root Archives

Winsage

February 1, 2026

Microsoft confirms that a stack of bad Windows updates is causing boot issues

Windows 11 is facing significant issues following the January Patch Tuesday, particularly with boot failures on commercial devices. These problems are linked to both the January update and a flawed December update, leading to a "UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME" Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. Microsoft has indicated that devices that did not successfully install the December security update are left in an improper state, which can prevent booting when subsequent updates are attempted. While Microsoft is working on a partial solution to prevent further installations that could cause boot failures, this fix will not resolve issues for devices already affected. The company is investigating the causes of these update failures and their consequences.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

I turned my phone into a Linux desktop with this free app

Smartphones can function as desktop replacements, exemplified by the Steam Deck and the introduction of Local Desktop, which allows users to install a full Arch Linux environment on Android devices. Users can run applications like VS Code and Firefox by connecting a keyboard, with installation taking about ten minutes and not requiring root access. However, the installation process may require multiple attempts for stability due to various errors. Once set up, users can enhance their experience with the yay package manager, although some applications may not perform optimally. Local Desktop operates by installing an Arch Linux ARM64 filesystem within the app's internal storage and using proot to create a chroot-like environment. The display mechanism employs a minimal Wayland compositor for improved responsiveness. While it offers a portable Linux environment, performance can vary, and it is not suited for heavy workloads. The experience may appeal to tech enthusiasts willing to navigate its challenges.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

‘Crashing’—Microsoft Issues Critical Warning For Windows Users

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting PCs after a mandatory security update in January, resulting in a new variant of the black screen of death. The crashes are linked to devices that did not successfully install the December 2025 security update and became unresponsive when attempting to roll back the update. Microsoft is working on a partial resolution to prevent further no-boot scenarios, but this fix will not stop devices from entering the problematic state or restore functionality to those already affected. The issue primarily impacts commercial devices running Windows 11 KB5074109 (25H2 Build 26200.7623 and 24H2 Build 26100.7623). Affected users experiencing the Black Screen of Death with the UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME error will need to manually recover their computers using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Windows 11’s Gaming Gains Overshadowed by Stability Crisis: Performance Tests Reveal a Troubled Transition

Microsoft's Windows 11 version 24H2 shows performance improvements in gaming, with frame rate enhancements ranging from 2% to 8% across various titles, particularly benefiting newer DirectX 12 games. However, users report significant stability issues, including Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, crashes during gameplay, and compatibility problems with certain hardware and software. These issues affect a wide range of systems, suggesting systemic challenges rather than isolated incidents. The operating system's hardware compatibility requirements, such as TPM 2.0 support, have also limited upgrade eligibility for many users. Microsoft has acknowledged specific issues related to Intel and AMD processors, antivirus software conflicts, and outdated drivers. Despite ongoing patch deployments, user frustration persists due to the slow pace of fixes. The stability concerns have led some businesses to delay Windows 11 24H2 deployments, prioritizing reliability over performance gains. The driver ecosystem's lag in updates from hardware manufacturers has further complicated stability. The gaming community remains divided, with many users opting to stay on Windows 10 due to these stability risks.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

Microsoft confirms boot issues with its latest Windows 11 update.

Microsoft has acknowledged that the January 2026 update for Windows 11 has caused boot issues, particularly on commercial PCs, due to complications from the previous December 2025 update that did not install correctly. The company is investigating the root causes of these issues.

Winsage

January 27, 2026

Microsoft Keeps Adding Windows Features, But Trust Keeps Eroding

Windows 11 has received mixed reviews, with users expressing dissatisfaction primarily due to unexpected changes, mandatory decisions, and problematic updates rather than performance issues. Microsoft frequently introduces new features, but these are often met with resistance due to a lack of user consent and clear communication. Recent Patch Tuesday updates have led to complications, diminishing user trust. Users desire clarity about changes, optional features, and centralized privacy controls. They seek a clearer relationship with Microsoft, which includes no advertisements in core interfaces, no mandatory features without opt-in, transparent communication, and meaningful feedback mechanisms. The bond between Microsoft and its users is strained, requiring clarity and consistency to rebuild trust.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Microsoft’s first Windows 11 update of 2026 has been a mess

Microsoft has issued two emergency fixes for issues arising from its January 2026 update for Windows 11. The first patch aimed to resolve various problems but resulted in shutdown issues for certain machines, particularly those using the Enterprise and IoT editions of Windows 11 version 23H2. In response, Microsoft released an out-of-band update to fix these shutdown problems. A week later, another out-of-band update was required to address crashes in OneDrive and Dropbox for users on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Additionally, Microsoft is investigating reports of boot failures linked to the January update, with some machines experiencing bluescreen errors and requiring manual recovery. This situation mirrors a previous incident where a security update was initially blamed for SSD issues, which were later attributed to firmware and motherboard BIOS problems.

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

Bungie fixes bizarre Marathon pre-order bug that could auto-install Destiny 2 onto your PC

Bungie's upcoming title, Marathon, has encountered a bug where pre-ordering the game on Steam inadvertently triggers the installation of Destiny 2 on players' PCs. This issue has been acknowledged and resolved by the Marathon Development Team. Additionally, there was a separate problem with activating game codes for the Collector's Edition on Steam, which has also been corrected. The glitch may be linked to pre-order incentives that include Destiny 2 cosmetics. Players previously faced issues with these bonuses not appearing in their Special Delivery Kiosks, but that has been resolved as well. The release date for Marathon has been pushed back to March 5, allowing for additional development time.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Android 16 beta continues to crash popular work apps, and Google has no fix yet

Pixel users are experiencing ongoing issues with Microsoft Office applications following the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 update, which was intended to fix previous crashing problems. Despite Google's assurances, many users report that glitches persist, particularly among beta users. Issues include crashes with specific Microsoft apps like Teams and the Microsoft Launcher. Some users report that apps crash in work profiles but function normally in personal profiles. A potential workaround involves re-enabling Android System WebView, but this solution is not widely verified. Google has not provided updates on the issues reported in the Issue Tracker, leaving users uncertain about a fix. Reverting to the stable version of Android 16 may serve as a temporary solution.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Windows 11 PCs Fail To Shut Down After Update

Some users of Windows 11 have experienced a problem where their PCs reboot instead of shutting down after the Patch Tuesday security update KB5073455. This issue primarily affects devices with Secure Launch on Windows 11 version 23H2. Microsoft has confirmed this behavior, which disrupts the usual power-off sequence and can drain battery life for laptops and complicate remote management processes. An out-of-band update, KB5077797, has been released to restore normal shutdown and hibernation functionalities for affected systems. Users can check for this update in Windows Update or download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. To determine if they are affected, users should look for immediate restarts when selecting Shut Down or Hibernate and check if Secure Launch is enabled in System Information.