temporary fix Archives

Winsage

March 27, 2025

10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches

In October, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which enhances Copilot AI, refines File Explorer, and improves performance and stability. The update is available for users of Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 through the Windows Update screen or Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. However, various bugs have been reported, leading Microsoft to temporarily pause the update for certain problematic PCs. Notable issues include: 1. AutoCAD 2022 may not open on some systems. 2. PCs with Citrix components may struggle with installation due to a glitch from the January Patch Tuesday update. 3. Compatibility issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat program can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly on Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Users report internet connectivity problems after the update, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 5. Network sharing issues prevent devices from appearing in the network list. 6. Printer setup issues affect users of Copilot+ PCs from various manufacturers. 7. Audio output problems occur on PCs with Dirac Audio technology. 8. Outlook may fail to launch if Google Workspace Sync is installed. 9. Integrated camera issues affect the Windows camera app and Windows Hello facial recognition. 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers may trigger blue screens on certain PCs. Microsoft has issued several patches to address these bugs since the update's launch, but some patches have introduced new issues.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows Passwords At Risk As New 0-Day Confirmed—Act Now

Windows users are facing multiple zero-day vulnerabilities affecting various operating system versions, including Windows 7, Server 2008 R2, and Windows 11 v24H2, with no official patch available from Microsoft. A new vulnerability allows attackers to obtain NTLM credentials by having a user view a malicious file in Windows Explorer. This vulnerability is distinct from a previously reported incident and remains undisclosed until Microsoft issues a patch. NTLM vulnerabilities can enable credential theft, and while not classified as critical, they have been exploited in real-world attacks. Users may need to wait for the next Patch Tuesday for an official fix, but can utilize a micro-patch solution from ACROS Security's 0patch to address the vulnerability temporarily.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

The latest Windows Insider build is crashing games, and Nvidia might be the culprit

Build 27808 of Windows Insider, released on March 7, has caused crashes in applications using DirectX 9, particularly affecting the d3d9.dll file. Microsoft is investigating this issue, which primarily impacts users in the Canary channel. There are indications from users that Nvidia GPUs may be related to the crashes, although Microsoft has not confirmed this. Some users have found a workaround by replacing the d3d9.dll file from a previous build, but this requires disabling the Nvidia GPU in Device Manager. The problems seem to be associated with recent RTX 50-series graphics cards. Users in the Canary channel are advised to consider reverting to a previous build or switching to a more stable channel, while the broader user base remains unaffected.

Tech Optimizer

December 26, 2024

“I went through hell” Japanese indie dev on how their game was wrongly flagged as a virus, and blocked on Steam

A Japanese indie developer, Shiromofu Factory, launched the game Dungeon Antiqua on October 10, 2024. The game, inspired by early Final Fantasy and Wizardry titles, is available on Windows and macOS and has received a Very Positive review status on Steam. After a December 6 update, users reported virus warnings from antivirus programs like Norton, Avast, and McAfee, which were triggered by the game's use of the Pyxel engine and Pyinstaller for executable files. The developer advised users to exclude the game's .exe file from scans, but on December 12, Steam blocked the game from sale due to multiple virus reports. The developer requested a rollback to an earlier version, which prevented future updates. They purchased Norton Antivirus for testing and attempted various solutions, including filing reports with antivirus companies and considering a code signing certificate. They identified that the use of Python’s “os.remove()” function contributed to the false alerts and implemented a workaround. However, antivirus software retained memory of flagged files, causing continued blocks. Ultimately, flipping the fairy image associated with the game’s file by 180 degrees allowed Dungeon Antiqua to bypass the antivirus barriers and resume updates.

Winsage

December 22, 2024

Windows 11 December 2024 update issues break Start menu and more

Reports indicate that the Windows 11 December 2024 Update, affecting versions 24H2 and 23H2, has caused significant issues for users, particularly with the Start menu becoming unresponsive. Users have noted that the Start menu's search feature displays incorrectly against certain themes, and it becomes entirely unresponsive in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) sessions, a problem acknowledged by Citrix. A temporary fix involves modifying the registry. Additionally, users without Citrix software are also experiencing Start menu unresponsiveness, potentially linked to an outdated .dll package (MSVCP140APP.dll). This can cause the crashing of StartMenuExperienceHost.exe. A recommended solution is to manually install the latest version of Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 or uninstall older versions using PowerShell commands. Users of Windows 11 23H2 have reported further issues, such as incorrect device listings in the “Safely remove hardware” icon, network connectivity interruptions, and display problems, including a dull and yellowish screen on certain devices.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 breaks audio and Auto HDR, update blocked on affected PCs

The Windows 11 24H2 update, released in October, has caused issues for users, particularly with audio output and the Auto HDR feature. Microsoft has acknowledged that the audio issue affects systems from an undisclosed manufacturer using Dirac Audio and the cridspapo.dll file, preventing sound output through various devices without a workaround. The Auto HDR feature is experiencing glitches, including incorrect colors and system crashes, with the only temporary fix being to disable it. Microsoft has blocked the update on affected systems until these issues are resolved.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

The Countdown to Windows 10 End of Life: What IT Teams Need to Know

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for a maximum of three years at approximately per device. Windows 10 is currently the most targeted among older Windows operating systems, facing high-severity vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct an asset audit, evaluate ESUs, migrate critical systems to the cloud, and establish a decommission plan for legacy systems. Morphisec offers a lightweight security solution for legacy systems, utilizing Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) technology to protect against advanced threats without the need for updates or internet connectivity.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Microsoft Warns 400 Million PC Owners—This Ends Your Windows Updates

Microsoft is urging the estimated 400 million Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, highlighting enhanced security but warning of compatibility issues with unsupported hardware. A revised disclaimer states that installing Windows 11 on incompatible PCs may lead to a lack of support and updates, with damages not covered under warranty. The end-of-support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025. Users have limited options: invest in hardware upgrades, pay for extended support, or risk installing Windows 11 without guarantees. Microsoft has introduced an acknowledgment clause for users installing Windows 11 on incompatible systems and provided guidance for reverting to Windows 10. Recent statistics show Windows 10 regaining market share, indicating user reluctance to switch. Of the 800 million Windows 10 users, over 400 million may not meet the TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11. The market dynamics suggest that by 2025, there may be favorable conditions for PC buyers as demand could soften due to extended support options.

Winsage

November 25, 2024

Microsoft Puts Windows 11 24H2 Update on Hold for Users with Certain Ubisoft Games

Microsoft has paused the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update for users with specific Ubisoft games installed due to reports of these games becoming unresponsive. The affected Ubisoft titles include Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Ubisoft has implemented a temporary fix for Star Wars Outlaws, but users may still experience performance issues. Microsoft has placed a compatibility hold on devices with these games, preventing them from receiving the Windows 11, version 24H2 update. IT administrators can monitor the situation using safeguard IDs: 54437462 and 54580160. A recommended workaround for users experiencing difficulties is to terminate the unresponsive game via Task Manager.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

Microsoft warns that the latest Windows 11 update may crash PC games now

Microsoft has paused the deployment of the Windows 11 update 24H2 due to significant issues affecting users playing select Ubisoft games, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Players have reported problems such as black screens, freezing, and unresponsiveness during gameplay. Ubisoft has provided a temporary fix for Star Wars Outlaws, but Microsoft advises users against manually installing the 24H2 update and suggests using Task Manager to close unresponsive games. Microsoft is working with Ubisoft and other developers to resolve these issues, but no specific timeline for a fix has been provided. Previous compatibility challenges with the 24H2 update included issues with multiplayer games using Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat software and certain Western Digital SSDs.