Windows 11 Support Thread

RedViking said:
😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 After running Dell Support tests the Computer restarted again and now it wants to do a nother repair (3rd time lucky?)

View attachment 1894426
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We would like to inform you that after going through the event viewer and mini dumps, we see an issue with the SSD drivers.
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Samsung SSD

Samsung-PM9F1-Solid-State-Drive-Firmware-Update_HCG1N_WIN64_7732.0509_A04_01
 

Microsoft: March Windows updates break Teams, OneDrive sign-ins - Bleeping Computer​

Microsoft says the March Windows 11 update breaks sign-ins with Microsoft accounts across multiple Microsoft apps, including Teams and OneDrive.

These sign-in issues appear after installing the KB5079473 cumulative update Microsoft released last week as part of this month's Patch Tuesday, and, according to a Windows release health dashboard update published on Wednesday, will trigger warnings that the impacted devices are not connected to the Internet.

The list of affected applications also includes Microsoft Edge, Excel, Word, and Microsoft 365 Copilot, which will display the same error message for features that require a Microsoft account sign-in.

"As a result of this issue, sign in attempts will display an error message with text similar to 'You'll need the Internet for this. It doesn't look like you're connected to the Internet.' This appears even if the device is connected to the Internet," Microsoft said.

"Please note that this issue occurs only with sign in operations involving Microsoft accounts, which are commonly used for Microsoft Teams Free. Businesses using Entra ID (previously known as Azure Active Directory) for app authentication will not be affected by this issue."

While working on a fix for this issue, Microsoft also provided a temporary workaround for those affected, which requires them to restart their PCs in the hope that the internet connectivity issues will resolve on their own.

"This issue occurs when the device enters a specific network connectivity state, and may resolve on its own. If you encounter this issue, restart the device while keeping it connected to the Internet. This should repair the device connectivity state and prevent the issue from occurring," Microsoft added.

"However, please note that if the device is restarted without an active internet connection, it might return to a connectivity state where the issue can occur again."

Since this month's Patch Tuesday Windows updates were released, Microsoft has also issued two emergency out-of-band (OOB) updates for hotpatch-enabled Windows 11 Enterprise devices that address a Bluetooth device visibility issue and several security flaws in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) management tool.

Microsoft has also shared guidance to fix C:\ drive access issues and app failures on some Samsung Windows 11 laptops, which are triggered by a buggy version of the Samsung Galaxy Connect (or Samsung Continuity Service) app.
Click to expand...

www.bleepingcomputer.com

Microsoft: March Windows updates break Teams, OneDrive sign-ins

Microsoft says the March Windows 11 update breaks sign-ins with Microsoft accounts across multiple Microsoft apps, including Teams and OneDrive.
www.bleepingcomputer.com www.bleepingcomputer.com
 

Microsoft unveils MAJOR improvements coming to Windows 11 this year — movable Taskbar, reduced RAM usage, less AI and ads, and much more CONFIRMED: "We are evolving how Windows is built behind the scenes to raise the quality bar" - Windows Central​

After feeling the heat from macOS and Linux, Microsoft is getting its act together and making significant changes to Windows 11 that will bring it up to par with the competition.

Microsoft just confirmed that it's working on multiple major updates to Windows 11 that will address user's biggest complaints with the platform over the last two years. Everything from general system performance and reliability to the ability to move the Taskbar and reduce ads will be addressed this year.

"We are focusing on making Windows 11 more responsive and consistent, so performance feels smooth and reliable," says Pavan Davuluri, EVP of Windows & Devices at Microsoft. "Over the course of the year, we’re improving system performance, app responsiveness, File Explorer and the Windows Subsystem for Linux, helping Windows stay fast as you move between apps and workloads.

By the end of this year, Microsoft says Windows 11 will be a much better, responsive OS that's more reliable and uses fewer system resources. It will feel faster and more consistent, with less annoyances from ads, AI, and updates. It will also be better at running on devices with limited memory.

Windows Search is also expected to be upgraded with faster and more accurate search results and a more unified experience across the Windows Search pane, File Explorer, and other areas of search in the system.

Microsoft is working with OEMs and driver vendors to ensure drivers that are delivered to devices are stable and of a much higher standard, which should help towards improving Windows' overall OS stability.
Click to expand...

It's not just under the hood improvements that are on the way, either. Microsoft says it's addressing top feedback from users that impact the user experience of the OS. It's working to reduce UI flicker in apps like File Explorer, deliver a more fluid and consistent UI experience across modern interfaces, and it's even bringing back the ability to move the Taskbar!
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"Repositioning the taskbar is one of the top asks we’ve heard from you. We are introducing the ability to reposition it to the top or sides of your screen, making it easier to personalize your workspace," confirms Davuluri.

Microsoft is also vowing to use its native Windows UI framework, WinUI, in more areas of the system, such as the Start menu, which up until now has been built using React. Switching to native WinUI should improve performance, thanks in part to major performance upgrades to WinUI that Microsoft is also promising to deliver this year.

The company says that Windows Update will be improved to allow users more control over how and when updates install. It will let users pause updates for "as long as needed," and is working to reduce how often Windows Update requires a restart so that it doesn't get in your way as often.

Microsoft has also announced that it will be reducing the number of places where Copilot appears throughout the OS, starting with Notepad, Photos, Snipping Tool, and Widgets.
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www.windowscentral.com

Microsoft announces major Windows 11 updates designed to fix biggest flaws

After feeling the heat from macOS and Linux, Microsoft is getting its act together and making significant changes to Windows 11 to fix its biggest issues.
www.windowscentral.com www.windowscentral.com

 

Microsoft 365 is paywalling most of Copilot in Office apps — what's changing?​

Commercial customers will soon need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to use Copilot Chat in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

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Microsoft isn't just scaling back Copilot in Windows 11, it's also reducing access to Copilot Chat for certain Microsoft 365 commercial customers. Starting April 15, 2026, Copilot Chat users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will not be able to access Copilot in Office apps, at least directly.

At the moment and until the change takes effect next month, those with a work or school account and a qualifying Microsoft 365 business subscription can use Copilot Chat in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote without an additional license.

After the cutoff in April, that functionality will be limited to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app for those without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Notably, Copilot in Outlook will sill work with inbox and calendar grounding for Copilot Chat users after April 15.

The change is explained in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center (MC1253858) and was first highlighted in a Discord channel.

"Starting April 15, 2026, Copilot will no longer be available in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for Copilot Chat users. To ensure a high-quality experience, we are reserving the full Copilot experience in these apps—with advanced reasoning and model choice—for users with a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license. If you would like users to access these experiences, you can provide a Microsoft 365 Copilot license."

Copilot Chat forms a unified chat experience across Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Edge, and the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. The tool can be used to analyze data, create content, and help you interact with supported apps.

Microsoft will have to update its support page and record a new video. At the moment, the Copilot Chat in Microsoft 365 support page specifically states that you can access Copilot Chat in Microsoft apps "all at no extra cost, and you don't need a Copilot add-on license."

The company lists everything you can do with Copilot Chat even if you don't have a Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on. Admittedly, those options are limited compared to those paying a premium, but they are more than nothing (at least for now).

If you have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, you won't see any changes. Those with a license will still be able to interact with Copilot Chat in apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

To reduce confusion, Microsoft will add in-product labels for users and admins. Those without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will see "Copilot Chat (Basic)." Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license will see "M365 Copilot (Premium).
Click to expand...

www.windowscentral.com

Microsoft is moving the best Copilot features in Office behind a paywall

The "free" access to Copilot inside Word and Excel is ending as Microsoft splits the assistant into "Basic" and "Premium" tiers.
www.windowscentral.com www.windowscentral.com
 

GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE! ​

- especially for @RedViking ;)

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Microsoft confirms you can now pause Windows 11 updates for as long as you want, no more “forced” reboots - Windows Latest​

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In a statement, Microsoft confirmed that it’s testing a new Windows update experience with greater control. This means you’ll be able to pause Windows updates for as long as you want, and it could be a game-changer for Windows 11’s reputation, as “forced” updates are among the loudest complaints from users.

In fact, Windows updates have been a meme for a while now, as Windows 11 can reboot and start installing updates when it thinks it’s the right time.

There’s even a well-known scene in a Netflix show (Space Force) where a mandatory Windows update locks scientists out of their system at the worst possible moment.


In fact, there are moments when you pause Windows updates, but they don’t actually stay paused if updates have already been downloaded.

Right now, it’s possible to pause Windows updates, but only for up to five weeks. If you go to Windows Update settings and select the drop-down menu, you can choose one of the options:
  • Pause for 1 week
  • Pause for 2 weeks
  • Pause for 3 weeks
  • Pause for 4 weeks
  • Pause for 5 weeks
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If you want greater control, you need to move into business or managed-device territory, where admins can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days.

However, some updates, such as Patch Tuesday updates, especially if they are already downloaded, can bypass the pause and install automatically when you try to shut down or restart your computer.

This changes now. Microsoft has confirmed it’ll no longer surprise you with forced Windows updates, especially when they’re paused.

First, you’ll be able to pause updates for as long as you want, although it’s unclear if there is still an upper limit. Second, Microsoft says it won’t restart or force-install updates when they are paused.

That means you’ll have full control over updates, even if that means delaying critical fixes.

Microsoft confirms a “single monthly reboot” for the Windows update system​

Microsoft is also moving Windows Update to a single monthly reboot, which means Windows 11 should be less disruptive, more reliable, and provide clearer progress updates.

“Less disruption from Windows Update, moving devices to a single monthly reboot, while organizations and users who wish to get new features and fixes faster remain able to do so,” Microsoft confirmed in a statement.

“Faster, more reliable update experiences, with clearer progress during updates and built-in recovery to help keep devices stable if something goes wrong,” the company added.

These changes will begin rolling out in the coming weeks to Windows Insiders.

Microsoft also confirmed it’s working on a movable taskbar, a faster Start menu, more native UI over WebView in Windows 11, and other changes today.

www.windowslatest.com

Microsoft confirms you can now pause Windows 11 updates for as long as you want, no more "forced" reboots

Microsoft confirmed that it's testing a new Windows update experience with greater control in Windows 11.
www.windowslatest.com www.windowslatest.com
 

Microsoft responds to Microslop criticism by scaling back Copilot in Windows 11, starting with Notepad and other apps - Windows Latest​

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Microsoft confirmed it’ll reduce Copilot in apps like Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets, but there are no plans to remove AI entirely from the operating system. Windows Latest understands that Microsoft might also drop Copilot branding from some AI features and focus more on performance.

There’s no denying that Windows 11’s reputation is at an all-time low, largely due to the fact that Microsoft has been aggressively pushing Copilot. In fact, the internet has coined a rather famous term for the Windows giant, and that is ‘Microslop,’ which simply means the company is pushing AI slop.

Over the past several months, Copilot has expanded and invaded nearly all apps in Windows 11, including Office, Microsoft Edge, Photos, MS Paint, and even Notepad.

Notepad has always been the simplest text editor on Windows 11, but that changed recently as Microsoft started adding new features, including markdown support and even Copilot. In fact, if you select a chunk of text in Notepad and right-click, you can choose to summarize or rewrite content using AI.
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You don’t expect Notepad to generate slop for you. The very purpose of Notepad is to note things down quickly, so why would you use AI to summarize content?

There are also upsells for Copilot and Microsoft 365 in Notepad, and nobody likes how a simple text editor has been transformed into an AI playground.

The good news is that Microsoft’s plans to reduce Copilot also cover Notepad.

The company says it won’t add Copilot to places where it doesn’t make sense, and one example is the Notepad app.

“You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well-crafted,” Microsoft noted in a statement.

“As part of this, we are reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad.”

It’s unclear if Microsoft will completely remove Copilot from Notepad or simply reduce the entry points, but either way, it’s a step in the right direction and gives me hope that the leadership is listening to feedback.

Notepad will continue to get new features, including full-fledged support for images, which isn’t exactly a bad thing because markdown is not only performance-friendly but can be turned off from Settings.
Click to expand...

www.windowslatest.com

Microsoft responds to Microslop criticism by scaling back Copilot in Windows 11, starting with Notepad and other apps

Microsoft confirmed it'll reduce Copilot in apps like Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets in Windows 11.
www.windowslatest.com www.windowslatest.com
 
Even less used operating systems like BSD seem to be having a lot less in the way of update bugs these days than Windows. Has anyone got to the core quality issues driving the Windows behavior?
 
garyc said:
Even less used operating systems like BSD seem to be having a lot less in the way of update bugs these days than Windows. Has anyone got to the core quality issues driving the Windows behavior?
Click to expand...
It could possibly be a MASSIVE (MyBB™️) over-abundance of their 'Copilot' AI slop that's been forced upon Windoze 11 users... 🤡:p

Microslop Logo.jpg
 
maumau said:
Me too
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Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) - Microsoft​

Find out how the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program helps keep your device secure.

What is Windows ESU?​

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 provides customers with a more secure option to continue using their Windows 10 PCs after October 14, 2025, while they transition to Windows 11. The ESU program helps reduce the risk of malware and cybersecurity attacks by providing access to critical and important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) for devices running Windows 10, version 22H2. ESU enrollment does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support.

Windows 10 support has ended. You can enroll in ESU any time until the program ends on October 13, 2026.

www.microsoft.com

Windows 10 Extended Security Updates | Microsoft Windows

Use Windows 10 securely with the Extended Security Updates program. See how it helps protect your PC and find out how to get it.
www.microsoft.com www.microsoft.com

Microsoft Killed Off Windows 10 Support. Here's How to Get It Free for Another Year - PC World​

Effective Oct. 14, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 10, but there are three ways to extend critical security updates and remain on the OS for another year.

RIP Windows 10. Formal support for Microsoft's older OS ended on Oct. 14, but if your PC isn't compatible with Windows 11 or you're not ready to upgrade, you can extend your support through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

The ESU program provides critical and important security updates for unsupported OSes, but does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. Initially, Microsoft planned to charge all users $30 to enroll in the ESU program, but it later announced two free options.

How to Sign Up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates​

Previously limited to Insiders, the program is now open to all individual users with Windows 10 devices running 22H2. Look for an enrollment wizard through notifications and in Settings, Microsoft says. Microsoft will only provide coverage through Oct. 13, 2026, for now.

Windows 10 users can get ESU through one of three available options.
  • Cash in 1,000 points from Microsoft's Rewards program; you earn points by using Microsoft's services. Downloading the Bing app alone, for example, gets you 500 points.
  • Sync your Windows Backup to Microsoft OneDrive. While Microsoft won't charge you anything extra for picking this option, you might need to buy extra OneDrive storage to fit your backup. By default, you only get 5GB for free.
  • The third option is the original one: pay $30 to receive critical updates for one year.

Should You Upgrade or Stick With Windows 10?​

Stricter hardware requirements for Windows 11 mean some Windows 10 users can't upgrade their aging PCs to the newest OS. There's a workaround, though Microsoft doesn't (officially) support it. If you're looking for an affordable Windows 11 PC, we have a few suggestions.

The good news for Windows 10 users, however, is that they can continue using Office apps (Microsoft 365) for three additional years. But even during this period, they will only receive security updates instead of new features, bug fixes, or comprehensive tech support.


Windows 10 Updates After End-Of-Life - MAS​

Official support for consumer Windows 10 editions ended October 14th 2025. For many, the obvious solution is to upgrade to Windows 11. However, many cannot because their hardware is unsupported. Others simply prefer Windows 10 and wish to remain on it for as long as possible.

Here are several solutions; feel free to select the one that best suits your needs.

massgrave.dev

Windows 10 Updates After End-Of-Life | MAS

Official support for consumer Windows 10 editions ended October 14th 2025. For many, the obvious solution is to upgrade to Windows 11. However, many cannot because their hardware is unsupported. Others simply prefer Windows 10 and wish to remain on it for as long as possible.
massgrave.dev massgrave.dev
 

New KB5085516 emergency update fixes Microsoft account sign-in - Bleeping Computer​

1774260414473.png

Microsoft has released an emergency update to address a major issue that breaks sign-ins with Microsoft accounts across multiple Microsoft apps, including Teams and OneDrive.

This issue appears after installing the KB5079473 cumulative update that Microsoft released as part of this month's Patch Tuesday, and it warns users that the affected devices are not connected to the Internet.

The list of affected apps also includes Microsoft Edge, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Office apps such as Excel and Word, which display the same error message for features that require a Microsoft account sign-in.

"As a result of this issue, sign in attempts will display an error message with text similar to 'You'll need the Internet for this. It doesn't look like you're connected to the Internet.' This appears even if the device is connected to the Internet," Microsoft said when it acknowledged the bug on Friday.

"Please note that this issue occurs only with sign in operations involving Microsoft accounts, which are commonly used for Microsoft Teams Free. Businesses using Entra ID (previously known as Azure Active Directory) for app authentication will not be affected by this issue."

While working on a fix, Microsoft also provided a temporary workaround for affected users that requires them to restart their PCs in the hope that the internet connectivity issues will resolve on their own.

Over the weekend, Microsoft started rolling out the KB5085516 optional out-of-band update, which addresses this bug and includes all patches delivered with the Microsoft 2025 Patch Tuesday Windows security update.

"This issue was resolved by Windows updates released March 21, 2026 (), and later updates. We recommend you install the latest updates for your device as they contain important improvements and issue resolutions, including this one," Microsoft said in a Saturday center update on the Windows release health dashboard.

"This OOB update is available for Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2 devices that receive standard Windows updates. It can be installed through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog."

Since this month's Patch Tuesday updates were released, Microsoft has issued two additional emergency updates for hotpatch-enabled Windows 11 Enterprise devices to address a Bluetooth device visibility issue and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) management tool.

It also shared guidance for fixing C:\ drive access issues on some Samsung Windows 11 laptops, which were triggered by a buggy version of the Samsung Galaxy Connect (or Samsung Continuity Service) app.
Click to expand...

www.bleepingcomputer.com

New KB5085516 emergency update fixes Microsoft account sign-in

Microsoft has released an emergency update to address a major issue that breaks sign-ins with Microsoft accounts across multiple Microsoft apps, including Teams and OneDrive.
www.bleepingcomputer.com www.bleepingcomputer.com
 
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