troubleshooter Archives

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Fix: Bluetooth Disappeared from Device Manager

Bluetooth functionality can disappear from the Device Manager on Windows, often starting with a missing toggle in the Settings menu. Users may see only Microsoft enumerators or an unidentified device instead of the actual Bluetooth adapter. If the PC does not show a Bluetooth radio after the correct driver path, it indicates a deeper issue beyond normal settings or app problems. To determine if Windows recognizes the Bluetooth radio, check Device Manager for a manufacturer-named adapter like Intel or Realtek. If only Microsoft Bluetooth enumerators are visible, the real adapter is likely missing. If the Bluetooth category is absent, check for unknown devices in Other devices. Ensure Airplane mode is disabled and any physical wireless switch is turned on, as these can hide Bluetooth functionality. Running the Windows Bluetooth Troubleshooter via the Get Help app is recommended before manually changing drivers. After troubleshooting, restart the PC to allow Windows another chance to detect the radio. If Bluetooth reappears, the issue was likely temporary. If not, use Windows Update to check for driver updates, and if necessary, download the latest Bluetooth driver from the PC manufacturer’s support page. If the adapter reappears in Device Manager, uninstall it and allow Windows to rebuild it after a complete shutdown. If Windows still cannot detect any Bluetooth radio after these steps, treat it as a hardware or firmware issue. Verify that the PC has built-in Bluetooth hardware; if it does not appear after installing the correct OEM driver, seek support from the manufacturer. Alternatively, using a USB Bluetooth adapter can indicate that Windows Bluetooth support is operational, suggesting an issue with the built-in radio.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 KB5089549 issues due to low storage, says it’s rolling out an emergency patch to fix install errors

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with the installation of Windows 11’s May 2026 Update (KB5089549), which has been encountering errors such as 0x800f0922, 0x80240069, and 0x80240031. An emergency server-side update is being implemented to resolve these installation hurdles. The KB5089549 update is mandatory and intended to install automatically on compatible PCs, but some users have reported difficulties, including installation stalling around 35-36%, leading to a rollback with a message stating, “something didn’t go as planned. Undoing changes.” Investigations reveal that installation failures are particularly affecting devices with limited EFI partition space, with error code 0x800f0922 indicating insufficient free space and potential conflicts with third-party files. The EFI System Partition (ESP) typically occupies no more than 100MB and can become congested due to leftover files, causing installation failures when available space is low. Users with less than 10MB of free EFI storage may face additional complications. A PowerShell command can be used to check EFI storage status. Microsoft has advised users to consider increasing the size of the ESP by modifying the Windows Registry, although the recent server-side update may have already addressed the issue. The Known Issue Rollback (KIR) has been implemented, automatically propagating the resolution to devices. Users are encouraged to restart their devices to expedite the application of the fix, and there are no additional bugs reported.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Windows 11’s May update is causing install failures and slow internet — here’s what we know

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, KB5089549, released on May 13, 2026, has caused installation issues for some users, who receive an error message indicating a rollback. Additionally, a smaller group has reported decreased internet performance after the update. Users facing installation failures may see the system revert to the previous version automatically and can attempt to reinstall the update or troubleshoot by clearing the SoftwareDistribution cache or using the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

What to do when device settings don’t migrate to Windows 11

On October 10, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, ending technical assistance, feature updates, and security updates. Organizations are required to transition to Windows 11. During the migration, IT administrators may face errors indicating that certain device settings were not successfully migrated, which can disrupt user experience. Causes of these errors include outdated or incompatible device drivers, failing physical components, incompatible software, restrictive group policies, missing registry keys, and interference from third-party tools. Affected devices may malfunction, impacting productivity. IT teams can troubleshoot these issues by restarting computers, identifying problematic devices using Device Manager, verifying and updating device drivers, checking physical devices, ensuring the operating environment is up to date, utilizing Microsoft command-line utilities, and performing clean boots or system restores if necessary.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License Drops To $12.97

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, which is a 93% discount from Microsoft's standard price of 9. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz or faster 64-bit CPU with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, TPM 2.0, and UEFI with Secure Boot. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support, meaning it will no longer receive security updates, which poses risks for users. Windows 11 includes features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Group Policy management, and AI-assisted Copilot. Users upgrading from Windows 10 should back up their files and ensure drivers are current. Windows 11 offers performance enhancements for gaming, such as DirectStorage and Auto HDR. Keys priced low are often OEM or volume-license keys tied to a single machine and may not be transferable.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Now $12.97 in Rare Deal

A Windows 11 Pro license is available for .97, representing a 93% discount from the standard retail price of 9. This license activates on one machine and includes features such as BitLocker full-disk encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy, and Domain join support. Windows 11 Pro also integrates Microsoft’s Copilot for AI-assisted tasks and offers workflow enhancements like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops. To qualify for Windows 11, a PC must have a compatible 64-bit CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Users upgrading from Windows 11 Home typically retain their files and applications. Caution is advised regarding the purchase source to avoid gray-market or region-locked keys. Key differences between Windows 11 Pro and Home include enhanced security and management features, making Pro suitable for users handling sensitive data or requiring remote access.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) is being released to the Dev & Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are offering the same 25H2-based updates. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial customers, which provides one-click access to Microsoft 365 Copilot and a streamlined search experience. The update also introduces Agents on the taskbar for monitoring tasks, Agent Launchers for app integration, and enhanced Narrator customization. Voice typing experience has been improved, and a new Discover Windows widget is being introduced. The Settings Agent now supports additional languages, and the Click to Do feature now supports Microsoft 365 Copilot. Various fixes and known issues have been documented, including improvements to File Explorer and taskbar functionality. The Paint app is also receiving an update with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

5 reasons your PC can feel slow after a Windows update, and how to fix each one

Large Windows updates involve reconfiguring system files, installing components, updating drivers, and initiating post-update tasks, which can temporarily slow down performance, especially on older hardware. The Windows Module Installer (TiWorker.exe) finalizes updates and may trigger cleanup and maintenance tasks, consuming CPU and disk resources. Outdated or incompatible drivers can hinder performance, leading to sluggish boot times and reduced gaming frame rates. The indexing feature may intensify after a major update, increasing CPU and disk usage. Major updates can reset user-defined settings and reintroduce background processes and applications, causing additional resource consumption. Cumulative updates may lead to performance issues due to memory leaks or driver conflicts, and Microsoft provides a "Windows release health" dashboard for tracking known issues. Slowdowns after updates are typically temporary, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, but persistent issues may require further investigation.

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.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 can’t find your printer? The instant solution!

Windows 11 may fail to recognize a printer even when it is powered on and ready. This issue can occur after system updates, restarts, or when switching to a new device. To resolve it, follow these steps: 1. Ensure all connections are secure, including checking for a loose USB cable, a powered-off WLAN printer, and the correct network connection for wireless printers. Restarting both the printer and PC may help. 2. If the printer is not recognized, manually add it by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & Scanners and selecting Add device. If it still doesn't appear, use the "The desired printer is not listed" option to start the setup wizard. 3. Update the printer drivers by visiting the manufacturer's website to download the latest software compatible with Windows 11 for your printer model. 4. If these steps do not resolve the issue, use the built-in repair tool by going to Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters and selecting the Printers troubleshooter. If problems persist, consider the possibility that the printer itself may be faulty or outdated.