non-security updates Archives

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Microsoft: Recent Windows updates make USB printers print random text

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting certain USB printers after the installation of Windows updates since late January 2025, impacting users on Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2). The latest Windows 11 version 24H2 is unaffected. Users may experience unexpected behavior with dual-mode printers using USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols, leading to random text and data being printed, including network commands. This issue arises from the interaction between the print spooler and the printer driver. Microsoft has implemented a solution through its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) feature, which will be automatically rolled out in an upcoming update. IT administrators are advised to install specific group policies to address the issue. Additionally, Microsoft lifted a compatibility hold for some AutoCAD users upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to previous launch and crash issues.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft March 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 7 zero-days, 57 flaws

Microsoft released security updates on March 2025 Patch Tuesday, addressing 57 vulnerabilities, including six classified as critical related to remote code execution. The vulnerabilities are categorized as follows: 23 Elevation of Privilege, 3 Security Feature Bypass, 23 Remote Code Execution, 4 Information Disclosure, 1 Denial of Service, and 3 Spoofing. The updates specifically address six actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities and one publicly disclosed zero-day vulnerability. The zero-day vulnerabilities include: 1. CVE-2025-24983 - Elevation of Privilege in Windows Win32 Kernel Subsystem. 2. CVE-2025-24984 - Information Disclosure in Windows NTFS. 3. CVE-2025-24985 - Remote Code Execution in Windows Fast FAT File System Driver. 4. CVE-2025-24991 - Information Disclosure in Windows NTFS. 5. CVE-2025-24993 - Remote Code Execution in Windows NTFS. 6. CVE-2025-26633 - Security Feature Bypass in Microsoft Management Console. The publicly disclosed zero-day is: - CVE-2025-26630 - Remote Code Execution in Microsoft Access. A comprehensive list of resolved vulnerabilities includes various CVE IDs and their respective titles and severities, with several vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft Office products, Windows components, and Azure services.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

No more Windows 11 preview builds this year

Microsoft is pausing the Windows 11 Insider program for the holiday season, with no new Insider updates or scheduled Windows updates until January 2025. The last build for 2024, Windows 11 26100.2705, was released earlier this week. There will also be no scheduled updates for Windows 10 or 11 during this period, as the planned December 2024 non-security updates have been skipped. The next preview builds and optional non-security updates are expected in January 2025.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Microsoft fixes the bug breaking app updates on Windows 10

Microsoft informed Windows 10 users about an issue affecting the update process for packaged applications from the Microsoft Store, resulting in a "Something happened on our end" error. This issue has been resolved with the installation of Windows update KB5046714, released on November 21, 2024. The problem was caused by a version of WinAppSDK (1.6.2) released on November 12, 2024, which was later withdrawn. Additionally, Windows 11 users received updates KB5046740 and KB5046732, introducing features such as a shortened date and time display on the taskbar, new "Share" buttons for jump list items, and improvements to File Explorer functionality.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 KB5046740 is out with a ton of new features for jump lists, taskbar, more

Microsoft has released C-updates for Windows 10 and 11, including the KB5046740 update for Windows 11, which introduces new features and improvements. Key updates include: - The "Tailored Experiences" feature is now called "Personalized offers." - The system tray now shows a shortened date and time, with options to manage notifications. - Right-clicking pinned apps in the Start menu reveals jump lists. - A new section for touchscreen edge gestures has been added. - The IME toolbar hides during full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Users can share content directly to an Android device via File Explorer. - New placeholder messages and controls have been added to the Dynamic Lighting Settings page. - Jump lists can now be opened with administrative privileges by holding Shift and CTRL. - Improvements have been made to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - Various fixes have been implemented for display issues, mouse pointer location, clipboard history, Task Manager, and other system functionalities. A known issue affects Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.2454, preventing Roblox from being played on ARM devices, with a workaround available by downloading the game from the official website. The update can be accessed through Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Rebootless updates come to Windows 11 Enterprise and 365 for security updates — Microsoft releases hotpatching for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 and Windows 365 Preview Editions

Microsoft has begun rolling out a hot patch update for security enhancements in Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 and Microsoft 365 Preview Builds. This update allows users to download and install security patches via Windows Updates without needing to reboot their devices. Hotpatch updates provide a complete set of OS security patches but do not include additional features. They enable immediate activation of patches upon installation, improving security protection speed. However, hotpatching is limited to security patches, and Cumulative Updates will still require a system restart. Hotpatching does not apply to non-security updates for Windows Server 2022 and 2025. Windows 11 Enterprise editions are part of the Windows Enterprise subscription, which requires a Windows 11 Pro license for full feature access. There is speculation about hotpatching for Windows Home and Pro editions, but it is particularly beneficial for complex deployments in business environments.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046696 rolls out hotpatch (no reboot) updates for 24H2

Windows 11 has released update KB5046696, exclusive to the Enterprise edition of Windows 11 24H2, which introduces a new "hotpatch" approach that allows updates to be applied without requiring a system reboot. This feature, previously used in Windows Server, is currently limited to the Enterprise LTSC edition, with no plans to extend it to Pro or Home editions. The update enhances OS functionality through security improvements, though specific changes have not been disclosed. The hotpatching process modifies in-memory code of active processes, enabling updates to occur without disrupting running applications, but requires a baseline cumulative monthly update that still necessitates a reboot. Future minor updates will utilize hotpatching, while non-security updates will still require traditional updates and reboots. There is no timeline for when hotpatching will be available for consumer editions.

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Microsoft Weekly: one dead Insider Channel, a big drop of Windows updates, and more

November 2024's Patch Tuesday updates have been released for Windows 11 and Windows 10, including KB5046617 and KB5046633 for Windows 11, and KB5046613, KB5046615, KB5046612, and KB5046665 for Windows 10. These updates address security vulnerabilities and resolve app crashes on Windows 10 and Task Manager issues on Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced new group policies to prevent auto-upgrades for Windows Server 2022 and 2019. Both Windows 10 and 11 will see a reduction in updates starting December 2024. Official Windows 11 ISO files for ARM devices have been released. The Microsoft Store will remove instant games from the Arcade tab on November 14, 2024, but will introduce Android games through a partnership with Tencent. A new "Edit with Paint" context menu option has been added for Windows Insiders. Windows 10's Beta Channel has been discontinued, transitioning users to the Release Preview Channel. Microsoft has reintroduced the MSN brand with a new logo. Microsoft Edge has been updated to version 131, and notable driver updates include Intel's 32.0.101.6297 and Nvidia's 566.14 WHQL. Upcoming game releases include Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on December 9 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl on November 20. Blizzard announced remasters of Warcraft I and II. Age of Empires II's fifth anniversary has led to unlocked DLC packs for existing owners and Game Pass subscribers. The Game Pass library has added three Spyro games. Discounts on Xbox Series X|S consoles and controllers are available for the holiday season, along with a software update for Xbox consoles introducing new features. The Epic Games Store is offering free games, including Castlevania Anniversary Collection and Snakebird Complete.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Windows 11 and 10 are getting fewer updates next month

Today marks the release of the November 2024 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft will introduce non-security updates throughout the month, which will include quality fixes and new features. However, in December 2024, Microsoft will scale back its update efforts due to the holiday season, resulting in fewer updates for Windows 10 and 11. The traditional Patch Tuesday updates will still occur on December 10, 2024, but the non-security updates for that month have been canceled. This information was shared via the official Windows Update account on X. Normal monthly servicing for non-security and security updates will resume in January 2025. Non-security updates are optional and typically provide monthly fixes and enhancements, though they can sometimes introduce bugs. Last month’s updates caused issues with Task Manager on Windows 11 version 24H2 and disrupted certain applications on Windows 10. Users should be cautious when considering these updates to avoid potential glitches.