reinstallation Archives

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Official Windows Key for Just $7! It’s Time to Upgrade With WDKeys

Using an unlicensed version of Windows can lead to limitations such as restricted features, lack of personalization options, and withheld critical updates. A legitimate Windows 11 license can be purchased from platforms like WDKeys, with prices for Windows 11 Home starting under eight dollars. This license provides access to the full Windows experience, including features like dark mode, customizable wallpapers, and consistent updates. Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, and purchasing a Windows key now allows for a free upgrade to Windows 11 if hardware requirements are met. WDKeys offers both Windows 11 Home and Pro at lower prices than Microsoft, and their OEM keys are linked to a single machine for reinstallation. Support is available through email or live chat.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

You might want to skip this Windows 10 update: Emoji feature hit by new bug

Microsoft's July Patch Tuesday update for Windows 10, identified as KB5062554, aimed to fix security vulnerabilities but caused the emoji search panel to malfunction. Users reported that while the emoji picker is accessible via the Win + dot shortcut, keyword searches for emojis result in error messages. Discussions about the issue have emerged on online forums, with many users finding that uninstalling the update temporarily resolves the problem, which reoccurs upon reinstallation. Microsoft has not acknowledged the issue publicly, raising concerns about the quality of future updates as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in October 2025. A temporary workaround for affected users is to restore their system to a point before the update and avoid reinstalling the patch until a fix is released.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Unofficial Windows reinstaller app locks you out of your Windows 11 PC until you pay

Windows 11 version 25H2 may allow users to uninstall Microsoft apps, addressing concerns about pre-installed software. However, recent tests suggest that the impact of such bloat on performance is minimal, leading some users to reconsider the need for a cleaner system. A concerning trend involves an unofficial app called "Windows Reinstall Master," which charges users 98 RMB for reinstallation services while locking them out of their operating system. This app resembles ransomware and often installs unwanted software, counteracting users' intentions to reset their systems. The situation is exacerbated by Microsoft's upcoming end of support for Windows 10, prompting users to seek help from unreliable sources, increasing the risk of scams.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I built a PiKVM to control my PC remotely, and it’s a game-changer

The PiKVM project allows users to control a desktop or server remotely using a Raspberry Pi 4B and an HDMI-CSI bridge adapter, providing comprehensive keyboard, video, and mouse control even during reboots. It offers browser-based access to the PC's screen in real-time, enabling actions like force shutdowns, BIOS access, and operating system reinstallation, independent of the host system's operating system. The setup captures HDMI output and simulates USB input, functioning in scenarios like BIOS or crash screens. Essential components for building a PiKVM include a Raspberry Pi 4B, an HDMI-to-CSI bridge adapter, a microSD card, USB cables, an official power supply, and the latest PiKVM OS image. The setup process involves writing the OS image to the SD card, connecting the hardware, and accessing the web interface for remote control. PiKVM is beneficial for tasks such as troubleshooting boot sequences, configuring BIOS settings, and monitoring system status without physical interaction.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Windows 12 Delayed as Microsoft Prepares Windows 11 25H2 Update

Microsoft has decided not to release a standalone "Windows 12" and will instead focus on the upcoming Windows 11 version 25H2, with a wider rollout expected in the latter half of 2025. The latest Insider Preview build for this version is now available to testers. The 25H2 update will build on the existing 24H2 release, allowing users to transition seamlessly with a small enablement package that mimics a routine update installation. Features from the 24H2 Beta Channel will be included in the 25H2 preview, with enhancements already integrated but disabled until ready. The official support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, and the timing of the 25H2 launch may encourage users to upgrade. Enterprises will receive a 36-month support cycle, while consumer editions will have 24 months of servicing. Windows Insiders can explore the preview now and provide feedback, with a simple restart required for activation upon official release.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

How to secure your printer with Windows 11’s new Protected Print mode

Nine percent of Windows security issues are attributed to its printing system. In 2021, a flaw in the printer spooler, known as "Print Nightmare," was discovered, allowing attackers elevated system rights. Microsoft introduced Windows Protected Print mode (WPP) in the Windows 11 24H2 update to address these vulnerabilities. WPP replaces manufacturer-specific drivers and prevents the installation of new printer drivers, limiting printer spooler tasks to user rights. WPP is based on the Internet Print Protocol (IPP) and is compatible with printers certified by the Mobile Printing Alliance. Users must manually enable WPP through the Settings menu. Once activated, Windows manages print jobs using its WPP driver, and users can find additional tools in the Microsoft Store. To deactivate WPP, users can return to the Settings and remove it, which requires reinstalling the original manufacturer’s drivers.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 25H2 is coming soon — will install much faster than version 24H2

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 25H2 will launch later this year and has begun rolling out the first Insider preview build. This version will use the same platform release and servicing stack as version 24H2, allowing for a simple transition without the need for reinstallation of system files. Version 25H2 will reset the support timeline, offering enterprise editions a 36-month support period and consumer/pro editions a 24-month support period. The initial preview build does not include new features, and the general rollout is expected around September or October. Windows 10 users can receive security updates for an additional year at no cost if they sync their settings to the cloud or pay/redeem points for the same benefits. Windows 11 is nearing half a billion users and is expected to surpass Windows 10 in usage within the next year.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

This hidden Android feature lets me hit pause on distracting apps

To temporarily disable a distracting app on Pixel devices running Android, follow these steps: 1. Open the App Drawer by swiping up from the bottom of the home screen. 2. Access the Settings app by tapping the Settings icon in the App Drawer or selecting the gear icon in the Notification Shade. 3. In the Settings menu, go to Apps and select "See all X apps." 4. Scroll through the list to find the app you want to disable, tap on it, and select the option to Disable. This method allows users to pause an app without uninstalling it, helping to reduce distractions while retaining the application for future use.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Makes More DMA-Based Changes to Windows 10/11 in the EU

Microsoft is aligning its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for users in the European Union. In March 2024, Microsoft launched a Digital Markets Act Compliance website detailing plans to adapt Windows and LinkedIn. Recent updates include: - Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) can associate a wider range of file and link types with their default web browser, including ftp, http, https, .htm, .html, and .xml. New options for “Pin to Taskbar” and “Pin to Start” will also be available. - The Windows Search feature will allow applications to provide web search results directly within the interface, enabling users to filter and reorder results. - EEA users will have the option to uninstall the Microsoft Store app, while apps downloaded from the Store will continue to receive updates. Users can reinstall the Store app later. - The Bing and Start Experiences apps will direct web content to the user's default browser instead of Microsoft Edge, which will no longer prompt users to set it as the default unless opened directly. If Edge is uninstalled, other Microsoft applications will not suggest its reinstallation, except for Progressive Web Apps installed via Edge.

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.