USB devices Archives

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Microsoft finally gets around to fixing Windows 10 Recovery Environment after breaking it in October

Microsoft addressed an issue in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) that arose after the final update for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which disrupted WinRE functionality on some devices. The same update also caused accessibility issues for USB devices in Windows 11's recovery environment. Microsoft released an out-of-band patch, but some Windows 10 users continued to experience WinRE problems. The fix, KB5068164, targets Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2 and aims to resolve the issue preventing WinRE from starting after the October 14 update. Concerns about Microsoft's quality control have been raised due to the timing of the failure and the delay in providing a solution. Users of Windows 10 can rely on Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program, although the situation has caused doubts about the reliability of Microsoft's updates.

Winsage

February 15, 2026

Windows remembers much more than you think: this is the ‘ghost’ ID it stores for every USB device you connect to your PC

Microsoft's Windows operating system retains a record of every USB device ever connected, storing this information in the Registry under USB or USBSTOR keys. This log includes unique identifiers, device names, and hardware specifications, remaining intact even after the device is disconnected. The stored information enhances the operating system's efficiency by allowing it to recognize devices upon reconnection, utilize previously installed drivers, and maintain prior settings. It also aids in system administration, diagnostics, and compatibility assessments, particularly in professional settings, and assists in digital forensics by reconstructing the history of hardware connections.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Running Factorio from over 1,000 floppy disks is a masochistically manual process that surely sets a new record for game load times

YouTuber DocJade is running the game Factorio on 1,000 3.5-inch floppy disks instead of a conventional hard drive. He developed a custom file system called Fluster using the RUST programming language, which divides each floppy disk into 512-byte blocks, allowing for a total of 2,880 blocks per disk and approximately 90 GB of storage. Fluster is open-sourced and available on DocJade's GitHub. Factorio's design allows it to load most content before the title screen, making it suitable for this unconventional method.

Winsage

December 30, 2025

4 Easy Ways to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported CPU

The transition to Windows 11 is significant due to new features, enhanced security, and improved performance. Users with unsupported CPUs may face challenges when upgrading, including installation warnings, potential performance issues, lack of Microsoft support, and possible bugs. Preparations for installation include backing up files, creating a system image, and disconnecting unnecessary devices. Four methods to install Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs are: 1. 4DDiG Partition Manager: This tool bypasses checks for TPM 2.0, CPU, and Secure Boot. 2. Registry Editor: Modify settings to skip hardware checks by creating a DWORD value named “AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU” and setting it to “1”. 3. Rufus: Create a modified Windows 11 USB installer that bypasses checks for TPM, Secure Boot, RAM, and CPU. 4. Replace appraiserres.dll File: Swap the appraiserres.dll file in the installation media with a modified version to bypass hardware checks.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels receive the same 25H2-based updates. The update introduces the Ask Copilot feature in the taskbar, allowing users to interact with their PC using text or voice commands. The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on more Windows 11 handheld devices, designed for console-style navigation. A preview of shared audio is being rolled out, enabling two users to share audio from connected devices. The update also includes improvements to Prism, enhancing compatibility for 64-bit x86 applications. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with USB devices, the Start menu, File Explorer, lock and login screens, and Settings. Known issues include problems with the Start menu and system tray for some users. Features are rolled out gradually, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

October 26, 2025

I used older Windows versions, and I think nostalgia has blinded us

Windows XP was the first operating system for many users in the early 2000s but had limitations like cumbersome multitasking and limited customization options. Windows Vista introduced enhanced customization and a search bar but faced criticism for intrusive User Account Control and performance issues. Windows 7 improved user experience and performance but still lacked features like a customizable Start menu and virtual desktops. Windows 8.1 was criticized for its chaotic interface that disrupted desktop users' workflows, despite introducing app snapping and an improved File Explorer. Windows 10 incorporated effective multitasking and a customizable Start menu but received criticism for its bland aesthetics. Windows 11 brought advancements in multitasking and built-in app functionality, along with enhanced security features, but faced challenges like upselling during setup and some users finding unnecessary features.

Winsage

October 25, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6982 (KB5067109) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key features include: - Copy & Search: Users can search for text copied to the clipboard by clicking a paste gleam that appears in the search box. - Voice Typing: A new setting allows users to set a delay before a voice command is executed, with options ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 seconds. - Proactive Memory Diagnostics: A notification prompts users to run a memory scan after an unexpected restart, with the scan scheduled for the next reboot. Improvements include revamped Device Cards in Settings for better clarity, an enhanced About section, and a scrollbar for search results in Settings. The Start menu flyout now aligns in size with the Windows Search flyout. Fixes address various issues across general functionality, the taskbar, input methods, File Explorer, widgets, administrator protection, and Task Manager. Known issues include problems with keyboard functionality for some users, the Start menu not opening on click, and display issues in dark mode. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, with features rolled out gradually. Users are encouraged to keep the toggle ON in Settings > Windows Update to receive features promptly.

Winsage

October 22, 2025

Windows update breaks USB support in recovery mode

Microsoft's security update KB5066835, released on October 14, 2025, has rendered USB mice and keyboards inoperable within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This issue affects users of Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and Windows Server 2025. Bluetooth devices are also unsupported in WinRE due to its minimal driver set. Users can restore USB functionality by booting from a previously created USB recovery drive or by uninstalling the update if their system is still functioning. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Microsoft issues fix for Windows 11 update that bricked mouse and keyboard controls in recovery environment – here’s what you need to know

Microsoft released an out-of-band update to fix a significant issue with its Windows 11 security update (KB5066835) that rendered essential USB devices non-functional in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This fix was distributed to all Windows 11 users six days after the initial update. The flaw affected versions 24H2 and 25H2 of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. Users are advised to avoid resetting their PCs or entering recovery mode until further notice. Additionally, the October update has other known issues, including problems with smartcard authentication, challenges in playing protected content with certain DVD and BluRay applications, failed updates using shared network folders, and potential loading failures for IIS websites. Microsoft has resolved the smartcard authentication issue but has not yet addressed the IIS website problem. In recent months, Microsoft has faced multiple bugs associated with its updates, including SSD malfunctions in August and a "latent code issue" in its Intune software in April. Last year, a bug led to unexpected upgrades for older Windows Server versions, causing system crashes, and Microsoft had to retract a preview of a Windows 11 update due to identified problems.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Windows 11 update takes out USB ports in recovery mode

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting users of Windows 11 version 25H2 (2025 Update) after installing security update KB5066835, released on October 14. This bug disrupts the functionality of USB mice and keyboards within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). The malfunction occurs when users access WinRE, which can be triggered by multiple failed startup attempts or manually interrupting the boot process. While USB devices work normally in the Windows environment, they fail in WinRE, complicating troubleshooting efforts. Microsoft is working on a fix, promising a resolution "in the coming days." Additionally, users have reported other issues related to smartcard authentication, failures of the Windows Update Standalone Installer, and difficulties with server-side applications dependent on Internet Information Services (IIS).