troubleshooting process Archives

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Android 16 beta continues to crash popular work apps, and Google has no fix yet

Pixel users are experiencing ongoing issues with Microsoft Office applications following the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 update, which was intended to fix previous crashing problems. Despite Google's assurances, many users report that glitches persist, particularly among beta users. Issues include crashes with specific Microsoft apps like Teams and the Microsoft Launcher. Some users report that apps crash in work profiles but function normally in personal profiles. A potential workaround involves re-enabling Android System WebView, but this solution is not widely verified. Google has not provided updates on the issues reported in the Issue Tracker, leaving users uncertain about a fix. Reverting to the stable version of Android 16 may serve as a temporary solution.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here’s everything that is new.

Microsoft has slowed down the development of Windows 11 but released several preview builds through the Windows Insider Program in December 2025, showcasing various enhancements. Key updates include: - Model Context Protocol (MCP): Introduced in build 26220.7344, allowing AI agents to communicate with applications and tools via a secure on-device registry. It includes the File Explorer Connector for managing files through natural language searches and the Windows Settings Connector for navigating settings. - Unified Update Orchestration Platform (UOP): Provides a consistent update experience for developers through the Settings app. - Windows MIDI Services: Rollout of a new MIDI API, Service, and SDK, supporting MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 devices with enhancements like app-to-app MIDI support. - Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE): Expanded to additional handheld gaming devices, replicating console gaming on PCs. - Settings app with AI agent: Enhanced navigation and modification of settings with an integrated AI agent. - File Explorer dark mode improvements: Extended dark mode to various elements and improved search functionality using AI. - Drag Tray disable option: Users can now disable the Drag Tray feature through Settings. - Mobile Devices settings integration: Features for managing mobile devices are now integrated within the Settings app. - Virtual Workspaces in Advanced settings: New access to manage virtualization features without using the legacy "Windows Features" page. - Keyboard and text cursor settings: New settings added for customizing keyboard and cursor behavior. - Quick Machine Recovery improvements: Now enabled by default on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. - Windows Studio Effects compatibility: Expanded to more camera hardware for improved user appearance. - Windows Spotlight for desktop changes: New context menu options for wallpaper changes and additional details. - Taskbar with Ask Copilot: A toggle to replace Windows Search with AI-driven searches. - Taskbar with AI agents: AI agents can function as apps in the Taskbar, providing real-time updates. - Windows 11 Agent Launchers: A framework for registering AI agents within the OS. - Narrator customization: Users can select which properties are announced while navigating applications. - Voice Typing animation: New animation for the dictation key in the Touch Keyboard and a "Discover Windows" widget added. - Voice Access streamlined setup: Simplified setup process for Voice Access. The Windows Insider Program will pause further builds until January.

Winsage

December 14, 2025

My top 17 Windows 11 features introduced in 2025 — personal picks from cleaner UI experiences to major PC gaming upgrades

- Windows 11 received numerous enhancements in 2025 through monthly cumulative updates. - The revamped Start menu consolidates Pinned, Recommended, and All sections into a single scrollable interface, allowing up to eight pinned items per row. - The Recommended section can showcase up to six app and file suggestions, with an option to disable it. - The All section organizes apps by category by default, with options for grid or list view. - A redesigned Widgets board integrates a new settings page, allowing users to select which board opens by default. - Users can customize Lock Screen widgets through a new section under Personalization. - A new setting allows users to reposition on-screen hardware indicators for brightness and volume. - A dedicated page for Virtual Workspaces in the Settings app centralizes virtualization controls. - Users can opt for smaller icons on the Taskbar for a more compact arrangement of app buttons. - A new sharing shortcut allows users to send files to compatible apps directly from recent file icons. - An option to disable the "Drag Tray" has been added in the Nearby Sharing settings. - The Notification Center now supports a large clock with seconds and multiple clocks. - The Windows Hello interface has been redesigned with animations for better user engagement. - Support for third-party passkey providers has been integrated into Windows Hello. - A new security feature, Administrator Protection, adds an authentication prompt for actions requiring elevation. - Quick Machine Recovery is designed to repair the operating system during boot failures. - Windows Backup now supports local file transfers during new device setup. - The Xbox Full Screen Experience has been tailored for handheld gaming devices. - A battery percentage display has been added to the Taskbar, along with new battery iconography. - Multi-stream support for cameras allows multiple applications to access the same camera feed simultaneously.

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

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.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

New Windows 11 feature aims to diagnose crashes — will check RAM after BSODs to look for problems

Microsoft is introducing a new memory diagnostic scan for Windows 11, which activates after a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) incident. This feature is currently available to users in the dev channel through Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982 (KB5067109). After a BSOD, users will see a pop-up window that allows them to schedule a memory scan for the next reboot or skip it. The scan aims to address memory corruption issues that can cause system errors and will be selectively triggered for crashes likely related to memory problems.

Winsage

October 28, 2025

Windows 11 Will Start Memory Scans After BSOD to Prevent Future Issues

The latest update for Windows 11 introduces a memory diagnostic feature aimed at improving system reliability and addressing blue screen of death (BSOD) issues. Users will receive a notification suggesting a memory scan after a bug check, which can be scheduled to run during the next reboot. The scan takes about five minutes and notifies users of any memory issues found post-reboot. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels through specific Insider Preview Builds but does not function on Arm64 PCs, machines with Administrator Protection, or BitLocker setups without Secure Boot. The feature simplifies the troubleshooting process and helps prevent severe complications like program crashes or system freezes.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Forget TeamViewer and AnyDesk, Windows has a tool for remote access out of the box

Quick Assist is a built-in remote assistance tool in Windows 11, preinstalled on all editions, allowing users to share screens and receive help without needing additional software. The helper must have a Microsoft account, but the person receiving help does not. To start a session, the helper provides a support code to the user in need. Quick Assist prioritizes user safety by initially restricting the assistant's control, allowing users to maintain oversight and terminate the session at any time. It includes features like a laser pointer, annotations, and text messaging, but does not support file transfers. Quick Assist is not a replacement for professional remote desktop solutions like Microsoft's Remote Desktop or TeamViewer, which offer more advanced features.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Windows 11 update changes critical warning that’s remained unchanged for 40 years

Microsoft has announced the retirement of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) after nearly forty years, transitioning to a new error screen called the Black Screen of Death. The new screen will feature a black background, replacing the blue, and will provide clearer error messages, such as "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart." This change is part of a broader initiative to improve user experience during critical failures, including a significant reduction in reboot times to approximately two seconds. The redesign was influenced by the CrowdStrike outage and aims to enhance clarity and efficiency in troubleshooting. The rollout will begin with Windows Insiders and expand to millions of PCs globally.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Windows’ iconic Blue Screen of Death gets a bold new look

Microsoft plans to transition the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to a Black Screen of Death, set to roll out in the summer of 2025. The new black BSOD will feature a streamlined user interface and a "Quick Machine Recovery" feature to assist in repairing computers that fail to boot up. This update will be included in a cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2 or later, excluding Windows 11 23H2 users. Key changes include a black background, the absence of the frowning emoticon, and no QR code or detailed explanatory text. The black BSOD will display a brief message indicating a problem has occurred, prompting a restart, which may lead to user confusion.