reinstalling Windows 11 Archives

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11’s November Insider update brings new features and reveals a new version

Microsoft has unveiled several preview builds for Windows 11 in November 2025, including versions 25H2 and 26H1. The notable updates include: - Windows 11 build 26220.7070 introduces a redesigned Widgets board with a new "Discover" section, improved navigation, and alert badges on icons. - The Quick Machine Recovery feature now scans for fixes only once and offers alternative recovery options if no solution is found. - Smart App Control can now be toggled on or off without reinstalling Windows 11. - New widget options have been added to the Lock Screen settings, allowing customization of displayed widgets. - A drag tray feature in the Canary Channel simplifies file sharing from File Explorer or the desktop. - Build 28000 in the Canary Channel is the first preview of Windows 11 version 26H1, focusing on compatibility with newer hardware. - New agentic AI components are being integrated into Windows 11, allowing applications like Copilot to automate tasks. - Haptic feedback capabilities have been introduced for digital pen users. - The Narrator and Magnifier features now use high-definition voices for improved clarity and support structured math reading in Word.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11 Adds New Recovery Tools to Minimize Downtime

Microsoft unveiled new Windows Recovery tools during the Ignite 2025 keynote to help IT teams reduce downtime and streamline remediation processes. Enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) include WinRE networking support, which will initially support Ethernet and later add Enterprise Wi-Fi capabilities. Autopatch can now manage and approve QMR updates, currently in public preview. Microsoft Intune's remote recovery via WinRE allows IT administrators to monitor devices in recovery mode and deploy scripts directly from the console, extending to Windows Server VMs through the Azure Portal. New recovery options for Windows PCs include a point-in-time restore feature for reverting to previous states and a Cloud rebuild feature for remotely reinstalling Windows 11 on malfunctioning devices. These updates are expected to be generally available to commercial customers in the first half of 2026. Microsoft has also introduced Autopatch update readiness in preview, providing real-time insights into device update readiness through a unified Intune dashboard. Additionally, new tools for incident management include Mission Critical Services for Microsoft 365, allowing collaboration with Windows engineers, and Windows 365 Reserve, which offers secure temporary Cloud PCs. Microsoft Intune will issue alerts when devices enter WinRE to prioritize recovery efforts, and a Digital Signage mode will prevent error messages on non-interactive public displays.

Winsage

November 5, 2025

Microsoft warns Windows 11 25H2, 24H2 October update triggers BitLocker recovery on PCs for businesses

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting users of BitLocker on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows 10, which may prompt users to enter their BitLocker recovery key during startup, risking data loss if the key is not available. The problem arises after installing Windows Updates released on or after October 14, 2025, and predominantly affects Intel-based PCs with the "Connected Standby" feature. Affected users can check if BitLocker is enabled by navigating to Settings > System > Storage > Disk & Volumes. Microsoft is rolling out a fix, but business users must manually deploy it. Users are advised to back up their BitLocker recovery keys to their Microsoft accounts.

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Windows 11: Microsoft sets status of issue to resolved without providing a solution

In late December 2024, Microsoft acknowledged an issue affecting the installation of updates on certain Windows 11 devices, specifically those set up using installation media containing the October or November 2024 security updates. The affected devices are those running Windows 11, version 24H2, installed via media that included these updates. Microsoft proposed a workaround involving the reinstallation of Windows 11 using updated installation media that includes the December 2024 security updates or later. As of February 6, 2025, Microsoft marked the issue as resolved, but did not provide a definitive solution for impacted users, leaving them with concerns about data loss and limited options for restoring update functionality.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft says Windows 11 KB5044284/KB5046617 still can’t install new updates via USB/CD

In December, Microsoft acknowledged a known issue affecting users installing security updates on Windows 11 version 24H2, particularly those using CDs or USB drives. Users faced difficulties with the October 2024 (KB5044284) and November 2024 (KB5046617) Patch Tuesdays, including those using the Media Creation Tool. Installations via Windows Update or the Update Catalog were unaffected. Microsoft suggested a workaround: avoid installing the October and November patches. The issue has since been marked as "resolved," with the workaround now stated as the official resolution: do not install Windows 11, version 24H2 with the October or November updates. Instead, use media that includes the December 2024 security update or later. If a device cannot receive further updates due to this issue, it can be fixed by reinstalling Windows 11, version 24H2 with the appropriate media. Microsoft also introduced a new PowerShell script for updated Windows 11, 10, and Server boot media.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft shares workaround for Windows security update issues

Microsoft has identified an issue affecting certain users of Windows 11, version 24H2, who cannot receive security updates when installed via CDs or USB flash drives with cumulative updates from October or November 2024. This issue specifically affects installations made between October 8 and November 12, 2024. Users receiving updates through Windows Update or using installation media with updates from December 2024 or later are not impacted. Microsoft advises affected users to reinstall Windows 11, version 24H2, using media with security updates from December 2024 or later. Additionally, the January 2025 optional updates will address another issue preventing non-admin users from modifying their time zone settings, with a temporary solution available through the Windows Control Panel until the fix is fully deployed.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft continues to mess up Windows 11 Recall, failing to provide fix for weird bug that breaks the feature

Some users in the Windows 11 testing program have experienced significant issues with the Recall feature, which is intended to enhance user experience through AI-driven search capabilities. Microsoft has identified a bug related to the optional update KB5046740, which interferes with Recall's functionality when installed before Dev build 26120.2415. This bug prevents Recall from saving snapshots necessary for its advanced search features. Microsoft has advised against installing the preview update before joining the Dev channel and has not provided a clear resolution for those affected, leaving them with limited options, such as reinstalling Windows 11. Recall is currently designed for Copilot+ PCs powered by Arm-based Snapdragon processors, narrowing the number of potential testers.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

When these 9 problems happen, I know it’s to reinstall Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 may experience performance issues that indicate a need for reinstallation. Key indicators include: 1. Significant performance drops due to accumulated applications, storage issues, or malware. 2. Frequent crashes and freezes that persist despite troubleshooting. 3. Regular system errors suggesting instability. 4. Corrupted system files identified by tools like System File Checker (SFC) or DISM. 5. New hardware installations that require a clean installation for optimal compatibility. 6. Startup issues that do not improve with disabling startup programs. 7. Malware infections that may necessitate a complete reinstallation. 8. System instability after major changes like new drivers or modifications. 9. Failed troubleshooting attempts that consume more time than productive use of the system. Reinstallation methods include: - Using Windows Update to reinstall while preserving files, settings, and applications. - Resetting the PC to keep files while removing apps and settings. - Removing everything for a clean installation, requiring restoration of files and reinstallation of applications. For severe issues, creating a bootable USB may be necessary.

Winsage

October 16, 2024

Some Western Digital SSDs cause Windows 11 crashes after 2024 update

Windows 11's 2024 update, 24H2, has caused system failures and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors for some users, particularly those with specific Western Digital SSD models, namely the WD SN770 and WD SN580. The crashes occur after upgrading to the 24H2 update, displaying a “Critical Process Has Died” error. The issue may stem from faulty memory drivers managing the 200 Host Memory Buffers (HMBs) associated with these SSDs. Previous issues were reported with these models during the Windows 11 23H2 update. Users experiencing crashes are advised to disable HMB in the Windows Registry as a temporary workaround, although this may affect performance. Microsoft and Western Digital are aware of the issue and are working on a solution, but no official communication has been released yet.

Winsage

August 11, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 reduces BitLocker eligibility, turns on automatic encryption for more PCs

Microsoft's Windows 11 version 24H2 has updated BitLocker encryption requirements, making it more accessible for a wider range of PCs. The update removes the need for certain hardware features, such as the Hardware Security Test Interface (HSTI) and Modern Standby, which were previously mandatory for automatic encryption. The requirement to verify untrusted Direct Memory Access (DMA) interfaces has also been eliminated. BitLocker is automatically turned on during the reinstallation of Windows 11 24H2 for both Pro and Home editions, provided the manufacturer has enabled a specific flag in the UEFI settings. However, devices upgraded via Windows Update will not have this feature activated. Automatic encryption requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and UEFI Secure Boot. The process initiates during setup but only becomes operational once the user signs in with a Microsoft Account. Users can manually activate BitLocker or disable automatic encryption through a bootable ISO or by adjusting the Registry. Windows 11 24H2 is expected to ship on Intel and AMD PCs in late September or early October.