updating drivers Archives

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show

Microsoft's Windows 11, launched in 2021, has been criticized for significant performance issues, making it potentially the least performant version of Windows in over two decades. Independent benchmarks reveal that Windows 11 is slower than its predecessors in areas such as boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. Users with high-end hardware, including 13th-generation Intel Core processors, have reported noticeable slowdowns compared to Windows 10. Performance assessments indicate that Windows 11 struggles in various categories, including file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with longer boot speeds reminiscent of older systems. Gamers have experienced stuttering and frame rate drops, and Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in updates since 2022. The operating system is criticized for being a "resource hog," with preloaded features consuming resources even when idle. Users have reported lagging File Explorer and freezing processes, leading some to consider alternative operating systems. IT departments have noted increased support tickets related to performance issues, prompting some to delay upgrades from Windows 10. Microsoft has offered optimization advice, but critics argue these are temporary fixes for deeper architectural problems. The performance issues have implications for software developers and hardware manufacturers, increasing development costs and complicating hardware optimizations. Analysts warn that without prompt action, Microsoft's market dominance could be at risk, as users advocate for a leaner, faster Windows.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

5 reasons your PC can feel slow after a Windows update, and how to fix each one

Large Windows updates involve reconfiguring system files, installing components, updating drivers, and initiating post-update tasks, which can temporarily slow down performance, especially on older hardware. The Windows Module Installer (TiWorker.exe) finalizes updates and may trigger cleanup and maintenance tasks, consuming CPU and disk resources. Outdated or incompatible drivers can hinder performance, leading to sluggish boot times and reduced gaming frame rates. The indexing feature may intensify after a major update, increasing CPU and disk usage. Major updates can reset user-defined settings and reintroduce background processes and applications, causing additional resource consumption. Cumulative updates may lead to performance issues due to memory leaks or driver conflicts, and Microsoft provides a "Windows release health" dashboard for tracking known issues. Slowdowns after updates are typically temporary, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, but persistent issues may require further investigation.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

HOW TO: Fix 100% CPU Usage on Windows

Many Windows PC users experience lagging and delays due to a CPU operating at full capacity. This can be caused by resource-intensive applications, outdated drivers, background processes, or malware. Disabling the High Precision Event Timer in Device Manager can help reduce system resource demand and improve performance. Additionally, regularly updating drivers, disabling unnecessary background applications, and conducting malware scans can further optimize system performance. Maintaining a clean and updated environment is essential for preventing CPU overwork.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford claims “less than one percent of one percent” of Borderlands 4 PC players reported “valid performance issues” via customer support, says “I have personally helped users go from 30FPS to 90FPS+”

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford stated that only about 1% of Borderlands 4 players have contacted customer support regarding performance issues, with less than 0.01% reporting valid concerns. He encouraged players to adjust their settings for better performance, sharing his experience of improving frame rates significantly. Despite his claims, the game's reception on Steam shows approximately 7,770 negative reviews, many citing performance problems. Testing revealed stutters and unsatisfactory frame rates, although some players on high-end setups reported fewer issues. Gearbox has released an "optimization guide" and performance tips in response to player feedback.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Fix Error 0xc00d36c4 in Windows 10/11: 5 Working Methods

Error code 0xc00d36c4 is a common media playback issue in Windows 10 and 11, occurring when the operating system cannot open certain video or audio files. This error can appear in applications like Windows Media Player, Groove Music, and the Movies & TV app, and is often associated with file corruption, unsupported formats, external storage issues, DRM restrictions, or outdated software. Five solutions to fix the error include using 4DDiG Video Repair for corrupted files, converting files to supported formats with a converter, trying a different media player like VLC, updating media components, and checking external storage devices. 4DDiG Video Repair supports various formats such as MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, M4V, FLV, 3GP, and MP3 and WAV.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Can Your PC Handle That Game? A Look at Online Game Checker Tools

A PC game checker tool evaluates a computer's specifications against a game's system requirements, assessing components like the processor, graphics card, RAM, and storage capacity. Users can enter a game's name to see if their PC meets the minimum and recommended specifications, either through automatic scans or manual input. These tools help save time and money by preventing the download or purchase of incompatible games, avoiding poor performance, and providing insights for potential upgrades. The process involves visiting a website, selecting a game, scanning the system or inputting specifications, and receiving results quickly. Tips for gamers on a budget include focusing on games with lower system requirements, adjusting game settings for better performance, maintaining system cleanliness, and prioritizing upgrades to RAM or the graphics card.

Winsage

December 6, 2024

5 reasons to keep your Windows drivers up to date

Drivers are essential software that connect a computer's hardware to the Windows operating system, ensuring smooth operation and recognition of components like the motherboard and graphics card. Windows typically installs necessary drivers automatically when a new device is connected, but this process may not always occur. Keeping drivers updated is important for optimal functionality and security, as outdated drivers can lead to performance issues and vulnerabilities. Each hardware component requires specific drivers, and users can manually download them from the manufacturer's website if automatic installation fails. Regular driver updates can enhance hardware performance, particularly for gaming, and help avoid compatibility issues. Outdated drivers can cause hardware instability, leading to crashes or connectivity problems, which may be resolved by updating. Additionally, keeping drivers current protects against security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Updating drivers can also resolve longstanding hardware issues that persist despite other troubleshooting efforts.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

5 reasons Windows updates as often as it does

Windows updates are essential for maintaining system security, fixing bugs, delivering new features, updating drivers, and improving overall performance. They address security vulnerabilities that arise from the flexibility of installing third-party applications, with patches typically released during scheduled updates. Updates also resolve bugs that may occur after new version releases, enhance user experience, and introduce new functionalities gradually. Additionally, they ensure that system drivers are current, preventing compatibility issues and performance degradation. Regular updates improve the operating system's performance and compatibility with new hardware and software.

AppWizard

November 2, 2024

As Monster Hunter Wilds PC players fight horrible polygons and struggle to hit 60 FPS, Capcom says the game is “already in a more improved state compared to the beta”

The Monster Hunter Wilds beta is currently available on all platforms, but some PC players are experiencing performance issues, including graphical glitches and framerate struggles. These issues are attributed to bugs rather than fundamental performance problems, and Capcom has provided troubleshooting options for players. Recommendations include adding the game to anti-virus exceptions, granting administrative privileges, updating drivers, and verifying the game's Steam cache. Specific advice for stability issues includes deleting shader cache files and enabling 'GPU scheduling.' Players using NVIDIA DLSS should be cautious with changing the Upscaling Mode to avoid increased VRAM usage. Reports indicate that achieving or maintaining 60 FPS at 1080p or 1440p is challenging for users with outdated hardware, while stable performance is noted among those with RTX 3080 or 4070 GPUs. The game relies heavily on frame generation and upscaling, and CPU performance may also impact gameplay. Historical context shows that previous Monster Hunter titles faced similar performance challenges at launch but improved over time. A second beta test is expected in December or January, and players are encouraged to provide feedback and adjust graphics settings.

Winsage

October 11, 2024

Windows 11’s 2024 update is now also killing internet connections

Users are experiencing various issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update, including blue screen crashes, disappearing mouse cursors, and a cache of undeletable files. The 2024 update is causing internet connectivity problems, with affected users reporting that their devices connect to the network but do not have internet access, often receiving an IP address starting with 169. Despite updating drivers and resetting network settings, many users have found these solutions ineffective. Some users initially had internet access after the first restart post-update but lost connectivity after subsequent restarts. The recommended solution for those affected is to roll back to the previous version, Windows 11 23H2, which has resolved issues for some users, although it is not guaranteed to work for everyone.