western Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

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.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Huawei’s new made-in-China software takes on Apple and Android

Huawei is set to unveil its Mate 70 smartphone this month, which will feature advanced semiconductors indicative of China's progress in domestic chip production. The device will also introduce HarmonyOS NEXT, marking a significant shift towards technological self-sufficiency and a departure from Western-supported systems. This launch aims to redefine user experience and strengthen China's position in the global tech landscape.

AppWizard

October 30, 2024

Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection for PC now available

The PC version of Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection has launched on Steam, allowing players to purchase individual titles: Valis: The Fantasm Soldier, Valis II, and Valis III, each priced at .99 or 700 yen. Downloadable content includes a digital soundtrack for .99 (700 yen) and a digital art book for .99 (920 yen). The collection features side-scrolling action, rich storytelling with anime-style cutscenes, vibrant graphics, a variety of weapons and power-ups, and modern enhancements like customizable key configurations and a rewind feature. The original game was released by Telenet Japan in 1986 and is recognized as a pioneer in the bishojo game genre.

AppWizard

October 30, 2024

Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare Now Available For PC | Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

Rockstar Games has released Red Dead Redemption and its expansion, Undead Nightmare, for PC. This version features enhancements from the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, including native 4K resolution at up to 144hz, support for Ultrawide and Super Ultrawide monitors, HDR10, adjustable draw distances, and shadow quality settings. It also includes full keyboard and mouse functionality, as well as support for NVIDIA DLSS 3.7 and AMD FSR 3.0 upscaling. The game is available on the Rockstar Store, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, as well as on consoles. The Official Soundtrack is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 update disaster — it’s now crashing Intel motherboards

The Windows 11 version 24H2 update has caused significant issues for users, particularly those with Intel motherboards, leading to unexpected crashes. Reports indicate that Intel Z890 motherboards are primarily affected due to conflicts between dedicated and integrated GPUs. Additionally, complications have arisen with Western Digital SSDs. Users are automatically receiving these updates during system restarts or shutdowns, leaving them with limited options. Despite the widespread problems, there is no evidence of permanent hardware damage.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

The update meant to rescue Windows 11 24H2 fails to install, crashes

On October 24, Microsoft released the optional KB5044384 patch for Windows 11 to address issues in the 24H2 version. However, users reported installation failures and system crashes, encountering error codes such as 0x800f0922, 0x800736b3, 0xc015001a, 0x800f0991, and 0x80242008. Some users experienced crashes during installation, while others faced problems upon rebooting. The issues appear to be widespread and not limited to specific hardware. Even users who successfully installed the patch reported additional problems, such as Task Manager failing to display running processes. Microsoft is aware of these issues and is working on a resolution. The standard installation route for KB5044384 via Windows Update is currently blocked, but manual installation is available. Users without existing issues may choose to wait for the upcoming Patch Tuesday in early November for a more stable update.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 issues just keep getting worse, with the new update now causing crashes on Intel motherboards

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has caused frequent crashes and unexpected reboots for users with Intel Z890 motherboards, attributed to a conflict between dedicated and integrated GPUs. Users from various manufacturers, including MSI and Gigabyte, are experiencing similar issues. To resolve the crashes, users are advised to disable integrated graphics in their motherboard BIOS. While the issue is inconvenient, it does not pose a risk of permanent hardware damage. Additionally, users have faced random Blue Screen of Death errors linked to Western Digital SSDs. Motherboard manufacturers are releasing urgent BIOS updates to address these problems.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 9 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft officially released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements to Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, improved performance, and greater stability. Users can install the update via Windows Update or download it from Microsoft's page. However, there are reports of bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt the rollout for certain problematic PCs. 1. The Windows System File Checker (SFC) is experiencing a glitch that causes it to falsely report corrupted files. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods; Microsoft confirmed this as a reporting bug. 3. The update may conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Other drivers, particularly those related to Intel Smart Sound Technology, may also cause blue screens. 5. A bug in Chromium-based applications causes the mouse pointer to disappear when interacting with text input fields. 6. Some users report erratic internet connectivity, with devices failing to receive valid IP addresses. 7. Fingerprint sensors on some devices may become unresponsive after the update. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, indicating it is empty despite copied items being present. 9. A network issue prevents devices from appearing in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing capabilities.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

Z890 motherboards are having instability issues with Windows 11 24H2 — BIOS updates or disable iGPUd required to update Windows

A significant number of Intel Z890 motherboards have experienced issues following the Windows 11 24H2 update, particularly affecting users of Intel's Core Ultra 200S series CPUs with integrated Iris Xe-LPG graphics. The problems coincide with the launch week of Arrow Lake. Users may need to update their BIOS, which can vary by motherboard model, but many can download and apply updates directly within the BIOS. Additionally, the Windows 11 24H2 update has been associated with other issues, including BSOD incidents for Western Digital NVMe drive users, an 8.63 GB cache error, and compatibility problems with Easy Anti-Cheat affecting certain games. Despite these challenges, there have been optimizations in the update process and improvements in newer Windows 11 previews.

AppWizard

October 26, 2024

WeChat among apps banned from Hong Kong govt computers

Hong Kong's government has updated its information security guidelines to enhance cybersecurity, restricting the use of messaging and cloud storage applications like WeChat, WhatsApp, and Google Drive on government-operated computers. The Digital Policy Office cited concerns over end-to-end encryption technology in these services that could bypass cybersecurity defenses, making it challenging to detect and respond to threats. The new regulations, inspired by measures in the U.S. and mainland China, will take effect at the end of October, with potential exceptions approved by department heads. Additionally, a new cybersecurity law is expected to be introduced by the end of the year to address critical infrastructure security.