Windows device Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Lightweight Windows 11 version finally gets an update

Microsoft has released version 2504 of Validation OS, a streamlined version of Windows 11 designed for hardware validation, error diagnosis, and quality control in Windows device production. This version includes enhancements in .NET support, driver management, and USB boot capabilities. It operates through a command-line interface (CLI) and supports Win32 applications. Key features of the 2504 release include support for WPF applications via the Microsoft-WinVOS-WPF-Support package, inclusion of Surface Dock drivers, improved USB boot functionality with RAM disk size configuration through DISM, separation of CJK fonts from the general font package, and an upgrade to the latest .NET implementation. Some known issues remain, such as instability with Bluetooth and Serial Console packages on ARM64 systems. The update builds on previous releases that added features like the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and Hyper-V-compatible VHDX images. Validation OS is not intended for end users but benefits manufacturers and IT professionals in hardware production and validation. The latest build is available for download from Microsoft's official page.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft wants users to ditch Windows 10 before its imminent death — Using Copilot+ PCs with Recall to upsell Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through its new Copilot+ PCs. These PCs meet Windows 11's system requirements and feature AI-powered enhancements, including up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4, operating up to 5 times faster than five-year-old Windows devices, and offering up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge. In January, Microsoft reported that 15% of premium-priced laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter were Copilot+ PCs, with expectations for this percentage to increase. Windows 11's market share is currently 42.69%, while Windows 10 holds 54.2%.

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

It must be a day with a ‘y’ in it – there’s a problematic Windows 11 update causing blue screens

Microsoft is addressing issues stemming from the KB5055523 update for Windows 11, which has caused Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors with the 0x18B error code. This update was automatically installed on most devices and is linked to the earlier KB5053656 preview update. Microsoft is implementing a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to mitigate the problem, although it may take up to 24 hours for the fix to propagate to consumer and non-managed business devices. For enterprise-managed devices, IT administrators must manually resolve the issue by configuring the necessary Group Policy.

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2025

Steps to Scan Your Computer for Free and Check for Viruses and Malware

Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in security tool in Windows 10 and 11 that provides comprehensive protection against viruses and malware without requiring additional software. Users can perform manual scans, including Quick, Full, and Custom scans, to identify and eliminate threats. To run a scan, users must open Windows Security, navigate to "Virus & threat protection," and select the desired scan option. Windows Security also includes features such as real-time protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, device security, and account protection. It is essential to keep Windows Security updated with the latest virus definitions for optimal protection. Users can also schedule automatic scans for regular checks.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows users to ignore 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has acknowledged that some users may experience installation failures with error code 0x80070643 when deploying the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates, specifically affecting the KB5057589 update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, and the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022. The company stated that this error is misleading and does not affect device functionality, as the WinRE update is typically applied successfully after a device restart. Users may see a failure indication in Windows Update, but this will be resolved after the next daily scan and restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue, which follows a similar situation from August 2024. Additionally, fraudulent IT support websites have been identified promoting malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft is putting privacy-endangering Recall back into Windows 11

Security and privacy advocates are concerned about Recall, an AI tool in Windows 11 that captures and stores user activity every three seconds. Initially unveiled in May 2024, Recall faced criticism for its potential to expose sensitive information and privacy risks, particularly in situations like intimate partner violence. Microsoft temporarily suspended Recall in response to backlash but announced plans to reintroduce it for insiders using a preview version. Recall allows users to search for previously accessed content by saving snapshots of their activity, which can be controlled and paused by the user. Microsoft aims to address privacy concerns with an opt-in requirement and the ability to pause the feature, but skepticism remains about its effectiveness.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

What the Tech: Why you might need to get rid of your Microsoft computer

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14th, meaning no further updates, technical assistance, or security fixes will be provided. Users continuing to operate Windows 10 after this date may face increased security risks. To check if a PC can run Windows 11, users can use the “PC Health Check” utility. If a computer is incompatible with Windows 11, recycling or trade-in options may be available. Microsoft advises disconnecting older PCs from the internet to reduce risks if users choose to keep them. Users should verify the compatibility of any used PC with Windows 11 before purchase.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Password Deletion For Windows Users—What You Do Now

Microsoft is transitioning away from passwords to enhance security, encouraging users to adopt passkeys. Passkeys are securely stored secrets on a user's device, unlocked through biometrics, PINs, or patterns, making them resistant to phishing and eliminating the need for complex passwords. Users can set up passkeys by signing into their Microsoft account's Advanced Security Options or Security Info, selecting a sign-in method, and following on-screen instructions. Once established, signing in is straightforward, requiring only the chosen authentication method. Microsoft is prioritizing passkeys for new accounts and refining its sign-in logic to improve efficiency, with passkeys being three times faster than traditional passwords. Passkeys can be used across devices and applications that support them, with Windows Hello facilitating authentication.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

How to optimize Windows Update for Business policies

The transition to cloud-native endpoint management is changing Windows device management, particularly regarding Windows Update. IT administrators are increasingly relying on Windows Update services for security patches and features. Microsoft has introduced Windows Update for Business to give IT administrators better control over update policies through Group Policy or Mobile Device Management (MDM). Effective management requires understanding which policies to implement for specific desktops. The best approach for managing monthly updates is through servicing rings, which group Windows devices and assign specific update cadences and policies. This method allows controlled rollouts of updates, enabling administrators to prioritize stability and minimize disruption by testing updates on pilot groups before wider deployment. Windows Update for Business manages three update channels: the General Availability Channel for immediate feature updates, the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) for stability-focused devices, and the Windows Insider Program for testing updates. Administrators can control these channels using specific Group Policy Object (GPO) settings. Two primary update release types are managed: quality updates, which are released monthly and can be deferred for up to 30 days, and feature updates, which are annual and can be deferred for up to 365 days. Administrators can pause the deployment of updates temporarily for up to 35 days. Driver updates are also managed through Windows Update, with options to include or exclude them in monthly quality updates. Optional updates, available monthly, can be controlled using specific GPO and MDM settings.