Windows 11 24H2 Archives

Winsage

November 8, 2024

“Don’t kill Android (WSA) in Windows 11” is now a top feedback, but will Microsoft listen?

Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.

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.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows on Arm update could open the door to more gaming

Microsoft is testing a new update for Windows 11 on Arm processors that aims to enhance the performance of gaming applications and broaden the range of applications capable of running on these devices. The update introduces an emulator named Prism, which allows x86 applications to operate on Arm devices, addressing challenges faced by gaming applications. Adobe Premiere Pro is highlighted as a supported application under the new build, part of the Windows 11 24H2 update, which extends compatibility to x64 applications running under emulation. The update includes additional support for various extensions within the x86 instruction set architecture, such as AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. However, it is specifically tailored for 64-bit applications, meaning older 32-bit applications will not benefit from these new features. Qualcomm is collaborating with developers to create Arm-specific versions of popular applications, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the Arm ecosystem.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

Microsoft reportedly sabotaged Windows 95 and 98’s Control Panel, or it looks that way – is this a worrying revelation?

A recent investigation revealed an intentional eight-second delay in the 'Add New Hardware' wizard of older Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 95 and 98. This delay was likely introduced due to hardware limitations of the time to address compatibility issues. Users are currently facing various glitches with the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, including BSOD crashes on Intel motherboards and disappearing File Explorer menus. The legacy Control Panel is gradually being phased out as Microsoft transitions to the Settings app, raising concerns about potential hidden issues in the current operating system. Microsoft has been contacted for clarification regarding the historical delay.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Are you suffering from printer woes on Windows 11 24H2 for Arm? It’s not just you, says Microsoft

Users of Windows on Arm devices are experiencing difficulties in installing printer drivers, whether using bundled software or downloading from manufacturers' websites. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and provided a workaround. To add a printer, users should go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select Add device, unless specific instructions for Windows on ARM PCs are provided by the manufacturer. To check if a device is ARM-based, users can go to Settings > System > About and look for "ARM based processor" under Device specifications.

Tech Optimizer

November 5, 2024

CrowdStrike strikes again, this time crashing Office apps in Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 24H2 are facing connectivity issues, blue screen crashes, and failed rescue patches, leading Microsoft to block the update for certain affected devices. A specific problem has been identified where Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, crash when CrowdStrike’s Falcon sensor antivirus software is installed, particularly when the “Enhanced Exploitation Visibility Prevention Policy” setting is enabled. Microsoft is collaborating with CrowdStrike to resolve this issue, which primarily affects organizations and managed IT environments. Individual users may consider reverting to a previous version of Windows 11 if they encounter other problems.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Black screens persist for Windows 10 AVD users

Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing issues affecting Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) users after the installation of July's non-security preview update (KB5040525), leading to a black screen that can last 10 to 30 minutes. This issue is linked to a deadlock between the Azure Active Directory broker and the AppX deployment service, as well as the Background tasks infrastructure service. Users with FSLogix user profile containers in multi-session environments are more likely to face these problems. Additionally, Windows 11 24H2 users are experiencing issues with Task Manager displaying zero counts for Apps, Background Processes, and Windows Processes after the October 2024 non-security preview update, particularly when the 'Group by Type' view is enabled. Dave Plummer, the original author of Task Manager, described this as a "fairly severe bug."

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11’s feature to allow typing with your Xbox controller has vanished in a blow for owners of handheld gaming PCs

Windows 11 users will not receive the new gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard as it has been temporarily shelved. Microsoft announced this pause in rollout due to unresolved issues, which was communicated through a recent Beta channel preview build. The feature had been in testing since early September 2024 and was expected to be available with the Windows 11 24H2 update at the end of October. The gamepad on-screen keyboard was designed to enhance typing convenience using an Xbox controller, incorporating shortcuts for functions like backspace and spacebar.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 Update Removes Xbox Gamepad Keyboard Feature After Bugs Plagued It

Microsoft has withdrawn the 'Gamepad keyboard' feature from the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update due to unresolved bugs. The feature, aimed at enhancing text input for Xbox controllers and other gaming devices, was disabled in the latest preview update, and users can no longer access it. Microsoft has not provided specific details about the bugs and has omitted the feature from their release notes, indicating a delay in its rollout. The Gamepad keyboard was first introduced in September 2024 and was expected to be part of the October update. Despite this setback, Microsoft has stated that the feature will return in future updates.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 issue causes File Explorer menu to appear outside the screen

In the Windows 11 24H2 update, users have reported that the three-dot menu in File Explorer becomes unreadable in full-screen mode, appearing at the top of the screen instead of below the three dots. This misalignment makes it difficult to access menu options while in full-screen mode. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and plans to address it in future updates, with a significant optional update scheduled for the last week of November and a Patch Tuesday update on November 12. These updates will also include fixes for other critical issues. Regular updates for Windows 11 24H2 will resume in January after a pause in December.