troubleshooting Archives

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Top 6 new features and changes coming to Windows 11 in August 2025 — from AI agents to redesigned BSOD screens

Microsoft is rolling out new features for Windows 11, with most users expected to access them by August. Users can enable "Get the latest updates as they become available" in Windows Update for early access. Key features include: - Copilot Vision: An AI assistant that can view the user's desktop in real-time, facilitating discussions about projects and modifying settings through natural language commands. - Relight in Photos: A feature that uses on-device AI to enhance images with virtual lighting sources, allowing manipulation of up to three light sources and offering built-in presets. Currently exclusive to Copilot+ devices powered by Snapdragon, with future support for Intel and AMD systems. - Object Select in Paint: An AI tool that identifies and isolates objects in images for easy cutting, along with a sticker generator for creating custom stickers. This feature is exclusive to Copilot+ but works across Snapdragon, Intel, and AMD platforms. - Perfect Screenshot in Snipping Tool: An AI feature that automatically crops screenshots to eliminate background elements, along with a color picker for identifying hex codes. - Quick Machine Recovery: A redesigned BSOD that appears for about two seconds, improving the recovery process, along with automatic detection and troubleshooting of boot issues to restore the operating system.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Here’s how I update most of my apps with just one command

Users often face challenges in keeping applications updated on Windows, leading to outdated versions and missed features. The Windows Package Manager, or WinGet, simplifies the update process by allowing users to update multiple applications simultaneously through a command-line interface. It is integrated into Windows 10 and 11 and works with about 90% of applications, typically executing updates in a few minutes. To use WinGet, users need to open Terminal as an administrator and run the command PLACEHOLDERddcd0de405f7da24. Some applications may require separate updates, and Microsoft applications can also be updated via the Microsoft Store. If issues arise, users may need to upgrade the WinGet app installer package using the command PLACEHOLDER907cae8359ff2d8e.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Windows 11 Gets New Black Screen of Death With Auto Recovery Tool

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to Windows 11's recovery capabilities, including a new restart screen that replaces the Black Screen of Death, reducing crash downtime to approximately two seconds. The Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool automatically resolves issues with unresponsive devices without manual IT intervention. The updated interface improves readability and retains essential technical details for troubleshooting. QMR will be available for all Windows 11 version 24H2 devices, enabled by default for Home users, while IT administrators can activate it for Pro and Enterprise systems. Additionally, antivirus software will now run in user mode to improve system stability.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

4 reasons I switched from NixOS to Mint Linux as a Windows-to-Linux convert

Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be prompted by the end of support for Windows 10. The author chose Linux Mint after experimenting with various distributions, influenced by experiences with NixOS. Linux Mint features a Cinnamon desktop environment that resembles Windows, offering an intuitive interface with a customizable taskbar and easy navigation. It comes preloaded with essential applications like Firefox, VLC, and LibreOffice, and uses a straightforward APT package manager for software installation. Built on Ubuntu LTS, Mint provides robust driver support and GUI-based troubleshooting tools, making it more approachable than NixOS, which has a steeper learning curve and requires knowledge of the Nix language. The author prefers Mint for its user-friendly design and ease of use as they transition from Windows.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Microsoft calls Windows 11 24H2 “The most reliable Windows yet,” and it has numbers to back it up

Microsoft has declared that Windows 11 24H2 is the most reliable version of its operating system to date, supported by telemetry data from July 2025 showing a 24% decrease in unexpected restart failures compared to Windows 10 22H2. The traditional blue screen of death (BSOD) has been replaced with a black screen, which aims to reduce visual disruption and stress for users. This new screen presents a concise message with the stop code and information about the faulty driver, eliminating the frowny face and QR code. Additionally, a hexadecimal version of the stop code has been added for easier online searches for solutions. Microsoft is committed to improving reliability through collaborative efforts across engineering, design, and user research teams. There are also hidden functionalities in Windows 11 that users can explore for enhanced capabilities.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

9 features I want Microsoft to add and improve in Windows 11

Windows 11 has received several feature updates, with version 25H2 upcoming, but it still lacks many user-requested features. Key issues include: 1. Users want more control over Windows Update, including the ability to disable automatic updates or schedule them flexibly. 2. There is a demand for the option to set up devices with a local account instead of being forced to use a Microsoft account. 3. Users miss the ability to resize the Taskbar, which is currently fixed in size. 4. The option to relocate the Taskbar to the top of the screen has been removed, and users want this flexibility restored. 5. A fully consistent dark mode across the operating system is desired, along with customizable live tiles. 6. Users would benefit from charging limit options for laptops to extend battery lifespan. 7. The settings page for File Explorer needs modernization to align with the Windows 11 aesthetic. 8. There is a call for a variant of Windows 11 that supports older PCs that do not meet current hardware requirements.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

How to use Windows Update for Business with Group Policy

Windows administrators need to keep their systems updated for security and performance, with control over the timing and type of updates being crucial. There are three primary methods for managing Windows updates: 1. Per-client updates: Default for standalone clients, offering minimal control. 2. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): Centralized management since 2005, allowing extensive control but requiring more administrative effort. 3. Windows Update for Business (WUfB): A cloud-based model providing greater control through tools like Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM). WUfB offers several advantages, including policy-based management, granular control over deployments, and the elimination of on-premises WSUS servers. To implement WUfB, organizations must meet specific requirements, including using Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Team editions, Azure AD joining, and having the necessary licenses such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Administrators can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days using Group Policy. They can create servicing rings for managing update deployments, such as testing, pilot, and rollout rings. Configuration involves creating Group Policy Objects (GPOs) linked to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) and setting relevant policies. WUfB reporting is available through the Azure Portal, allowing administrators to monitor update statuses and troubleshoot devices.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

10 useful Windows built-in tools you’ve never used

- Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM for errors that may cause system crashes or freezes. It can be launched by typing "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start Menu or using the Run Command with mdsched.exe. - Resource Monitor provides detailed insights into CPU, RAM, disk activity, and network bandwidth, helping identify resource-consuming applications. It can be accessed through Task Manager or the Windows search box. - Reliability Monitor displays a timeline of system stability, including software installations, updates, crashes, and hardware errors, aiding in troubleshooting. It can be found by searching in the Start bar or through Control Panel > Security and Maintenance. - DirectX Diagnostic Tool offers information about GPU, audio drivers, and DirectX version, useful for diagnosing gaming-related issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing dxdiag. - Credential Manager securely manages Windows login credentials and network login information. It can be accessed by searching for "Credential Manager" in the Start bar or through Control Panel. - God Mode consolidates over 200 system settings into a single folder, accessible by creating a new folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. - Local Group Policy Editor allows advanced customization of Windows settings for Pro or Enterprise users. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc. - Computer Management Console provides access to various system tools like Device Manager and Disk Management. It can be opened by right-clicking the Start button or using Win + R with compmgmt.msc. - Powercfg Tool diagnoses battery issues and provides reports on battery usage and health. It can generate a report by running powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt. - System Configuration (msconfig) allows users to control Windows boot options and troubleshoot startup issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing msconfig.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Top 6 new features that landed on the Windows 11 Insider Program during the first half of July 2025

During the first half of July 2025, Microsoft released at least six preview builds for Windows 11, including four in the Canary and Beta Channels for version 24H2 and two in the Dev Channel for version 25H2. Notable features introduced include: 1. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR): A feature in build 27898 that minimizes downtime during boot failures by detecting and resolving issues via the Windows Recovery Environment and Windows Update. It is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and can be configured on Windows 11 Pro. 2. Adaptive Energy Saver: An option in the Energy Saver mode that automatically activates based on system telemetry, available on devices with battery backup starting with build 27898. 3. App Permission Dialog: A redesigned modal that appears centrally on the screen when an app requests special permissions, introduced in build 27898. 4. Administrator Protection: A security feature that generates an authorization dialog for unsigned or untrusted applications seeking elevation, enabling it through Windows Security settings. 5. Passkeys with External Providers: Support for third-party passkey providers, starting with build 26200.5670, allowing users to create and use passkeys with 1Password. 6. Click to Do Image Description: An updated feature in build 26200.5702 that uses AI to describe images, available for Copilot+ PCs, with future support anticipated for Intel and AMD systems.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Final Fantasy 14 support for Windows 10 to end in October 2025

Square Enix will cease support for Final Fantasy XIV on Windows 10 effective October 14, 2025, coinciding with Microsoft's end of mainstream support for the operating system. The game is expected to remain playable after this date, but Square Enix will not provide troubleshooting assistance for issues on Windows 10. Players will need to upgrade to Windows 11 to receive full support, with updated operating system and CPU requirements effective October 15, 2025. Microsoft offers a one-year extended security update subscription for Windows 10 users for a fee, as well as a free option to maintain security until October 2026 under certain conditions. Final Fantasy XIV is also available on PS5, Xbox, and macOS, supporting crossplay for players.