workarounds Archives

Winsage

September 15, 2026

30 Days Until Windows 11 24H2 Support Ends; Excel Paste Glitch Surfaces Simultaneously

Microsoft announced on September 14 that the Windows 11 24H2 edition, including Home and Pro versions, has only 30 days of support remaining, with a deadline for updates set for October 13, 2026. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 25H2 or later to continue receiving security updates. The Enterprise and Education editions will have support until October 12, 2027. Users have reported issues from September's security updates, particularly with the Office patch KB5002914, which disrupts the copy-and-paste function in Excel across multiple versions. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue but has not yet released a fix. A temporary workaround involves manually removing the problematic patch, though this also removes the associated security fixes. Additionally, users have experienced connection drops and unresponsiveness in Remote Desktop Services (RDS) across various Windows versions, including Windows 11 26H1 and Windows Server 2012. Microsoft confirmed that related tools may also stop responding, and restarting virtual machines may temporarily restore functionality. USB audio issues have been reported on certain USB Audio Class 1.0 devices across Windows 11 versions, with users experiencing loss of audio output and corrupted sound settings. Switching to 2-channel mode has helped some users, but Microsoft has not provided a timeline for a comprehensive fix. As Windows Server 2012 nears the end of its Extended Security Updates period on October 13, 2026, the RDS issues add pressure on administrators. Users on 24H2 need to prioritize migration to 25H2, while those with the latest updates should be cautious regarding Excel and Remote Desktop functionalities.

Winsage

September 15, 2026

Microsoft account refuseniks have another way of installing Windows

A workaround has been discovered for Windows 11 Home Edition users that allows them to bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account during setup. Users can click the "Learn more" hyperlink during the account prompt in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) to proceed without signing in. This method has been demonstrated by a user named "Bob Pony" and is currently functional, although it may not last long as Microsoft typically addresses such loopholes. The workaround is exclusive to the Home Edition, and users of Windows 11 Pro have different options available.

AppWizard

September 11, 2026

Another New Android Auto Feature Is Mysteriously Gone

In recent months, the wavy progress bar feature in music applications on Android Auto, which replaced the traditional straight line, has disappeared for some users, particularly affecting Spotify. This feature was introduced to enhance the user interface but did not provide significant functional benefits. Users have reported that the wavy design reverts to a straight line when the app is in full-screen mode, while it appears on the Coolwalk screen. Additionally, Google Maps has stopped displaying a speedometer, which users find frustrating. There are calls for Google to implement a toggle feature for the progress bar design preference. The latest version of Android Auto, build 17.6, is currently available, with updates expected soon.

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

I’ve Been Gaming On Linux For Five Years – Is It Ready To Replace Windows?

Steam Deck debuted in early 2022 with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that uses the Wine-based Proton compatibility layer to run Windows games. This development has significantly advanced Linux gaming, with approximately 95% of games functioning well on Linux. Steam's Verified program lists nearly 9,000 Verified games, and around 30,000 playable titles, with only about 1% of popular games failing to run entirely. Anti-cheat systems remain a major limitation, preventing popular titles like "Fortnite" and "League of Legends" from being playable on Linux. Game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW offer alternatives for playing anti-cheat games on Linux. Linux distributions provide better controller support compared to Windows, particularly for handhelds and living room PCs. Accessing non-Steam games can be cumbersome, though tools like Heroic Launcher help. Compatibility issues with proprietary standards, such as HDMI 2.1 support, persist in Linux gaming.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google finally brings some relief to older Chromecast owners

Google has resolved a setup issue affecting older Chromecast devices that arose after an update to the Google Home app, which left many users unable to set up their devices. Users are advised to update their Google Home app to version 4.26 or newer to resolve the issue. Those still experiencing problems after the update should contact Google's support team. Prior to the fix, users had attempted various workarounds, and confusion was exacerbated by updated support documentation suggesting that older devices were no longer supported. The issues were determined to be due to a software glitch rather than a withdrawal of support.

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft is blocking the problem to fix Windows 11 KB5121003 restarts, crashes

Microsoft addressed printing issues and gaming-related complications linked to recent .NET Patch Tuesday updates. The problems were associated with RGB applications and the inpoutx64 system driver, which caused compatibility issues when certain games were launched. Microsoft has implemented a block to prevent the inpoutx64 driver from loading on affected devices, specifically targeting systems with the driver enabled and ARC Raiders installed. Users will receive a notification after the block is implemented, and the game should launch without further issues. The block is also being extended to systems running MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, while the issue with THE FINALS has been resolved. The resolution is being distributed automatically, and users need to restart their devices after the fix is applied. For enterprise-managed devices, IT administrators must manually apply the fix. Microsoft provided a temporary workaround by suggesting users disable the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry. Users can change the Start value in the Registry Editor to 4 to disable the driver and may need to restart their devices for changes to take effect. Users are advised to back up the Registry before making modifications, and they can restore the driver by reverting the Start value back to its original setting.

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Microsoft Now Says Your RGB Lighting Is Why Windows Keeps Crashing Your Games, and There Is a Registry Fix

Microsoft has identified RGB peripherals and components as the source of game crashes following the August 11 Patch Tuesday rollup for Windows 11. The issue stems from drivers or code components resembling inpoutx64, which are triggered when certain games are launched. Embark Studios linked the problem to update KB5121003, and Microsoft confirmed the connection to inpoutx64.sys, although the root cause involves changes to the Windows kernel driver. A temporary workaround involves editing the registry to disable the inpoutx64 driver, though this may affect RGB functionality. Affected games include ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, with symptoms like game freezing and unexpected closures. Rolling back the update is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities it addressed. The inpoutx64.sys driver has been included with various RGB and monitoring software, and Microsoft is investigating the issue further, asking users for feedback. No timeline for a permanent fix has been provided.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

GBA Emulator Android: My Boy! vs John GBAC vs RetroArch

Game Boy Advance emulation on Android has gained significant traction in 2026, with key applications like My Boy! priced at .99, John GBAC receiving an update on May 19, 2026, and RetroArch enhancing its mGBA core for free use. The search term "gba emulator android" sees around 8,100 monthly searches in the U.S., reflecting a resurgence in interest, particularly among former GBA owners now in their late 20s and 30s who prefer using their smartphones for gaming. All five apps—My Boy!, GBA.emu, John GBAC, RetroArch, and Lemuroid—can run the entire GBA library at full speed on devices from the last six years. The main differences lie in software quality, including save state management, cheat code reliability, controller mapping, and update frequency. My Boy! and GBA.emu utilize cores derived from VisualBoyAdvance (VBA), while John GBAC uses a custom core, and RetroArch and Lemuroid rely on the mGBA core. In terms of features, all apps support save states, but My Boy! offers multiple named slots with thumbnail previews, while RetroArch has a more complex system. Cheat code support is available across the board, with My Boy! and GBA.emu accepting GameShark and CodeBreaker formats, and RetroArch providing a built-in cheat database. My Boy! stands out for its link-cable emulation, allowing local multiplayer connections, whereas RetroArch's netplay is designed for online gaming. All apps support external controllers, but RetroArch excels in visual enhancements with its extensive shader options. The setup process for all five apps is similar and typically takes under ten minutes. GBA ROMs are small, ranging from 4MB to 32MB, making them easy to store on modern devices without significant battery drain. Common issues include save files not loading, audio problems, and cheat codes failing to apply, with solutions often involving file management and settings adjustments. Users can migrate save files between emulators by ensuring the correct file naming and directory structure. Pros and cons of each app include: - My Boy!: Ad-free, strong multiplayer support, but lower rating and closed-source. - GBA.emu: High rating and broad support, but outdated and lacks a free trial. - John GBAC: Free and recently updated, but lower rating and ad-supported. - RetroArch: Free and feature-rich, but complex setup. - Lemuroid: User-friendly and actively maintained, but limited shader options. All five apps are legally available on Google Play, as they do not distribute copyrighted ROM files. Users are advised to source their ROMs legally, ideally by dumping from their own physical cartridges. GBA emulation remains an accessible entry point into retro gaming on Android, especially compared to more demanding systems like the PS2 or GameCube.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11’s File Explorer is restoring a feature it disabled for security, with a new “Preview anyway” button

Windows 11 will reintroduce the “Preview anyway” button for downloaded files in File Explorer, enhancing functionality and convenience. This update is expected to roll out in the coming weeks. The Preview pane in File Explorer stopped displaying previews for downloaded files on October 14, 2025, due to a security measure implemented by Microsoft to protect users from potential threats associated with previewing unsafe files. Users received warnings when attempting to preview downloaded files, advising them to trust the source. The restriction affects files marked with the Mark of the Web, including various downloads from browsers and email attachments. Previously, users could unblock files manually or through PowerShell scripts. The new “Preview anyway” button will allow users to override the warning for trusted files while still receiving a cautionary message.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft blames RGB peripherals for crashing Windows 11 — RGB software is causing blue screens, crashes, and game freezes

Windows 11 users are experiencing system instabilities, including game freezes, crashes, and blue screen errors, following the KB5121003 update. The issue is linked to RGB software that conflicts with essential system components. Affected online multiplayer games, such as Arc Raiders and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, are particularly impacted, with players encountering "EXCEPTIONACCESSVIOLATION" errors. The problematic driver, often named "inpoutx64," is associated with RGB lighting control and operates in kernel space, leading to vulnerabilities that anti-cheat mechanisms aim to mitigate. When the driver is blocked, it causes critical errors resulting in system crashes. Microsoft has suggested temporary workarounds using compatible programs like SignalRGB or OpenRGB to manage RGB devices without triggering anti-cheat alerts. Users are encouraged to report issues through the Feedback Hub for resolution prioritization.