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.
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.
The DEF CON 32 conference took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and featured presentations on cybersecurity and technology, which are now available on the organization’s YouTube channel.
Icarus, a co-op survival game developed by RocketWerkz, has received 153 updates since its launch in December 2021. The latest update introduces a flamethrower and expands the game with new operations, missions, weapons, items, and a fishing system. Downloadable content has doubled the game map size. Players navigate a narrative involving corporate ambition and survival challenges on a planet with toxic air and unpredictable weather. The game allows for building homesteads and farming. To celebrate the update, Icarus is offering a 50% discount on the flamethrower and other editions for a week.
Microsoft has introduced an AI-powered Rewrite feature for Notepad, available to Windows Insiders running Windows 11. Users need the latest Canary or Dev build of Windows 11 and must be signed in with a Microsoft account linked to the Insider program to access the feature. The Rewrite process allows users to modify text by selecting it and using the Rewrite button or shortcut Ctrl + I, generating three distinct versions of the text. AI credits are required for content generation, with initial allocations set at 50 credits for users in select countries and 60 credits monthly for Microsoft 365 subscribers. The Rewrite feature is currently limited to Dev or Canary builds of Windows 11 and may take time to reach the standard version of Notepad.
Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include:
1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted.
2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup."
3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors.
4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards.
5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields.
6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address.
7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices.
8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items.
9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing.
10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers.
Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.
Windows 11 has captured a market share of 35.55% as of October 2024, while Windows 10 holds 60.97%. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported a 3% growth in global PC shipments in Q2 2024, with approximately 64.9 million units sold. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support for an additional year at a cost. A public interest petition has been initiated urging Microsoft to reconsider the end of support for Windows 10.
Pixel users are experiencing significant app malfunctions on Android 15, particularly with Gmail, due to issues stemming from a recent Google Play update. Many users report that their devices indicate "Google Play Services is not supported," rendering both first and third-party applications inoperative. Error messages related to Google Play Services being unavailable or outdated have been noted, and the problems may extend beyond Pixel devices. Users have attempted various troubleshooting steps, including factory resets, with mixed results. Some users are advised to opt out of the Google Play services beta and restart their devices, but this solution has not been universally effective.
A new PowerShell script called UnattendedWinstall allows Windows 11 users to bypass the mandatory Microsoft account login during setup. The script can be downloaded from the UnattendedWinstall GitHub releases page, with version 2.0.0 being the latest. It utilizes Windows' "response files" to automate tasks and modify system settings, effectively removing the login prompt.
UnattendedWinstall offers several additional functionalities:
- Bypasses Windows 11's system requirements.
- Disables Windows Security services by default.
- Turns off User Account Controls by default.
- Permits execution of PowerShell scripts by default.
- Removes most pre-installed bloatware applications.
- Disables features like Copilot and Windows Recall.
- Limits Windows Update to security updates for a year.
- Optimizes the Windows registry for better performance.
- Disables unnecessary scheduled tasks.
- Enables the “Ultimate Performance” power plan.
Users are advised to exercise caution when using the script and to test it in a virtual machine first. Reactivating Windows Security is recommended after execution. Microsoft may not endorse such tools, and their availability could be at risk if issues arise. However, the tool allows users to continue receiving security updates.
