workaround Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 update causes Outlook freezes for POP users

Microsoft is addressing an issue with the classic Outlook desktop client freezing and hanging, particularly for users with POP email accounts, following the January security update KB5074109 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The problem causes Outlook to fail to exit properly and not restart after being closed. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a timeline for a resolution. Users can temporarily resolve the issue by uninstalling the KB5074109 update through the Settings app, although this may expose their devices to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that! PCs refuse to shutdown after Microsoft patch

Microsoft's January Patch Tuesday update has caused shutdown and hibernation issues for some Windows 11 23H2 users, with devices refusing to power down despite user commands. The problem is linked to the Secure Launch feature, which prevents shutdown, restart, and hibernation attempts from functioning correctly. Microsoft has suggested a workaround using the command "shutdown /s /t 0" to force shutdown. They have not disclosed how many devices are affected or provided a timeline for a fix. Additionally, there is a separate issue affecting classic Outlook POP account profiles that may freeze or hang after the update.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Faces Backlash as Slowest OS in 25 Years, Benchmarks Show

Microsoft's Windows 11, launched in 2021, has been criticized for significant performance issues, making it potentially the least performant version of Windows in over two decades. Independent benchmarks reveal that Windows 11 is slower than its predecessors in areas such as boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. Users with high-end hardware, including 13th-generation Intel Core processors, have reported noticeable slowdowns compared to Windows 10. Performance assessments indicate that Windows 11 struggles in various categories, including file operations, multitasking, and gaming, with longer boot speeds reminiscent of older systems. Gamers have experienced stuttering and frame rate drops, and Microsoft has acknowledged these issues in updates since 2022. The operating system is criticized for being a "resource hog," with preloaded features consuming resources even when idle. Users have reported lagging File Explorer and freezing processes, leading some to consider alternative operating systems. IT departments have noted increased support tickets related to performance issues, prompting some to delay upgrades from Windows 10. Microsoft has offered optimization advice, but critics argue these are temporary fixes for deeper architectural problems. The performance issues have implications for software developers and hardware manufacturers, increasing development costs and complicating hardware optimizations. Analysts warn that without prompt action, Microsoft's market dominance could be at risk, as users advocate for a leaner, faster Windows.

Winsage

January 11, 2026

I uninstalled Windows 11’s WhatsApp WebView2 and replaced it with the old native app with a new trick

WhatsApp's transition to a Chromium-based web wrapper has resulted in a significant increase in resource consumption for Windows 11 users, with RAM usage reportedly surging to 2GB, compared to less than 1GB for the older version. Users can revert to the older version, which utilizes native code and is more efficient, by following a series of steps involving enabling Developer Mode, downloading a specific package, and using PowerShell commands. The older version maintains a steady resource usage, with memory consumption peaking at 400 MB during status updates and remaining under 300 MB for general messaging. However, reverting to the older version will prevent users from receiving new updates, and it may eventually be phased out by Meta.

Winsage

December 28, 2025

Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 File Explorer to Slash RAM Usage

Microsoft is addressing criticism regarding Windows 11's File Explorer performance, particularly its excessive RAM consumption during searches. The company is testing optimizations aimed at reducing memory usage while maintaining speed, originating from an Insider Preview build. These changes involve eliminating duplicate indexing tasks, which could lead to a 20-30% reduction in RAM usage during intensive search sessions. Additionally, the update includes a streamlined context menu in File Explorer to enhance usability. Insider feedback has been positive, with users reporting smoother performance across various devices. The optimizations may also improve system stability and scalability in enterprise environments. However, some users express skepticism about whether these fixes are temporary solutions to deeper architectural issues. The full benefits of the update are expected to materialize once it reaches general availability, anticipated in early 2026.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

How to Get Moving Wallpapers on Windows 11: Guide to Animated Desktops

Windows 11 is set to introduce native video wallpaper support in late 2025, currently available in testing builds for Windows Insiders, supporting formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM. Users can access animated wallpapers through third-party applications, with Lively Wallpaper being a recommended free option that supports various formats and features. Wallpaper Engine is a paid alternative known for its extensive library and interactive wallpapers. VLC Media Player can also set videos as wallpapers, but it has limitations such as requiring constant operation and higher resource usage. Animated wallpapers generally consume more battery and system resources, but modern applications include features to mitigate these impacts. Users are advised to download wallpapers from trusted sources to ensure safety.

Winsage

December 19, 2025

Microsoft patches bug causing multiple Message Queuing errors

Microsoft released an out-of-band update (KB5074976) on December 19 to address Message Queuing (MSMQ) errors caused by December 2025 security updates. These updates have led to operational disruptions in business applications and IIS websites, particularly on systems running Windows 10 22H2, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016, which received updates KB5071546, KB5071544, and KB5071543. Users reported issues such as inactive MSMQ queues, IIS sites generating "insufficient resources" error messages, and applications unable to write messages to queues. The problems stem from modifications in the MSMQ security model, which altered permissions for the system folder C:WindowsSystem32msmqstorage, requiring MSMQ users to have write access typically reserved for administrators. Systems with full administrative rights do not experience these issues. Microsoft is investigating the matter but has not provided a timeline for a resolution.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

T-Life Not Working? This Might Be Why

The T-Life app, promoted as a comprehensive solution, is facing significant issues, particularly crashing upon launch for T-Mobile users who have updated their Pixel devices to the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. This problem is widespread among users of Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 devices, with reports indicating that the app briefly shows a splash screen before force closing. The crashing issue is not limited to the T-Life app, as several banking applications and other apps are also experiencing similar problems. Users are advised to log into their T-Mobile accounts via a web browser as a workaround, and if they consider rolling back the beta, it will erase all data on their phone. Issues like these are typically resolved through updates from the app developer or subsequent patches from Google.

Winsage

December 17, 2025

Microsoft asks IT admins to reach out for Windows IIS failures fix

Microsoft has informed the business community about a known issue with Message Queuing (MSMQ) affecting enterprise applications and Internet Information Services (IIS) sites. This problem primarily impacts users on Windows 10 22H2, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016 who installed specific security updates (KB5071546, KB5071544, and KB5071543) released in December 2025. Symptoms include inactive MSMQ queues, applications unable to write to queues, IIS sites failing with "insufficient resources" errors, and misleading messages about disk space or memory. The issue stems from changes to the MSMQ security model that altered permissions on the C:WindowsSystem32MSMQstorage folder, requiring MSMQ users to have write access to a directory typically restricted to administrators. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for a fix and suggests affected IT administrators contact their support team for temporary workarounds or consider rolling back the updates.