update installation Archives

Winsage

January 19, 2026

The Last Windows Security Updates of January 2026 Are Here

Microsoft released its first set of security updates for the Windows operating system and various products in January 2026, addressing over 110 vulnerabilities. The updates are available for all supported versions of Windows, with Windows 10 receiving fixes only through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 are the main consumer releases benefiting from these updates. Approximately 112–114 security updates were released, with around 8 rated as Critical. At least one zero-day vulnerability is actively exploited. The updates include security fixes for Windows, Office, Edge, Azure, and server components. Windows 11 versions 23H2, 24H2, and 25H2, as well as Windows Server 2023 and 2025, have known issues. Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2 received security fixes for multiple vulnerabilities, while version 23H2 continues to receive support through enterprise servicing channels. Windows 10 updates are limited to ESU-enrolled systems, with general support ending in October 2025. Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2025 received January security updates, addressing important vulnerabilities without disclosing any critical ones. Microsoft also released updates for Office products and SharePoint Server components. Known issues after the January updates include credential prompt failures and authentication issues in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, particularly affecting the new Windows App. Workarounds involve using the classic Remote Desktop client or the web-based RDP client. Additionally, devices with Secure Launch enabled may experience shutdown and sleep mode failures. Microsoft has provided out-of-band fixes for certain affected systems as of January 18, 2026. Users can manually install updates through the Windows Update feature, and it is recommended to create a full system backup before proceeding with updates.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Pretty much everything important on Windows 11 has broken, says Microsoft

Windows 11 has encountered significant issues, including failures in the Windows Recovery Environment and complications during the migration from Windows 10 to 11. The recent Windows 11 24H2 update has led to critical failures for users, affecting core shell components such as explorer.exe, shelhost.exe, StartMenuExperienceHost, and ImmersiveShell. Symptoms include application crashes when initializing XAML views, explorer running without a taskbar, failure of the Start menu to launch, silent failures of System Settings, and crashes of ShellHost.exe. Microsoft attributes these problems to applications dependent on XAML packages not registering in time after the update. Reports indicate a shift in user preference, with a Linux distribution for former Windows users achieving 780,000 downloads within a month, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with Windows.

Winsage

November 21, 2025

Nvidia hotfix tackles Windows 11 gaming slowdown

The Windows 11 October 2025 Update has caused declines in gaming performance for some users, prompting Nvidia to release a hotfix based on version 581.80 of its Game Ready Driver. This hotfix is a quick solution aimed at addressing specific issues from the update, particularly gaming slowdowns. Microsoft has acknowledged various problems related to the update, including issues with Blu-ray, DVD, and digital applications, as well as USB mice and keyboards not functioning in the Windows Recovery Environment. Developers have reported disruptions to localhost functionality, affecting web applications on local machines. Despite these challenges, Nvidia's financial results remain strong, although concerns about the high costs and overheating issues of its latest RTX 50 Series cards have been raised. Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the gaming performance issues in its release notes for the October 2025 Update, despite Nvidia confirming their existence.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6972 (KB5067106) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Users can now add and manage mobile devices from their PC under the "Mobile Devices" section in Bluetooth & Devices. A new entry point in the Start menu allows direct access to the benefits page for Microsoft accounts. The build includes updated Game Pass references in Settings, improvements to File Explorer's dark mode, and the ability to enable or disable the Drag Tray feature in Settings. Fixes include resolving a catastrophic error in File Explorer when extracting large files, correcting display issues with videos and games, and fixing update installation errors. Other fixes addressed issues with Outlook, Remote Credential Guard, and print preview in Chromium-based browsers. Known issues include problems with text actions in Click to Do and Recall, disabled taskbar preview animations, and issues with the Start menu and notification center. Users may also experience bugs with Xbox Controller connectivity via Bluetooth. Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are rolled out gradually with feedback monitoring.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Updates Break IIS Websites After Patch Tuesday

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 updates are causing disruptions for IIS websites due to a conflict in the Windows HTTP stack driver (HTTP.sys), resulting in “ERRCONNECTIONRESET” errors for localhost loopbacks and IIS connections. The issue affects devices with updates released on or after September 29, including KB5066835 and KB5065789, impacting server-side applications reliant on HTTP.sys and leading to failed IIS websites or blank pages. The problem may vary based on internet connectivity, system timing, or update installation order. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and has advised IT administrators to implement a known issue rollback (KIR) through Group Policy to restore stability. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block on Windows 11 24H2 devices that was due to a conflict with a third-party driver.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Microsoft October Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 Fixes 175 Flaws

Microsoft's October 2025 Patch Tuesday addressed 175 vulnerabilities, including two zero-day elevation-of-privilege flaws: CVE-2025-24990, related to the legacy ltmdm64.sys Agere Modem driver, and CVE-2025-59230, affecting the Remote Access Connection Manager. Five vulnerabilities were classified as critical, including CVE-2025-59246 (remote code execution in Azure Entra ID), CVE-2025-55315 (ASP.NET Core vulnerability), CVE-2025-49708 (Microsoft Graphics Component bug), CVE-2025-59287 (Windows Server Update Service flaw), and CVE-2025-59228 (SharePoint vulnerability). The update (KB5066835) also resolved usability issues, such as print preview hangs and input detection failures. Microsoft notified administrators about the expiration of Secure Boot certificates in June 2026. Windows 11 users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update, requiring a system restart and data backup before installation.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Microsoft fixed an old Windows bug

Microsoft has resolved a bug in Windows 11 that caused issues during the update installation process, where users experienced unexpected reboots after clicking "Update and shut down." This problem had affected users for over two years and was also present in Windows 10. A fix is available in the beta version of the OS, with plans for a broader rollout. Additionally, Microsoft has fixed two other bugs in Windows 11 related to Windows Hello face recognition and Bluetooth connectivity.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

How to force install the Windows 11 2025 Update (version 25H2)

Microsoft has begun the rollout of the Windows 11 2025 Update (version 25H2) for compatible devices. This update is a minor cumulative release that does not require a complete reinstallation for users on version 24H2, but those on version 23H2 must upgrade to version 24H2 first. To install the Windows 11 2025 Update from Settings, users should open Settings, click on Windows Update, enable the toggle for getting the latest updates, check for updates, download and install, and then restart the device. For users upgrading from version 23H2 or earlier, the Installation Assistant can be used, which involves downloading the tool from the Microsoft support website and following the prompts to install the update, requiring a complete reinstallation. The Media Creation Tool can also be used to create a USB bootable media for the update, which necessitates a complete reinstallation. Alternatively, users can download the official ISO file from the Microsoft support website, mount the image, and run the setup to upgrade while preserving files, settings, and applications. The availability of version 25H2 was announced on September 30, 2025, and users should check for updates regarding the rollout schedule for their specific devices.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to check your PC’s full specifications on Windows 10

To check computer hardware specs in Windows 10, you can use several methods: 1. Settings: - Open Settings > System > About to view processor, memory, architecture, and software specifications (Edition, Version, Installed on, OS build). 2. System Information: - Open Start, search for msinfo32, and select it. In the System Summary, view system model, processor brand, UEFI version, memory capacity, and motherboard details. 3. Create Hardware Specs Report: - In the System Information app, select specifications, go to File > Export, choose a folder, and save the report. 4. DirectX Diagnostic Tool: - Open Start, search for dxdiag, and check the System tab for processor and memory, and the Display tab for graphics card information. 5. PowerShell: - Open Start, search for PowerShell, run as administrator, and type Get-ComputerInfo to view specifications. 6. Command Prompt: - Open Start, search for Command Prompt, run as administrator, and type systeminfo to access detailed system information. For monitoring temperatures, third-party tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp are recommended. To check RAM, use Task Manager's Performance page. For network information, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet. To check FPS, access Task Manager's Performance page or use dxdiag.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

I automate my Windows PC maintenance with Task Scheduler, here’s how

The Windows Task Scheduler is a feature available since Windows 95 that allows users to automate tasks based on specific conditions. Users can create scheduled tasks for various maintenance activities, such as running Disk Cleanup weekly, installing Windows updates at night, conducting security scans with Windows Defender, and backing up files using Robocopy. Automating these tasks helps maintain optimal computer performance and reduces the cognitive load associated with manual maintenance.