Windows updates Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

A Windows 11 update bug is leaving devices without security patches: here’s how to dodge it

Several Windows 11 users who installed the 24H2 update via USB or CD are experiencing issues that block future security patches. Microsoft issued a warning on Christmas Eve about a known issue affecting users who installed the October or November updates through external media, indicating that devices using this installation method may be unable to receive subsequent Windows security updates. This problem is specific to installations that included the October 2024 or November 2024 security updates. Users who updated through Windows Update or downloaded the update from the catalog are not affected. Microsoft advises against installing the 24H2 update via USB or CD and suggests affected users either wait for a fix or uninstall the update.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Microsoft posts official uninstall and recovery guide for botched Windows 11/10 update

Microsoft released a new support article detailing the functionality of the Windows 11 feature 'Fix problems using Windows Update' and scenarios where it may not be effective. A shortcut link to the recovery settings menu has been introduced as part of the guidance for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Microsoft updated another support article regarding the uninstallation of Windows Updates, now including instructions for using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for this purpose, applicable to both Windows 10 and 11. Users can uninstall updates via WinRE by accessing Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates. A disclaimer about the end of support for Windows 10 is also present on the page. Additionally, a cautionary note regarding BitLocker recovery key requirements is included. Microsoft has emphasized the importance of system requirements such as TPM and Secure Boot in relation to Windows 11 24H2. Third-party backup and cloning applications are making adjustments to align with these updates.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 is the unwanted holiday gift that keeps on giving thanks to Auto HDR game crashes, audio device woes, odd bouts of stuttering and more

Microsoft's 24H2 update for Windows 11 has caused various issues for users, including game stuttering, unexpected crashes, and disappearing audio devices. The update has led to problems with Auto HDR, resulting in incorrect game colors and crashes, particularly affecting certain display configurations. Audio issues have been reported with devices using Dirac Audio, but others have experienced similar problems without it. Users have also faced driver disruptions, notification glitches, animation issues, and browser freezing. The update has been withheld from machines with certain Ubisoft games installed to prevent crashes, and previous issues included an audio bug and a BSOD bug related to Western Digital SSDs.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

No more Windows 11 preview builds this year

Microsoft is pausing the Windows 11 Insider program for the holiday season, with no new Insider updates or scheduled Windows updates until January 2025. The last build for 2024, Windows 11 26100.2705, was released earlier this week. There will also be no scheduled updates for Windows 10 or 11 during this period, as the planned December 2024 non-security updates have been skipped. The next preview builds and optional non-security updates are expected in January 2025.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 upgrades blocked on some PCs due to audio issues

Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold on the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade for systems using Dirac audio enhancement software due to compatibility issues that disrupt sound output. The problem is associated with the cridspapo.dll software component, which affects integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and headsets, rendering them non-functional after the upgrade. Users are advised not to manually upgrade their devices until Dirac releases a fix for their audio driver. The safeguard hold will remain until the issue is resolved. Affected users can check for safeguard holds in Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced another upgrade block for Windows 11 24H2 concerning systems with Auto HDR due to compatibility issues causing game freezes.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

No sound after waking from Sleep mode or Hibernate in Windows 11

Users of Windows 11 and 10 have reported issues with no sound after waking their computers from Sleep or Hibernate mode, often due to a corrupted audio driver or crashes of the audio service. Troubleshooting steps include: 1. Check for Windows Update. 2. Run the Audio Troubleshooter. 3. Roll back the audio driver. 4. Reinstall the audio driver. 5. Check the status of essential services (Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, Plug and Play). 6. Update the chipset driver. 7. Restore or reset the PC. Improper Power Management settings for keyboard and mouse can prevent a computer from waking up from Sleep or Hibernate. Uninstalling and reinstalling the audio driver can resolve sound issues, and checking application settings and the Volume Mixer may also help.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

Microsoft confirms Outlook 0x80049dd3 sign-in error, access denied on Windows bug

Users of the Outlook desktop application for Windows 10 and Windows 11 are encountering the error code 0x80049dd3, which prevents them from signing in and accessing their emails. Microsoft is investigating these reports but has stated that the error is not linked to recent Windows updates. Users receive an “Access Denied” message when trying to access their inbox, and attempts to sign in often result in failure. Some users have found that closing the sign-in prompt temporarily restores access to emails, but the error reappears upon subsequent attempts to access Outlook. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on updates.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft releases KB5048667 update, removing another Windows 11 24H2 block and introducing a questionable change

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to version 24H2 with the KB5048667 update, removing a compatibility block for USB scanners using the eSCL scan protocol. This change allows affected systems to install the update more smoothly. The update also modifies the date format on the taskbar, includes critical security fixes, and introduces several new features such as: - Rebranding of "Tailored Experiences" to "Personalized offers." - A shortened date and time format in the system tray, with an option to revert to the traditional format. - Access to jump lists for pinned apps in the Start menu. - Customizable touchscreen edge gestures. - Hiding of the IME toolbar in full-screen mode for Chinese or Japanese typing. - Sharing content directly to Android devices from File Explorer. - New placeholder messages in Dynamic Lighting Settings when no compatible device is connected. - Enhancements to speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities. - New functions in Narrator scan mode for improved accessibility. The update can be accessed via Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 update is no longer blocked on these PCs

Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold on the Windows 11 24H2 update for certain PCs that were previously affected by compatibility issues with USB scanners and devices. The initial block was a precautionary measure due to problems with devices supporting the eSCL protocol, which were unrecognizable and unusable. The rollout of the 24H2 update was paused, and users were advised against manual installations. The underlying issues were resolved with the release of the KB5048667 cumulative update on December 10, 2024. Users can expect to receive the update within the next two days or restart their PCs to expedite the process.