problems Archives

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft extends Windows 10 support, but only for Microsoft 365 users

Microsoft's support deadline for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Users of Microsoft 365 Apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) will receive security updates until October 10, 2028, even after Windows 10's expiration. An active Microsoft 365 license is required for this extended support. If users experience issues on Windows 10, Microsoft may not provide resolutions if the problems do not occur on Windows 11, and users cannot log bugs related to Windows 10.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Slack down: Messaging app hit by major global outage

Slack is currently experiencing a major outage affecting users worldwide, with issues including error spikes that hinder the ability to open channels, send messages, and use integrated applications. The company has stated that backend database routing is contributing to these errors and is actively investigating the situation with its engineering team. While initially reported as a global outage affecting all users, it has been clarified that the impact is widespread but not universal. Users are facing challenges such as difficulties in starting the application, unsent messages, and problems with loading channels and threads. Slack has committed to providing updates every 30 minutes until the issues are resolved. As of the latest update, operations are reportedly returning to normal after significant disruptions.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3964 (KB5058496) has been released for the Beta Channel, specifically for Windows 11, version 24H2. Users on version 23H2 can choose to upgrade to version 24H2 with this build. The update introduces a new AI-powered agent in Settings for easier navigation and task automation, currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel PCs coming soon. Enhanced intelligent text actions have been added to Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to summarize, create bulleted lists, or rewrite text. A dedicated FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page. Several fixes have been implemented, including improvements to the Start menu, File Explorer, and voice access. Known issues include problems with PC reset display and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5600 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5581 (KB5058493) has been released to the Dev Channel. New features include enhanced intelligent text actions in Click to Do for AMD and Intel™-powered Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to Summarize, Create a bulleted list, or Rewrite text. These features are available when the default language is English and at least 10 words are selected. For users with French or Spanish as their primary language, only Summarize, Create a bulleted list, and Refine options are temporarily available. Improvements include the ability to safely remove devices compatible with Dynamic Lighting and the introduction of a FAQs section in Settings to help users find information about their PC. Fixes have been made to the Start menu, File Explorer, Voice Access, Taskbar, Windows Spotlight, and Live captions. Known issues include problems with the PC reset option and Xbox Controller connectivity. Entra ID support for AI features in Paint and Notepad has been rolled out for IT-managed PCs, allowing access to tools like Cocreator and Generative Fill in Paint, and summarization or rewriting in Notepad. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Fast Startup might actually be slowing your PC down

Fast Startup on Windows enhances boot times by placing the computer in a hibernation-like state, saving the system state to disk for quicker startups, but does not preserve open programs and processes. Disabling Fast Startup is advisable for users with modern SSDs unless they experience noticeable slowdowns. Fast Startup circumvents traditional shutdowns, which are necessary for proper power cycling of components, potentially leading to system issues over time. It can disrupt Windows updates, causing instability and missing features, making it wise to keep it disabled for regular updaters. For dual-boot systems with Windows and Linux, Fast Startup should be disabled to avoid boot issues and potential data corruption. It can also exacerbate wake-from-sleep problems, leading to slower wake times and peripheral malfunctions. Users with modern NVMe SSDs may find that Fast Startup offers minimal advantages and could even result in longer boot times.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Free Update Deadline For Windows Users

Microsoft has extended support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, providing an additional three years of security updates. This change comes after the company had previously announced that support would end on October 14, 2025. The extension aims to assist the 240 million Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, allowing them to transition without immediate pressure to purchase new hardware. Microsoft has stated that while they will provide troubleshooting assistance for issues with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for optimal performance and reliability.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

What to do if Steam games won’t launch

Steam, the most popular gaming platform on PC, sometimes experiences issues where games do not launch. To address this, users should check that their PC meets the game's minimum requirements, ensure the operating system and graphics drivers are updated, verify the integrity of game files through Steam, relocate games to the primary drive if necessary, and manage background applications that may cause conflicts. Additionally, installing specific Visual C++ redistributables from the game’s folder can resolve startup crashes. If problems persist, uninstalling and reinstalling Steam after cleaning the Windows registry may be necessary.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Windows 11, version 24H2 has officially rolled out, but some devices may face installation issues due to unresolved problems. This week features discounts on various apps, with users encouraged to check the Store for offers. BleachBit 5.0 has been updated, enhancing its functionality as a temporary file cleaner and secure file deleter, while discontinuing support for Windows 7 and earlier versions and addressing several DLL vulnerabilities. Sucrose is a new open-source wallpaper tool for Windows that allows users to download animated wallpapers or create their own, including transforming websites into dynamic wallpapers. Winhance 5 is a free utility for customizing Windows, allowing changes to system settings and removal of system apps, with a more intuitive graphical user interface compared to its predecessor.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages review

The latest first-person shooter from id Software, titled Doom: The Dark Ages, is set to release on May 15, 2025, with a price of £60. It is published by Microsoft and has been reviewed on an RTX 2080 Super, Intel Core i9 9900KS, and 32GB RAM. The game features a new mechanic called the Shield Saw, allowing players to deflect attacks and engage enemies more aggressively. However, the complexity of the firearms has been reduced, with no dedicated secondary fire modes and a focus on passive upgrades. The game emphasizes accessibility, offering customizable difficulty settings, but the level designs are simpler compared to previous installments. Players can pilot mechs and engage in aerial dogfights, but these moments are brief and feel disconnected from the main gameplay. The overall experience may lead players to prefer earlier entries in the series. The game does not include multiplayer and has not been tested on Steam Deck.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Struggling with the latest Windows 11 update? You aren’t alone

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 11 following a recent update, including sluggish performance, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and blue screen errors. To troubleshoot, users should first ensure their PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which include: - Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC. - RAM: At least 4 GB. - Storage: 64 GB or more of available storage. - Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. - TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 must be enabled. - Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later and have a WDDM 2.0 driver. - Display: High definition (720p) display, at least 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel. - Internet and Microsoft account: Required for initial setup of Windows 11 Home and for updates and some features on all editions. To resolve issues, users can: 1. Uninstall the latest update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. 2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter found in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. 3. Check for driver updates in Device Manager by looking for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. 4. Perform a System Restore through Control Panel > Open System Restore. 5. Use Microsoft's built-in repair tool "Fix problems using Windows Update" found in Settings > System > Recovery. 6. Check for known issues acknowledged by Microsoft. 7. Access advanced startup options by holding down the Shift key while clicking Restart to use Startup Repair or Command Prompt. 8. Reset the PC from the advanced recovery menu, which can reinstall Windows while preserving files or perform a clean reset. Users should back up important files before proceeding with significant troubleshooting steps.