reboot Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Samsung Health Monitor app ends support for Android 11 and older phones this December

Samsung Electronics is preparing to introduce seamless software updates with its upcoming Galaxy S25 series. This feature will allow updates to be downloaded in the background and installed on an inactive partition, minimizing downtime during the update process. Users will only experience a brief interruption during reboot, contrasting with the longer downtimes of traditional updates. The Galaxy S25 series is expected to feature a larger display, potentially a more rounded back on the S25 Ultra for comfort, and will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It is rumored to launch in January 2025 with Android 15-based One UI 7 software. There is no official confirmation from Samsung regarding these features or specifications, as the information is based on leaks and rumors.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Latest Windows 11 Insider Preview brings updated Prism emulator for Arm PCs

Microsoft has introduced an updated Prism emulator in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, improving compatibility with x86-based applications and games. The new emulator supports additional CPU extensions, enabling applications like Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 and games such as Starfield and Helldivers 2 to run on Arm PCs. Devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs can now run more legacy applications and games without native ARM64 versions. The update also includes a new on-screen gamepad keyboard for better navigation and typing on gaming handhelds and touchscreen devices. The changelog for Build 27744 includes various enhancements and fixes, such as resolving display issues for older NVIDIA GPUs, fixing problems with the Emoji Panel and Clipboard History, improving Windows Sandbox performance, correcting dynamic refresh rate issues, and addressing multiple bugs related to remote desktop connections and app functionalities.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) fixes multi-monitor desktop background and more

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) in the Dev Channel. Key changes include the temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard feature, improvements to the Start menu, and enhancements for users typing in Chinese or Japanese, such as hiding the IME toolbar in full-screen mode. Fixes include enhanced reliability and corrected spacing in the Start menu, adjustments in File Explorer for navigation pane padding and RAW image display, taskbar improvements including a search box for auto-hide settings, and general fixes for all users addressing game launch issues and Task Manager display problems. Known issues include a problem with desktop backgrounds not displaying correctly across multiple monitors. Windows Insiders receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually and subject to change based on feedback.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Exploring eBPF for Windows: Opportunities and Limitations

The extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) allows for the execution of custom code in kernel space, enhancing application performance management and security. Windows has introduced support for eBPF, but it has limitations. Microsoft began a project in 2021 to enable eBPF capabilities on Windows, allowing the use of existing Linux eBPF tools and libraries. To install eBPF on Windows, a kernel debugger or test-signing mode is required, which is impractical for production systems. eBPF for Windows is still in development, suitable for experimentation, but not yet ready for real-world deployment. There is no clear timeline for a production-ready version, and development activity has slowed.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Microsoft releases Windows Server 2025

Microsoft has officially announced the general availability of Windows Server 2025 on November 1st. This release is part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), with mainstream support ending in October 2029 and extended support lasting until October 2034. Key features include hot patching, which reduces reboots from twelve times a year to once every three months, an easily activated OpenSSH server, enhancements to the Hyper-V virtualization platform, and new security measures for Active Directory. However, there are known issues, such as installation problems and unexpected behavior on systems with 256 logical CPU cores. Windows Server 2025 is accessible through standard distribution channels, with ISO images and VHD files available on the evaluation page.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Remember Bricopacks? They could transform Windows XP into something special

Windows XP was known for its user-friendly interface and performance, leading to a community-driven desire for customization. Notable contributions included BricoPacks, which were comprehensive suites of software and tweaks that enhanced the operating system. These packs provided features such as a sleek dock for applications, revamped window styling and cursors, new wallpapers and taskbar designs, and customizable start menus. Customizing Windows XP required technical skills and experimentation, supported by active forums. Today, customization options remain available for Windows, and Bricopacks can still be downloaded for use with Windows XP virtual machines.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft slams the brakes on its new Windows 11 update after it caused some PCs to crash and broke webcams

Microsoft has paused the deployment of the Windows 11 update 24H2 for specific hardware configurations due to technical challenges. PCs with Intel Z890 motherboards are significantly affected, experiencing issues such as reboot cycles and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Similar problems have been reported with motherboards from MSI and Gigabyte. Users have found a temporary workaround by disabling integrated graphics in BIOS settings. ASUS laptop models X415KA and X515KA also face BSOD errors post-update, and users of the Voicemeeter application report crashes. Devices with integrated cameras have malfunctioned, affecting features like object and face detection. Microsoft advises against manually installing the update on blocked devices. For successful installations, the update includes enhancements like a new Copilot AI assistant, support for 7z and TAR compression in File Explorer, improved security features, and system-wide support for Wi-Fi 7.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

This clever trick will keep your Windows 11 PC free from the new Outlook

Microsoft is replacing the Mail and Calendar applications with the new Outlook for Windows, which has received mixed reactions from users. A workaround to revert to the Mail and Calendar app involves uninstalling the new Outlook and reinstalling the previous version from the Microsoft Store, but users may need to restart their systems for the changes to take effect. This workaround is temporary, as Microsoft plans to unify its email applications under the "One Outlook" strategy, which may eliminate this option in future updates.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

The update meant to rescue Windows 11 24H2 fails to install, crashes

On October 24, Microsoft released the optional KB5044384 patch for Windows 11 to address issues in the 24H2 version. However, users reported installation failures and system crashes, encountering error codes such as 0x800f0922, 0x800736b3, 0xc015001a, 0x800f0991, and 0x80242008. Some users experienced crashes during installation, while others faced problems upon rebooting. The issues appear to be widespread and not limited to specific hardware. Even users who successfully installed the patch reported additional problems, such as Task Manager failing to display running processes. Microsoft is aware of these issues and is working on a resolution. The standard installation route for KB5044384 via Windows Update is currently blocked, but manual installation is available. Users without existing issues may choose to wait for the upcoming Patch Tuesday in early November for a more stable update.

Tech Optimizer

October 26, 2024

Avira Internet Security

Offering antivirus or security suite protection for free can enhance brand awareness and goodwill among consumers, but financial sustainability is at risk without a significant number of users upgrading to paid versions. Avira Internet Security's annual fee for a single installation is .99, with a three-license subscription costing .99, and a five-license option priced at .99, making it the highest rate for an entry-level security suite. The interface of Avira Internet Security is similar to Avira Free Security, and both versions provide basic features, including real-time protection and a file shredder. Avira achieved an aggregate score of 9.7 in antivirus testing but detected 97% of malware samples. Its Browser Safety extension blocked 98% of harmful URLs, while Web protection achieved 97% effectiveness. Avira's ransomware protection likely functions well, but its efficacy could not be definitively proven. The Software Updater Pro feature allows users to manage application updates, but it requires manual intervention. Avira Password Manager offers unlimited password syncing across devices in its free version, while the Pro edition provides a security status report. The simple firewall included in Avira Internet Security offers basic network protection and is easy to configure. Overall, most valuable features are available in the free edition, and Bitdefender Internet Security is recommended as a superior alternative.