troubleshooting options Archives

Winsage

September 9, 2025

How to Audit Your Windows App Permissions (and Why You Should)

When you install applications on a Windows system, you grant them permission to access various components of your device, such as the webcam or location. Regularly auditing these permissions is advisable to ensure you're not sharing more information than you're comfortable with. To check app permissions, go to Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions, where you can view and revoke access for specific permissions like Location, Camera, and Microphone. You can also check permissions on an app-by-app basis by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and selecting Advanced options for individual apps. Some apps may have Background app permissions that allow them to operate in the background, which can affect memory and battery life. Regularly uninstalling unused programs can improve system security and performance.

Winsage

November 17, 2024

Windows 11 Blue Screen with QR Code

When encountering the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11, users will see a QR code in the bottom-left corner of the screen. This QR code is intended to help users access troubleshooting resources online, although it often directs them to a general Microsoft support site. To address a BSOD, users can scan the QR code, run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter via the Get Help app, utilize built-in Windows troubleshooting tools, update device drivers, perform a system restore, or reset/reinstall Windows 11. Specific steps include scanning the QR code with a smartphone, searching for troubleshooting options in the Get Help app, using tools like Memory Diagnostic and CHKDSK, updating various drivers, and accessing System Restore through the Windows Recovery Environment if necessary. If all else fails, users can reset or reinstall Windows while choosing to keep personal files.

AppWizard

November 2, 2024

As Monster Hunter Wilds PC players fight horrible polygons and struggle to hit 60 FPS, Capcom says the game is “already in a more improved state compared to the beta”

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is currently available on all platforms, but some PC players are experiencing performance issues, including graphical glitches and framerate struggles. These issues are attributed to bugs rather than fundamental performance problems, and Capcom has provided troubleshooting options for players. Recommendations include adding the game to anti-virus exceptions, granting administrative privileges, updating drivers, and verifying the game's Steam cache. Specific advice for stability issues includes deleting shader cache files and enabling 'GPU scheduling.' Players using NVIDIA DLSS should be cautious with changing the Upscaling Mode to avoid increased VRAM usage. Reports indicate that achieving or maintaining 60 FPS at 1080p or 1440p is challenging for users with outdated hardware, while stable performance is noted among those with RTX 3080 or 4070 GPUs. The game relies heavily on frame generation and upscaling, and CPU performance may also impact gameplay. Historical context shows that previous Monster Hunter titles faced similar performance challenges at launch but improved over time. A second beta test is expected in December or January, and players are encouraged to provide feedback and adjust graphics settings.

Winsage

August 20, 2024

How to troubleshoot a Windows PC that won’t boot

When a Windows PC fails to load, it may be due to hardware malfunctions or corrupted software. A power cycle can be attempted by powering down the PC, disconnecting peripherals, waiting five minutes, and then rebooting. If unsuccessful, users may be directed to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for troubleshooting options. If WinRE does not appear, the three-boot method can be used: turn off the PC during the boot process three times to access WinRE. In cases of a "Black Screen of Death," the three-boot strategy may help, and users can restart the video driver with Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. Accessing Safe Mode through Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart may allow users to roll back updates or uninstall applications. If Safe Mode is inaccessible, Startup Repair in WinRE can fix corrupted settings, and Uninstall Updates can revert recent changes. If WinRE fails, users can check the BIOS/UEFI by pressing a designated key during startup, allowing for diagnostic checks and resetting to default settings. If all else fails, reinstalling the operating system may be necessary, either through the Reset this PC option in WinRE or by creating installation media. In cases of suspected hardware failure, if the PC shows no response when powered on, it may indicate issues with the motherboard or power supply. Listening for beep codes can provide diagnostic clues, and resources for component replacement are available online. Seeking professional assistance may be advisable if the repair seems complex.

Winsage

June 11, 2024

How to reset Windows 11 without losing your apps, files, and settings

If the new type of reset doesn't fix your problem, you may need to perform a regular reset on your PC. This type of reset will keep your personal files but remove all installed apps and customize settings. To do this, go to Settings, select System, then Recovery, and click on the "Reset PC" button. Follow the prompts to perform the system reset.