Windows Update

Winsage
July 26, 2025
Microsoft has indicated that the release of Windows 11 25H2 is expected between October and November, although an official announcement has not yet been made. The company has lifted an update block that previously prevented the Windows 11 24H2 update from appearing for certain PCs, allowing more devices to become eligible for the update. The Windows 11 24H2 update was made accessible to all users in May, except for those under a "Compatibility hold" due to performance instability issues, particularly affecting PCs with Intel's Alder Lake processors or those using Easy Anti-Cheat software. The recent removal of the compatibility hold allows Alder Lake+ PCs to download and install the 24H2 update, but some devices may still face other compatibility holds. Users are advised to wait for Microsoft to remove these blocks instead of attempting manual installations. Additionally, some Alder Lake+ PCs may need to update Easy Anti-Cheat to install the 24H2 update, which can be triggered by launching a frequently played game. While progress has been made in resolving these issues, not all update blocks have been lifted, and the timeline for removing the remaining compatibility holds is uncertain.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft announced enhancements to Windows 11 with the optional July update (KB5062660), which includes the new features Windows Recall for EU users and Quick Machine Recovery for repairing boot failures. The company claims Windows 11 24H2 is the most reliable version of Windows yet, citing a 24% reduction in unexpected restart failure rates compared to Windows 10 22H2. However, the reliability of this claim is questioned due to selective telemetry data and reports of disruptions in functionalities such as USB printers, audio output, Bluetooth connections, Windows Update, and Windows Firewall.
Winsage
July 25, 2025
Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 24H2, claiming it to be the "most reliable Windows yet," supported by a 24% reduction in failure rates and unexpected restarts compared to previous versions. The update features a new black screen for the Blue Screen of Death, which includes a stop code and faulty driver information, reducing wait time from 40 seconds to 2 seconds. However, users have reported issues such as Blue Screen of Death errors, sluggish performance, and driver failures. Critics have raised concerns about compatibility issues with drivers and legacy applications. The update also introduces a quick machine recovery feature that automatically detects and resolves critical boot issues, although immediate patches for minor problems are not guaranteed. User sentiment regarding the reliability of Windows 11 24H2 remains mixed.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft is rolling out new features for Windows 11, with most users expected to access them by August. Users can enable "Get the latest updates as they become available" in Windows Update for early access. Key features include: - Copilot Vision: An AI assistant that can view the user's desktop in real-time, facilitating discussions about projects and modifying settings through natural language commands. - Relight in Photos: A feature that uses on-device AI to enhance images with virtual lighting sources, allowing manipulation of up to three light sources and offering built-in presets. Currently exclusive to Copilot+ devices powered by Snapdragon, with future support for Intel and AMD systems. - Object Select in Paint: An AI tool that identifies and isolates objects in images for easy cutting, along with a sticker generator for creating custom stickers. This feature is exclusive to Copilot+ but works across Snapdragon, Intel, and AMD platforms. - Perfect Screenshot in Snipping Tool: An AI feature that automatically crops screenshots to eliminate background elements, along with a color picker for identifying hex codes. - Quick Machine Recovery: A redesigned BSOD that appears for about two seconds, improving the recovery process, along with automatic detection and troubleshooting of boot issues to restore the operating system.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft has replaced the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a Black Screen of Death in Windows 11 update KB5062660, which is available for manual installation. The update is part of the optional cumulative updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 and will upgrade the system to Build 26100.4770. The new BSOD features a black background, omits the sad emoticon and QR code, and displays for about two seconds. The update also introduces enhancements for AI-capable PCs, the Recall feature for selective blocking of applications and websites in the EU, and the Quick Machine Recovery feature for faster system recovery.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Microsoft announced that users of Windows 10 can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which extends security updates for an additional year beyond the official end-of-life date of October 14, 2025. The new expiration date for Windows 10 is now set for October 13, 2026. The ESU program is available only to individual consumers, not commercial users, and users must actively sign up to receive the updates. The ESU provides access to critical and important security updates but does not include other types of fixes, feature enhancements, or technical support. After October 13, 2026, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, security patches, or technical assistance for Windows 10.
Winsage
July 24, 2025
Windows 11 will introduce a range of artificial intelligence features in the coming weeks, with availability dependent on PC hardware. Users with Copilot+ PCs, especially those with Snapdragon X chips, will have access to the most extensive functionalities. A new agent in the Windows Settings app allows natural language modifications of PC settings, currently available only on Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PCs. The Click to Do feature is being updated with new actions, accessible via specific shortcuts for compatible Copilot+ PCs. The Photos app will feature Relight, enabling users to manipulate virtual light sources in images, initially available for Snapdragon X-powered devices. The Sticker Generator in Paint allows users to create stickers from prompts, and an object select feature is forthcoming. The Snipping Tool will include a Perfect Screenshot feature for precise captures and a Color Picker for identifying color values on the screen. Copilot Vision, available only in the U.S., provides advice based on screen content, with extended capabilities requiring a Copilot Pro subscription. Quick Machine Recovery will replace the Blue Screen of Death with a less intrusive design. New features will be rolled out gradually, with some already accessible through the latest Windows non-security preview update, and users are encouraged to enable updates in Settings. Certain features remain exclusive to Copilot+ PCs or Snapdragon X processors.
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