startup Archives

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Edge push notifications not working [Fix]

A push notification is an alert that appears when new content is added to an app or website. Users can customize these notifications through their browser, but some have experienced issues with them not working in Microsoft Edge. Solutions to resolve this include: 1. Checking notification settings in Edge to ensure the website is not blocked and that the Quiet notification requests option is disabled. 2. Creating a new profile in Edge to see if notifications work with a fresh profile. 3. Clearing cookies for the specific website to potentially fix notification issues. 4. Checking Focus settings in Windows to ensure Do Not Disturb mode is not silencing notifications. 5. Verifying system notification settings to ensure notifications for the website are enabled. 6. Resetting Edge to its factory default settings if other solutions do not work. Push notifications may not function due to being disabled in system settings or the website being blocked. To unblock notifications, users should navigate to their browser settings and enable notifications for the blocked website.

Tech Optimizer

December 26, 2024

“I went through hell” Japanese indie dev on how their game was wrongly flagged as a virus, and blocked on Steam

A Japanese indie developer, Shiromofu Factory, launched the game Dungeon Antiqua on October 10, 2024. The game, inspired by early Final Fantasy and Wizardry titles, is available on Windows and macOS and has received a Very Positive review status on Steam. After a December 6 update, users reported virus warnings from antivirus programs like Norton, Avast, and McAfee, which were triggered by the game's use of the Pyxel engine and Pyinstaller for executable files. The developer advised users to exclude the game's .exe file from scans, but on December 12, Steam blocked the game from sale due to multiple virus reports. The developer requested a rollback to an earlier version, which prevented future updates. They purchased Norton Antivirus for testing and attempted various solutions, including filing reports with antivirus companies and considering a code signing certificate. They identified that the use of Python’s “os.remove()” function contributed to the false alerts and implemented a workaround. However, antivirus software retained memory of flagged files, causing continued blocks. Ultimately, flipping the fairy image associated with the game’s file by 180 degrees allowed Dungeon Antiqua to bypass the antivirus barriers and resume updates.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

5 ways to make Windows 11 boot faster without new hardware

Windows can exhibit sluggishness during boot times, which can be improved without hardware upgrades or reinstallation. 1. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager to enhance boot times. 2. Adjust the Fast Startup feature in Control Panel, as it can sometimes hinder performance. 3. Reduce the operating system selection timeout in System Properties to streamline booting for users with multiple operating systems. 4. Uninstall unneeded applications to free up resources. 5. Ensure sufficient free space on your SSD, as full SSDs can degrade performance.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Five lesser known Task Manager features in Windows 11

Windows 11's Task Manager includes several features that enhance productivity and system management: - Users can generate a live kernel or full crash dump to troubleshoot crashes, which can be analyzed for root cause identification. - Holding the CTRL key pauses the Task Manager updates, allowing users to easily locate processes, while the F5 key refreshes values for real-time updates. - The "Efficiency Mode" can be activated by right-clicking on an app or process to limit CPU usage, reducing power consumption and freeing up resources. - The Startup Apps section provides an overview of applications that launch at boot, allowing users to disable unnecessary ones to improve startup time and system performance. - The App History tab shows resource usage by applications since the last shutdown, helping users identify which apps are consuming significant resources.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2024

TotalAV Antivirus Pro

TotalAV Antivirus Pro is designed to examine computers for malware and protect against future threats, offering additional features like backup, system tune-up, and ad-blocking. It is priced at .00 per year for protection across five PCs, which is higher than competitors like Norton (.99), Malwarebytes Premium Security (.99), and ESET (.99). TotalAV does not offer various pricing tiers; additional licenses require purchasing a more advanced application. The TotalAV Internet Security package costs .00 per year for six licenses with VPN protection, while the Total Security version costs .00 per year for eight licenses with a password manager. Installation can begin with a free trial or by registering online, and the process is lengthy. The interface features a dark mode option and a streamlined menu. TotalAV scored 17.5 points in independent lab testing by AV-Test Institute, earning it the Top Product designation, and received Advanced certification from AV-Comparatives. In practical tests, it neutralized 72% of malware samples immediately and achieved an overall detection rate of 88%. TotalAV's WebShield detected 96% of phishing sites, outperforming built-in browser protections. Users can choose from quick, full, or custom scans, with the initial full scan taking 53 minutes. Scheduled scans occur weekly, but quick or custom scans cannot be scheduled. Most privacy features require an upgrade, while the free edition includes Total Adblock. TotalAV features a Clean-up Scan for junk files and an Application Uninstaller for removing multiple applications simultaneously. The Total Security page offers features and add-ons, including a basic online backup solution with 2GB of storage.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Your Windows 11 PC is acting up? 4 essential settings I always check first

Windows 11 users may experience a decline in performance due to resource-heavy applications, unoptimized settings, or malware. A simple reboot can refresh the RAM and system connections. To enhance performance, users can: 1. Download the latest updates by checking the Windows Update section in Settings and installing any pending patches. Users can revert to a previous version if performance issues arise post-update. 2. Disable startup applications through the Task Manager to prevent them from launching at boot, which can improve system performance. OneDrive syncing can also be paused to reduce slowdowns. 3. Deactivate unused features, such as notifications and Transparency Effects, to free up system resources. 4. Remove malware by installing a robust antivirus program. Windows Security provides basic protection, but alternatives like Bitdefender Total Security or AVG Antivirus may offer more comprehensive security against threats.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

Asus bombards Windows 11 with christmas.exe malware-like Christmas wreath banner

A festive banner featuring a Christmas wreath and labeled “Christmas.exe” has appeared on some ASUS PCs, causing confusion among users who feared it was malware. This banner is part of a promotional campaign integrated into the Armoury Crate software, which comes pre-installed on certain ASUS systems. Users reported that the banner occupies a large portion of the screen and prompts them to “Press ESC to exit.” The association with the process “Christmas.exe” in Task Manager heightened concerns about a potential ransomware attack. The process is located within ASUS program files and is tied to the Aura effects in the Armoury Crate software. Users expressed frustration over its intrusive nature and reported issues like RAM leaks. To prevent these promotions, users can uninstall ASUS Armoury Crate or disable it from the BIOS. The banner is expected to disappear after the holiday season.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Clean up your PC: Deep cleaning with professional tricks

Maintaining a tidy digital environment is essential for optimizing the performance of a Windows PC. Regular decluttering frees up storage space and enhances overall efficiency. 1. Check Memory Utilization: Access Settings (Win+I) > System > Memory to view memory usage, including temporary files and installed applications. The "Other" category shows large folders for potential deletion, and you can uninstall unnecessary programs under Apps > Installed apps. Temporary files can be removed under System > Storage > Temporary files. 2. Windows 11 Cleanup Functions: Go to System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to find storage space occupied by downloads, the recycle bin, and Previous Windows installations. Select areas to clean and click the cleanup button. 3. Free Up Storage Space: Enable Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage to automate cleanup processes, customizing frequency and recycle bin retention. 4. Relocate Standard Storage Locations: In System > Storage > Advanced storage settings, designate alternative drives for new content to keep the primary drive uncluttered. 5. Change Storage Location for Apps: Specify a different drive when installing new applications. For Microsoft Store apps, go to Apps > Installed apps and select Move. 6. Clean Up Discs: Use the Disk Cleanup tool (cleanmgr) to delete unnecessary files. The Clean up system files option reveals additional files for removal. 7. Delete Browser Data: Clear browser cache as needed to improve performance, managing data through browser settings. 8. Optimize Autostart: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to disable unnecessary startup programs. Tools like Autoruns can help manage autostart entries for efficient booting. Additional software options like Bleachbit and Ccleaner can provide deeper insights for system maintenance.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 is the unwanted holiday gift that keeps on giving thanks to Auto HDR game crashes, audio device woes, odd bouts of stuttering and more

Microsoft's 24H2 update for Windows 11 has caused various issues for users, including game stuttering, unexpected crashes, and disappearing audio devices. The update has led to problems with Auto HDR, resulting in incorrect game colors and crashes, particularly affecting certain display configurations. Audio issues have been reported with devices using Dirac Audio, but others have experienced similar problems without it. Users have also faced driver disruptions, notification glitches, animation issues, and browser freezing. The update has been withheld from machines with certain Ubisoft games installed to prevent crashes, and previous issues included an audio bug and a BSOD bug related to Western Digital SSDs.