Windows 11 updates Archives

Winsage

May 7, 2025

The “End of 10” project wants to save aging PCs with Linux instead of Windows 11

As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life status in October, approximately 240 million PCs will become obsolete, prompting Microsoft to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, particularly on devices with Copilot+ technology. The "End of 10" initiative aims to introduce users to Linux, providing a website with instructions for installation and highlighting the benefits of Linux over Windows. Windows 11 requires Intel's 8th-generation processors or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series or newer, leaving many functional PCs, especially those made before 2017, unable to upgrade. The "End of 10" campaign promotes Linux as a viable alternative, emphasizing its compatibility with older hardware, cost-effectiveness, reduced emissions, privacy advantages, and lower susceptibility to malware. The website includes a directory of repair shops for support and offers a DIY installation guide. Despite over half of Windows devices still running Windows 10, the adoption rate of Windows 11 is increasing, indicating a potential shift in user migration.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Surface Hub v1 has less than six months of support left

Microsoft is ending support for the Surface Hub v1 and Surface Hub 2S, with the last security updates for Windows 10 Team edition scheduled for October 14. The original Surface Hub v1 will be unsupported after October 2025, while users are encouraged to transition to the Surface Hub 3. Launched in 2015, the Surface Hub shipped 2,000 units in its first nine months, priced at ,999 for the 84-inch version. The device is becoming obsolete as Microsoft discontinues support for Microsoft Teams, prompting users to consider alternative uses for the Surface Hub v1.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

March, April Windows 11 updates cause BSOD pain for users

Microsoft has reported that two recent updates for Windows 11 24H2, specifically the April cumulative update KB5055523 and the March preview update KB5053656, are causing blue screen crashes with the error code 0x18B (SECUREKERNELERROR) after installation and reboot. There is currently no permanent solution, but Microsoft is working on a workaround using a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) that will automatically apply to personal or unmanaged devices through Windows Update. IT departments will need to manually download a Group Policy .msi file to implement the rollback. Affected machines will require a restart to complete the process.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Whoops! Microsoft just broke Windows Hello with the latest Windows 11 update

Microsoft's KB5055523 update for Windows 11 has introduced issues for users with System Guard Secure Launch or Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement enabled, affecting Windows Hello authentication. Affected users may struggle to log in using facial recognition or PIN, receiving error messages related to Windows Hello setup. The issue is confined to devices with these security features enabled post-update, while those with them activated prior to the update or disabled remain unaffected. A workaround involves re-enrolling in Windows Hello through the settings.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 24H2 to more users after fixing 6-month-old bug

Microsoft previously paused Windows 11 updates due to major bugs affecting gaming and audio functionalities. A compatibility hold was placed on Windows 11 for users with Asphalt 8: Airborne installed due to the game's crashing issues. Microsoft has lifted the hold on Asphalt 8: Airborne, making the Windows 11 update available again. The hold, identified by ID 52796746, has been removed, allowing affected users to receive the update through Windows Update, which may take up to 48 hours to appear.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

6 essential skills every Windows 11 user needs to master

- Windows 11 users can enhance their experience and security by mastering essential skills such as managing updates, securing online presence, and utilizing system settings. - To protect accounts and sensitive information online, users should consider using a password manager, passkeys, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts. - A VPN with end-to-end encryption can enhance online security, and users should familiarize themselves with their web browser's security settings. - Windows 11 updates are released on the first Tuesday of each month, with a major feature update annually; users can prevent auto-restarts and pause updates for up to five weeks. - The Settings app in Windows 11 has replaced much of the Control Panel for managing system settings, and users should explore it thoroughly. - OneDrive is integrated into Windows 11 for backing up, restoring, and sharing files, and users can create encrypted folders and use Files-on-Demand. - Regularly reviewing and uninstalling unnecessary applications can help maintain PC performance, and users can manage default applications and disable startup apps via Task Manager. - Accessing the BIOS/UEFI allows for updates, security adjustments, and hardware configuration changes, typically done by pressing keys like Esc, F2, or F8 during boot.

Winsage

February 23, 2025

Microsoft Update Fails—How To Stop New Install Breaking Windows

A recent update for Microsoft Windows, specifically Windows 11 KB5051987, has caused issues for users, including installation failures and problems with File Explorer becoming unresponsive when accessing folders like Desktop, Documents, or Pictures. Users can see File Explorer in Task Manager, but it remains largely nonfunctional. Other issues include an inoperable sidebar. The recommended solution is to uninstall the update via the Windows Update section in Settings. Users should locate the update, click 'Uninstall', and reboot the system. After uninstalling, they will revert to the January 2025 Update. If problems persist upon reinstalling KB5051987, users are advised to pause updates for a few weeks. This update is mandatory and installs automatically, making it necessary for users to manually uninstall it if they encounter issues. Microsoft is expected to address these problems in an optional update scheduled for February 2025.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Latest Windows 11 update reportedly breaking major parts of the operating system

Microsoft is concluding support for Windows 10 and has released the Windows 11 24H2 update (KB5051987), which has caused significant issues, particularly with File Explorer. Users report that File Explorer is unresponsive, desktop shortcuts do not open, and navigation through directories like Documents, Downloads, and Pictures is problematic. Microsoft has not provided an official solution or timeline for a fix. Users can uninstall the update via Settings - Windows Update - Uninstall Updates. An optional update is expected soon, which may address the bugs.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

Microsoft drops support for previously supported Intel CPUs to run Windows 11 24H2, but should you worry?

Microsoft has removed support for Intel's 8th, 9th, and 10th Generation processors from its list of compatible CPUs for Windows 11 24H2. Despite this, users with these processors can still upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, as the minimum system requirements remain unchanged. The updated compatibility list is intended for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), encouraging them to use at least Intel's 11th Generation processors for new systems. Existing systems with older Intel processors will continue to function normally.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

How to block Windows 11 24H2 if it is already downloading

The wushowhide tool can be used to block the Windows 11 24H2 update by selecting "Hide updates" and choosing the 24H2 version. Users can also prevent the update by stopping update-related services via Command Prompt, deleting files in the Software Distribution folder, and restarting the services. To block the update using the Group Policy Editor, users can set the target version to 23H2. For Home edition users without Group Policy Editor, registry modifications can be made by creating specific string and DWORD values under HKEYLOCALMACHINESoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows. Support for Windows 11 23H2 will retire in November 2025, so users should be prepared to update in the future.