system restore Archives

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft Releases Detailed Guide to Fix Windows Blue Screen Errors

Microsoft has released an official guide to address the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issues in Windows 11 and Windows 10, updated on May 11, 2025, following a significant global outage in July 2024 caused by a problematic CrowdStrike update. The guide categorizes troubleshooting into basic and advanced steps, highlighting common error codes like PAGEFAULTINNONPAGEDAREA (0x00000050). Approximately 75% of stop errors are attributed to faulty drivers, making driver verification essential. Basic troubleshooting includes removing recently added hardware, booting into Safe Mode, checking Device Manager for problematic components, ensuring 10-15% free disk space, installing the latest Windows Updates, and using System Restore. Advanced troubleshooting involves using Event Viewer, running Windows Memory Diagnostics, and analyzing memory dumps with WinDbg. The guide emphasizes the resource-intensive nature of Driver Verifier and suggests testing suspicious drivers in smaller groups. It also includes hardware-specific troubleshooting tips, such as checking for overheating components and performing disk diagnostics with the “chkdsk” command.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Struggling with the latest Windows 11 update? You aren’t alone

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 11 following a recent update, including sluggish performance, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and blue screen errors. To troubleshoot, users should first ensure their PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which include: - Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC. - RAM: At least 4 GB. - Storage: 64 GB or more of available storage. - Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. - TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 must be enabled. - Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later and have a WDDM 2.0 driver. - Display: High definition (720p) display, at least 9 inches diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel. - Internet and Microsoft account: Required for initial setup of Windows 11 Home and for updates and some features on all editions. To resolve issues, users can: 1. Uninstall the latest update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. 2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter found in Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. 3. Check for driver updates in Device Manager by looking for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. 4. Perform a System Restore through Control Panel > Open System Restore. 5. Use Microsoft's built-in repair tool "Fix problems using Windows Update" found in Settings > System > Recovery. 6. Check for known issues acknowledged by Microsoft. 7. Access advanced startup options by holding down the Shift key while clicking Restart to use Startup Repair or Command Prompt. 8. Reset the PC from the advanced recovery menu, which can reinstall Windows while preserving files or perform a clean reset. Users should back up important files before proceeding with significant troubleshooting steps.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

I used Sophia Script to take back control of Windows 11, and I wish I did it sooner

Sophia Script is a PowerShell module available on GitHub that simplifies the process of adjusting Windows settings through the command line interface (CLI), offering over 150 regularly updated functions. It provides GUI-based options for managing tasks like telemetry settings, scheduling tasks, and uninstalling OneDrive, allowing users to select multiple tasks at once. The setup process involves opening the main PS1 file in Notepad++, changing the directory, and executing a command from GitHub, with comprehensive instructions available. Users can customize settings by adding or replacing code with a hashtag next to the script they wish to run, and it allows changes to be applied across all user accounts. Sophia Script is particularly useful for configuring new PCs or fresh installations, as it helps remove unnecessary bloatware and streamline system performance. It can uninstall Microsoft apps, including the Windows Copilot app, and has created five scheduled tasks after running, saving time compared to traditional methods. The creator, Farag2, is also developing a GUI version, SophiApp 2.0.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

5 steps I took for a successful in-place upgrade of my 6-year-old PC from Windows 10 to 11

Windows 11 was released in October 2021. A user upgraded from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2 on a six-year-old HP Omen using an in-place upgrade. They backed up important files using OneDrive, Proton Drive, and a 4 TB external drive. The hardware was checked for compatibility with Windows 11 using Microsoft’s support page and the PC Health Check app. The user decluttered the system using Disk Cleanup and Revo Uninstaller. A system restore point was created for safety before the upgrade. The upgrade was initiated through Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and it proceeded smoothly, allowing the user to keep files and applications.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

5 features I wish were enabled by default on Windows 11

Microsoft Windows 11 includes several features that are not enabled by default, which can hinder user experience: 1. System Restore: Allows users to create restore points for system recovery but is not enabled by default due to disk space concerns. 2. End Task Feature: Enables users to right-click on unresponsive apps in the taskbar to force quit them, but requires activation through Settings. 3. File Extension View in File Explorer: Users must manually enable the display of file extensions for better file management. 4. Hibernate Mode: A power-saving option that saves the system state to the hard drive, not readily accessible in power settings and requires enabling through Control Panel or command line. 5. Start Menu on the Left: The Start menu is centered by default, but users can adjust it to the left through Settings, which some long-time users prefer.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

How to change the default screenshot folder in Windows 10 and 11

Windows 10 and 11 allow users to capture screenshots using the Snipping Tool or the PrintScreen button. By default, screenshots are saved to the C drive in the Pictures > Screenshots folder. Users can change the default screenshot folder through three methods: 1. Using the Snipping Tool: Open the Snipping Tool, click the three-dot icon, find "Automatically save original screenshots," click "Change," and select a new storage location. This does not affect screenshots taken with the Win + PrintScreen shortcut. 2. Using File Explorer: Navigate to the Pictures folder, right-click the Screenshot folder, select Properties, go to the Location tab, click Move, choose a new folder, and confirm moving existing screenshots. 3. Using the Registry Editor: Create a new folder for screenshots, open the Registry Editor, navigate to the specified path, locate or create the {B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F} value, and change its data to the new folder path. This method does not transfer existing screenshots. Additionally, the location for screen recordings cannot be changed, but the entire Videos user folder can be relocated using the same method as the second option.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11 Update Issues and What To Do About Them

Windows 11 version 24H2 has introduced significant issues, including blue screens of death (BSOD) and device bricking associated with update KB5043145. Users have reported problems such as black screens, corrupted boot sectors, and non-functional system restore points. Businesses are facing complications like failed domain join operations, group policy errors, and stalled WSUS updates. Specific issues include Remote Desktop disconnections after update KB5050094, the removal of the Windows Copilot app in March 2025, blocked BIOS updates for Lenovo ThinkPad users, and gaming performance problems for titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Microsoft is aware of these issues but is slow to provide solutions. Users are advised to use built-in troubleshooters, roll back problematic updates, pause updates, manually update drivers, and back up their systems before major updates.

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 26, 2025

Windows Update KB5053606 makes a mess!

Microsoft has released a Windows Update for Windows 10, designated as KB5053606, which has caused various issues for users. Problems reported during installation include long wait times and error messages like 0x80070020, with some users experiencing the update being installed despite disabling automatic updates. After installation, users face issues such as missing taskbar icons, reset customizations, typing lag, printer connectivity problems, compatibility issues with third-party software like Citrix, and overall reduced system performance. Some users are using Microsoft's Show and Hide Update tool to block the update, while others consider system restore as a potential fix.

Winsage

February 22, 2025

6 things you didn’t know you can do with advanced startup settings in Windows

To access the advanced startup options in Windows, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now, or it may appear after repeated boot failures. System Restore allows users to revert their PC to a previous state to undo recent changes, accessible from the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System restore. Windows enables users to create a system image, an exact replica of their hard drive, which can be restored from the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > See more recovery options > System Image Recovery. Users can roll back recent system updates through the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates. Safe Mode, accessible via the advanced startup options by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings, helps troubleshoot driver issues by loading Windows with only essential drivers. Users can access BIOS settings through the advanced startup options by navigating to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware settings. The advanced startup options allow for testing unsigned drivers by selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings and pressing 7 after restarting, though this is rarely needed.