Windows version Archives

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

Just days after joining Game Pass, the Xbox PC edition of Call of Duty: WW2 is taken offline for “an issue”

The PC version of Call of Duty: WWII has been taken offline due to security concerns related to remote code execution (RCE) hacks that allow unauthorized code execution on players' PCs. This issue has led to fears of malware installation and data breaches. The game's removal from online access has caused frustration among players, who criticize the lack of transparency from the Call of Duty team regarding the vulnerabilities. While the game is still available for installation on Xbox PC and the Microsoft Store, it is currently not accessible online. The Xbox version remains available, and concerns persist about the potential for similar vulnerabilities in other older titles.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Confused by a mysterious update that’s suddenly appeared on your Windows 10 PC? Don’t panic – here’s what you need to know

Windows 10 PCs are receiving an update identified as KB5001716, which is part of Microsoft's strategy to prepare users for the eventual end of Windows 10. This update is being rolled out to PCs running Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, with the latter already having reached its end of support. Users may receive notifications about issues that could affect Windows Update's ability to keep their devices secure, including alerts that their version of Windows is nearing the end of its support lifecycle. The official end of Windows 10 is set for October of this year. Microsoft is managing notifications to minimize disruption to users. If users experience issues with the update, they can resolve it by uninstalling the existing KB5001716 from Windows Update.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Microsoft quietly installed ‘secret’ update on some Windows 10 and 11 PCs

Microsoft has rolled out a "force-installed" update, designated as KB5001716, for Windows 10 and 11 PCs. This update serves as a supplementary patch for Windows Update, enabling the download and installation of feature updates for devices nearing the end of support. It may also display notifications about issues preventing Windows Update from keeping the device up-to-date. The primary aim of KB5001716 is to address the end of support for Windows 10, facilitating feature updates for systems running versions that are expired or nearing expiration. Users receiving this update are informed that their current version of Windows is approaching its end of life, including Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, and Windows 11 version 21H2.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Microsoft Announces Windows 11 Version 25H2

Microsoft has confirmed that the next version of its operating system is Windows 11 version 25H2, which became available to the Windows Insider community and is planned for broader availability in the second half of 2025. The support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions will be 36 months, while Pro editions will have a 24-month lifecycle. Windows 11 version 25H2 transitions from version 24H2 with build 26200.5670, maintaining a synchronized approach across all supported versions. It is built on the same codebase as 24H2, ensuring no new compatibility issues arise. New features will debut in 25H2 and will be rolled out to 24H2 through monthly cumulative updates, initially in a disabled state.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

How to turn off AI in Windows and bring yourself some peace

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its product suite, including Microsoft Edge, Office, Notepad, and Paint. Users can disable or hide AI features, such as Copilot, by right-clicking its icon on the taskbar to unpin it, adjusting settings in the Copilot app, or uninstalling it through the Settings panel. Other AI features like Windows Recall and Click to Do can also be turned off in the Privacy & security section of Windows Settings. Notepad allows users to toggle off Copilot, but Paint currently does not have an option to remove the Copilot button. Users are advised to regularly check for options to disable unwanted AI functionalities.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Deadline For 400 Million Windows Users

Microsoft may soon mandate upgrades from Windows 10, potentially ending the current free upgrade offer. Recent updates to Windows 10 include warnings about automatic feature updates for devices nearing the end of support. Microsoft auto-installed the KB5001716 patch last year, affecting around 400 million Windows 10 users. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, with an option to extend it for a fee. Analysts estimate at least 240 million PCs are ineligible for the free upgrade and will need to pay for security updates or risk vulnerabilities. Microsoft and PC manufacturers are encouraging users to invest in new PCs as the deadline approaches.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

Just like many Windows 10 users, some SSDs are snubbing Windows 11, too

A recent update to Windows 11 version 24H2, released in October 2024, has caused installation issues for users of Western Digital SSDs, particularly the WD SN770 model. Users encounter a compatibility message stating their hardware isn't ready for the new version. Possible solutions include reverting to a Windows 10 image, switching to Linux, or updating the SSD's firmware using the SanDisk Dashboard, which may help pass the Windows hardware scan. While Linux offers fewer hardware restrictions, it may present challenges with application compatibility.

Winsage

June 18, 2025

What version of Windows is on your PC? Here’s how to find out

To check your Windows version and build number, you can use the following methods: 1. Winver Tool: Type “winver” in the taskbar search bar and select the command to display your version and build number in a pop-up window. 2. Windows Settings: Go to the start menu, select “Settings,” then navigate to “System” and click on “About” to find your version and build number under “Windows specifications.” 3. Registry Database: Type “regedit” in the taskbar search field, open the Registry Editor, and navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINE->SOFTWARE->Microsoft->Windows NT->CurrentVersion to find the version number under “ReleaseId” and “DisplayVersion.”

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Xbox handheld rumoured to be ‘essentially cancelled’ but the new Asus Xbox Ally is actually a preview of all future Xbox consoles, not just handhelds

A recent report suggests that the anticipated Xbox handheld console may be "essentially canceled." The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, recently unveiled, are not true Xbox consoles but PC handhelds using existing PC chips and a new iteration of Windows optimized for gaming. Microsoft has rebranded its gaming division as 'Xbox PC' and acknowledged Steam as a competitor. None of these developments have been officially confirmed.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Microsoft Resolves Windows Server 2025 Restart Bug Disrupting Active Directory Connectivity

Microsoft released updates in June 2025 to address critical issues affecting Windows Server 2025 domain controllers, specifically authentication failures and network connectivity problems. The updates, encapsulated in KB5060842, resolved issues stemming from security update KB5055523, which altered certificate validation methods for Kerberos authentication. This change led to logging errors for self-signed certificates and affected Windows Hello for Business Key Trust deployments. Additionally, a separate issue prevented domain controllers from managing network traffic correctly after restarts, causing them to revert to standard firewall profiles. Microsoft provided a temporary workaround for administrators to manually restart network adapters until a permanent fix was implemented. The June updates addressed a total of 66 vulnerabilities, including 10 rated as Critical, and recommended immediate installation. Microsoft advised against setting the AllowNtAuthPolicyBypass registry key to ‘2’ for domain controllers using self-signed certificates until the latest updates were applied.