Windows Registry Archives

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Microsoft patch gives domain-joined Windows PCs trust issues

Microsoft acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 related to Active Directory domain logins as of September 16. This issue stems from changes made to Machine Identity Isolation in the September 2026 security update (KB5124008), which may cause Credential Guard-protected machine accounts to lose their secure channel with an on-premises Active Directory domain, preventing users from signing in with valid domain credentials. The update activates Machine Identity Isolation but does not enforce it immediately, and it is only compatible with environments linked to domain controllers operating at the Windows Server 2025 Domain Functional Level (DFL) or higher. Microsoft advised that devices not connected to Windows Server 2025 domain controllers will need to disable Machine Identity Isolation. A workaround involves disabling the feature through Intune, Group Policy, or the Windows Registry, followed by a device restart and repairing the secure channel using the Test-ComputerSecureChannel PowerShell command. Microsoft plans to address this issue in a future update by temporarily halting Machine Identity Isolation enforcement while enhancements are made.

Tech Optimizer

September 16, 2026

Hackers Disguise CHOSEN BRICK Malware as AI Apps, Antivirus Software and MRI Results

Iranian state-affiliated cyber actors are targeting dissidents, activists, and journalists using fake AI applications, counterfeit antivirus tools, and fabricated MRI scan results, primarily through a spyware family known as CHOSEN BRICK, which is designed for Windows systems. This campaign has been active since at least 2025 and affects individuals globally, including in the UK, US, and Netherlands. The malware establishes persistence via the Windows Registry Run key and communicates through Telegram, utilizing unique Bot IDs for each victim. CHOSEN BRICK is capable of extensive data collection, including capturing screenshots, recording audio, and stealing email content. Personal information from victims has been found on pro-Iranian leak sites, increasing harassment risks. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious Registry entries and unusual communications, while users are advised to avoid unsolicited software installations and keep their systems updated. The FBI refers to this malware family as HEAVYGRAM.

Winsage

September 6, 2026

I gave Windows 11 an old-school makeover by restoring its classic icons

Users can customize icons in Windows 11 by following different methods depending on the type of icon. For folders and shortcuts, right-clicking the item and selecting Properties allows users to change icons easily. Taskbar items require pressing Shift while right-clicking the closed app. Desktop icons like "This PC" and the Recycle Bin can be modified through Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. More complex changes, such as altering icons for file types or drives, involve editing the Windows registry. Windows retains a selection of classic icons within DLL files, including moricons.dll, pifmgr.dll, and netshell.dll. Users can also access the Windows Icon Archive project for a repository of icons from various Windows versions, though .png files need conversion to .ico format for use. Limitations include the inability to change icons for new folders automatically, modifications not reflecting in Quick Access for special folders, and restrictions on altering application icons. Programs like OpenShell can help modify taskbar and Start menu icons, but achieving a perfect replica of older versions is not possible.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a system stability and gaming performance issue on Windows 11 devices, which has caused crashes, game launch failures, and freezing, often with the "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" error message. The problem was linked to updates from August 2026 and was identified as being related to peripherals with RGB lighting features that installed disruptive drivers. Specifically, the inpoutx64.sys driver was found to be responsible for these disruptions. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected systems, starting from August 26, 2026. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices, a temporary workaround involves manually disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has assured users that this action should not cause unintended behavior and can be reversed.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes, gaming issues

Microsoft has begun rolling out a permanent solution to a problem causing system crashes and gaming disruptions on Windows 11 devices, specifically related to game launch failures and freezing with "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The issue affects various games, including ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and is linked to peripherals with built-in RGB lighting. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been identified as the cause of these complications. Microsoft is deploying a fix that disables this driver on affected devices, starting on August 26, 2026, and it may take up to 24 hours to reach all impacted devices. This driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates. For enterprise-managed devices that do not automatically receive the fix, a temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. Microsoft has stated that disabling this registry key should not lead to unintended behavior.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Microsoft “Resolves” Windows 11 Crashing Games with a Registry Hack

Late last week, reports emerged about gameplay disruptions linked to the Windows 11 August update, causing issues like forced crashes, unexpected freezing, and device restarts. Microsoft identified the interaction between gaming applications and RGB peripherals as the cause. They released a workaround involving a registry modification to prevent the inpoutx64 driver from loading, which resolved the issue temporarily. This workaround specifically targets devices with the inpoutx64 driver enabled and the game ARC Raiders installed. Users can disable the driver by modifying the registry key HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesinpoutx64, changing the Start value to 4, and restarting the computer. Microsoft is also working to block RGB peripherals for the game MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls and has addressed similar issues for THE FINALS. The driver block will be included in the September 2026 Windows security updates and future releases.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft is blocking the problem to fix Windows 11 KB5121003 restarts, crashes

Microsoft addressed printing issues and gaming-related complications linked to recent .NET Patch Tuesday updates. The problems were associated with RGB applications and the inpoutx64 system driver, which caused compatibility issues when certain games were launched. Microsoft has implemented a block to prevent the inpoutx64 driver from loading on affected devices, specifically targeting systems with the driver enabled and ARC Raiders installed. Users will receive a notification after the block is implemented, and the game should launch without further issues. The block is also being extended to systems running MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, while the issue with THE FINALS has been resolved. The resolution is being distributed automatically, and users need to restart their devices after the fix is applied. For enterprise-managed devices, IT administrators must manually apply the fix. Microsoft provided a temporary workaround by suggesting users disable the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry. Users can change the Start value in the Registry Editor to 4 to disable the driver and may need to restart their devices for changes to take effect. Users are advised to back up the Registry before making modifications, and they can restore the driver by reverting the Start value back to its original setting.

AppWizard

August 25, 2026

Windows update that breaks some multiplayer games linked to our desire for gaming PCs that light up all the colors of the rainbow

A bug following the Windows update KB5121003 has caused several games, including Arc Raiders, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, to become unresponsive. Embark Studios suggested that the crashes are linked to the driver inpoutx64.sys and recommended disabling it through the Command Prompt. Microsoft confirmed that the update is the cause of the issues and is investigating a potential connection between RGB lighting components and the affected games. They provided a method to disable the driver via the registry, advising users to back up the registry first. Disabling the driver may affect RGB lighting features. Users can also consider rolling back to a previous Windows update as a temporary solution.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues

Microsoft has acknowledged gaming issues related to Windows 11 updates released on August 11, 2026, affecting games like ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals. Problems reported include game crashes, failures to launch, freezes, and unexpected system restarts, particularly on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft identified a link between these issues and drivers or components associated with RGB lighting devices, specifically the inpoutx64.sys driver. A temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry, with caution advised regarding potential unintended consequences. Users are encouraged to report issues via the Feedback Hub app as Microsoft investigates further.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11’s August update is crashing games: Microsoft explains why

Microsoft has acknowledged reports of certain games experiencing operational difficulties following a recent update. Users have reported that games such as ‘ARC Raiders’, ‘MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls’, and ‘THE FINALS’ are not functioning as intended, with symptoms including the game application ceasing to respond, unexpectedly closing, displaying an error message stating “EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION,” and devices restarting without warning. Preliminary investigations suggest that the issues may be linked to specific peripherals or internal components with RGB lighting capabilities, particularly drivers or software components with filenames like ‘inpoutx64’. Microsoft encourages users facing these issues to submit reports through the Feedback Hub. A temporary workaround involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry, which should only be done by those familiar with the Registry.