recovery tool Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft adds quick machine recovery to Windows 11 settings

Microsoft is piloting a new dedicated page within Windows Settings under System > Recovery to enhance machine recovery processes. This feature allows users to toggle recovery options, configure automatic solution searches, set check frequencies, and determine restart timings for fixes. It is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel using Windows 11 24H2 and will soon be accessible to Dev Channel Insiders. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative in November, allows IT administrators to address boot issues remotely. When activated, QMR boots devices into the Windows Recovery Environment to initiate the Quick Machine Recovery Tool if Windows fails to start. Microsoft plans to enable QMR by default in Windows 11 Home editions, while enterprise customers can customize it in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise.

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.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

Search Bar Not Working in Windows 11? Follow these Fixes

Numerous users have reported issues with the search bar functionality in Windows 11. A guide has been compiled to offer effective solutions, including: 1. Restarting File Explorer by opening Task Manager, finding "Windows Explorer," right-clicking it, and selecting "Restart." 2. Rebuilding the search index by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to Privacy & Security, selecting "Searching Windows," clicking on "Advanced indexing options," and choosing "Rebuild." 3. Starting the Windows Search service by opening the Run dialog, typing services.msc, locating "Windows Search," stopping the service, starting it again, setting the Startup type to "Automatic," and restarting the PC. 4. Ending the SearchHost.exe task in Task Manager by finding "Search," right-clicking it, and selecting "End task." 5. Using the Recovery tool via Windows Update by accessing Windows Settings, navigating to System -> Recovery, and clicking "Reinstall now" next to "Fix problems using Windows Update." Rebooting after these steps should restore the search bar's functionality. Rebuilding the search index can enhance local search speed, and users may also consider removing Bing search results from the Start menu.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows Hello logins are borked for some users after latest update

Windows Hello, a feature in Windows 10 that allows for face unlock functionality, has encountered a bug following the latest update (Build 26100.3775) released on April 8th. This bug affects some users' ability to use face unlock and PIN logins after resetting their PC while retaining local files and enabling System Guard Secure Launch or DRTM. Although users should still be able to access their PCs using their Windows password, the issue is concerning for those who rely on Windows Hello. The bug is considered an edge case, impacting only a limited number of users, and regaining access is possible with a password manager or IT support. Users can re-establish Windows Hello by performing a new face scan once they regain access.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft starts testing Windows 11 taskbar icon scaling

Microsoft is testing a taskbar icon scaling feature for Windows 11 that automatically reduces the size of taskbar icons to accommodate more applications. This feature is being rolled out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Beta (Build 26120.3671) and Dev (Build 26200.5518) channels as part of the 24H2 version. Users can customize the scaling settings with three options: when the taskbar is full (default), never, or always. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a test remediation package for Windows Insiders that enables the use of the Quick Machine Recovery tool, which will be installed automatically when test mode is activated. Users can check the installation status in Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Microsoft is also testing a basic search history feature for its AI-powered Recall functionality, which will expand to AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs starting in December.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Microsoft tests new Windows 11 tool to remotely fix boot crashes

Microsoft is testing a new tool for Windows 11 called Quick Machine Recovery, which aims to address issues related to buggy drivers and configurations that hinder the operating system's startup. This tool is part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative, designed to enhance system stability and minimize downtime by automating the detection, diagnosis, and rectification of critical failures. Quick Machine Recovery will allow Microsoft to deploy targeted remediations remotely during widespread outages affecting device startup, thus automating fixes without complex manual interventions. The tool will automatically initiate when a new driver or configuration change disrupts startup, establishing an internet connection to transmit crash data to Microsoft for analysis and remote fixes. Microsoft plans to enable this feature by default in Windows 11 Home editions, with customization options for enterprise users. A test remediation package will soon be released for Windows Insider Preview Beta Channel users to experience Quick Machine Recovery.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

The Windows 11 Beta introduces a tool that (hopefully) auto-fixes problems

Microsoft has introduced a "quick machine recovery" tool in the Windows 11 beta to address boot issues. This tool automatically detects and applies fixes from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to minimize downtime and manual intervention. When a critical boot failure occurs, the device enters WinRE, connects to the network, and sends diagnostic data to Microsoft for targeted remediations via Windows Update. This feature is enabled by default for home users. Additionally, the update includes enhancements to accessibility features, such as a logging function for the Narrator tool, allowing users to track spoken text and easily add it to the clipboard.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Understanding Windows kernel structure and why it matters

The kernel is the core component of the Windows operating system, residing in protected memory and managing interactions between the OS and hardware. It schedules processes, manages system resources like memory and storage, and orchestrates device access. A significant incident in July 2024 involved a bug introduced by CrowdStrike's cybersecurity device driver, which operated in kernel mode and caused failures in up to 8.5 million Windows PCs, rendering them unusable. The Windows kernel is structured using Intel's ring model, with the kernel in ring 0 having unrestricted access to system resources, while user applications reside in ring 3. The kernel performs three main roles: providing interfaces for user interaction, launching and managing applications, and overseeing hardware devices. It engages in various functions, including loading OS components, organizing processes, scheduling applications, managing memory, and overseeing I/O devices. The kernel meticulously organizes and schedules processes, executing them in brief time slices. To address kernel-related issues, Microsoft introduced the Quick Machine Recovery tool as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative, aimed at helping IT administrators resolve OS problems more efficiently.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Dodgy Windows 11 update? Microsoft suggests you use the ‘Fix problems using Windows Update’ option

Microsoft has introduced a feature called "Fix problems using Windows Update" for Windows 11, which allows users to resolve issues stemming from previous updates by performing an in-place reinstallation of the operating system. This tool preserves all apps, documents, and settings during the reinstallation process. Users can access this feature by navigating to Settings, then System, selecting Recovery, and clicking on Reinstall now under the Fix problems using Windows Update section. However, this tool is not a universal solution and may not be available on all systems.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Microsoft explains ‘Fix problems using Windows Update’ and how it’s not for everyone

In July 2023, Microsoft introduced a recovery feature called "Fix problems using Windows Update" in build 25905 of the Canary channel. This tool helps resolve issues related to updates by reinstalling the current version of Windows while preserving apps, documents, and settings. Users can access it through the Settings app under System > Recovery. The tool activates when a Windows update fails to install, prompting users to initiate a repair. It is available exclusively on Windows 11 versions 22H2 and newer, with the February 2024 optional update or later installed, and is not accessible on managed PCs.