update experience Archives

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11’s latest preview build makes updating your PC less of a hassle

Microsoft has released a new Release Preview build for Windows 11 Insiders, featuring significant updates. The Windows Update feature now provides an estimated offline time for updates, accessible through the Windows Update settings and the Start menu power button. The KB5055627 update introduces the Copilot+ Recall feature, which captures snapshots of user activities for easy information retrieval, requiring Windows Hello for secure access and specific system requirements. Windows Search has been improved to allow searches using descriptive terms instead of exact names, and the Click to DO feature suggests relevant applications based on user selections. These features will be rolled out gradually, and users can find guidance through the Windows Insider Program.

Winsage

April 6, 2025

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on some new PCs

Microsoft has informed Windows 10 users that their devices are not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 due to system requirements and recommends transitioning to a new PC with Windows 11. A new compatibility issue has arisen with the sprotect.sys driver, causing system freezes and errors on Windows 11 version 24H2, leading Microsoft to impose a compatibility hold on affected devices. This hold prevents these devices from being prompted to install Windows 11, version 24H2. Users with impacted devices will see a notification on the Windows Update page indicating no immediate action is required. IT administrators can monitor the issue using safeguard ID 56318982. Microsoft advises against forcing the update if the system is incompatible and is working with SenseShield Technology Co. to resolve the issue.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft adds hotpatching support to Windows 11 Enterprise

Microsoft has made hotpatch updates available for business customers using Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 systems, allowing seamless installation of security updates without device reboots. Hotpatching modifies in-memory code of active processes to deploy updates without interrupting user activities. Devices under a hotpatch-enabled quality update policy will receive updates quarterly, with no restarts required for eight months of the year. A Microsoft subscription is necessary to activate hotpatching, and devices must meet specific prerequisites, including an x64 CPU and enabled Virtualization-based Security. Hotpatch updates can be managed through Microsoft Intune, and devices on Windows 10 and versions 23H2 and lower will continue to receive standard updates. Microsoft initially introduced hotpatch support for Windows Server Azure Edition in February 2022 and has expanded testing to include Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Microsoft begins testing next phase of Windows 11 — Dev Channel to flight new platform changes

Microsoft is testing platform changes in Windows 11 for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing new builds in the 26200 range as a precursor to version 25H2, expected later this year. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC requires platform modifications previously exclusive to the Windows Canary Channel, which Microsoft is backporting to the Dev Channel to support devices with the X2 chip on Germanium-based Windows 11. Germanium is the platform for version 24H2, and while it is unclear if version 25H2 will use the same platform, the backporting suggests a strong possibility. This initiative aims to enhance performance, security, and user experience while streamlining servicing processes for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is working to minimize fragmentation among its Windows platforms, currently supporting Vibranium, Nickel, and Germanium. With Windows 10 support ending in October, Microsoft may consolidate users onto a single platform, likely Germanium, as version 25H2 is anticipated in the latter half of the year, coinciding with the expiration of support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft removes another roadblock for Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has lifted the security block on the rollout of Windows 11 24H2 for users with Asphalt 8 installed, which was previously implemented due to the game crashing or becoming unresponsive after the update. The update blocker ID for IT administrators is 52796746. Microsoft confirmed that the problem has been resolved and the update block has been removed. It may take up to 48 hours for the update to become available via Windows Update, and restarting the device can expedite this process. Users still facing issues can try a Registry/Group Policy hack to update directly.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on more PCs due to new gaming issues

Many users view Windows 11 as a reimagined version of Windows 10, but it includes exclusive features for gamers. Microsoft has restricted access to the latest Windows 11 update due to complications with the Auto HDR feature, which enhances visuals by converting SDR content to HDR. A bug in Auto HDR has caused games to display incorrect colors or freeze. Microsoft has not specified which devices or games are affected and has implemented a compatibility hold on devices using Auto HDR, preventing them from installing Windows 11 version 24H2. Users are advised to disable Auto HDR to proceed with the update. Additionally, there have been other gaming-related issues with Windows 11 version 24H2, including crashes in games using Easy Anti-Cheat and responsiveness issues in titles like Asphalt 8, along with compatibility challenges with certain Ubisoft games.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft Stops Updates For Millions Of Windows Users—Here’s What You Do Now

Windows users are experiencing issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update due to a compatibility problem with the AutoHDR feature, which causes incorrect color display in games and applications. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and implemented a compatibility hold, preventing devices with Auto HDR enabled from receiving the update. Users can resolve the issue by disabling Auto HDR in the settings. Microsoft is working on a fix and advises against manually updating to version 24H2 until the problem is resolved.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Finally! Windows 11’s Microsoft Store will soon let you update non-Microsoft apps

Microsoft is enhancing the functionality of Windows 11’s Microsoft Store by introducing a feature that allows users to update third-party applications, moving away from the previous limitation of only updating apps hosted on Microsoft’s servers. Users will soon be able to see third-party app updates listed alongside Microsoft’s offerings by clicking the 'Get updates' button on the Downloads page. This feature is currently being tested within all channels of the Windows Insider Program and will categorize third-party updates as ‘provided and updated’ apps. The enhancement aims to streamline the update process and attract more third-party developers to the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

November 25, 2024

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Update Kills Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Other Ubisoft Games

Microsoft has acknowledged a compatibility issue with Windows 11 version 24H2 affecting several Ubisoft titles, including Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The company has implemented a temporary block on Windows 11 for users with these games installed, as players may experience unresponsiveness, black screens, and other issues. The affected titles include Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Ubisoft has released an update for Star Wars Outlaws, but issues may persist. Microsoft advises PC gamers to avoid updating to version 24H2 to prevent complications.