system issues Archives

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Fast Startup might actually be slowing your PC down

Fast Startup on Windows enhances boot times by placing the computer in a hibernation-like state, saving the system state to disk for quicker startups, but does not preserve open programs and processes. Disabling Fast Startup is advisable for users with modern SSDs unless they experience noticeable slowdowns. Fast Startup circumvents traditional shutdowns, which are necessary for proper power cycling of components, potentially leading to system issues over time. It can disrupt Windows updates, causing instability and missing features, making it wise to keep it disabled for regular updaters. For dual-boot systems with Windows and Linux, Fast Startup should be disabled to avoid boot issues and potential data corruption. It can also exacerbate wake-from-sleep problems, leading to slower wake times and peripheral malfunctions. Users with modern NVMe SSDs may find that Fast Startup offers minimal advantages and could even result in longer boot times.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows 11 KB5055523 & KB5055528 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5055523 for version 24H2 and KB5055528 for version 23H2. These updates address security vulnerabilities and system issues and include critical security patches from the April 2025 Patch Tuesday. The build number for Windows 11 24H2 will update to Build 26100.3775, while 23H2 will change to 226x1.5191. New features include: - Enhanced Windows Search powered by semantic indexing models. - Improved search for cloud-stored photos on Copilot+ PCs. - A Gamepad keyboard layout added to the touch keyboard. - A new system tray icon for easier access to emoji and panels. - Live captions and real-time translation for communication on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs. - "Top cards" in Settings for quick access to PC specifications. - Voice access now supports natural language commands and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. - Lock screen widgets available on devices in the European Economic Area (EEA). - An icon in the system tray for apps using Windows Studio Effects. - General fixes for various system reliability issues. Some persistent issues include problems playing Roblox from the Store on ARM PCs and an incorrect Event 7023 error regarding SgrmBroker.exe. Users are encouraged to install the updates promptly.

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 3, 2025

How to make Microsoft Windows services work for you

Windows services are essential for the functionality of the operating system, and while many can be deactivated, caution is advised. Daemon Master is a tool that allows users to configure executables, shortcuts, or batch files as services that start automatically with Windows. To create a service with Daemon Master, users must launch the application, click “New,” assign a service name and display name, and optionally add a description. The default start type is “Automatic,” and users can specify the path to the desired EXE file. After saving, the service will appear as “stopped” and can be started by right-clicking and selecting “Start service.” Services run in the background, but users can access the program window temporarily by selecting “Start service on desktop.” Services can be managed by starting, pausing, resuming, or stopping them, and unnecessary third-party services can be disabled through the system configuration. Troubleshooting can involve restarting specific services, like the Print Spooler for printing issues. To delete a service, users must identify its name, stop it using the command prompt, and then delete it with the sc.exe tool. Tools like Autoruns can also be used for managing services. While deactivating services may not improve performance, it can reduce security vulnerabilities, and programs like Ashampoo Winoptimizer can help users assess the necessity of installed services.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 10 Approaches Its End of Life: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. Users will be left vulnerable to malware and other cyber threats, and existing system issues will remain unresolved. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, which offers new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 through Windows Update if their devices meet the system requirements. If not, they may need to consider new hardware. While Windows 10 will still receive security updates until the end of support date, it will not receive new features, prompting users to plan their migration to avoid security risks. It is advised to back up important data before transitioning to ensure a smooth upgrade process.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046617 and KB5046633 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5046617 for version 24H2 and KB5046633 for version 23H2. The updates address security vulnerabilities and system issues. After installation, the build number for 24H2 will be 26100.2314 and for 23H2 will be 22631.4460. Key fixes include: - Task Manager: Accurate group count on the Processes tab. - WSL: Access to Dev Drive without issues. - Internet connection: Resolved duplicate DHCP options affecting IPv4 connections. - Notifications: Option to disable suggestions from specific apps. - Wi-Fi password dialog: Updated visual design. - Narrator: New shortcut to copy last spoken content and auto-read email contents in new Outlook. - Start menu: "All apps" section renamed to "All." - ALT + Tab: Fixed black screen issue when switching windows. - Scanning apps: Correct detection of connected scanners. - Web sign-in: Resolved unresponsive screen issue. - Copilot key settings: Configuration options for opening applications or Search. - Windows Disk Cleanup app: Improved accuracy of free space estimates. For version 23H2, similar fixes include disabling notification suggestions, renaming "All apps," new Narrator features, Copilot key configuration, battery consumption fixes during Modern Standby, Microsoft Teams meeting access from Outlook reminders, added product activation phone numbers, and resolved printing issues with Multi-Function Printers (MFP). Users are advised to install these updates to address four actively exploited vulnerabilities.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

Data Doctors: How to pause the problematic Windows update

Users of Windows 10 and 11 are experiencing issues with the recent rollout of Windows 11's latest update (24H2), including the "Blue Screen of Death" and system freezes, primarily due to driver compatibility problems. Microsoft is distributing this update in phases, so not all users will receive it at the same time. To prevent automatic installation of updates, users can temporarily disable the option to receive the latest updates in the Windows update settings. The update addresses critical security vulnerabilities, prompting the U.S. government to require federal employees to implement mitigations or discontinue use of affected devices. Users on older versions of Windows (XP, 7, 8.1) should disconnect from the internet, as no patches are available for them. Windows 10 users will face an "end of life" scenario in approximately one year (October 14, 2025), making an upgrade to Windows 11 advisable. If issues arise after installation, users should consider rolling back the update, while not all users may experience problems.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

Microsoft Boosts Windows 11 Recovery with New Dynamic Update

Microsoft has released an update to enhance the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for Windows 11 versions 21H2, 22H2, and 24H2. Key improvements include better error handling, optimized performance, and faster troubleshooting capabilities. The update can be installed via Windows Update, Microsoft Update Catalog, or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) without requiring a system restart. Users can verify the installation by checking the "WinREVersion" value in the registry, which should read 10.0.22000.3250. Additionally, important system files like acpi.sys, tpm.sys, and ntdll have been upgraded as part of this update.

Winsage

September 21, 2024

6 diagnostic tools you need on your Windows 11 PC

The text discusses the importance of having diagnostic tools for maintaining a PC's health and identifies various tools for diagnosing specific issues. - Network Issues: Wi-Fi Analyzer optimizes network settings by scanning for interference, while SoftPerfect Network Scanner detects devices on the network to identify unauthorized access. - Screen Issues: Built-in calibration tools can address display flickering or tearing, and PixelHealer can help revive stuck or dead pixels. - Storage Drive Issues: CrystalDiskInfo performs SMART scans to assess HDD or SSD health, and manufacturer-specific tools like Seagate's SeaTools and Samsung's Magician provide detailed diagnostics. - RAM Issues: HCI MemTest runs comprehensive memory tests, while MemTest86 can diagnose RAM issues from a USB drive if the system fails to boot. - System Issues: HWiNFO offers detailed hardware specifications and real-time monitoring, and Process Hacker provides advanced resource utilization reports. - CPU and GPU Issues: CPU-Z and GPU-Z deliver detailed specifications and performance metrics for CPU and GPU, respectively.

Winsage

August 28, 2024

Why Your Windows PC Wakes Up From Sleep Mode By Itself (And How To Stop It) – SlashGear

Your Windows PC may wake up from sleep mode unexpectedly due to several factors, including the "wake timers" feature, network activities like "Wake on LAN," USB devices triggering wake-ups, and specific power management settings. To identify the source of these wake-ups, users can execute the command "powercfg -lastwake" in Command Prompt. If a device is causing disturbances, users can disable its ability to wake the computer through Device Manager. The Automatic Maintenance feature can also wake the system, which can be adjusted by unchecking "Allow scheduled maintenance to wake up my computer." Disabling "wake timers" can prevent scheduled tasks from waking the PC. Users can manage Windows updates by setting active hours to dictate when updates should not wake the system. If issues persist, running a scan for malware may be necessary.