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Windows can never be an immutable OS, and that might be a problem
Winsage
January 8, 2026

Windows can never be an immutable OS, and that might be a problem

"Immutable" operating systems are designed with a read-only core that is updated comprehensively, allowing user data and applications to exist independently from the base system, reducing risks of corruption and configuration drift. While macOS is largely immutable, Windows cannot transition to an immutable model due to its design based on mutability, which allows for continuous modification and backward compatibility. Windows 11's flexibility leads to a cumulative change model, making it increasingly difficult to troubleshoot and maintain. Microsoft has made some improvements within the mutable framework, but challenges remain, such as dependency control and application integration. Users expect seamless updates, but Windows is perceived as high-maintenance, leading to performance issues. A truly immutable version of Windows would conflict with user expectations and require significant software rewrites. Consequently, Windows is likely to remain in a hybrid state, adopting some immutable features while still facing issues related to its mutable architecture.
How to generate a Wi-Fi report on Windows 11
Winsage
January 6, 2026

How to generate a Wi-Fi report on Windows 11

Connectivity issues with wireless adapters on Windows 11 can include sluggish internet speeds, sporadic connections, or complete disconnection from networks. These problems may arise from outdated drivers, signal interference, router limitations, misconfigured settings, physical distance, or issues with the internet service provider. To generate a wireless report, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command: netsh wlan show wlanreport. The report will be saved as an HTML file, typically located in C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsWlanReport. The Wi-Fi report provides details on connection sessions, including duration and errors, and includes sections for report info, general system info, user info, network adapters, and script output. It summarizes connection successes and failures, and catalogs wireless session events with specific details. The report can help diagnose issues like driver problems, authentication failures, and unstable connections, but it does not automatically fix network problems. It lists the wireless adapter name, driver version, and error codes for troubleshooting purposes.
Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong
Winsage
December 29, 2025

Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong

Windows 11 Point-in-Time Restore is a recovery feature that captures snapshots of the system's state, including system files, applications, settings, and user data, allowing users to revert to a recent stable state when issues arise. It operates automatically once activated, using Volume Shadow Copy technology for comprehensive backups. The feature can quickly reverse changes made within the last 72 hours, addressing problems like faulty driver installations without requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. However, it has limitations, such as storing restore points locally for a maximum of 72 hours, not recovering long-deleted files, and requiring significant storage space. To enable it, users must use ViveTool to unlock the feature, configure settings for snapshot frequency and retention, and access restore options through the Windows Recovery Environment if needed. It is particularly useful for casual users who frequently modify their systems but may not suffice for power users needing comprehensive backup solutions.
Optimize and troubleshoot database performance in Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL by analyzing execution plans using CloudWatch Database Insights
Tech Optimizer
December 12, 2025

Optimize and troubleshoot database performance in Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL by analyzing execution plans using CloudWatch Database Insights

Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched CloudWatch Database Insights in December 2024, a monitoring solution for Aurora (PostgreSQL and MySQL) and Amazon RDS engines, aimed at identifying and resolving database performance issues. The tool includes an Advanced mode for SQL execution plan analysis, which helps users troubleshoot query performance within Aurora PostgreSQL clusters. The PostgreSQL query optimizer generates execution plans to determine the most efficient way to execute SQL queries, which can be analyzed using the EXPLAIN command. Users can compare execution plans to identify performance degradation, such as changes in execution behavior due to dropped indexes or inefficient join strategies. For example, a comparison of execution plans for a SQL statement retrieving order details showed significant differences: one plan used an efficient index scan while another resorted to sequential scans due to missing indexes, leading to increased query costs and execution times. Additionally, analysis of execution plans can reveal performance bottlenecks, such as insufficient memory allocation for sorting operations. Adjusting the work_mem parameter allowed for in-memory sorting, improving performance significantly. CloudWatch Database Insights facilitates the identification of these issues, enabling users to optimize query performance effectively.
How to find and remove viruses on your Windows PC - 12 free methods that I can attest to
Tech Optimizer
December 7, 2025

How to find and remove viruses on your Windows PC – 12 free methods that I can attest to

Modern antivirus solutions have reduced PC infections, but risks persist as cybercriminals develop stealthy methods to infiltrate systems. Signs of infection include unfamiliar programs, missing files, slow performance, and disabled security settings. If infection is suspected, disconnect from the internet, boot into Safe Mode, and run a full system scan with Windows Security or Microsoft Defender. To enhance cybersecurity post-infection, users should clear temporary files, reset browser settings, uninstall suspicious applications, scan external drives, keep Windows updated, use strong passwords, and verify sources before engaging with links or attachments. Tools like VirusTotal can help scan files from unverified sources. If performance issues continue, a complete reinstallation of Windows 11 may be necessary, ensuring essential files are backed up first.
Survey reveals you'd rather go hands-on than try to troubleshoot with a remote app
AppWizard
November 14, 2025

Survey reveals you’d rather go hands-on than try to troubleshoot with a remote app

Many Americans seek tech support from family during Thanksgiving gatherings. Remote support apps allow users to connect directly to a relative’s device, making it easier to diagnose and resolve issues. However, the effectiveness of these apps depends on prior setup, and many users are hesitant to invest time in this process. Survey results show that about two-thirds of respondents have acted as troubleshooters, but only 10% use remote support apps as their first choice, and 12% consider them a last resort. Additionally, 36% of participants have convinced others they lack the skills to help. Concerns about setup complexity and potential misuse by scammers contribute to the low adoption of these tools. One reader suggested RustDesk as an alternative to TeamViewer.
Windows event logs are still the most powerful diagnostic tool on your PC
Winsage
October 30, 2025

Windows event logs are still the most powerful diagnostic tool on your PC

Event Viewer is a built-in diagnostic tool in Windows that logs every event occurring on a PC, helping users troubleshoot performance issues. It categorizes logs into Application, System, Security, and Setup sections, allowing users to focus on relevant categories during troubleshooting. Events are classified as Critical, Error, Warning, and Information, with Critical events indicating potential sources of system crashes. Users can filter logs, research Event IDs, and utilize the Details section for deeper insights. Event Viewer can be paired with Reliability Monitor for a visual overview of system stability. Many third-party diagnostic tools also rely on data from Event Viewer, making it a valuable resource for addressing persistent errors.
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