system stability Archives

Winsage

February 20, 2025

This Is the Ultimate Tool for Setting Up a New Windows Computer

WinUtil is a free utility developed by Chris Titus that simplifies the setup process for new computers running Windows. It allows users to install multiple applications with a few clicks, featuring a user-friendly interface divided into five tabs: Software Installation, Tweaks, Config, Updates, and Microwin. Users can select desired software, make system adjustments, configure Windows preferences, manage update installations, and create customized Windows installers. The tool supports exporting application collections and tweaks for easy replication on other computers, and comprehensive documentation is available for further exploration of its features.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Windows 7 gains support for modern apps, but not the way you’d expect

Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 7, ending security updates and features, with the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program concluding in 2023. VxKex NEXT is an application that enables users to run Windows 8 and Windows 10 applications on Windows 7 by redirecting application calls to its own dynamically linked libraries (DLLs). The application is available for download on GitHub and does not alter system files, ensuring system stability. It can be uninstalled easily if users choose to upgrade to a newer version of Windows in the future.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5552 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5552 (KB5052077) has been released to the Release Preview Channel for Insiders using Windows 10, version 22H2. Key updates include: - Adjustments for Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Paraguay. - Fixes for the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME), including responsiveness issues and improved color contrast in the search suggestion panel. - Resolution of a recurring issue with the desktop window manager (dwm.exe) that caused it to stop responding. - Refresh of Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles for select mobile operators. - Improvements to the Narrator, addressing issues with announcing quick action buttons and control types in the Chinese IME candidate window. - Resolution of a service startup failure for Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH), requiring users to manually run the sshd.exe process.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

9 Windows utilities every power user should know about

Windows 11 includes various tools for system management, catering to both novice and advanced users. 1. Task Manager: Allows users to manage applications, monitor CPU, RAM, and disk usage, manage startup applications, and create memory dump files for troubleshooting. 2. Device Manager: Helps resolve hardware issues by identifying malfunctioning components, rolling back problematic drivers, and manually installing drivers. 3. Resource Monitor: Provides detailed graphs of CPU, disk, and memory usage, along with specific process details for diagnosing performance issues. 4. System Configuration: Useful for booting into Safe Mode for diagnostics and troubleshooting driver-related issues. 5. Task Scheduler: Automates tasks based on triggers, allowing users to launch programs simultaneously and set up recurring tasks. 6. Windows Terminal: A powerful interface for power users that provides access to system maintenance tools and allows application installation and user account management. 7. Registry Editor: Enables advanced users to modify system settings that are otherwise inaccessible, with caution advised due to potential system instability. 8. Event Viewer: Monitors system events, logs blue screen errors (BSODs), and provides critical information for diagnosing system failures. 9. Disk Management: Oversees connected drives and manages partitions, allowing users to create, delete, format volumes, and attach virtual hard drives.

AppWizard

November 23, 2024

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3.1 rolls out ahead of expected December launch

Google is rolling out Android 15 QPR1 Beta 3.1 for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel Tablet, focusing on bug fixes and system stability enhancements. The update is available automatically for users still on Android 15 QPR1, with a build number of AP41.240925.012. Key fixes include resolving media control issues, problems with Bluetooth volume control, inconsistencies in scrollbar sizing, and NFC payment failures. The update aims to improve overall user experience ahead of the public release next month.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Microsoft takes usual holiday break from Windows 11 updates in December, with no preview patch

Microsoft has announced that there will be no preview update for Windows 11 and 10 in December, following its tradition of a holiday break for staff. However, a monthly cumulative update will still be released to provide essential system improvements and security patches. Normal update services will resume in January 2025. The November updates addressed an issue with Task Manager displaying zero running processes and fixed a bug causing intermittent internet connection drops.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

The fascinating story of the Windows Registry

The Registry is a centralized, hierarchical database introduced in Windows 3.1 to manage system-wide and per-user settings, evolving from a disorganized system of scattered configuration files. It allows for logical organization of settings, enhancing user experience and system functionality. The Registry's data storage is more efficient than traditional text files, improving performance, and it offers better security and integrity by centralizing access and modifications. Despite its intimidating reputation, the Registry is a crucial component of the Windows operating system.

Winsage

October 3, 2024

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 on some Intel PCs over BSOD issues

Microsoft is blocking upgrades to Windows 24H2 on devices with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers due to blue screen of death (BSOD) issues linked to specific driver versions (10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152). This affects devices with Intel 11th Gen Core processors. A compatibility hold has been implemented, and users are advised against manually upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. Users can update their Intel SST drivers to versions 10.30.00.5714 or later, or 10.29.00.5714 or later, to resolve the issue. Other compatibility holds are in place for systems running Asphalt 8, Easy Anti-Cheat, Safe Exam Browser, certain fingerprint sensors, and wallpaper customization applications.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

Every Windows user should read Microsoft’s latest webpage

Microsoft has launched a resource titled “System configuration tools in Windows,” which serves as a guide for optimizing PC configurations. The webpage details essential built-in system tools in Windows, providing descriptions of their functionality, applications, and access instructions. The tools featured include Settings, Task Manager, Computer Management, Event Viewer, Control Panel, System Configuration, System Information, Registry Editor, Local Group Policy Editor, and Advanced System Settings. Users can access these tools via keyboard shortcuts, context menus, or Command Prompt commands. It is advised that users familiarize themselves with the functionalities of these tools, especially the Registry Editor, which can pose risks to system stability. Users can access the tools by typing “windows tools” in the Start menu or navigating through Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Tools.

Winsage

August 16, 2024

Microsoft posts guidance for CVE-2024-21302 VBS flaw that downgrades modern Windows PCs

Microsoft released Patch Tuesday updates for Windows operating systems, including KB5041580, KB5041578, KB5041773, and KB5041782 for Windows 10, and KB5041585, KB5041592 for Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, along with KB5041571 for the upcoming 24H2 version. The company retired the problematic WinRE updates, KB5034440 and KB5034441. A newly discovered security vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-21302 and CVE-2024-38202, allows attackers to downgrade systems to vulnerable states undetected. This vulnerability affects Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, and higher systems, enabling attackers to replace current system files with outdated versions. Microsoft is developing a security update to address this issue and has released mitigation strategies for supported Windows versions. Administrators can deploy a Microsoft-signed revocation policy to prevent loading vulnerable VBS system files. Home users are advised against manually installing the policy and should wait for an automatic fix.