support documentation Archives

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H2: Problems with preview update KB5124010

On September 22, 2026, Microsoft released the optional Preview Update KB5124010 for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, aimed at enhancing performance and addressing various issues, with broader distribution planned for October 2026. User feedback indicated concerns about complications from the update. A user reported that applications were crashing due to issues with the library file msmpeg2ac3dec.dll when multiple MP3 files were played simultaneously, affecting older games like SimCity 4 and Fallout New Vegas. The user's company’s telephone system, using innovaphone, also experienced crashes with the myApps client. The msmpeg2ac3dec.dll file was found only on systems upgraded from Windows 11 22H2, while fresh installations of 24H2 or 25H2 did not include it. A workaround involving the installation of "LAV Filters" was tested and found to resolve the crashing issue. Microsoft acknowledged the issues related to the Preview Update KB5124010, stating that applications requiring AC-3 audio decoding might close unexpectedly and that they are working on a resolution for this problem in a future update.

AppWizard

September 22, 2026

Why Android App Problems Start With Phone Settings

When an Android app encounters issues, the cause may be related to the device's settings rather than the app itself. Factors such as missing permissions, battery restrictions, or disabled notifications can affect app functionality. Users should check the specific feature that is failing, such as verifying microphone permission for voice messages or camera access for QR code scanners. Background restrictions can hinder apps that require background functionality, and different apps have varying background requirements. Notification settings should be inspected if alerts are absent, as these can differ by application and device. Storage space and cache management are important, with a recommendation to avoid clearing everything at once. If problems arise after installing an app from an untrusted source or if it requests excessive permissions, the app itself may be the issue. Android settings can vary between devices, so users may need to search for specific settings if guides do not match their device. Troubleshooting should be done one step at a time to identify the root cause of the issue.

Winsage

September 22, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s emergency update still breaks audio, and a fix may not arrive until October

Windows 11 is facing ongoing challenges with audio functionality following recent updates, particularly with the emergency update KB5129195 released on September 14. This update aimed to fix issues from the September Patch Tuesday update (KB5124008) but has led to new problems, including compromised audio output on some devices and disruptions in secure trust relationships for enterprise systems. Users have reported error messages like “This device cannot start (Code 10)” in Device Manager, and issues with USB audio devices. Microsoft is investigating these audio problems but has not provided a timeline for resolution. Additionally, there are reports of GPU issues on AMD systems, including driver timeouts and black screens, affecting various Radeon models such as RX 6600, RX 7700 XT, RX 7800 XT, RX 7900 GRE, RX 7900 XTX, and RX 9070 XT. Some users found that uninstalling the September update alleviated these problems, but the emergency update KB5129195 does not address the GPU errors.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Speed Fixes Are Coming to All Users

Windows 11 users have experienced delays in File Explorer and the Start menu since the operating system's launch in 2021. Recent reports from Windows Insiders indicate significant improvements in system responsiveness, confirmed by Marcus Ash from Microsoft, who stated that these enhancements will be rolled out to all users by fall 2026. Recent cumulative updates have addressed issues like File Explorer lag and Start menu stuttering, with specific updates (KB5120998, KB5095093, and KB5089573) improving responsiveness and reducing micro-stutters. Enhancements to the taskbar, Start menu, and context menus are also being developed, including taskbar repositioning and streamlined context menus. Users on the 25H2 version can expect these improvements through cumulative updates before the 26H2 update this fall. Keeping Windows Update active will ensure access to these enhancements.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft Pushes OneDrive After Killing Windows 11 Transfer Tool

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of Windows 11’s PC-to-PC migration tool, which was designed for direct file transfers over local Wi-Fi or LAN connections. This tool, integrated into the Windows Backup application, allowed users to connect two computers using a one-time code to transfer specific files and folders without requiring cloud storage. Users are now directed to use Windows Backup, which relies on OneDrive for file synchronization and restoration, posing challenges for those with limited OneDrive capacity. The former tool also allowed the transfer of certain Windows settings but did not include installed applications, saved passwords, or sign-in credentials. Microsoft has updated its support documentation to confirm that the PC-to-PC Migration feature is no longer available.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Microsoft built a local PC-to-PC transfer tool for Windows 11, now it’s killing it to push OneDrive-based solution

Microsoft has discontinued its PC-to-PC transfer tool for Windows 11, which allowed file transfers over Wi-Fi or LAN without using OneDrive. The company has shifted its focus to the Windows Backup solution that relies on OneDrive for file storage. Users must now restore backups linked to their Microsoft accounts and retrieve synced files via OneDrive, which has a 5GB storage limit for free accounts. The PC-to-PC transfer tool, tested in July 2025, enabled users to transfer documents, photos, videos, and user settings locally, but did not support the transfer of saved passwords, credentials, or installed applications.

Winsage

September 14, 2026

Windows 11 September Update Kills Audio Output on Some PCs

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with audio output for some Windows 11 users following the September security update KB5124008, which has affected USB audio devices. Users may encounter error messages like "This device cannot start (Code 10)" in the device manager, with symptoms including unresponsive volume controls, absence of audio output, and devices not appearing in the device manager. The issue is limited to USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. A workaround involves reverting to a 2-channel audio mode, which may restore functionality for some devices. Microsoft is working on a permanent fix. Previous updates have also caused issues, such as resetting custom cursors and impacting gameplay with crashes and freezes. A poll indicated that many users believe the quality of Windows 11 is deteriorating.

Winsage

September 12, 2026

Windows 11’s useless Copilot key finally does something, you can map it to right-click

Recent updates from Microsoft allow users to remap the Copilot key on Windows 11 to either the Right Ctrl key or the Context Menu key. This feature is part of the Release Preview Build 26100.9539 for 24H2 and 26200.9539 for 25H2, rolled out on September 10, 2026. Users can access this remapping option under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard. The Copilot key was introduced in January 2024 but received criticism for being cumbersome. Microsoft acknowledged the challenges posed by the Copilot key, particularly for users relying on the Right Ctrl or Context Menu keys for shortcuts and assistive technologies. If remapped to the Right Ctrl key, certain shortcut combinations may not function as expected. The feature is expected to be fully rolled out on October 12, 2026.

BetaBeacon

September 9, 2026

Android Studio vs Genymotion vs BlueStacks 5 [2026]

Android Studio Emulator is the official Android SDK tooling maintained by Google for app developers to test code against specific Android API levels, screen densities, and hardware profiles.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Google Photos just halved the time you have to rescue trashed pictures

Google Photos has changed its photo retention policy, reducing the grace period for restoring deleted images from 60 days to 30 days. This update aligns the retention period for deleted cloud images with that of locally stored photos. Notifications about this policy change are being sent to Android users, marking its official rollout.