update process Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

How (and why) to roll back Windows updates on your PC

Windows update KB5043145 caused some users to experience the blue screen of death instead of performance improvements. Before rolling back updates, users should check for adequate hard drive space, restart the system, attempt to reinstall updates, disconnect non-essential hardware, check for conflicts in Device Manager, ensure antivirus software is not interfering, and verify that the Windows Update service is activated. To troubleshoot update issues, Windows 11 users can run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings, while Windows 10 users can access it through Update & Security. Users can also utilize system restore points to revert to a previous state, use the Reset Windows Update Tool to repair update components, manually install updates from the Microsoft update catalog, or reset and restart update services via command prompt. If all else fails, reinstalling Windows may be necessary, though it could result in data loss.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Samsung Health Monitor app ends support for Android 11 and older phones this December

Samsung Electronics is preparing to introduce seamless software updates with its upcoming Galaxy S25 series. This feature will allow updates to be downloaded in the background and installed on an inactive partition, minimizing downtime during the update process. Users will only experience a brief interruption during reboot, contrasting with the longer downtimes of traditional updates. The Galaxy S25 series is expected to feature a larger display, potentially a more rounded back on the S25 Ultra for comfort, and will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It is rumored to launch in January 2025 with Android 15-based One UI 7 software. There is no official confirmation from Samsung regarding these features or specifications, as the information is based on leaks and rumors.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Android 16 release: New features, floating app windows likely to arrive in…

Android 16 is expected to debut between April and June 2025, with a specific launch date of June 3, 2025, when it will be available on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Pixel users will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update on the same date. The update will introduce features such as "Rich Ongoing Notifications," allowing third-party developers to customize notifications, and a "bubble anything" function for multitasking, enabling users to operate apps in floating windows. Google's expedited release schedule aims to meet the demand for faster software updates and align better with device launches.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Want to keep getting Windows 10 updates? It’ll cost you $30

Microsoft has announced an option for consumers to extend their use of Windows 10 beyond the end-of-support date for a fee, allowing them to receive a year’s worth of critical and important security updates as part of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan. Windows 10 will no longer receive feature updates or security patches after October 14, 2025. Currently, 59.1 percent of Americans are still using Windows 10, indicating a need for upgrades. Microsoft has provided prompts for users to transition to Windows 11 through the update process, while those with incompatible devices may need to purchase new hardware or consider subscription services like 0patch for protection.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Microsoft’s word-soup has made Windows 11 updates noticeably quicker via the ‘parallel processing of component manifests’ complementing ‘the parallel hydration of newly serviced components using reverse and forward differentials’

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has significantly improved update installation speed, with internal tests showing a 44 to 46% increase compared to the previous 22H2 version. Restart times during updates are also 34 to 40% quicker, depending on hardware. The enhancements are attributed to technical innovations such as parallel processing of component manifests and caching information about update packages, which utilize CPU capabilities more effectively. Additionally, some update packages have been reduced in size by up to 200 MB.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Asus Z890 motherboards update the BIOS without unzipping the file — EZ Flash 4 comes with support for ZIP files

Asus has introduced a streamlined BIOS update process with its EZ Flash 4 utility, eliminating the need to unpack compressed update files. This feature is available on Asus Z890 motherboards and is designed for users of all technical levels. The BIOS interface has been revamped to operate at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, the Z890 motherboards include a PCIe Slot Q-Release button, allowing users to easily remove GPUs or other PCIe add-in cards without reaching deep into the motherboard.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Windows ‘Downdate’ Attack Makes Patched PCs Vulnerable

Recent findings have identified a vulnerability in fully patched Windows 11 systems that allows attackers to install custom rootkits, which can bypass endpoint security and maintain persistence on compromised systems. This vulnerability is linked to a downgrade attack technique demonstrated by SafeBreach researcher Alon Leviev at Black Hat USA 2024, using an exploit tool called Windows Downdate. This tool enables an attacker with administrative access to manipulate the Windows Update process, reverting patched components to vulnerable states. Leviev's demonstration showed that even systems using virtualization-based security (VBS) are at risk, as he could downgrade VBS features and expose previously fixed privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Microsoft has patched two vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-21302 and CVE-2024-38202) but has not addressed the core issue of the downgrade capability. Microsoft maintains that the ability for an admin-level user to gain kernel code execution does not cross a security boundary. Leviev released details of a new downgrade attack on October 26, using the Windows Downdate tool to revive a driver signature enforcement bypass attack. He categorized this flaw as False File Immutability (FFI), exploiting incorrect assumptions about file immutability. He noted that downgrading specific OS modules, like CI.dll, allows exploitation even with VBS enabled. Tim Peck from Securonix highlighted that the attacks exploit Windows' failure to validate DLL version numbers properly, enabling the use of outdated, vulnerable files. Microsoft is actively developing mitigations against these risks, including a security update to revoke outdated VBS system files, although specific measures and timelines are not yet disclosed.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Windows Update takeover lets an attacker revive a patched flaw

Microsoft's approach to security vulnerabilities has been criticized for not classifying scenarios where an attacker with administrative privileges can execute kernel-level code as critical vulnerabilities. SafeBreach researchers highlighted that this narrow definition leaves systems vulnerable to custom rootkits that can bypass essential security controls. They identified CVE-2024-21302, a privilege escalation vulnerability affecting the Windows virtualization stack, and CVE-2024-38202, which allows attackers to exploit the Windows Update process to disable security features like Driver Signature Enforcement and virtualization-based security. Microsoft is actively developing mitigations for these vulnerabilities and has released a security update for CVE-2024-38202 on October 15, with further updates planned for CVE-2024-21302.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which includes improvements to the update installation process, resulting in a 45.6% faster installation, 39.7% quicker restart times, and a 15.3% decrease in CPU consumption compared to version 22H2. Key enhancements include parallel processing of component manifests, optimized reading and parsing of component manifests, and scalable use of available RAM. Traditional feature updates are now approximately 200 MB smaller due to certain inbox applications being updated through the Microsoft Store. Notable features in the update include: - Integration of Phone Link with the Start menu. - Simplified layout for the taskbar system tray. - Revamped Quick Settings for improved speed and customization. - Windows Spotlight image as the default wallpaper. - Animated taskbar app preview thumbnails. - Support for HDR images as desktop wallpapers. File Explorer updates include: - Updated home tab layout with shared documents. - Ability to duplicate tabs via right-click. - Enhanced context menu layout. - Support for .7z and .TAR archive formats. - Direct viewing of Android phone file systems. New apps and features include: - A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contacts. - Updated Copilot as a standalone web application. - AI features in Photos for generative erase and background editing. - A new Recall app for information retrieval using AI. - Paint with generative AI capabilities. Settings updates include: - Windows Update with checkpoints and hot patching. - Voice Clarity using AI to eliminate background noise. - Simultaneous configuration of power settings. - A new Energy Saver mode. - Configurable mouse scroll wheel direction. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware. - A new PRISM emulation layer for x86 apps on Arm devices. - Enhanced performance for Arm-based devices. - AutoSR using AI to improve gaming performance. - Live Captions translating languages into English in real-time. - Advanced Windows Studio Effects for webcam enhancement.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 comes with an added dose of problems

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 24H2, but users are facing hardware and software challenges during installation due to stringent prerequisites. To address potential issues, Microsoft has implemented 'compatibility holds' that prevent the update until systems meet the necessary criteria. Certain ASUS laptop models, specifically the X415KA and X515KA, are experiencing significant problems, including blue screen errors, prompting Microsoft to halt the update for these devices until users install a firmware update from ASUS. Various applications are also causing complications, leading to the rollout pause. Notable problematic applications include Voicemeeter, Safe Exam Browser (version 3.7 and earlier), custom wallpaper applications, Asphalt 8, and Easy Anti-Cheat software, particularly on devices with Intel Alder Lake+ processors and Intel vPro technology. Users are advised to update their drivers and applications for a smoother transition. Issues with facial recognition features and camera functionalities have been reported, with built-in cameras and fingerprint sensors potentially ceasing to function post-update. Microsoft has paused updates related to these functionalities, and firmware updates may be necessary. Devices using Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) are encountering blue screen errors linked to specific driver versions (10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152), with a recommended update to driver versions 10.30.00.5714, 10.29.00.5714, or later to resolve these issues.