troubleshooting

Winsage
May 15, 2025
Windows 11 includes an emergency restart feature that serves as a safer alternative to forcefully pressing the power button when a PC is unresponsive, reducing the risk of file corruption and system instability. For installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, users should assess hardware compatibility, utilize workarounds, back up data, explore community forums, stay updated on patches, consider hardware upgrades, and familiarize themselves with new features. To enhance security, users should enable two-factor authentication, regularly update software, use strong passwords, install antivirus software, be cautious with email attachments, back up data, and educate themselves about phishing scams.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Microsoft's support deadline for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Users of Microsoft 365 Apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) will receive security updates until October 10, 2028, even after Windows 10's expiration. An active Microsoft 365 license is required for this extended support. If users experience issues on Windows 10, Microsoft may not provide resolutions if the problems do not occur on Windows 11, and users cannot log bugs related to Windows 10.
Winsage
May 14, 2025
Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to function on Windows 10 devices, but Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid potential performance issues. Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after the end of support, ending on October 10, 2028. However, Microsoft will not test new releases on Windows 10 after the end-of-support date. Support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will have limitations, including advising upgrades to Windows 11 for issues that do not occur on Windows 11, limited troubleshooting assistance for customers unable to upgrade, and no option to log bugs or request additional updates. These support options do not apply to consumers using the Personal and Family editions of Microsoft 365.
Winsage
May 13, 2025
Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 users until October 10, 2028, despite the end of official support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft 365 subscribers on Windows 10 will continue to receive security patches for applications like Word and Excel, but support will be limited to troubleshooting for those unable to upgrade to Windows 11. If issues arise that are exclusive to Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 and do not occur on Windows 11, users will be encouraged to upgrade. Transitioning to Windows 11 has faced resistance due to hardware requirements, particularly affecting users of older Surface devices. As of now, Windows 10 holds a 53 percent global desktop market share, while Windows 11 has 44 percent.
Tech Optimizer
May 13, 2025
Antivirus software has been essential for PC users for two decades, with advertisements emphasizing its importance. Windows 11 includes built-in security features, but many users prefer third-party antivirus solutions for quicker updates and additional benefits. User behavior significantly impacts computer security, and it is recommended to avoid links from unfamiliar email senders and not to reuse passwords. A comprehensive evaluation of antivirus applications involved testing on a Windows 11 PC using simulated virus attacks. The testing included scanning the SSD and consulting independent security testing laboratories. The best antivirus software for 2025 includes BitDefender Total Security as the best overall, Avira Free as the best free option, Malwarebytes Plus for the best VPN bundle, and Sophos Home Premium for protecting multiple devices.
Winsage
May 12, 2025
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 11, 2025
Microsoft has extended support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, providing an additional three years of security updates. This change comes after the company had previously announced that support would end on October 14, 2025. The extension aims to assist the 240 million Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, allowing them to transition without immediate pressure to purchase new hardware. Microsoft has stated that while they will provide troubleshooting assistance for issues with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for optimal performance and reliability.
AppWizard
May 10, 2025
Steam, the most popular gaming platform on PC, sometimes experiences issues where games do not launch. To address this, users should check that their PC meets the game's minimum requirements, ensure the operating system and graphics drivers are updated, verify the integrity of game files through Steam, relocate games to the primary drive if necessary, and manage background applications that may cause conflicts. Additionally, installing specific Visual C++ redistributables from the game’s folder can resolve startup crashes. If problems persist, uninstalling and reinstalling Steam after cleaning the Windows registry may be necessary.
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