partitions Archives

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Microsoft fixes bug causing incorrect 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has resolved a known issue causing 0x80070643 installation failure errors during the deployment of the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates. This issue affected the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022 and the KB5057589 update for Windows 10, versions 22H2 and 21H2. The error message was misleading, as it did not reflect the actual status of the update or the device's performance. The error typically occurred when a device attempted to install the WinRE update while another update was pending a reboot. Microsoft confirmed that users will no longer see the incorrect error message after installing the affected updates. Additionally, in August of the previous year, Microsoft retired the January 2024 Windows security updates that also triggered 0x80070643 errors during WinRE updates. During that time, fraudulent IT support websites promoted malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors, leading to malware infections among users.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

I tried installing Windows on an ReFS drive, and I actually don’t hate it

Microsoft has been developing a new file system called ReFS (Resilient File System) to eventually replace NTFS. Users can boot Windows 11 from an ReFS drive, but the setup process is complex and requires formatting the drive using the Command Prompt. After installation, Windows 11 operates normally on ReFS, offering advantages in data resiliency and durability, especially for virtual hard disks and Storage Spaces. However, performance tests show that ReFS is slower than NTFS across various metrics, indicating it may not provide speed enhancements for general use. ReFS is seen as a promising alternative to NTFS, with potential future improvements in performance, particularly for specialized workloads.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

How to keep using Windows 10 in a virtual machine after support ends

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can run Windows 10 in a virtual machine (VM) to continue using it safely. The tool Disk2Vhd can convert a physical Windows 10 installation into a virtual hard drive (VHD or VHDX) for use in virtualization software like VirtualBox or Hyper-V. To use Disk2Vhd, download and extract it, launch the appropriate executable, select partitions for conversion, and choose between VHD and VHDX formats based on the virtualization software. After conversion, transfer the VHD file to the target computer and set up a new VM, integrating the backup file instead of creating a new virtual hard drive. Users can also reinstall Windows 10 in a VM using an installation medium and the Media Creation Tool to download the ISO file. When creating a VM, allocate at least 4GB of virtual memory and install necessary programs and guest extensions afterward. Creating a backup point after installation is recommended for stability.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows users to ignore 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has acknowledged that some users may experience installation failures with error code 0x80070643 when deploying the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates, specifically affecting the KB5057589 update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, and the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022. The company stated that this error is misleading and does not affect device functionality, as the WinRE update is typically applied successfully after a device restart. Users may see a failure indication in Windows Update, but this will be resolved after the next daily scan and restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue, which follows a similar situation from August 2024. Additionally, fraudulent IT support websites have been identified promoting malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

4 reasons you should embrace virtual machines instead of jumping straight to dual-booting

Operating multiple systems on a single machine, particularly Windows and Linux, can be achieved through dual-booting or using a virtual machine (VM). Dual-booting can lead to complications, such as Windows obstructing access to Linux and overwriting Linux's boot manager. In contrast, VMs allow users to run multiple operating systems concurrently without rebooting, making them more flexible and user-friendly. VMs facilitate the management of separate environments for different tasks and can be easily deleted and recreated if needed. They also provide enhanced security by operating in a sandboxed environment, reducing the risk of damage to the primary system. VMs are portable, encapsulated in a single file for easy transfer between computers, and support snapshots for quick rollbacks.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

5 reasons I stopped dual-booting Windows and Linux on my PC

The author currently uses Windows 11 on most devices due to the lack of Linux alternatives for certain creative applications. They previously engaged in dual-booting Linux and Windows but have shifted away from this practice due to time and data management concerns. Storage issues were a significant challenge, particularly with drive partitioning on laptops. The author finds virtual machines (VMs) and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to be more accessible and practical solutions for their needs. They also mention that Windows 11's Secure Boot complicates dual-boot setups and that Windows updates often overwrite the GRUB bootloader, risking data integrity. Additionally, using BitLocker with GRUB can lead to complications. Ultimately, the author prefers a single operating system per device for a simpler and more efficient experience.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft’s ReFS file system resurfaces in latest Windows 11 build

Microsoft's Resilient File System (ReFS) was introduced in 2012 with Windows Server 2012 and has been relatively obscure compared to NTFS. It has recently emerged as an optional feature in a preview build of Windows 11 (Build 27823), allowing users to format partitions with a "Flexible Storage" option, offering a choice between NTFS and ReFS. ReFS is designed for larger storage capacities, can format partitions up to 35 petabytes, and supports single files as large as the entire volume. It includes advanced features like block cloning and file-level snapshots but lacks support for certain NTFS functionalities such as bootable volumes and file compression. Currently, ReFS is primarily aimed at enterprise and server environments, but its inclusion in Windows 11 may indicate plans for broader consumer access. The open-source community is developing unofficial documentation for ReFS, and Paragon Software has created a closed-source ReFS driver.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

5 reasons why GParted is better than any Windows alternative for partition management

GParted is a free and open-source partition management tool available on Linux, allowing users to boot directly from a flash drive without installation. It supports over a dozen file systems, including HFS, HFS+, BTRFS, and F2FS, providing versatility beyond Windows' Disk Management, which is limited to NTFS, exFAT, and FAT32. GParted enables users to manage partition flags easily, a feature not available in Windows. While it does not offer direct partition recovery options, users can use the Terminal in GParted Live to execute disk tests for locating lost partitions. GParted can run from a live USB across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it a flexible choice for partition management. It allows users to shrink partitions, create new ones, and recover lost partitions and files, although it is recommended for users comfortable with partition management.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

4 reasons to use multiple partitions on a Windows PC

Windows users can enhance their PCs by partitioning their drives, which allows for multiple operating systems and improves data management and security. Creating a dedicated data partition protects personal files during Windows reinstallation, while a smaller Windows partition simplifies recovery after crashes. Partitioning enables users to run different versions of Windows or Linux in a dual-boot setup. For sensitive information, creating an encrypted partition with tools like BitLocker ensures data security. The practice of partitioning remains relevant, offering benefits such as better organization and security, though it may also present challenges like vulnerability to malware and inefficient space use.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

How to transfer your Windows 11 setup to a new hard drive — no extra app required

Users of Windows 11 may need to upgrade their hard drive due to space constraints or the drive nearing the end of its lifespan, typically within three to five years. They can create a system image backup using the Backup and Restore feature in Windows 11. To create a system image, users must access the Control Panel, navigate to System and Security, and select "Create a system image." The backup can be saved on a hard disk, and users can choose to include additional drives. To create a USB bootable media for recovery, users should visit the Windows 11 download page, download the Media Creation Tool, and follow the prompts to create a USB flash drive. Replacing the hard drive involves powering down the computer, removing the cover, disconnecting cables, and installing the new drive. After installation, users can restore the previous Windows 11 installation from the system image backup by booting from the USB drive and selecting "System Image Recovery." If the new drive has unallocated space, users can create a new partition or expand the existing setup partition. To create a data partition, users can access Settings, navigate to Storage, and create a new volume from unallocated space. To expand the setup partition, users must delete the recovery partition, extend the installation drive, and recreate the recovery partition using Command Prompt and Disk Management. Finally, users should re-enable BitLocker after completing these processes.