printing Archives

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Microsoft silently fixes Start menu bug affecting Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft has resolved a problem that disrupted the functionality of Start Menu jump lists on Windows 10, version 22H2. The issue originated from a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) initiated in March 2025, which aimed to enhance account control but led to complications. Microsoft paused the rollout in late April 2025 after receiving user feedback about the inability to view jump lists for apps. The problematic rollout was halted on April 25, 2025, preventing new devices from encountering the glitch. The issue mainly affected users of Windows 10 Home and Pro editions. Affected users are advised to ensure their devices are connected to the internet and to restart their systems to apply the fix.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

This cartridge lets you run a fake Windows 3.1 on your Game Boy, complete with Minesweeper

The GBS Windows cartridge, created by Rubenretro using GB Studio, allows users to experience a faux version of Windows 3.1 on the Game Boy. It includes applications like Minesweeper, a media player, and Paint, enabling creative expression with features such as printing via a Game Boy printer. The cartridges have sold out due to high demand, but customers can sign up on Etsy for restock notifications.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Here’s why Snapseed is still my favorite app for editing photos

Megan Ellis from Android Authority highlights Snapseed as a standout free image editing application on Android, known for its simplicity and powerful tools. Despite infrequent updates, the app offers an intuitive interface, various preset filters, and selective editing options without overwhelming users. Snapseed is completely ad-free and does not require subscription fees, prioritizing user privacy by collecting minimal data. Ellis continues to rely on Snapseed for enhancing images and preparing photos for printing, appreciating its straightforward functionality compared to other apps that often have aggressive monetization strategies.

Winsage

April 16, 2025

TOS 6 in public preview for ARM shows we’re going to see many more NAS

Tailscale simplifies remote access to self-hosted services for home lab enthusiasts by eliminating the complexities of port forwarding and CGNAT issues. Nintendo's Switch 2 pricing strategy has faced backlash, while Sony has raised PlayStation 5 prices in Europe for both digital and disc editions. Microsoft removed the seconds display from the Windows 10 taskbar clock, prompting user dissatisfaction as part of a strategy to encourage upgrades to Windows 11. Windows 11 is set to receive a redesigned Start menu with features based on user feedback, although the implementation delay raises concerns. Google's phone app has improved spam filtering, particularly noted in regions like Portugal, despite occasional notification delays. Nvidia's upcoming RTX 5060 series shows promising thermal performance, but pricing details are still unclear. Beginners in 3D printing can benefit from using tree supports for intricate models to enhance the printing process. Discussions around effective backup strategies are crucial for data security, especially highlighted by World Backup Day. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) introduced at CES 2025 may change A/V connectivity standards, particularly in China, while its adoption in Western markets is uncertain. The PocketCloud NAS features a docking station with an M.2 SSD slot, allowing for versatile data storage solutions.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows 11 roadmap? Great for next week but not next year

Microsoft has released a roadmap for Windows 11 that outlines enhancements and features through April 2025, aiming to improve transparency in its development processes. The roadmap highlights the need for clarity on upcoming releases to help IT professionals manage changes, though the timeline for new features raises concerns due to their proximity to release dates. The Improved Voice Access feature is scheduled for a non-security update in April 2025. The Copilot+ PC platform, which will host these features, has not gained significant market traction, potentially leaving administrators unprepared for implementation. Several features, such as Click to Do and Recall, have remained in preview since November 2024 without clear timelines for general availability. The roadmap appears to focus more on consumer-oriented features, with IT professionals seeking clarity on enterprise-critical functionalities and issues like disruptions to printing capabilities. Microsoft has indicated that the roadmap's initial focus is on client devices, with future announcements anticipated, including a potential "Windows Server 2025 surprise installation" and the removal of the Windows 10 upgrade block around October 2025.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft fixes «printer uprising» in Windows 11 and remote desktop

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting the Remote Desktop Platform (RDP) in Windows 11 24H2, which began surfacing in February 2025. An emergency server update is being implemented to resolve these complications, with users expected to see improvements within 24 to 48 hours. The RDP issues arose after the optional January Update, leading to frozen login screens and blank interfaces for some users. Microsoft recognized the problem on February 25, initially claiming it was addressed in the February update (KB5052093), but subsequent updates worsened the crashes. A Known Issue Rollback (KIR) is being deployed in stages, and users are encouraged to reboot their devices. Additionally, update KB5053657 has been released to fix a printer issue affecting USB printers that emerged after the January 11 update. A similar fix for Windows 11 24H2 is anticipated on March 27, 2025, with both resolutions included in April's "Patch Tuesday" updates.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Optional Windows 11 update fixes USB printers spitting out nonsense

Microsoft released the KB5053657 update on Tuesday to address an issue in Windows 11 where certain USB printers were printing random text. This update is applicable only to Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 versions, while users of Windows 11 24H2 do not have an equivalent update yet. The USB printer issue originated from a problematic update released in January 2025, which affected multiple patches. Microsoft clarified that the update fixes issues with USB connected dual-mode printers that might output incorrect text. Additionally, complications from the January update for Windows 11 24H2 have caused Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) disconnections. Microsoft is implementing a Known Issue Rollback to revert the problematic changes, with a permanent solution expected in a future update for Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update exorcises possessed printers that spewed out pages of random characters

Microsoft released an optional March update for Windows 11 on March 25, 2025 (KB5053657), which fixes a printer bug that caused USB-connected printers to produce pages with random characters. Users are encouraged to install this update as it resolves the printer issue and includes other improvements. The bug first appeared in a preview update at the end of January 2025, and while it was not considered severe, it resulted in wasteful printing. A cumulative update for Windows 11 23H2, which will also include the fix, is scheduled for release on April 7, 2025.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Recent Windows Server 2025 updates cause Remote Desktop freezes

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Remote Desktop functionality on Windows Server 2025 systems, which arose after the installation of security updates released since February 2025. Users may experience freezes in Remote Desktop sessions shortly after connecting, with unresponsive mouse and keyboard inputs requiring a disconnect and reconnect to regain functionality. This issue also affects Windows 11 24H2 systems, but Microsoft addressed it for Windows 11 users with an optional update (KB5052093) released on February 25. A fix for Windows Server 2025 devices is planned for an upcoming update. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to reverse problematic non-security updates related to Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) connection issues from Windows 11 24H2 updates since January 2025. Users may experience Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) disconnections lasting up to 65 seconds when connecting from Windows 11 24H2 devices to RDS hosts on Windows Server 2016 systems. A permanent fix for RDP disconnection issues is planned for next month's cumulative updates. Microsoft is also investigating connection errors on Windows 11 24H2 systems related to restoring data from SMB network shares or Backup & Replication servers.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27823 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27823 has been released to the Canary Channel. There are no plans to release SDKs for the 27xxx series builds. The update includes general enhancements and fixes, a new feature called "top cards" under Settings > System > About that displays essential PC specifications (processor, RAM, storage, GPU), and various bug fixes across File Explorer, Input, Login and Lock, Settings, Printing, and other areas. Known issues include a potential loss of Windows Hello PIN for users transitioning from other channels and a visual issue with the update toggle in Settings. A fix is being worked on for taskbar icon sizing in tablet mode. Insiders are reminded that Canary Channel builds may change and are not aligned with specific Windows releases.