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Winsage

June 17, 2025

5 registry tweaks I made to instantly speed up my Windows PC

Disabling animations and visual effects can improve the responsiveness of Windows 11. To disable visual effects, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerVisualEffects, create a DWORD value named VisualFXSettings, and set its value to 2. To allocate fewer resources to background apps, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and change the Base Decimal value from 20 to 10. To speed up shutdown, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl, double-click on WaitToKillServiceTimeout, and set the value from 5,000 milliseconds to 2,000 milliseconds. To reduce startup delays, go to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer, create a new key named Serialize, then create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named StartupDelayInMSec and set its value to 0. To prioritize applications and enhance system responsiveness, navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and adjust it from 14 to 10.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Microsoft: KB5060533 update triggers boot errors on Surface Hub v1 devices

Microsoft is addressing an issue with Surface Hub v1 devices running Windows 10, version 22H2, where users encounter Secure Boot errors after installing the KB5060533 security update released in June 2025. The error message states: 'Secure Boot Violation. Invalid signature detected. Check Secure Boot Policy in Setup.' This issue is specific to Surface Hub v1 and does not affect Surface Hub 2S and Surface Hub 3 models. Microsoft implemented a mitigation strategy on July 11, 2025, to prevent further startup failures on additional Surface Hub v1 devices. The KB5060533 update aimed to fix issues with Hyper-V virtual machines and was part of a larger rollout addressing 66 vulnerabilities, including critical ones related to WebDAV and Windows SMB. Additionally, an emergency update for Windows 11 (KB5063060) was released to fix an incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat causing BSOD errors.

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2025

How to Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus

To uninstall Avast Free Antivirus from a Windows computer, first disable the Self-Defense mode by opening Avast, clicking on Menu, selecting Settings, choosing General, then Troubleshooting, and unchecking the box next to Enable Self-Defense. Confirm the change by clicking OK. Next, open the Control Panel, select Programs and Features, find Avast Free Antivirus, click Uninstall, confirm by selecting Uninstall again, and then click Yes in the confirmation window. The uninstallation process will begin and may take some time. After completion, restart the computer to finalize the uninstallation.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

Microsoft fixes unreachable Windows Server domain controllers

Microsoft addressed a significant issue with Windows Server 2025 domain controllers that made some servers unreachable after a restart, affecting applications and services reliant on them. The problem was due to servers loading the standard firewall profile instead of the intended domain firewall profile after a reboot, leading to improper network traffic management. This misconfiguration caused accessibility challenges for services and applications on affected servers. Microsoft released the KB5060842 security update to resolve this issue during the June 2025 Patch Tuesday. A temporary workaround involves manually restarting the network adapter on affected servers using the Restart-NetAdapter * PowerShell command, which must be done after each reboot until the update is installed. Additionally, Microsoft fixed another issue preventing some users from logging into accounts via Windows Hello after the installation of the KB5055523 April 2025 security update.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft is finally tidying up the Search options in the Windows 11 Settings page

Microsoft is updating the Settings page in Windows 11 by merging the "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" settings into a single page to improve navigation and visual appeal. This change, discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth, is currently in development and not yet available on the main Windows 11 branch, but can be previewed by users on Insider builds 26200.5622/26120.4230 by enabling feature ID 57471391. An official rollout is expected soon.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

So You’re Thinking About Starting a Minecraft Server… Here’s Why You Should

In Minecraft, sharing the experience with friends enhances gameplay, making dedicated servers, like those from Apex Hosting, valuable for multiplayer interactions. Players are increasingly interested in creating their own servers for collaborative play and customization. Hosting a server allows players to set their own rules, choose between public or private access, and introduce various mods and plugins for enhanced gameplay. With a personal server, the world remains accessible even when the host is offline, enabling continuous play and regular backups. Building a community takes time, but it can lead to shared experiences and memorable interactions. Apex Hosting offers an easy setup process and support for players looking to create their ideal Minecraft server.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

It’s not just you: Elden Ring Nightreign’s matchmaking is taking forever if it works at all, and there doesn’t seem to be a fix⁠—aside from queueing with a full group

FromSoftware has acknowledged prolonged matchmaking times in Elden Ring: Nightreign, despite a player base exceeding 2 million. Players, particularly on PC, have reported lengthy waits, and initial recommendations from the studio, such as restarting the matchmaking process and altering NAT connection types on PlayStation, have not significantly improved the situation. Discussions on platforms like the Elden Ring subreddit and Steam forums indicate that there are between 200,000 and 300,000 players online on Steam at any time, raising concerns about matchmaking efficiency. Players are advised to form full teams of three for quicker matchmaking and to consider using Yui's Seamless Co-op mod for duo play as an alternative solution.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

The Windows File Explorer is still so bad when it comes to networked drives

File Explorer in Windows 11 has usability issues, particularly with sluggish search functionality and problems accessing networked drives. Users often experience drives disappearing after reboot, inaccessibility to files, and freezing of File Explorer, with error codes like c0000375 indicating deeper issues. The networked drive feature relies on outdated technology, as Microsoft has deprecated older protocols like SMBv1, complicating file sharing. Users can mitigate freezing by restarting File Explorer and ensuring network settings are correctly configured, such as setting Wi-Fi to private and enabling file sharing options. Excessive pinned items in Quick Access can cause crashes, and clearing the cache may resolve these issues. Alternatives to File Explorer, like XYplorer and File Pilot, can provide better access to networked drives. Overall, the challenges stem from outdated technology and the corruption of the Quick Access cache, with third-party solutions available for relief.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Emergency Update For Windows Users

Microsoft has released an emergency update for Windows 10 due to issues following May’s mandatory security update, which caused BitLocker Recovery screens and Blue Screens of Death for users. The problem primarily affects devices with Intel Trusted Execution Technology on 10th generation or later Intel vPro processors. Users who encounter these issues are advised to disable Intel VT for Direct I/O and Intel TXT in BIOS/UEFI settings, install update KB5061768, and then re-enable the settings. Microsoft has stated that its support team cannot retrieve lost BitLocker recovery keys. This issue mainly impacts enterprise users, as consumer devices generally do not use Intel vPro processors.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Windows 10/11 with/without Backup

Data loss can occur due to human error, software malfunctions, hardware failures, system crashes, and issues with cloud storage services. Immediate recovery methods include restoring files from the Recycle Bin, using the Undo Delete feature, and utilizing the File History feature. For recovery with a backup, methods include restoring files via Google Drive and using the Windows Backup & Restore feature. For permanently deleted files without a backup, options include using free data recovery software and the Windows built-in app. Tips to prevent file deletion include enabling the Recycle Bin and File History, using cloud storage for backups, double-checking before deletion, considering third-party backup tools, and safeguarding against malware.