recovery mode Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows 11 Gets Quick Machine Recovery to Fix Boot Failures via the Internet

Microsoft has introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative to improve the security and reliability of Windows 11 following a global incident with a faulty update. QMR addresses boot failures by allowing users to access the recovery environment, connect to the internet for automatic troubleshooting, and receive targeted fixes via Windows Update. Currently, it is being tested in the Windows 11 24H2 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 and will be enabled by default for Home edition users. Users can access QMR by entering the recovery environment, selecting Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options. Additionally, an internet-based recovery option in Windows Settings can repair system components while preserving user data.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a secret weapon for boot failures

Microsoft has introduced a new tool called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up issues in Windows PCs, currently available for testing in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. QMR automates the recovery process by utilizing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), allowing PCs to automatically enter recovery mode, connect to the internet, and send diagnostic data to Microsoft. Based on this data, a tailored fix is sent to the device through Windows Update. QMR is designed for both IT administrators and home users, with the latter having it enabled by default. It is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, and the company is encouraging feedback from testers.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11 quick machine recovery: Restoring devices with boot issues

Microsoft has launched a quick machine recovery feature in its Windows operating system to help IT administrators remotely execute fixes on machines that cannot boot, particularly during widespread outages. This feature allows devices to automatically enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and connect with Microsoft’s recovery services for tailored remediations delivered via Windows Update. IT administrators can enable or disable this feature remotely and configure settings such as scanning intervals and restart timeouts. Currently, quick machine recovery is in testing and available to users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans for future accessibility to IT administrators managing Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise devices.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Windows 11 gets Quick Recovery to fix computers that cannot boot

Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery at the Ignite conference, a feature within its Windows Resiliency Initiative for Windows 11, aimed at improving user experience during system failures. This tool allows users to recover their systems when boot failures occur by transitioning into recovery mode and connecting to the internet to analyze crash data and retrieve fixes via Windows Update. Quick Machine Recovery is currently being tested in the latest Windows 11 Beta build, with plans for a broader rollout across all Windows 11 editions. IT administrators can enable or disable this feature and customize settings such as network credentials and scanning intervals. The feature is designed to help mitigate the impact of widespread outages and assist users with critical bugs and compatibility issues.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

Microsoft: Don’t fall for unwanted apps on Windows 10, clean install Windows 11 ASAP

Microsoft has revised its support documentation to highlight the importance of recognizing unsafe applications on Windows 10 and encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11. Applications on a PC can be categorized into three groups: Clean apps (from the Microsoft Store or pre-installed), malware apps (from untrusted sources), and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) which may not be malicious but can clutter user experience. Microsoft warns that after October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 enhances security with features like Smart App Control. To clean install Windows 11, users need the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive. The process involves downloading the tool, creating the USB, and then installing Windows 11 on the target PC. Users should ensure their PC meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11. After upgrading to Windows 11, users are advised to configure settings to block potentially unwanted applications by enabling options in the Privacy and Security settings. To minimize risks, it is recommended to download apps from the Microsoft Store, keep Windows 11 updated, and use the Microsoft Edge browser with SmartScreen.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

5 most useful SysInternals tools for optimizing your Windows PC

SysInternals is a suite of 74 utilities from Microsoft designed to enhance the performance and reliability of Windows PCs. Users can download the entire suite or select individual tools from the Microsoft SysInternals Learn page. 1. AutoRuns: Identifies unnecessary background processes and obsolete registry entries, providing detailed information about each entry. It allows users to review installed drivers and spot potentially harmful entries. Launched via Start menu or by typing Autoruns.exe in the Run dialog. 2. TCPView: Monitors all TCP and UDP connections in real-time, categorizing them by version and displaying ports and connection timestamps. It helps identify bandwidth-hogging processes. Launched via Start menu or by typing tcpview.exe in the Run dialog. 3. RamMap: Provides an in-depth analysis of memory consumption across processes, helping identify memory-hogging applications and diagnose memory leaks. It offers options to clear memory, including emptying working sets, standby lists, and modified lists. Launched via Start menu or by typing rammap.exe in the Run dialog. 4. DiskView: Offers detailed insights into hard drive usage with a color-coded map of disk sectors, helping users identify fragmentation and unused space. Launched via Start menu or by typing diskview.exe in the Run dialog. 5. CacheSet: Optimizes the Windows file system cache by allowing users to adjust cached data management settings and clear the cache with a single click. Launched by typing cacheset.exe in the Run dialog. The SysInternals Suite is cost-free, effective, and compatible with Windows Recovery mode, making it a practical choice for users looking to enhance their PC's performance.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft Pulls Back September 26 Optional Update For Windows 11 As It Caused BSOD & GSOD Errors

On September 26, Microsoft released an optional update for Windows 11, KB5043145, which caused significant booting issues for many users, leading to its retraction. Users reported being trapped in endless boot loops and experiencing unresponsive mice and keyboards. Microsoft has paused the rollout of the update but it remains available for download, with warnings against installation due to potential recovery mode activation after failed boot attempts. Specific laptop models, such as the Asus TUF A15 (2022) and ROG Strix G17 (2024), have been notably affected. The update has also caused errors like the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and Green Screen of Death (GSOD). Users have found that reverting to the previous update resolves these issues. Microsoft is investigating the situation and has advised users to uninstall the KB5043145 update. Additionally, the 24H2 update for Windows 11 has been released, which may improve stability.

Winsage

October 1, 2024

Microsoft fixes Windows KB5043145 reboot loops, USB and Bluetooth issues

Microsoft has addressed issues caused by the Windows KB5043145 preview update, which led to reboot loops, system freezes, and failures in USB and Bluetooth device connectivity. Users reported their systems either loading the Automatic Repair tool or entering BitLocker recovery mode after repeated reboots. The update caused hardware connected via USB and Bluetooth, such as keyboards and printers, to malfunction, indicated by a yellow exclamation mark under the USB Host Controller in Device Manager. To resolve these issues, Microsoft implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to reverse the problematic update and is working on integrating this fix into an upcoming Windows update. Administrators managing affected Windows enterprise devices can resolve the issue by installing the Windows 11 22H2 KB5043145 240904_041021 KIR Group Policy, which requires a system restart to apply. Microsoft has previously addressed similar issues with updates affecting Windows Server 2019 and other versions.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

Windows 11 KB5043145 update causes reboot loops, blue screens

Microsoft has issued a cautionary note regarding the September 2024 KB5043145 preview update for Windows 11, indicating that users may experience reboot loops or freezes with blue screens. The update, released to address various issues, particularly with the Edge browser and task manager, has led to reports of devices restarting repeatedly or becoming unresponsive. Some users have noted that their devices automatically open the Automatic Repair tool after multiple restart attempts, and in some cases, BitLocker recovery is triggered. Microsoft is actively investigating these issues and encourages affected users to report their experiences through the Feedback Hub. The company is also working on fixes for other known issues related to boot problems and dual-boot systems with Secure Boot enabled, which arose from previous Windows security updates.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

Windows 11 KB5043145 BSODs PCs, breaks mouse, keyboard, WSL 2, WiFi

Windows 11 KB5043145 is an optional update that has caused significant issues for users, including failures to boot to the desktop, resulting in "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) and "Green Screen of Death" (GSOD) errors. Reports indicate that affected devices may become trapped in a boot loop or unable to boot, leading to automatic transitions to recovery screens. The problems are particularly prevalent among users of Asus TUF A15 (2022) and ROG Strix G17 (2024) laptops, although Microsoft suggests the issue may affect other models as well. Users have also reported that their mouse and keyboard became non-functional after the update, particularly on Intel NUC models and some Asus laptops. Additionally, WSL2 fails to operate on AMD systems, displaying a connection timeout error. Other reported issues include the disappearance of WiFi options and changes to right-click context menus. Microsoft is investigating these problems and advises affected users to report their experiences through the Feedback Hub. Instructions for manually uninstalling the update are provided, including steps to access recovery mode and use the Command Prompt.