Windows 11 systems Archives

Winsage

April 1, 2026

Microsoft issues emergency update for Windows 11 — fixes broken March preview update rollout from last week

Microsoft released an optional non-security update for Windows 11, identified as KB5079391, which caused significant installation issues for users, marked by error code 0x80073712. In response, Microsoft issued an emergency update, KB5086672, to address these problems for affected Windows 11 systems, including versions 25H2 and 24H2. This new update supersedes previous updates and includes protections and improvements from the March 2026 Windows security and non-security preview updates, along with an installation fix. The update also offers enhancements such as refresh rates exceeding 1000 Hz, improved auto-rotation and HDR reliability, and enhanced power efficiency for USB 4-connected monitors during sleep. Earlier in the year, the January security update, KB5074109, caused issues for gamers with Nvidia GPUs, leading to frame rate drops and system instability, with some users experiencing boot failures and errors like “UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME.” Additionally, users reported problems with shutting down or hibernating their PCs and disruptions in cloud-based applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

New Windows 11 emergency update fixes preview update install issues

Microsoft released an out-of-band update (KB5086672) to address installation issues caused by the March 2026 non-security preview update (KB5079391) for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The initial update led to errors indicating missing or problematic update files, prompting Microsoft to halt its rollout. The new emergency update consolidates previous updates and is available through Windows Update for automatic installations or can be manually accessed via Settings. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed issues from earlier Patch Tuesday security updates affecting sign-ins with Microsoft accounts and has released two other out-of-band updates targeting Bluetooth visibility bugs and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service. Guidance has also been provided for resolving access issues on C: drives of Samsung Windows 11 laptops linked to specific Samsung applications.

Winsage

March 25, 2026

Microsoft is doubling down with monthly updates to ‘fix’ Windows 11

Microsoft is shifting its update approach for Windows 11 to a monthly schedule instead of the traditional annual overhaul, responding to user feedback. Starting this month, users can expect early fixes and enhancements, with testing already in progress through Windows Insider preview builds. Key areas of focus include enhanced flexibility for the taskbar, improvements in RAM efficiency, and increased reliability of Windows Update. Additionally, a redesigned Bluetooth experience is planned to improve device connections. The change aims to provide continuous refinements based on user feedback, moving away from significant changes bundled into a single annual update. User reactions have been cautious, reflecting skepticism from past experiences.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Microsoft Won’t Auto-Install Microsoft 365 Copilot App on Windows 11 Anymore After Backlash

Microsoft has decided against the automatic installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot App on Windows 11 by default, influenced by user feedback. The automatic installation, planned for December 2025, is temporarily disabled, while existing installations remain unaffected. Admins can still deploy the app through other methods. The Microsoft 365 Copilot App is a rebranded version of the Microsoft 365 / Office Hub, which was initially intended to be automatically installed alongside the regular Copilot App. This decision faced backlash from users who preferred an opt-in option rather than automatic installations. In response, Microsoft is focusing on resolving existing bugs and enhancing core features in Windows 11, indicating a shift from its previous "AI-everywhere" strategy.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

How to disable Hyper-V for Windows 11

Microsoft's Hyper-V is a hardware virtualization platform integrated into Windows 11 Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions, allowing users to host multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single computer. It operates using a type 1 hypervisor directly on hardware, enabling VMs to share resources like CPU, memory, and storage. Hyper-V includes features such as dynamic memory allocation, software-defined networking, and saved checkpoints. IT administrators may need to disable Hyper-V due to compatibility issues with third-party virtualization software, high-precision applications, or driver conflicts. Disabling Hyper-V can also affect security features reliant on it, such as virtualization-based security (VBS) and Device Guard. Methods to disable Hyper-V include: 1. Using the Windows Features dialog. 2. Executing a PowerShell command: Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V-All, HypervisorPlatform, VirtualMachinePlatform. 3. Running a DISM command:

dism /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Microsoft-Hyper-V-All /FeatureName:HypervisorPlatform /FeatureName:VirtualMachinePlatform

. 4. Using the bcdedit command: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off. 5. Modifying Group Policy to disable VBS. 6. Editing the Windows Registry to disable VBS or Credential Guard. For multiple managed computers, administrators can create and execute a PowerShell script or use Group Policy Objects to streamline the process. Testing in a controlled environment is recommended to ensure desired outcomes without compromising security or functionality.

Winsage

March 7, 2026

Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix

Every Secure Boot-enabled Windows PC relies on cryptographic certificates issued by Microsoft in 2011, embedded in the motherboard's firmware, to ensure a secure boot process. The first of these certificates will expire on June 24, 2026, which will affect the ability to receive future security updates for critical components of the Windows startup process. Microsoft is rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, marking a significant security maintenance effort. Secure Boot operates as a chain of trust with certificates stored in the motherboard's UEFI firmware, validating software before the operating system loads. The Platform Key (PK) is at the top of this chain, followed by the Key Exchange Key (KEK) and the Signature Database (DB). The replacement certificates introduced in 2023 restructure certificate management, separating responsibilities among different certificate authorities to enhance the trust model. Not all PCs are affected by the upcoming expiration; newer devices manufactured since 2024 already have the new certificates. Windows 10 users face challenges as support for this version ends in October 2025, and they will not receive the new certificates unless enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Home users should ensure their PCs are set to receive updates automatically, while enterprise environments require coordination for firmware updates before the Windows certificate update.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Microsoft’s Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026, but older PCs may never get the fix

Every Secure Boot-enabled Windows PC relies on cryptographic certificates issued by Microsoft in 2011 for boot process integrity. The first of these certificates will expire on June 24, 2026, impacting the ability to receive future security updates. Microsoft is rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, requiring collaboration between Microsoft, PC manufacturers, and users. Three critical certificates will expire: the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 and Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 in June 2026, and the Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 in October 2026. The new certificates introduced in 2023 have a restructured functionality to enhance security. Not all PCs are affected; newer devices manufactured since 2024 come with the new certificates. Windows 10 users face challenges as support ends in October 2025, and unsupported devices will not receive updates. Home users should ensure automatic Windows updates and check for firmware updates, while enterprise environments must verify firmware updates before applying certificate updates. The first certificate expiration is on June 27, 2026.

Winsage

February 22, 2026

Opinion: Windows 11 isn’t the disaster some claim – and it’s time to say so

Windows 11 has faced challenges, including a comprehensive list of top issues identified in 2025, but it is not uniquely unstable compared to earlier versions like Windows 95, 98, XP, 7, and 10. Recent headlines have highlighted various problems such as printer malfunctions and performance issues, but these are often exaggerated due to increased visibility. Historically, Windows has experienced similar cycles of instability, and the perception of widespread failure today is amplified by rapid documentation of minor issues. User trust in Windows has eroded, with skepticism about performance stemming from cumulative updates and the personal impact of issues on over a billion users. The focus should shift to improving predictability and transparency regarding updates rather than solely counting bugs. Windows 11's frequency of out-of-band updates is comparable to that of Windows 7 and 10, with improved mechanisms for addressing problems quickly. Gamers continue to adopt Windows 11 due to enhanced CPU scheduling, improved GPU performance, and features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Microsoft is committed to further improving the gaming experience. The scale of Windows operations, with over a billion users and multiple concurrent releases, contributes to occasional anomalies. Despite criticisms, most Windows 11 systems operate without significant issues, performing adequately for daily tasks and gaming. Microsoft has announced plans for enhancements, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and security upgrades, indicating that Windows 11 remains a solid choice for users.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Microsoft changes how it manages MILLIONS of old printers

Microsoft has stopped distributing V3 and V4 printer drivers through Windows Update as of last month, affecting printers up to 12 years old. Support for these drivers will end in January 2026, as they were marked as deprecated in September 2023. Users with printers relying on these drivers may experience functionality issues after support ends. Printer manufacturers are now responsible for providing driver updates via their websites, but existing drivers will remain operational. Microsoft confirmed that vendor-supplied drivers can still be installed using separate packages. Most modern printers do not use V3 and V4 drivers, as they are typically over a decade old. Microsoft aims to enhance system security and streamline the printing process by phasing out outdated drivers. After July 2026, Windows will prioritize built-in printer drivers during installation, and from July 2027, manufacturers will no longer be able to submit driver updates to Windows, although Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates for existing drivers.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

Microsoft is keeping Secure Boot alive with Windows updates

Microsoft is enhancing the security of Windows devices by replacing boot-level security certificates that are nearing expiration, with this initiative integrated into regular Windows platform updates. The original Secure Boot certificates from 2011 will expire between June and October 2026, prompting Microsoft to issue new certificates in 2023, which are included in many new Windows devices sold since 2024. Older hardware will require updates to remain compliant. Devices with expired certificates will continue to operate but will enter a "degraded security state," potentially hindering future updates and causing compatibility issues. The new Secure Boot certificates rollout began with the Windows 11 KB5074109 update. Most Windows 11 users will have the new certificates installed automatically, while specialized systems may have different update protocols. Windows 10 users must enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates to receive the new certificates.