Windows updates Archives

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2026

30-year Microsoft veteran explains why you shouldn’t run two antivirus apps on Windows 11

Raymond Chen, a Microsoft veteran, advises against installing multiple antivirus solutions on the same system due to conflicts that arise, such as each program attempting to quarantine the other's processes. This can lead to significant performance issues and erratic behavior in Windows. Microsoft has stated that Windows Defender is sufficient for most users, highlighting its comprehensive security features in Windows 11. The company warns that running multiple real-time antivirus programs can increase resource consumption and conflict likelihood. Independent testing has shown that Microsoft Defender ranks highly among antivirus solutions.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Microsoft: Outdated Windows devices will stop receiving security updates

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for devices running unsupported versions of Windows after the Windows Update certificate rotation in May and June 2027, specifically on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Users and administrators are advised to upgrade to a supported version of Windows before these dates to maintain system integrity. Replacement certificates have already been issued for supported versions, requiring no action for those systems. Specific upgrade guidance includes: - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Install the September 2025 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Other supported versions of Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows 10: Install the July 2026 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Install the July 2026 security update or later before May 17, 2027. - Other Windows versions: Upgrade to a supported version of Windows client or Windows Server. IT administrators should evaluate their networks for unsupported Windows versions and ensure monthly updates are applied to supported devices. The directive does not apply to devices receiving updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Microsoft also announced the rollout of Windows 11, version 26H2, as an enablement package for eligible systems.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Microsoft admits one bad driver can crash all of Windows, and Intel’s Windows 11 26H2-ready GPU drivers are next to get its fix

Microsoft is collaborating with Intel, AMD, and Nvidia to improve driver quality for Windows 11, addressing issues that can lead to system failures. Intel has confirmed that its GPU drivers are compatible with Windows 11 26H2, and recent updates have integrated support for this version. The Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) aims to enhance driver stability and quality across the ecosystem. Microsoft emphasizes that high-quality drivers are essential for reliable Windows performance and that a collective effort from all stakeholders is necessary. The DQI focuses on four principles: Architecture, Trust, Lifecycle, and Quality Measures, promoting user-mode drivers, stricter certification, removal of outdated drivers, and assessments based on stability, functionality, performance, power consumption, battery life, and thermal performance.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Microsoft confirms a Windows update can close games that use AC-3 audio

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue related to a Windows update (KB5124010) released on September 22, 2026, which has caused unexpected closures of various games that rely on AC-3 audio decoding. This issue affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, while server editions remain unaffected. The problem primarily impacts legacy applications that depend on Windows' built-in audio decoding, particularly older PC games using the Dolby Digital codec for pre-rendered cutscenes and licensed soundtracks. Microsoft has confirmed the issue but has not provided a list of affected titles, workarounds, or a resolution timeline. The status remains unchanged as of October 7, and the issue persists regardless of user action.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 is crashing some games and apps, promises to fix it in the next update

In October 2026, Microsoft is addressing ongoing issues from its September updates for Windows 11, particularly related to audio decoding. Certain applications and games using Windows' built-in AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding may crash when users adjust volume or audio settings. This issue primarily affects older applications and games, while most modern apps are expected to function normally. Microsoft has issued multiple updates, including a mandatory Patch Tuesday update and an emergency patch, but some audio problems remain unresolved. The September updates also introduced a significant increase in security fixes, addressing 974 vulnerabilities compared to 86 in September 2025. Additionally, an emergency update disrupted the functionality of File History, which Microsoft is investigating. An optional update aimed to fix File History but led to new crashes in various applications. Microsoft is currently working on a resolution for the audio-decoding bug without a specified timeline.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update is delivered via a small enablement package that activates new features already integrated into the operating system. The installation process is similar to a monthly update, requiring a minor download and a quick restart. The update includes enhancements in quality, reliability, and security. For commercial and educational customers, it can be accessed through existing management tools like Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Version 26H2 offers 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Some features that were disabled in version 25H2 will now be enabled by default in version 26H2.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 preview update causes black screen after sign-in; Microsoft publishes workaround

On September 24, Microsoft reported an issue affecting devices that installed the August 27 preview update for Windows 11, causing a black screen after sign-in and preventing the desktop from loading correctly. This issue primarily impacts Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix with existing user profiles. The affected OS versions are Windows 11 versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2, and the causal update is KB5120998. Microsoft has issued interim workarounds, including a manual desktop launch and a Known Issue Rollback (KIR), which will be automatically delivered to non-enterprise devices. Affected enterprise-managed devices require manual deployment of the KIR policy. The black screen issue is part of a series of update-related problems for Windows 11 in 2026, while Windows 10 has experienced fewer issues during the same timeframe.

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September 26, 2026

Microsoft: Recent Windows updates cause desktop loading issues

Microsoft has acknowledged that some users may experience desktop loading issues, specifically black screens, after installing the August 2026 preview updates and subsequent releases. This problem mainly affects Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix. Symptoms include a black screen post-sign-in and crashes related to Windows Explorer, which can be temporarily resolved by manually launching Windows Explorer through Task Manager. For enterprise customers, Microsoft has introduced a mitigation strategy via Known Issue Rollback (KIR), allowing IT administrators to reverse problematic updates by applying specific group policies. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed issues related to the loss of mouse and desktop settings on certain Windows 11 systems caused by the KB5120998 update.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft Ships September Preview Updates for Windows 11

Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 as part of its Week D schedule. Users of versions 24H2 and 25H2 can install the preview cumulative update KB5124010, updating their systems to builds 26100.9550 and 26200.9550, respectively. Enhancements include refinements to File Explorer, support for Emoji 17.0, a new Tips widget, improved desktop backgrounds, enhanced Bluetooth functionality, upgrades to the Settings app, additional touchpad gesture controls, new key remapping options in Copilot, and Wi-Fi support in the Windows Recovery Environment. The final monthly update for Windows 11 version 24H2 will be shipped next month, with the version set to reach the end of its support lifecycle on October 13, 2026. Users of version 26H1 can install the preview cumulative update KB5124006 to upgrade to build 28000.3086. This update includes a resizable Taskbar, customizable Start menu, revamped Windows Search, improvements to File Explorer, enhanced progress indicators, and better app update support.

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September 24, 2026

Microsoft: September Windows updates break Always On VPN connections

Microsoft has informed IT administrators about potential connection challenges with the Always On VPN after the September 2026 Windows 11 security updates. Users may face difficulties connecting to their organization's network, particularly if the VPN is set to automatically attempt an alternative connection method upon failure. Symptoms include connections remaining in a 'Connecting' state or displaying the error message: 'The specified port is already in use.' Affected versions include Windows 11, version 26H1 (KB5124012), version 25H2 (KB5124008), and version 24H2 (KB5124008). A temporary workaround involves adjusting the Always On VPN profile from automatic protocol selection to a single protocol (SSTP or IKEv2). Microsoft is also addressing various other issues related to Hyper-V, Remote Desktop Services, USB audio, and the File History backup feature.