system crashes Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows’ Iconic Blue Screen of Death Is No Longer Blue

Microsoft is changing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a Black Screen of Death (BSOD) in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. This change is currently being tested in the Beta, Dev, and Canary channels. The new message during a crash will state, “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” along with an error code for troubleshooting. A temporary Green Screen of Death (GSOD) was introduced in recent Insider builds, but the stable release will feature the Black screen. This change aims to modernize Windows' error messaging. Users in the Insider program can test the new feature with build 26120.3653 by triggering a BSOD.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

How to Uninstall Problematic Windows Updates Easily: Microsoft Customer Service

Windows updates can enhance performance and security but may also cause issues such as system crashes, compatibility problems, or decreased performance. If these problems occur, uninstalling the problematic update can restore system functionality. To uninstall a Windows update, users can follow these steps: 1. Access Windows Update History: - Open Windows Settings and select Update & Security. - Click on Windows Update and then View update history. 2. Uninstall the Problematic Update: - In the update history, click on Uninstall updates. - Select the problematic update and click Uninstall, then restart the computer. 3. Use Control Panel to Uninstall Updates: - Open Control Panel and click Programs. - Click on View installed updates, select the update, and click Uninstall. 4. Use Safe Mode to Uninstall Updates: - Boot into Safe Mode by navigating to Update & Security > Recovery and selecting Restart now under Advanced startup. - After restarting, follow the previous steps to uninstall the update. 5. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter: - Open Settings, navigate to Update & Security, and select Troubleshoot. - Click on Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, and run the troubleshooter. 6. Use System Restore to Undo Updates: - Access System Restore by searching for Create a restore point. - Follow instructions to select a restore point prior to the problematic update. 7. Prevent Future Problematic Updates: - Pause updates temporarily in Windows Update settings. - Use the Show or Hide Updates tool to block specific updates from installation. For persistent issues, users can contact Microsoft support via phone, live chat, or their support website for further assistance.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

First signs of Windows 11 25H2? Here’s what we know so far

Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 as support for Windows 10 is ending. Some users are hesitant due to reported issues with Bluetooth audio, File Explorer glitches, and system crashes, leading them to consider waiting for the anticipated Windows 11 25H2 update. Microsoft has announced advancements in the Dev Channel to the "26200 series builds," which are based on the 24H2 framework, but has not confirmed the 25H2 update. The 26200 build series indicates potential significant changes, but it is unclear whether 25H2 will be an enablement package or a full OS transition. Microsoft has not provided a release timeline for 25H2, but historically, major updates are expected in September or October, coinciding with the end of Windows 10 support.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

AMD 25.3.2 driver fixes major bug so Windows Update no longer installs older driver on 9070

AMD has released a beta display driver version 25.3.2 for Windows 11 and 10, which addresses a bug that caused older drivers to be installed via Windows Update, affecting various GPU generations. This issue has been resolved for the RX 9000 series graphics cards. The driver adds support for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, along with several bug fixes, including improvements for Counter-Strike 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Developer updates include support for RX 9000 series in the AMD Radeon Developer Tool Suite and the availability of AMD FSR 3.1 in over 110 games. Known issues include memory leaks with SteamVR, performance logging notifications, crashes with certain games, and stuttering with some VR headsets. The driver can be downloaded from AMD's official website.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

You Can Try Notepad’s New AI Summarizer in Windows 11 Now (If You Pay)

Microsoft is enhancing its Notepad and Snipping Tool applications in Windows 11 with new AI features. Notepad now includes a Summarize feature that allows users to summarize text by using the Copilot menu or pressing Ctrl-M, but it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription and Copilot Pro AI credits for full access. Additionally, Notepad will show recently opened files, accessible via File > Recent, and users can clear this list if desired. The updates are part of Notepad version 11.2501.29.0. The Snipping Tool has been updated to allow users to draw arrows that automatically convert into straight lines with pointers, streamlining the annotation process, available in Snipping Tool version 11.2502.18.0. To access these features, users must join the Windows Insider program and may need to run unstable builds of Windows 11.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Vulnerability Let Attackers Gain SYSTEM Privileges

Threat actors are exploiting CVE-2025-21333, a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Microsoft’s Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration Virtual Service Provider (VSP), which allows local attackers to escalate privileges to the SYSTEM level. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8 and is actively exploited. It resides in the vkrnlintvsp.sys driver, which facilitates communication between the host OS and container-like virtual machines. A Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrates exploitation through I/O ring buffer manipulation, allowing arbitrary read/write in kernel memory and SYSTEM-level privilege escalation. The PoC was developed by a group of researchers including @yarden_shafir and others. Affected systems include Windows 11 Version 23H2 and potentially Version 24H2, with specific binary hashes provided. Limitations of the PoC include the need for Windows Sandbox and potential system crashes due to overflow. Mitigation strategies involve updating systems, enabling protections like Hyper-V isolation, and monitoring for exploitation signs. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability in January 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, urging users to apply patches promptly.

Winsage

March 2, 2025

How to Manually Disable Windows Update Service on Your PC

Windows automatic updates can sometimes cause system crashes or performance issues, particularly if the computer's RAM or capabilities are insufficient. To prevent updates from occurring at inconvenient times, users can disable the Windows Update Service by following these steps: 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box. 2. Type services.msc and press Enter or OK to access the Services window. 3. Find Windows Update in the list and double-click to open its properties. 4. In the Startup type dropdown menu, select Disabled, then click Apply and OK. Disabling updates means users will not receive automatic security patches, so it is advisable to check for updates manually. To re-enable updates, follow the same steps and select Manual or Automatic under the Startup type.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

100+ run commands that can help you work efficiently on Windows

Windows 11 and 10 provide run commands that streamline workflow by allowing quick access to various system tools, applications, settings, and diagnostic features. Administrative Tools: - compmgmt.msc: Opens Computer Management. - devmgmt.msc: Launches Device Manager. - diskmgmt.msc: Opens Disk Management. - services.msc: Manages background services. - eventvwr.msc: Opens Event Viewer. - secpol.msc: Opens Local Security Policy. - regedit: Opens Registry Editor. - taskschd.msc: Opens Task Scheduler. - gpedit.msc: Opens Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise). System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: - msinfo32: Opens System Information. - dxdiag: Launches DirectX Diagnostic Tool. - verifier: Opens Driver Verifier Manager. - resmon: Opens Resource Monitor. - perfmon: Opens Performance Monitor. - mdsched: Runs Windows Memory Diagnostic. - msdt: Opens Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool. - dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image. - sfc /scannow: Scans and repairs system files. - chkdsk: Runs Check Disk. - winver: Checks Windows version. - cleanmgr: Opens Disk Cleanup. File and Storage Management: - cleanmgr: Launches Disk Cleanup. - dfrgui: Opens Disk Defragmenter. - chkdsk: Checks and repairs disk errors. - diskpart: Opens Disk Partition utility. - onedrive: Opens OneDrive folder. - shell:AppsFolder: Opens all apps folder. - wab: Opens Windows contacts folder. - explorer: Opens File Explorer. - recent: Opens recent files and folders. - documents: Opens Documents folder. - downloads: Opens Downloads folder. - favorites: Opens Favorites folder. - pictures: Opens Pictures folder. - videos: Opens Videos folder. - %AppData%: Opens App Data folder. - debug: Accesses Debug folder. - backup: Opens backup folder. - %systemdrive%: Opens system drive. Security and Maintenance: - firewall.cpl: Opens Windows Defender Firewall. - wf.msc: Launches Firewall with advanced security. - ms-settings:windowsdefender: Opens Windows Security. - sigverif: Verifies file signatures. - verifier: Checks driver integrity. - msconfig: Opens System Configuration. - sfc /scannow: Runs system file checker. - dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Repairs Windows image. Launching Apps: - notepad: Opens Notepad. - calc: Launches Calculator. - snippingtool: Opens Snipping Tool. - mspaint: Opens Microsoft Paint. - winword: Starts Microsoft Word. - excel: Opens Microsoft Excel. - chrome: Launches Google Chrome. - msedge: Opens Microsoft Edge. - control: Opens Control Panel. - explorer: Opens File Explorer. - powerpnt: Opens Microsoft PowerPoint. - firefox: Opens Mozilla Firefox. - wmplayer: Opens Windows Media Player. - msra: Opens Windows Remote Assistance. - outlook: Opens Microsoft Outlook. Navigating Settings: - ms-settings: Opens main Settings app. - ms-settings:network: Opens network & internet settings. - ms-settings:display: Opens display settings. - ms-settings:personalization: Opens personalization settings. - ms-settings:windowsupdate: Opens Windows Update settings. - ms-settings:privacy: Opens Privacy settings. - ms-settings:bluetooth: Opens Bluetooth settings. - ms-settings:devices: Opens Devices settings. - ms-settings:system: Opens System settings. - ms-settings:accounts: Opens Accounts settings. - ms-settings:timeandlanguage: Opens Time & Language settings. - ms-settings:gaming: Opens Gaming settings. - ms-settings:region: Opens Region settings. - ms-settings:optionalfeatures: Opens Optional Features settings. - ms-settings:storage: Opens Storage settings. - ms-settings:notifications: Opens Notifications settings. - ms-settings:taskbar: Opens Taskbar settings. - ms-settings:start: Opens Start Menu settings. - ms-settings:lockscreen: Opens Lock Screen settings. Network and Connectivity: - ncpa.cpl: Opens Network Connections. - ipconfig: Displays IP configuration. - ping: Tests network connectivity. - control netconnections: Opens Network and Sharing Center. - ms-settings:network-wifi: Opens Wi-Fi settings. - ms-settings:datausage: View data usage. - ms-settings:network-vpn: Manage VPN. - ms-settings:network-proxy: Configures proxy settings. Display and Appearance: - desk.cpl: Opens Display Settings. - control color: Customizes window colors. - dpiscaling: Opens display scaling settings. - ms-settings:personalization: Opens Personalization settings. - ms-settings:themes: Changes desktop themes. - ms-settings:display-advanced: Adjusts advanced display settings. Accessibility: - magnify: Opens Magnifier. - narrator: Launches Narrator. - osk: Opens on-screen keyboard. - utilman: Opens Ease of Access Center. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-display: Opens display accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-cursor: Opens cursor accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-mouse: Opens mouse accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-keyboard: Opens keyboard accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-narrator: Opens narrator accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-magnifier: Opens magnifier accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-colorfilter: Opens color filter accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-highcontrast: Opens high contrast accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-closedcaptioning: Opens closed captioning accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-audio: Opens audio accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-eyecontrol: Opens eye control accessibility settings. - ms-settings:easeofaccess-mousepointer: Opens mouse pointer accessibility settings. Power Management: - powercfg.cpl: Opens Power Options. - ms-settings:powersleep: Adjusts power and sleep settings. - powercfg /batteryreport: Generates a battery report. - powercfg /energy: Creates an energy efficiency report. - powercfg /hibernate: Enables or disables hibernation. - powercfg /deviceenablewake: Enables a device to wake the computer. - powercfg /devicedisablewake: Disables a device from waking the computer.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

New patch for Windows 11 24H2 reportedly plays havoc with File Explorer, and some folks are claiming it’s broken their PC

Microsoft's cumulative update for Windows 11, patch KB5051987, has caused significant issues for users of the 24H2 version. Problems include File Explorer failing to open essential folders like Documents and Pictures, difficulties accessing File Explorer through search or shortcuts, and widespread installation failures. Users report the update process stalling, prolonged installation times, critical system errors, and instances of Blue Screens of Death, which can render Windows 11 inoperable. The issues persist even in clean installations of Windows 11, and there are currently no widely recognized workarounds, though disabling Windows Sandbox has been suggested for Pro edition users. Reports of installation failures and system crashes continue, leading to caution among users regarding the update.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Windows Server 2022 KB5051979 released, direct download .msu

The February 2025 security patch for Windows Server 2022, KB5051979, resolves issues with Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) devices and USB peripherals that previously displayed error code 10. It upgrades the system to Build 20348.3207, fixing a memory leak related to predictive input ideas and issues with the Device Health Attestation service. The update also addresses crashes related to symbolic links and acknowledges lingering harmless errors from the January 2025 update, specifically concerning the System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker Service. Users of OpenSSH and Citrix may face conflicts due to the January update. Some fixes are also applied to Windows 10 with KB5051974. Additionally, Microsoft has resolved a boot error in Windows Server 2025 and released cumulative updates KB5051989 and KB5051987 for Windows 11.