Windows 11 update Archives

Winsage

November 5, 2024

‘Windows Intelligence’: Microsoft might be rebranding its Windows AI tools

Microsoft may be considering rebranding its AI capabilities to "Windows Intelligence," as suggested by a reference found in the AppPrivacy.adml file of the latest Windows 11 update. The company has previously used the term "Copilot" for its AI tools, which was a rebranding from Bing Chat. The potential shift to Windows Intelligence could be influenced by Apple's recent announcement of its AI suite, Apple Intelligence. Microsoft has not officially commented on this possible rebranding or its implications for the existing Copilot brand.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows 11 update fails are becoming a joke – but it looks like Microsoft is working hard on fixing them

Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 11, build 26120.2213, focusing on bug fixes related to the transition to version 24H2. Significant fixes include resolving an issue in Task Manager that displayed zero running apps and processes, addressing a problem that prevented some games from launching, and correcting excessive spacing between applications in the Start menu. Improvements have also been made to File Explorer, fixing spacing issues in the navigation pane and correcting the display of RAW images taken in portrait mode. Additionally, minor glitches in the taskbar, including a malfunctioning 'X' button in the taskbar preview, have been fixed. The update does not introduce new features, with the only notable change being a minor adjustment to the IME toolbar. Known issues still being addressed include complications with the new gamepad keyboard layout and a display corruption issue for users with multiple monitors.

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

October 31, 2024

Microsoft slams the brakes on its new Windows 11 update after it caused some PCs to crash and broke webcams

Microsoft has paused the deployment of the Windows 11 update 24H2 for specific hardware configurations due to technical challenges. PCs with Intel Z890 motherboards are significantly affected, experiencing issues such as reboot cycles and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Similar problems have been reported with motherboards from MSI and Gigabyte. Users have found a temporary workaround by disabling integrated graphics in BIOS settings. ASUS laptop models X415KA and X515KA also face BSOD errors post-update, and users of the Voicemeeter application report crashes. Devices with integrated cameras have malfunctioned, affecting features like object and face detection. Microsoft advises against manually installing the update on blocked devices. For successful installations, the update includes enhancements like a new Copilot AI assistant, support for 7z and TAR compression in File Explorer, improved security features, and system-wide support for Wi-Fi 7.

Winsage

October 29, 2024

Microsoft isn’t secretly installing Recall on your Windows PC

Microsoft's Recall feature, intended for capturing screenshots on Copilot Plus PCs, has faced controversy due to security concerns, leading to its delay and prioritization of security enhancements. Currently, Recall is not available for testing on Copilot Plus PCs, and there is speculation about its automatic installation with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update. IT manager Chris Titus claimed that Recall would be installed on all systems with the 24H2 update, but Microsoft clarified that it will be an optional feature that users can uninstall. Windows expert Albacore noted that the 24H2 update includes changes to simplify Recall's removal for system administrators, not mandatory installation. Bugs related to Recall's removal have been reported, and Microsoft confirmed that users would have the ability to uninstall the feature. Brandon LeBlanc from Microsoft reiterated that Recall has not been made available to Windows Insiders yet. Despite this, concerns about potential covert installation persist in online discussions.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 comes with an added dose of problems

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 24H2, but users are facing hardware and software challenges during installation due to stringent prerequisites. To address potential issues, Microsoft has implemented 'compatibility holds' that prevent the update until systems meet the necessary criteria. Certain ASUS laptop models, specifically the X415KA and X515KA, are experiencing significant problems, including blue screen errors, prompting Microsoft to halt the update for these devices until users install a firmware update from ASUS. Various applications are also causing complications, leading to the rollout pause. Notable problematic applications include Voicemeeter, Safe Exam Browser (version 3.7 and earlier), custom wallpaper applications, Asphalt 8, and Easy Anti-Cheat software, particularly on devices with Intel Alder Lake+ processors and Intel vPro technology. Users are advised to update their drivers and applications for a smoother transition. Issues with facial recognition features and camera functionalities have been reported, with built-in cameras and fingerprint sensors potentially ceasing to function post-update. Microsoft has paused updates related to these functionalities, and firmware updates may be necessary. Devices using Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) are encountering blue screen errors linked to specific driver versions (10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152), with a recommended update to driver versions 10.30.00.5714, 10.29.00.5714, or later to resolve these issues.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Asus now lets you update the BIOS without unzipping the file on Z890 boards

Asus has introduced a new feature in its EZ Flash utility for Z890 motherboards that allows users to apply BIOS updates directly from compressed ZIP files without needing to unzip them first. The BIOS interface resolution has also been upgraded to 1920 x 1080. Intel's 0x12b microcode update addresses instability issues with Raptor Lake CPUs, while users have reported compatibility challenges with the Windows 11 24H2 update on systems using Intel's Core Ultra 200S series CPUs paired with Z890 motherboards, particularly related to the integrated Iris Xe-LPG graphics. Workarounds include disabling the integrated GPU in BIOS before the update or installing available BIOS updates for Z890 motherboards. Major manufacturers like Asus, ASRock, Gigabyte, and MSI are rolling out patched BIOS versions. Accessing the BIOS and updating may vary by manufacturer, but many modern boards allow direct downloading and application of updates through the BIOS interface.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

Windows 11 24H2: The hardware and software blocking the new update

Windows 11 24H2 is currently inaccessible to many users due to compatibility holds by Microsoft aimed at preventing crashes and performance issues. Affected devices include ASUS X415KA and X515KA models, which face blue screen errors, leading to a paused update until ASUS releases a firmware update. Users of the Voicemeeter application may experience MEMORY MANAGEMENT errors, prompting Microsoft to suspend the update until a fix is provided. Integrated cameras may malfunction post-upgrade, affecting various applications, resulting in a hold on the update for impacted devices. The Safe Exam Browser versions 3.7 or lower encounter operational issues after the update, leading to restrictions for those devices. Devices using Easy Anti-Cheat may crash due to outdated drivers, causing Microsoft to pause the update until users update their drivers. Fingerprint sensors may cause devices to become unresponsive after locking, prompting a hold until a firmware update is available. Wallpaper customization apps can lead to issues post-update, resulting in a compatibility hold until users update these applications. Intel Smart Sound Technology devices may face blue screen errors with specific driver versions, and users are advised to update their drivers to resolve the issue. The presence of Asphalt 8 (Airborne) can also block the update due to a bug causing gameplay freezes, leading to a hold on affected devices. Microsoft recommends users check for updates to software or drivers instead of forcing the upgrade, as this could cause significant issues.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 makes PCs faster with reduced CPU usage for Windows Update

Windows 11 24H2 introduces enhancements to the update process, including "checkpoint cumulative updates" to reduce the size of monthly update packages and improve overall PC performance. Key improvements include: - Faster installation time: 45.6% faster on well-maintained devices and 43.6% faster on outdated devices. - Reduced restart time: 39.7% faster on well-maintained devices and 33.5% faster on outdated devices. - Lower CPU usage: 15.3% less on well-maintained devices and 25% less on outdated devices. - Smaller feature updates: Approximately 200 MB reduction in download size, with conditional app downloads for only outdated or missing apps. - Techniques used to accelerate updates include reverse and forward differentials, caching parsing results, and dynamic RAM allocation. Comparative tests showed significant advancements in update efficiency, with improvements in both installation speed and resource usage. Microsoft has also separated store app updates from core system updates for a smaller overall footprint.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

Microsoft releases Windows 11 update with revamped Start menu, printer fixes, and new Copilot button remapping

Microsoft has released the KB5044380 update for Windows 11, which includes the ability to remap the Copilot key on newer keyboards. This update addresses issues with multi-function printers, Microsoft Teams, and excessive battery consumption, but does not include security fixes. Key fixes include reducing battery consumption during Modern Standby, resolving issues with joining Teams meetings via Outlook reminders, introducing new phone numbers for product activation, and correcting printing issues with multi-function printers. Some features will be rolled out gradually, including a new Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard, the ability to disable notification suggestions from specific apps, renaming the “All apps” section in the Start menu, and new shortcuts for the Narrator feature. Users can manually search for updates or use the Microsoft Update Catalog to explore the update.