USB scanners Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 finally available on PCs with this unusual game installed

Microsoft has lifted the update block for Windows 11 version 24H2 that previously affected users with the game Asphalt 8: Airborne installed on their PCs. The block was in place due to the game becoming unresponsive after the update, requiring frequent restarts. Users can now upgrade to version 24H2, and it may take up to 48 hours for the update to appear in Windows Update. Restarting the device may expedite the process. Microsoft has previously issued similar update blocks for other software and hardware issues.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Windows 11 installation media bug causes security update failures

Microsoft has warned that using media support (CD or USB flash drives) to install Windows 11, version 24H2 may prevent the operating system from accepting security updates released between October 8 and November 12. This issue occurs when the installation media includes security updates from October 2024 or November 2024. It does not affect updates applied through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, and installations using the December 2024 security update are not impacted. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and recommends using the December 2024 security update for media-based installations. Additionally, users have reported various issues with the 24H2 update, including audio problems, application launch failures, game freezes, and performance issues with certain hardware and software configurations.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft releases KB5048667 update, removing another Windows 11 24H2 block and introducing a questionable change

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to version 24H2 with the KB5048667 update, removing a compatibility block for USB scanners using the eSCL scan protocol. This change allows affected systems to install the update more smoothly. The update also modifies the date format on the taskbar, includes critical security fixes, and introduces several new features such as: - Rebranding of "Tailored Experiences" to "Personalized offers." - A shortened date and time format in the system tray, with an option to revert to the traditional format. - Access to jump lists for pinned apps in the Start menu. - Customizable touchscreen edge gestures. - Hiding of the IME toolbar in full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Sharing content directly to Android devices from File Explorer. - New placeholder messages in Dynamic Lighting Settings when no compatible device is connected. - Enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - New functions in Narrator scan mode for improved accessibility. The update can be accessed via Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 update is no longer blocked on these PCs

Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold on the Windows 11 24H2 update for certain PCs that were previously affected by compatibility issues with USB scanners and devices. The initial block was a precautionary measure due to problems with devices supporting the eSCL protocol, which were unrecognizable and unusable. The rollout of the 24H2 update was paused, and users were advised against manual installations. The underlying issues were resolved with the release of the KB5048667 cumulative update on December 10, 2024. Users can expect to receive the update within the next two days or restart their PCs to expedite the process.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 24H2 block on PCs with USB scanners

Microsoft has removed a compatibility barrier for upgrades to Windows 11 24H2 after resolving a bug affecting USB connections for certain scanners. The issue was identified as a failure of some devices to transition from eSCL to USB mode. Microsoft implemented a safeguard hold and advised users not to manually update until the issue was resolved. Affected devices included standalone scanners, multi-function printers, fax machines, modems, and other eSCL network devices. The problem was addressed with the release of the KB5048667 cumulative update, which applies to all editions of Windows 11, version 24H2. Users may experience a delay of up to 48 hours after installing the update before receiving the Windows 11, version 24H2 upgrade. Additionally, Microsoft has imposed a safeguard hold on devices with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers and has blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Outdated Google Workspace Sync blocks Windows 11 24H2 upgrades

Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold on Windows devices using Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook (GWSMO) due to issues with Outlook launch failures after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. The current version of GWSMO required for proper functionality is 4.3.68.0, released on November 22. Users who do not update to this version will face difficulties launching Outlook. The compatibility hold is identified by ID 54318776 in Windows Update for Business reports. Users should not use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool if they experience the safeguard hold. If the hold persists 48 hours after updating GWSMO, users are advised to contact Google Workspace Support. Microsoft has previously implemented similar safeguard holds for various other software and hardware compatibility issues.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Ubisoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 conflicts causing game crashes

Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold on upgrades for devices running the Ubisoft games Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which were previously affected by crashes, freezes, and audio glitches after the Windows 24H2 update. This hold was imposed due to user complaints about game performance issues, including immediate crashes and freezing. Ubisoft has released temporary hotfixes to mitigate these problems, although some performance issues may still persist. Users experiencing difficulties exiting the games are advised to use the Task Manager as a workaround. Microsoft has also recommended that gamers avoid upgrading affected PCs using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool until a full resolution is achieved. Additionally, Microsoft announced a new compatibility hold affecting systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations, which have caused issues with launching Outlook.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 (2024 update) now available to download for more PCs

Microsoft has expanded the availability of the Windows 11 feature update, version 24H2, as of December 4, 2024, allowing more devices running versions 22H2 and 23H2 to access it. Users can check for the update by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. A new "Fix problems using the Windows Update" feature is available for troubleshooting post-upgrade issues. Some users may need to manually initiate the update through Group Policy adjustments or Registry edits if it is not presented. Certain compatibility blocks may prevent the upgrade, affecting users with specific Ubisoft titles, certain USB scanners, printers, network devices, and some Asus PCs.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 is now incompatible with USB scanning devices, too

Windows 11 version 24H2 has faced significant criticism due to security and reliability issues, with users reporting numerous critical bugs. Compatibility problems have been noted with cache-less WD SSDs, Ubisoft games, Asus devices, fingerprint sensors, USB scanners, and devices using the eSCL scan protocol. Microsoft has confirmed that after upgrading to 24H2, USB devices supporting eSCL may become undetectable, disrupting communication with networked scanners, printers, fax machines, modems, and other devices reliant on this protocol. Since the rollout on October 1, 2024, users have reported that their eSCL-compatible devices are inoperative in various environments. Businesses are urging Microsoft for a fix, and the company is working on a solution but has not provided a timeline. To address these issues, Microsoft has placed a "compatibility hold" on PCs connected to eSCL devices, preventing automatic upgrades to 24H2, and has advised users to avoid manual installation of the update until resolved.

Winsage

November 26, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 causes USB scanners and printers stop working

Windows 11 24H2 has caused functionality issues for users with USB scanning devices, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt the update's rollout for these users. The problem primarily affects devices using the eSCL protocol, including standalone scanners, multifunction printers, fax machines, and modems. Many users report that their PCs do not recognize the connected scanning devices. Microsoft is working with manufacturers to find a solution, but existing driver updates have not restored functionality. Affected users are advised not to install Windows 11 24H2 and to avoid manual installation. If already updated, reverting to an earlier version of Windows 11 may provide relief, though it may not resolve all issues.