system failures Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft reveals new tool to help with Windows 11 boot recovery crashes

Microsoft is piloting a Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool for Windows 11, available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel for version 24H2. QMR aims to reduce downtime from boot crashes by activating when a device encounters startup issues, transitioning to Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to reconnect to the network for crash data analysis. Microsoft can then deliver solutions via Windows Update. The feature will be enabled by default on Windows 11 Home devices, while Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise administrators can manage its functionality. The initial rollout allows IT administrators to enable/disable the tool, configure scanning intervals, and conduct readiness tests. Feedback from users is encouraged to improve the tool, though a timeline for general availability has not been announced.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows’ new Quick Machine Recovery auto-fixes system failures for you

Microsoft is enhancing its recovery tools for Windows 11 with the introduction of Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), currently being tested in the Windows Insider Program’s Beta Channel. QMR allows IT administrators to remotely address boot issues, even if the computer fails to start normally, and utilizes the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to connect to the internet and send diagnostic data to Microsoft for targeted updates via Windows Update. Initially aimed at business users, QMR will also be available to private individuals by default, with administrators in managed IT environments retaining control over its availability. Users can access QMR in the Windows recovery menu under “Advanced Options,” and it is designed to enhance system resilience by automatically identifying errors and implementing solutions.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft kills the iconic Blue Screen of Death. It looks like this now

Microsoft is redesigning the "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) in Windows 11 24H2, changing it from a blue screen to a black display. For Windows Insiders, the error screen will appear in green. The new design removes the sad smiley face and QR code, replacing the text with "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart," and uses "device" instead of "PC." The specific error code and reason for the crash will be in smaller text at the bottom. This redesign has been in development since the early stages of Windows 11, but its motivation is speculative. The new error screen's public debut date is unclear, though it may be introduced in an upcoming Patch Tuesday.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11 quick machine recovery: Restoring devices with boot issues

Microsoft has launched a quick machine recovery feature in its Windows operating system to help IT administrators remotely execute fixes on machines that cannot boot, particularly during widespread outages. This feature allows devices to automatically enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and connect with Microsoft’s recovery services for tailored remediations delivered via Windows Update. IT administrators can enable or disable this feature remotely and configure settings such as scanning intervals and restart timeouts. Currently, quick machine recovery is in testing and available to users in the Windows Insider Program, with plans for future accessibility to IT administrators managing Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise devices.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

A New Microsoft Tool Automatically Detects, Diagnoses, and Resolves Boot Issues in Windows

Microsoft has introduced a tool called "Quick Machine Recovery" to address boot failures in Windows devices. This feature automatically detects, diagnoses, and resolves critical system issues that prevent devices from starting correctly. It is currently available in the Windows Insider Preview Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. Quick Machine Recovery aims to reduce downtime by automating the diagnostic and remediation processes, allowing IT administrators to deploy targeted fixes directly to affected devices through the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). Key capabilities include automated remediation based on real-time crash data, admin customization options, and a test mode for simulating recovery processes. The recovery process begins when a device enters Windows RE due to a boot failure, utilizing a network connection to communicate with Microsoft’s recovery services. Future updates are expected to enhance networking configuration support. The feature is enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users, while IT administrators for Pro and Enterprise devices can customize its deployment.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Microsoft redesigns Windows 11 24H2’s BSOD, drops QR code, frowning face, blue colour

Microsoft is retiring the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in favor of a new Black Screen of Death in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 build. The new design features a black background and omits the frowning face, which has raised concerns about clarity. The Black Screen of Death indicates a significant issue requiring a restart but resembles the Windows Update screen, potentially causing confusion. It simplifies the message to “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart,” reducing the amount of technical information previously provided, which could hinder troubleshooting for IT administrators.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Microsoft tests new Windows 11 tool to remotely fix boot crashes

Microsoft is testing a new tool for Windows 11 called Quick Machine Recovery, which aims to address issues related to buggy drivers and configurations that hinder the operating system's startup. This tool is part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative, designed to enhance system stability and minimize downtime by automating the detection, diagnosis, and rectification of critical failures. Quick Machine Recovery will allow Microsoft to deploy targeted remediations remotely during widespread outages affecting device startup, thus automating fixes without complex manual interventions. The tool will automatically initiate when a new driver or configuration change disrupts startup, establishing an internet connection to transmit crash data to Microsoft for analysis and remote fixes. Microsoft plans to enable this feature by default in Windows 11 Home editions, with customization options for enterprise users. A test remediation package will soon be released for Windows Insider Preview Beta Channel users to experience Quick Machine Recovery.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Windows 11 gets Quick Recovery to fix computers that cannot boot

Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery at the Ignite conference, a feature within its Windows Resiliency Initiative for Windows 11, aimed at improving user experience during system failures. This tool allows users to recover their systems when boot failures occur by transitioning into recovery mode and connecting to the internet to analyze crash data and retrieve fixes via Windows Update. Quick Machine Recovery is currently being tested in the latest Windows 11 Beta build, with plans for a broader rollout across all Windows 11 editions. IT administrators can enable or disable this feature and customize settings such as network credentials and scanning intervals. The feature is designed to help mitigate the impact of widespread outages and assist users with critical bugs and compatibility issues.

BetaBeacon

March 20, 2025

The three best airplane games for Android

Aviator is a unique game of chance where players must stop the plane at the right time to win. It requires intuition, equanimity, and knowing when to withdraw winnings.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Microsoft update cracks Windows 11

Microsoft released a patch for Windows 11 version 24H2, designated KB5051987, which has led to widespread user complaints just five days after its release. Users report significant issues, including unreliable File Explorer, difficulties in saving Office documents, and problems with downloading files. Some users are unable to install the patch, experiencing long stalls and error messages. Other reported glitches include erratic Taskbar animations, malfunctioning cameras, and mouse stuttering. One user noted a decrease in laptop battery life from six hours to 2.5 hours after the update. The patch was intended to address security vulnerabilities and glitches but has instead exacerbated existing problems.