Windows PCs Archives

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft Warning—Do Not Update Windows Until You Read This

Microsoft users are experiencing multiple issues related to the latest security update. An emergency update was released to fix a critical problem causing Windows PCs to potentially fail during a reset. Users are advised to use this out-of-band update instead of the standard KB5063875. Additionally, there is a problem with SSDs disappearing when large files are written, which is under investigation, and users are recommended to delay large file transfers. A third issue involves performance problems, such as severe stuttering and lag, when using Network Device Interface (NDI) for streaming after the August security update. Microsoft is investigating this and suggests users adjust the NDI Receive Mode settings. Users are encouraged to check Microsoft's updated guidance on known issues before proceeding with the update.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

New feature begins rolling out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is piloting a feature for Windows 11 that allows users to resume Android apps on their PCs, starting with Spotify as the first supported application. This feature is being tested by Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. Users can link their Android phones to their PCs and receive a notification to "Resume from your phone" when they start a song in the Spotify mobile app, enabling a seamless transition to the Spotify desktop app. This functionality is similar to Apple's Handoff and aims to enhance cross-device usability. Currently, only Spotify is available for this testing phase, but Microsoft plans to expand app support in the future.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Windows 11 Build 26200 Enables Android App Resumption on PCs

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5761 in the Dev Channel, allowing users to resume Android app sessions on Windows PCs through the Start menu for linked devices. This update enhances AI capabilities, particularly for devices with Copilot+ hardware, and introduces an upgraded energy saver mode. It addresses issues like intermittent crashes in File Explorer and improves compatibility with third-party antivirus software. The update encourages cross-platform app development and aims to streamline workflows in enterprise environments. Microsoft has noted potential audio glitches on certain hardware and is gathering user feedback for further improvements.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends Soon. Here Are Your Best Options if You Can’t Upgrade

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive bug fixes, technical support, or security updates. Extended security updates (ESU) will be available for a fee, primarily aimed at businesses and educational institutions, with a consumer version available for one year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Microsoft suggests cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for those unable to upgrade their devices. Some users are opting for third-party security software, such as the 0patch agent, to address security risks associated with using Windows 10 post-support. There are methods to bypass Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checks using tools like Rufus or Registry Editor modifications.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Microsoft is working on a fix for PC shader stutter

Microsoft is introducing an "advanced shader delivery" feature for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, aimed at reducing loading times and minimizing stutter in games. This system preloads game shaders during download, potentially allowing games to launch up to ten times faster and operate more smoothly. The feature may require collaboration with developers for full benefits at launch. Additionally, Microsoft is improving user experience on Windows 11 for gaming by enhancing access to features like the Game Bar and minimizing background activity to allocate more resources to gaming.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

7 settings Windows 11 should show us during setup instead of all those ads

Setting up a Windows 11 PC can be challenging due to a lengthy installation process and a cluttered out-of-box experience (OOBE) filled with ads and irrelevant settings. Users often wait to access important settings until reaching the desktop. Key features that could improve the initial setup include: - Dark mode and theme options: Introducing theme choices during setup could enhance user satisfaction. - Taskbar alignment: Offering the option to align taskbar icons during setup would allow users to customize their experience from the start. - Start menu layout: Allowing users to choose their preferred Start menu layout during setup would facilitate a smoother transition. - Night light: Enabling the night light feature during setup could improve user comfort and awareness. - Nearby sharing: Including an option to enable discoverability for nearby sharing during setup would encourage its adoption. - Clipboard history: Presenting the option to enable clipboard history during setup would elevate user awareness of this useful feature. - Partially restore backups: Introducing a selective restoration option during setup would enhance user control over what is restored from a previous PC. Overall, incorporating these features into the initial setup could streamline the process and improve user engagement and satisfaction.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

I used Microsoft’s elusive ‘Surface Neo’ dual-screen Windows PC — its biggest-ever hardware failure

The Surface Neo was unveiled in October 2019 with a planned release for the holiday season of 2020 but was postponed indefinitely in 2021. It features a design that combines metal, glass, and polycarbonate, with two 9-inch LCD displays at a resolution of 1920x1440. The device is 5.6mm thick and supports multiple usage modes, including dual-screen and laptop configurations. It was designed to work with accessories like the Surface Slim Pen and a magnetic keyboard, although the keyboard has smaller keys and shallow key travel. The Surface Neo is powered by an Intel Lakefield chip, which struggles with performance and thermal throttling. The unfinished Windows 10X operating system showcased potential for multitasking but lacked a robust selection of applications. Ultimately, the Surface Neo represents a missed opportunity in the tech landscape.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Microsoft brings native Xbox app gaming to Windows on Arm PCs – hints at bigger hardware shift ahead

Microsoft has updated its Xbox app for Arm-based Windows 11 devices, allowing users to download and play games natively instead of relying solely on Xbox Cloud Gaming. This update enables select compatible games to be installed and played locally on Arm devices, such as those powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X, including the Surface Laptop 7. Users must join the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider programs to access the updated Xbox PC app (version 2508.1001.27.0 or higher) via the Xbox Insider Hub. Historically, most PC games have been designed for x86 architecture, leading to performance issues on Arm devices. Nvidia is collaborating with MediaTek to develop an Arm-based SoC for Windows PCs, initially expected to launch in 2025 but delayed to late 2026. An engineering sample of this SoC has shown strong specifications, comparable to the desktop RTX 5070.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft commits to improve gaming on Arm-based Windows 11 PCs — “We’re developing new features that will enable more games to be played on Arm”

Microsoft has released a preview update for the Xbox app on Windows 11, allowing users of Arm-based devices, such as those with the Snapdragon X SoC, to download Xbox PC games directly. Previously, the app only supported game streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming and did not allow downloads from the Xbox platform, although users could download from third-party platforms. The update includes an enhanced emulation layer to improve x86 application performance on Arm devices, but many games still face compatibility issues, particularly due to anti-cheat services that are not natively supported on Arm. NVIDIA is rumored to be developing an Arm-based chip that could enhance gaming performance on these devices. Microsoft is also working on updates to improve the gaming experience on Windows 11, including a dedicated interface for handheld gaming PCs.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Hackers can bypass Microsoft Defender to install ransomware on PCs

A significant vulnerability in Microsoft Defender has been identified, allowing hackers to bypass the software and deploy Akira ransomware. This vulnerability exploits the legitimate driver rwdrv.sys, associated with the Intel CPU tuning tool ThrottleStop, granting cybercriminals kernel-level access to a target PC. Once access is obtained, hackers can introduce the driver hlpdrv.sys to manipulate the Windows Registry, disabling Microsoft Defender's protective measures. GuidePoint Security has noted that this method has been increasingly used in Akira ransomware attacks since July of this year. Users are advised to use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated to protect against such threats.