All news with #windows 11 tag

Microsoft Partially Resolves DRM Video Playback Issue

🔧 Microsoft says it has partially resolved an issue that caused DRM-protected video playback failures on Windows 11 24H2 systems after the August preview update (KB5064081) or later. Affected applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio experienced freezes, black screens, and copyright protection errors. The September preview update KB5065789 contains fixes, though Microsoft warns some audio DRM problems may continue for certain applications.

Windows 11 KB5065789: 41 fixes and new AI actions now

🛠 Microsoft released the optional preview cumulative update KB5065789 for Windows 11 24H2 (build 26100.6725), delivering 41 non-security changes and fixes. Highlights include new AI actions in File Explorer, an updated Click to Do menu, an Administrator Protection Preview, and passkey plugin integration. The update addresses high CPU usage in Windows Sandbox (VmmemCMFirstBoot), WSUS-related update failures, Windows Hello 0x80090010 errors on Entra ID–joined devices, HDR and Hyper-V TPM issues, and gaming performance with overlays. Microsoft lists a known DRM-related playback issue; install via Settings > Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Microsoft Photos adds AI Auto-Categorization on Windows

🤖 Microsoft is testing a new AI-powered Auto-Categorization capability in Microsoft Photos on Windows 11, rolling out to Copilot+ PCs across all Windows Insider channels. The feature automatically groups images into predefined folders — screenshots, receipts, identity documents, and notes — using a language-agnostic model that recognizes document types regardless of image language. Users can locate categorized items via the left navigation pane or Search bar, manually reassign categories, and submit feedback to improve accuracy. Microsoft has not yet clarified whether image processing happens locally or is sent to its servers.

Microsoft Removes Windows 11 24H2 Safeguard Hold After Fix

🔧 Microsoft removed a compatibility hold that prevented devices with integrated cameras from installing Windows 11, version 24H2 after fixing a face/object detection bug that could cause the Camera app, Windows Hello facial sign-in, and other camera-using apps to freeze. The safeguard (ID 53340062) has been lifted; eligible devices with no other holds should be offered the update via Windows Update within 48 hours, and restarting may speed the offer. Microsoft recommends installing the latest security update, which includes the fix.

Microsoft: Updates Causing DRM Video Playback Issues

🎬 Microsoft confirmed a known issue that prevents some apps from playing DRM-protected video content or from displaying and recording live TV on Windows 11 24H2 systems after installing the August non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later. Applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio may encounter copyright protection errors, frequent playback interruptions, freezing, or black screens. The vendor is working on a fix that will be delivered in a future Windows update.

Microsoft Rolls Out Gaming Copilot to Windows 11 PCs

🎮 Microsoft has begun a beta rollout of Gaming Copilot to Windows 11 PCs for users aged 18 and older outside mainland China. Integrated into the Game Bar via the Xbox PC app (Win+G), the assistant offers a Voice Mode for in‑game help, game recommendations, achievement checks and play‑history insights. Microsoft plans to push the feature to the Xbox mobile app on iOS and Android in October. Users can remove the widget from the Game Bar via Settings if they prefer.

Notepad Adds Free AI Writing Tools on Copilot+ Windows 11

📝 Microsoft is adding free AI-powered text features to Notepad on Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, rolling out now to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels on Notepad version 11.2508.28.0. The new Summarize, Write, and Rewrite tools were previously part of Microsoft 365 subscriptions but are available without an extra subscription on Copilot+ devices. Features support English only; subscribers can switch between local and cloud models while unsigned users use the local model. Users may disable the AI options in settings or uninstall the updated Notepad to use classic notepad.exe. Paint and Snipping Tool also received recent updates.

Microsoft to Remove WMIC After Windows 11 25H2 Upgrade

🔧 Microsoft has announced that the legacy WMIC command-line tool will be removed after systems are upgraded to Windows 11 25H2 and later. Administrators are advised to migrate scripts and automation to PowerShell or programmatic alternatives such as WMI's COM API or .NET libraries. The change affects only the WMIC client; the underlying WMI infrastructure remains supported. Microsoft says the removal reduces complexity and limits abuse of WMIC by threat actors.

Microsoft removes upgrade block for Windows 11 audio

🔧 Microsoft has removed a safeguard hold that blocked upgrades to Windows 11 24H2 on devices running Dirac audio enhancement software after reports that the component cridspapo.dll caused integrated speakers and Bluetooth audio devices to stop working. A new driver is available via Windows Update and Microsoft recommends installing the latest security update; restarting the device may speed the offering. The safeguard hold was lifted on September 11, 2025, but other upgrade blocks remain for unrelated driver and software incompatibilities.

Microsoft: September Windows Updates Break SMBv1 Shares

⚠️Microsoft confirmed that the September 2025 Windows security updates can break connections to SMBv1 shares when NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) is used. The issue affects client releases (Windows 11 24H2/23H2/22H2, Windows 10 22H2/21H2) and server releases (Windows Server 2025, 2022) and may occur if either the SMB client or server has the update. As a temporary workaround, administrators are advised to allow SMB traffic on TCP port 445 so Windows can switch from NetBT to TCP. Microsoft is investigating and developing a fix.

Microsoft warns Windows 10 support ends in 30 days

⚠️ Microsoft reminded customers that Windows 10 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025, with the October monthly update being the last security release for affected versions. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes or technical assistance for security, stability, or usability issues. Customers are advised to upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11, migrate to Windows 365 in the cloud, enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU), or consider LTSC/LTSC alternatives for specialized devices.

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro end support Nov 11, 2025

⚠️ Microsoft warned that devices running Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of servicing on November 11, 2025, with the November 2025 monthly security update as the last release for those editions. Enterprise and Education SKUs will continue to receive mainstream support until November 10, 2026. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, but Microsoft has applied safeguard holds for systems with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers, SenseShield code‑obfuscation drivers, wallpaper customization tools, certain integrated cameras, and Dirac audio software.

Microsoft fixes NDI streaming issues from August updates

🔧 Microsoft has resolved severe lag and stuttering issues affecting NDI streaming on Windows 10 and Windows 11 that appeared after the August 2025 cumulative security updates. The root cause was tied to KB5063878 and KB5063709 and manifested as dropped NDI traffic and degraded performance specifically over RUDP connections, while UDP and Single-TCP streams were unaffected. On September 9, 2025, Microsoft released fixes (KB5065426 and KB5065429) and recommends applying those updates; NDI also published a temporary workaround to switch Receive Mode to Single TCP or UDP in the NDI Tools Access Manager for systems that cannot immediately update.

Microsoft Fixes UAC Prompts and App Install Issues

🔧 Microsoft has issued a fix for an August 2025 update that caused unexpected User Account Control (UAC) prompts and blocked MSI app installations for non-administrative users across multiple Windows client and server releases. The behavior resulted from a security patch addressing CVE-2025-50173, which introduced broader elevation checks to mitigate privilege escalation. Microsoft’s September 2025 update narrows when UAC is required for MSI repairs and lets IT administrators add specific MSI packages to an allowlist via new SecureRepairPolicy and SecureRepairWhitelist registry keys. The company also resolved a separate bug that caused severe lag and stuttering in NDI streaming software on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Windows 11 September 2025 Updates KB5065426 & KB5065431

🔒 Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5065426 (24H2) and KB5065431 (23H2) as the September 2025 Patch Tuesday rollup; these mandatory updates address security vulnerabilities and multiple reliability and UX issues. Install via Start > Settings > Windows Update or download from the Microsoft Update Catalog; Enterprise/Hotpatch systems receive KB5065474 reporting build 26100.6508. After updating, 24H2 moves to build 26100.6584 and 23H2 to build 226x1.5909, and Microsoft warns that support for 23H2 ends on November 11, 2025.

Microsoft Tests AI Actions in Windows 11 File Explorer

🤖 Microsoft is testing new AI actions in Windows 11 File Explorer that let users manipulate images and interact with files without opening them. Currently supported edits for JPG, JPEG, and PNG files include background removal, object erasure, background blur, and a reverse image search via Bing. Insiders on Canary Channel Build 27938 can access these tools from the right-click contextual menu. A new privacy control also shows which third-party apps have used Windows' generative AI models and lets users manage access.

August Windows updates trigger UAC prompts, block installs

⚠️ Microsoft says the August 2025 security updates are causing unexpected User Account Control (UAC) credential prompts and preventing application installations and MSI repair operations for non‑admin users across supported Windows client and server releases. The behavior stems from a patch addressing CVE-2025-50173, a Windows Installer privilege escalation vulnerability that now enforces elevated UAC prompts during MSI repair and related operations. Affected scenarios include MSI repair commands, ConfigMgr deployments relying on per‑user advertising, Secure Desktop enablement, and launching certain Autodesk applications. Microsoft plans a fix allowing admins to exempt specific apps and recommends running affected apps as administrator or applying a Known Issue Rollback via support as a temporary mitigation.

Windows 11 KB5064081 Clarifies Task Manager CPU Metrics

🔧 Microsoft published the optional KB5064081 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, moving affected systems to build 26100.5074 and rolling out thirty-six new features and fixes. The update standardizes CPU reporting in Task Manager so the Processes tab now uses the same calculation as Performance and Users: (Δ Process CPU Time) ÷ (Δ Elapsed Time × Logical Processors), making metrics consistent and aligning them with third‑party monitors. Users who want the legacy view can enable an optional CPU Utility column in the Details tab. The release also bundles UI, File Explorer, Taskbar, Windows Hello, backup, and numerous bug fixes, while Microsoft lists two known issues (CertEnroll errors and NDI streaming lag).

Microsoft Fixes Bug Causing Certificate Enrollment Errors

🔧 Microsoft has addressed a known issue that produced false CertificateServicesClient (CertEnroll) error events after the July 2025 non-security preview (KB5062660) and subsequent Windows 11 24H2 updates. The events referenced the Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Provider not being loaded but were benign and caused by a partially integrated feature still under development. The fix is rolling out automatically and requires no user action.

Microsoft: August KB5063878 not tied to SSD failures

🔍 Microsoft says its August 2025 security update, KB5063878, is not connected to recent reports of SSD and HDD failures. After internal testing and telemetry analysis, Redmond said it could not reproduce the corruption or drive losses and found no increase in disk failures following the Windows 11 24H2 update. Microsoft is working with storage partners and controller vendors and will continue to monitor customer feedback while investigating any new reports.