirectX version, useful for diagnosing gaming-related issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing dxdiag. - Credential Manager securely manages Windows login credentials and network login information. It can be accessed by searching for "Credential Manager" in the Start bar or through Control Panel. - God Mode consolidates over 200 system settings into a single folder, accessible by creating a new folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. - Local Group Policy Editor allows advanced customization of Windows settings for Pro or Enterprise users. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc. - Computer Management Console provides access to various system tools like Device Manager and Disk Management. It can be opened by right-clicking the Start button or using Win + R with compmgmt.msc. - Powercfg Tool diagnoses battery issues and provides reports on battery usage and health. It can generate a report by running powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt. - System Configuration (msconfig) allows users to control Windows boot options and troubleshoot startup issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing msconfig.

Tech Optimizer

May 10, 2025

Databricks looks to buy database startup Neon for over $1B

Databricks is in advanced talks to acquire Neon, a startup that provides a commercial version of the open-source PostgreSQL database, with the deal valued at over billion. Neon, based in San Francisco, has raised more than million from investors, including Microsoft's M12 fund. Neon’s PostgreSQL version features a serverless architecture, automatic hardware scaling, separate allocation of storage and computing power, and connection pooling to enhance performance. Neon also offers a security tool for user access management and the ability to restore databases to previous states. Databricks' interest in Neon is likely linked to AI applications, as Neon’s database supports vector storage and can launch new database instances in one second. Databricks has previously acquired several startups to enhance its AI capabilities, including Fennel AI, Lilac AI, and MosaicML Inc.

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

This one app has made my life easier and my wife happier

The author has at least 35 different smart home devices, leading to a fragmented experience with multiple apps and services. They are considering using Home Assistant as a central hub for device control, which supports various protocols like Matter, Thread, Zigbee, HomeKit, and Nest. Home Assistant can be installed easily on devices like Raspberry Pi or Virtual Machines, requiring a constant network connection. Once set up, it consolidates controls into one interface, allowing for custom dashboards and automations. Recent developments, such as Google discontinuing support for older Nest Thermostats, have prompted users to seek alternatives like Home Assistant for a unified control experience. The introduction of customizable lock screen shortcuts in Android 14 allows users to replace the Google Home app with Home Assistant. Users are encouraged to start simple and gradually expand their system.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

A New Microsoft Tool Automatically Detects, Diagnoses, and Resolves Boot Issues in Windows

Microsoft has introduced a tool called "Quick Machine Recovery" to address boot failures in Windows devices. This feature automatically detects, diagnoses, and resolves critical system issues that prevent devices from starting correctly. It is currently available in the Windows Insider Preview Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Quick Machine Recovery aims to reduce downtime by automating the diagnostic and remediation processes, allowing IT administrators to deploy targeted fixes directly to affected devices through the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). Key capabilities include automated remediation based on real-time crash data, admin customization options, and a test mode for simulating recovery processes. The recovery process begins when a device enters Windows RE due to a boot failure, utilizing a network connection to communicate with Microsoft’s recovery services. Future updates are expected to enhance networking configuration support. The feature is enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users, while IT administrators for Pro and Enterprise devices can customize its deployment.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11

On Windows 11, an answer file named autounattend.xml can be created to streamline the installation process by bypassing setup steps. To create this file, users need to install the DISMTools application, which provides a wizard for generating the unattended file. The installation of DISMTools involves using Command Prompt to run the command: winget install CodingWondersSoftware.DISMTools.Preview. To create the unattended file, users launch DISMTools, navigate to the "Unattended answer file creator," and follow the wizard to configure settings such as system language, processor architecture, disk settings, product key, account settings, and network settings. The final step is saving the file as autounattend.xml. To integrate the answer file into Windows 11 installation media, users download the Media Creation Tool, select the USB flash drive option, and copy the autounattend.xml file to the USB drive. This prepares the USB for an unattended installation of Windows 11. The XML file may also appear as "unattend.xml" in other contexts.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches

In October, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which enhances Copilot AI, refines File Explorer, and improves performance and stability. The update is available for users of Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 through the Windows Update screen or Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. However, various bugs have been reported, leading Microsoft to temporarily pause the update for certain problematic PCs. Notable issues include: 1. AutoCAD 2022 may not open on some systems. 2. PCs with Citrix components may struggle with installation due to a glitch from the January Patch Tuesday update. 3. Compatibility issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat program can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly on Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Users report internet connectivity problems after the update, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 5. Network sharing issues prevent devices from appearing in the network list. 6. Printer setup issues affect users of Copilot+ PCs from various manufacturers. 7. Audio output problems occur on PCs with Dirac Audio technology. 8. Outlook may fail to launch if Google Workspace Sync is installed. 9. Integrated camera issues affect the Windows camera app and Windows Hello facial recognition. 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers may trigger blue screens on certain PCs. Microsoft has issued several patches to address these bugs since the update's launch, but some patches have introduced new issues.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks Veeam recovery, causes connection errors

Microsoft and Veeam are addressing connection errors affecting users of Windows 11 24H2 systems, particularly those restoring data with Veeam Recovery Media on builds 26100.3194 and higher. The errors occur when attempting to restore files from a Veeam Backup & Replication server or SMB network share, with messages indicating network connection failures and issues with the Local Security Authority. Veeam suggests using Recovery Media from older Windows 11 builds (26100.3037 or lower) as a temporary solution. Veeam clarified that they cannot provide pre-generated Recovery Media images due to proprietary components. Over 550,000 customers use Veeam products, including 82% of Fortune 500 companies. In February, Microsoft also addressed issues related to the KB5051987 update that affected Outlook functionalities on Windows 24H2 systems.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

Android’s Find My app now tracks people too – here’s how it works

The Google Find My app has introduced a new feature that allows users to track the location of individuals through its Find My network. The app has a revamped interface with two main categories: devices and people. Users can view real-time locations of individuals sharing their whereabouts, along with exact addresses and distances. Location sharing can be initiated for various durations and can be easily disabled. This feature is also available in Google Maps, but many find it easier to use in the Find My app. The Find My network, launched last year, enables tracking of devices even when they are not connected to the internet by utilizing a network of over a billion Android devices and Bluetooth technology.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

How To Install Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows users to install a Linux distribution and use Linux tools directly on Windows, enabling interoperability between the two systems. To install WSL on a Windows 11 machine, users need to open Powershell and execute the command PLACEHOLDERfb64849c167927be, which installs WSL along with the default distribution, Ubuntu. After installation, a reboot is required, and users must create a Linux username and password. Python is pre-installed for application development. Users can explore other Linux distributions by running PLACEHOLDER6c29b54d193dd23d and can install a different distribution using wsl --install -d . Accessing the installed distribution can be done through the Windows menu or Powershell. Joining the Windows Insider Program is necessary to access the latest WSL preview features.