recovery

Winsage
September 25, 2026
The September update for Windows 11 caused significant disruptions, including failures in USB audio functionality and the File History feature. This follows a trend of issues over the past months, with August experiencing printer and PDF problems, July affecting certain Dell PCs, and June reporting startup issues and BitLocker recovery failures. In total, eight out of nine months this year have had at least one major issue. A recurring BitLocker user lockout problem has also been noted. Despite these issues, Windows 11 has improved in overall stability, with fewer system crashes. Windows 10 has maintained stability by focusing solely on security updates since support ended in October 2025, avoiding new feature rollouts. Users satisfied with Windows 10's features may prefer to stay with it for stability. Windows 11 users facing instability can roll back updates or use the Known Issue Rollback feature to revert problematic non-security features.
Winsage
September 25, 2026
Microsoft has released the KB5124010 September 2026 non-security preview update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, introducing 46 enhancements, including improvements to Bluetooth functionality and the ability to remap the Copilot key. This update is optional and focuses on quality improvements without security fixes. Key features include support for Emoji 17.0, a new accessibility setting for maximizing app windows, and a recovery remote management plug-in. Bluetooth issues have been addressed, including crashes related to audio streaming and microphone compatibility. Users can remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl or Context Menu key. The update elevates Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 devices to builds 26200.9550 and 26100.9550, respectively. Other highlights include the ability to use slideshow wallpapers across multiple desktops, enhanced gesture controls for precision touchpads, and a Camera roll backup feature for OneDrive. Microsoft has fixed a known issue with the File History backup feature and removed the PC-to-PC Migration tool, recommending Windows Backup instead. KB5124010 is the last preview update for Windows 11 24H2, which will reach end of support in October 2026.
Winsage
September 24, 2026
Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 as part of its Week D schedule. Users of versions 24H2 and 25H2 can install the preview cumulative update KB5124010, updating their systems to builds 26100.9550 and 26200.9550, respectively. Enhancements include refinements to File Explorer, support for Emoji 17.0, a new Tips widget, improved desktop backgrounds, enhanced Bluetooth functionality, upgrades to the Settings app, additional touchpad gesture controls, new key remapping options in Copilot, and Wi-Fi support in the Windows Recovery Environment. The final monthly update for Windows 11 version 24H2 will be shipped next month, with the version set to reach the end of its support lifecycle on October 13, 2026. Users of version 26H1 can install the preview cumulative update KB5124006 to upgrade to build 28000.3086. This update includes a resizable Taskbar, customizable Start menu, revamped Windows Search, improvements to File Explorer, enhanced progress indicators, and better app update support.
Winsage
September 24, 2026
The Point-in-Time Restore feature in Windows 11 allows users to revert their system to a previous state, but it may result in the loss of recently created files. This feature captures the system's state, including Windows system files, installed applications, and local settings. Restore points are generated automatically every 24 hours, but users can create them manually. However, restoring can erase new documents, recently installed applications, and any settings changes made since the last restore point. Files stored in OneDrive remain unaffected. To verify Point-in-Time Restore settings, users must access the Settings application, select System, and then Recovery. Restore points are retained for up to 72 hours and may be deleted sooner if storage is limited. Windows 11 version 26H2 enables this feature by default for devices with an OS volume of at least 200 GB. Before restoring, users should back up recent work to an external drive. To initiate the restore, access the Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot, and then Point-in-Time Restore. If files are lost after a restore, 4DDiG Data Recovery Software can help recover deleted files. It scans local drives for files deleted during a rollback or accidental deletion. A robust recovery plan should include using Point-in-Time Restore, OneDrive for daily file protection, and separate backups before significant system changes.
Tech Optimizer
September 22, 2026
LastPass has identified a sophisticated scheme targeting users of its Authenticator app, involving SEO poisoning and deceptive GitHub pages that distribute malicious ZIP files disguised as legitimate software. Users searching for "LastPass Authenticator download" may encounter these counterfeit pages, which redirect them to a malicious server delivering a ZIP file containing vsdbg.exe and vsdbg.dll. The executable is a legitimate Microsoft debugging tool exploited to execute the malicious DLL through DLL sideloading, allowing the malware to run undetected. Named Rapuncel by security researchers from Delphos, this malware is undetectable by antivirus engines and targets a hardcoded list of 145 antivirus and endpoint security products, disabling them upon detection. Rapuncel harvests sensitive information, including saved passwords from over 25 web browsers, cryptocurrency wallet files from more than 30 applications, and session tokens from platforms like Discord and Steam. It also captures screenshots and compiles a profile of the infected system, uploading the stolen data to an attacker-controlled server. The malware includes a kernel driver that intercepts web traffic, allowing for advertisement injection and search result manipulation. This campaign has been active for several months, with LastPass vaults remaining unaffected. Users are advised to download applications only from trusted sources. Rapuncel establishes persistence on infected machines by installing itself as a Windows service that starts with the system and terminates activated security products. Removing the kernel driver requires booting into Safe Mode or using external recovery tools, as standard Windows utilities cannot eliminate software operating at that level.
Winsage
September 22, 2026
Changing the desktop wallpaper to a solid color in Windows 7 caused a 30-second delay on the Welcome screen after entering a password. This issue arose because the system waited for a signal from the wallpaper component, which only sent its "I'm ready" signal when an image file was used. When a solid color was selected, this signal was not sent, leading to unnecessary waiting. The problem was acknowledged by Microsoft for both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, and it was resolved with a Hotfix update in November 2009. Users found workarounds, such as switching to an image or creating a small solid-color image, to eliminate the delay.
Winsage
September 22, 2026
Microsoft is modernizing the user experience in Windows 11 by redesigning all legacy dialog boxes in response to user feedback. March Rogers, Microsoft's design director, is leading this initiative to ensure consistency across the platform. Specific examples of outdated interfaces include the Speech settings dialog and the Windows recovery menu. Microsoft is using two strategies for updates: incremental updates, which introduce a dark theme across system dialogs, and comprehensive redesigns using the WinUI 3 framework. The Run menu has been completely revamped with a dark theme and improved features, while the previous version remains available for user preference. These updates are currently in test builds of Windows 11. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out security patches and an emergency patch for issues from the September update.
Winsage
September 21, 2026
Windows 11 is set to enhance its accessibility features, particularly with the Magnifier tool, introducing a new contrast theme that reduces glare without altering the colors of photos, videos, and charts. Users can activate this feature via the Magnifier toolbar and customize their preferences in the Accessibility settings. The Cloud rebuild feature will allow users to restore their PC to a clean state with options to sanitize drives during the process. IT administrators can also initiate a Cloud rebuild remotely. Live Captions will receive an update to include a setting that excludes audio from screen readers. Issues with Hyper-V related to sharing host folders with Linux VMs have been resolved. Additionally, a problem with File History backups failing has been fixed. Many of these updates have already been released to Insiders in the Beta Channel, and changes regarding Cloud rebuild are active in the Experimental Channel.
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