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How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC
Winsage
November 8, 2024

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC

Windows update KB5043145 caused some users to experience the blue screen of death instead of performance improvements. Before rolling back updates, users should check for adequate hard drive space, restart the system, attempt to reinstall updates, disconnect non-essential hardware, check for conflicts in Device Manager, ensure antivirus software is not interfering, and verify that the Windows Update service is activated. To troubleshoot update issues, Windows 11 users can run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings, while Windows 10 users can access it through Update & Security. Users can also utilize system restore points to revert to a previous state, use the Reset Windows Update Tool to repair update components, manually install updates from the Microsoft update catalog, or reset and restart update services via command prompt. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary, though it could result in data loss.
Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs
Winsage
November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.
Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs
Winsage
November 7, 2024

Windows 11 Canary Build 27744 returns the Gamepad keyboard, and fixes old dGPUs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 in the Canary Channel, providing a unified experience and eliminating the previous dual-experience model. This build enhances the Prism emulator for Windows on Arm, allowing a wider range of 64-bit x86 applications to run, including support for additional CPU features. The update enables previously incompatible games and creative software to function on Arm devices. Key changes include the simplification of the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, and updates to Task Manager and Settings. Several fixes have been implemented, addressing issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various graphics and app-related bugs. Known issues include potential problems with Windows Hello PIN on new Copilot+ PCs and desktop background display across multiple monitors. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience.
Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)
Winsage
November 6, 2024

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744 has been released to the Canary Channel. This build introduces enhanced support for 64-bit x86 applications in the Prism emulator, allowing previously incompatible applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro 25, to run on Arm devices. The virtual CPU for x64 emulated applications now supports various x86 instruction set architecture extensions, such as AVX and FMA. Changes include the simplification of the "All apps" section in the Start menu, a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, redesigned Task Manager dialogs, and the return of the detach virtual hard disk button. Fixes address issues with NVIDIA GPUs, the Emoji Panel, Windows Sandbox performance, and various bugs affecting graphics and application stability. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for new Copilot+ PC users joining the Canary Channel and desktop background display problems across multiple monitors. Insiders are reminded that features in the Canary Channel may not be released and can change during development.
This secret trick lets you get retired Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store
Winsage
November 6, 2024

This secret trick lets you get retired Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store

On November 4, Microsoft removed the Paint 3D app from its Store, but users who had previously installed it can still use it. New users can access Paint 3D through a workaround by searching for it in the Start menu, which may lead to an install option in the Microsoft Store despite its delisting. Alternatively, users can download archived files of Paint 3D from icedrive.net, which includes installers for older versions. However, users will not receive updates from Microsoft, affecting long-term usability.
Windows 11 update fails are becoming a joke – but it looks like Microsoft is working hard on fixing them
Winsage
November 5, 2024

Windows 11 update fails are becoming a joke – but it looks like Microsoft is working hard on fixing them

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11, build 26120.2213, focusing on bug fixes related to the transition to version 24H2. Significant fixes include resolving an issue in Task Manager that displayed zero running apps and processes, addressing a problem that prevented some games from launching, and correcting excessive spacing between applications in the Start menu. Improvements have also been made to File Explorer, fixing spacing issues in the navigation pane and correcting the display of RAW images taken in portrait mode. Additionally, minor glitches in the taskbar, including a malfunctioning 'X' button in the taskbar preview, have been fixed. The update does not introduce new features, with the only notable change being a minor adjustment to the IME toolbar. Known issues still being addressed include complications with the new gamepad keyboard layout and a display corruption issue for users with multiple monitors.
Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) fixes multi-monitor desktop background and more
Winsage
November 5, 2024

Windows 11 build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) fixes multi-monitor desktop background and more

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2213 (KB5045885) in the Dev Channel. Key changes include the temporary suspension of the Gamepad keyboard feature, improvements to the Start menu, and enhancements for users typing in Chinese or Japanese, such as hiding the IME toolbar in full-screen mode. Fixes include enhanced reliability and corrected spacing in the Start menu, adjustments in File Explorer for navigation pane padding and RAW image display, taskbar improvements including a search box for auto-hide settings, and general fixes for all users addressing game launch issues and Task Manager display problems. Known issues include a problem with desktop backgrounds not displaying correctly across multiple monitors. Windows Insiders receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, with features rolled out gradually and subject to change based on feedback.
Windows 11 continues to creep up behind Windows 10
Winsage
November 4, 2024

Windows 11 continues to creep up behind Windows 10

Microsoft will cease free updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As of October, Windows 11 holds a 35.55 percent share of the desktop Windows market, while Windows 10 has a 60.97 percent share, down from 69.9 percent in April. Microsoft has introduced a pricing structure for continued security updates for Windows 10 users, which has faced criticism from advocacy groups like the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Users upgrading to Windows 11 have encountered challenges, and older hardware is excluded from the upgrade path. In January 2019, Windows 10 had a market share of 53.18 percent, ahead of Windows 7's 35.05 percent before its support ended.
Remember Bricopacks? They could transform Windows XP into something special
Winsage
November 3, 2024

Remember Bricopacks? They could transform Windows XP into something special

Windows XP was known for its user-friendly interface and performance, leading to a community-driven desire for customization. Notable contributions included BricoPacks, which were comprehensive suites of software and tweaks that enhanced the operating system. These packs provided features such as a sleek dock for applications, revamped window styling and cursors, new wallpapers and taskbar designs, and customizable start menus. Customizing Windows XP required technical skills and experimentation, supported by active forums. Today, customization options remain available for Windows, and Bricopacks can still be downloaded for use with Windows XP virtual machines.
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