Windows installation Archives

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

- Before upgrading to Windows 11, it is essential to update Windows 10 to ensure a smoother migration process. - A USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB is needed if using the Media Creation Tool method for the upgrade. - A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the upgrade, especially in Malaysia, where the download size is substantial. - The upgrade can be performed through three methods: Windows Update Automatic Upgrade, Media Creation Tool Installation, and Clean Installation Process. - A clean installation will erase all files on the device, so backing up important data is necessary before proceeding. - Users should complete their Windows 11 upgrade before October 14, 2025, to avoid potential issues after support ends. - Businesses can utilize Microsoft Endpoint Manager for remote upgrades and should verify device compatibility with Windows 11. - The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with a valid Windows 10 license. - If a device does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, transitioning to a compatible PC or laptop is recommended. - Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, but after that, a clean installation is required to revert. - The upgrade process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on hardware and internet speed. - Most applications that work on Windows 10 will continue to function on Windows 11, but testing critical applications is advised. - Backing up files before the upgrade is essential, with recommendations for both cloud and physical storage solutions. - Upgrading to Windows 11 provides enhanced security features, such as improved virus protection, biometric authentication, and encrypted storage. - The end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, impacts compliance, insurance coverage, productivity tools, remote work capabilities, and vendor support for businesses. - HP Malaysia offers a range of devices for users needing to transition to Windows 11-compatible PCs or laptops.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Complete Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

Upgrading to Windows 11 involves careful planning and preparation. Start by updating Windows 10 to ensure recent updates are applied. Acquire a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) for the installation process, and document current software licenses as some applications may require reactivation. Check for driver updates to ensure hardware compatibility with Windows 11. There are three main upgrade methods: 1. Windows Update Automatic Upgrade: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, check for updates, and if compatible, download and install Windows 11. This method retains files and applications and typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. 2. Media Creation Tool Installation: Download the Media Creation Tool, run it, and follow prompts to create installation media on a USB drive. This method is useful for upgrading multiple devices. 3. Clean Installation Process: Insert the USB drive with setup files, restart the device, boot from the USB, and follow the instructions for a custom installation. This method erases all existing data, so comprehensive backups are necessary. Effective planning is crucial, and it is advisable to start the upgrade process well before the deadline of October 14, 2025. This allows time for testing applications, training staff, and addressing hardware requirements. Ensure all devices are compatible to avoid security issues, and consider a robust data protection strategy, such as a 3-2-1 backup approach. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with genuine Windows 10 licenses. If a device does not meet the requirements, it cannot be upgraded. Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of the upgrade, retaining previous files. The upgrade process typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on various factors. Planning the upgrade early helps mitigate operational disruptions, allowing for staggered upgrades and reduced risks of security vulnerabilities as Windows 10 support ends.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google’s new Cameyo trick lets Chromebooks play nice with Windows apps

Google acquired Cameyo, a company known for software virtualization, and launched Cameyo by Google as a rebranded solution integrated into the Chrome OS ecosystem. This allows businesses to run Windows applications directly on Chrome browsers or Chromebooks without needing a full Windows installation. Users can launch individual Windows applications within Chrome, simplifying operations for IT teams and enabling a transition to cloud-centric Chromebooks. There is potential for this technology to extend to everyday consumers, enhancing the capabilities of Chromebooks for various applications. Google plans to merge Chrome OS and Android, but the specifics of this integration remain unclear.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Microsoft testing faster Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11

Microsoft is refining its Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature and updating Smart App Control (SAC) to enhance user experience by allowing toggling without a complete Windows reinstall. QMR enables IT administrators to address Windows boot failures remotely, eliminating the need for physical intervention. When Windows 11 encounters a startup failure, it automatically enters the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), activating the QMR Tool to send crash data to Microsoft and allow administrators to fix boot issues. The latest update changes the recovery process to execute a single scan for boot problems instead of multiple scans. If no immediate fix is found, QMR directs users to suitable recovery options. QMR was introduced in November 2024 as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative following a significant outage in July 2024. Testing for QMR began in late March, and it is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. The Smart App Control feature can now be toggled on or off via Windows Security settings. These enhancements are available to Windows Insiders with the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300). Additionally, a preview update was introduced to suggest running a memory scan after a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Microsoft Sounds Windows 11 And Server Update Failure Alarm

Microsoft has confirmed that users of Windows 11 and Windows Server are experiencing authentication failures due to updates released on or after August 29. This issue, detailed in Microsoft Support posting KB5070568, is linked to duplicate Security IDs (SIDs) on devices, affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows Server 2025. The problem arises from new security protections that enforce checks on SIDs, which are necessary to maintain user account integrity and prevent unauthorized access. Duplicate SIDs typically result from unsupported cloning or duplication of a Windows installation without using the Sysprep tool. The recent update mandates SID uniqueness, blocking authentication handshakes between devices with duplicate SIDs. To resolve this, users must rebuild their devices using supported methods for cloning or duplicating a Windows installation to ensure unique SIDs.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

Microsoft fixes 0x800F081F errors causing Windows update failures

Microsoft has resolved an issue affecting Windows 11 24H2 systems that resulted in update failures with error code 0x800F081F, linked to missing language packs and feature payloads after the KB5050094 January 2025 preview cumulative update. The problem was acknowledged on October 15, and a fix was provided through the KB5067036 October 2025 preview update. For IT administrators unable to install the latest updates, a temporary workaround involves performing an In-Place Upgrade using Windows installation media or through Windows Settings. Additionally, since the start of the year, Microsoft has addressed several other update-related challenges, including issues with installing security updates via WSUS and failures when using the Windows Update Standalone Installer.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Microsoft: New policy removes pre-installed Microsoft Store apps

Microsoft has introduced a new app management policy for IT administrators managing Windows 11 Enterprise and Education devices, allowing the removal of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps (in-box apps). This feature is available for devices running Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 and Windows 11 Education 25H2 through management tools like CSP, GPO, and Microsoft Intune. The policy simplifies app management by eliminating the need for custom installation images and complex scripting, enabling administrators to efficiently select and remove apps from a predefined list. The policy is disabled by default and must be enabled by administrators. It is compatible with both Group Policy and MDM solutions, including Microsoft Intune. Implementation steps for Microsoft Intune include creating a new policy in the admin center, configuring settings to enable the removal of default Microsoft Store packages, and assigning the policy to desired device groups.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Microsoft says Windows update may have caused login problems

Microsoft has acknowledged that recent updates for Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and Windows Server 2025, may have caused login complications for some users. The problematic updates are KB5064081 (OS Build 26100.5074) released on August 29, 2025, and KB5065426 (OS Build 26100.6584) released on September 9, 2025. These updates can lead to authentication failures related to Kerberos and NTLM protocols, particularly on devices with duplicate Security IDs (SIDs). Symptoms include repeated prompts for credentials, failed access requests, inability to access shared network folders, challenges in establishing Remote Desktop connections, and specific error messages logged in the Event Viewer. The root cause is enhanced security measures that enforce checks on SIDs, which can block authentication handshakes when devices have duplicate SIDs, often due to unsupported cloning methods. There is no automated fix; administrators are advised to rebuild devices with duplicate SIDs using supported cloning methods or to configure a special Group Policy for a temporary workaround.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Recent Updates Causing Login Issues Across Windows Versions

Microsoft has identified a significant issue affecting users of Windows 11 version 24H2, version 25H2, and Windows Server 2025, where many users experience persistent login failures due to duplicate Security Identifiers (SIDs) after installing updates released on or after August 29, 2025. Reports indicate that after installing the preview update KB5064081 or the cumulative update KB5065426, devices with identical SIDs struggle to complete Kerberos or NTLM authentication, leading to repeated prompts for credentials and common error messages such as "Login attempt failed" and "Your credentials didn’t work." Shared network folders become inaccessible, and Remote Desktop connections fail. The root cause is enhanced security checks enforcing SID uniqueness, which block authentication handshakes when duplicate SIDs are detected. Duplicate SIDs typically occur when administrators clone Windows installations without using Sysprep, which is necessary to assign unique SIDs. Microsoft recommends rebuilding devices with duplicate SIDs using supported methods and running Sysprep prior to capturing images for deployment. As a temporary measure, administrators can install a specific Group Policy provided by Microsoft Support for Business.

Winsage

October 22, 2025

Microsoft: Recent Windows updates cause login issues on some PCs

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows systems following updates released since August 29, 2025, which are causing authentication failures on devices with duplicate Security Identifiers (SIDs). SIDs are unique alphanumeric strings used by Windows to manage user and computer accounts. The updates enforce checks on SIDs, leading to authentication failures, particularly impacting Windows 11 24H2, Windows 11 25H2, and Windows Server 2025. Users may experience failed remote desktop connections, "Access denied" errors, and failed login attempts despite valid credentials, along with SECENO_CREDENTIALS errors in the Event Viewer. Duplicate SIDs often arise from cloning Windows installations without proper preparation using the Sysprep tool. Microsoft recommends rebuilding systems with duplicate SIDs using supported methods and offers a temporary workaround through a specific Group Policy.