Recent Discussions
Best snipping tool for Windows 11 and where to download?
Recently, after upgrading to Windows 11, I found that the snipping tool that comes with Windows 11 is particularly unpleasant to use. Sometimes you can't find where to save the screenshot, and the editing function is very simple, even the basic cropping has to be handled by another software. As an office worker who often needs to make document records and meeting minutes, a smooth and good screenshot tool is really too important! Mainly hope to meet the following requirements: 1️⃣ operation is simple and fast (preferably can be customized shortcut keys) 2️⃣ support screenshot directly after editing labeling 3️⃣ save file path easy to modify 4️⃣ Doesn't take up too much system resources. If there is a video recording + screenshot function at the same time, it would be better! I'm currently using the free snipping tool as a temporary emergency, but it doesn't feel professional enough. Which is the best snipping tool for Windows 11 that you are using? Any hidden gems you'd recommend?
Windows Explorer doesn't show video thumbnails anymore [Win11Pro]
For several days now, Windows Explorer has not been displaying video thumbnails; instead, the program icon is displayed. This only affects video files (mp4, avi, mov, gif, etc.)—other icons, such as those for images and PDFs, are displayed correctly. It affects all folders on the system. No changes or updates have been made to the video player. Videos play correctly in the player. The problem with video thumbnails also exists in WhatsApp Desktop (installed via Microsoft Store). Version: Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (Build 26200.7171) Update status: latest (without beta) Attempted fixes: • Deleted thumbnail/icon cache • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth • sfc /scannow all unsuccessful regarding the thumbnailsHow to Run Windows 11 Smoothly on a 5- or 7-Year-Old Laptop/PC
In this blog, we will go through practical, step-by-step optimizations to help Windows 11 run fast and stable on aging hardware, including systems with older CPUs, mechanical hard drives, or limited RAM. Whether your computer just barely meets the Windows 11 requirements or you installed it using a bypass method these steps will help you squeeze the most performance out of it. https://dellenny.com/how-to-run-windows-11-smoothly-on-a-5-or-7-year-old-laptop-pc/How to Set Up Remote Desktop on Windows 11? A Beginner’s Guide
In this blog, we will go through what Remote Desktop is, how to enable it in Windows 11, how to connect from another device, and how to solve common issues that may arise during setup. https://dellenny.com/how-to-set-up-remote-desktop-on-windows-11-a-beginners-guide/
Windows 11 23H2 → 25H2 in-place upgrade fails in SAFE_OS / MIGRATE_DATA
I'm trying to in-place upgrade a Windows 11 23H2 system to 25H2 and consistently get a rollback in the SAFE_OS / MIGRATE_DATA phase with 0x8007042B – 0x2000D. After a lot of analysis (Panther logs, SetupDiag, DISM, etc.), the failure always points to migration problems around Microsoft-Windows-TPM-Driver-WMI (CCSIAgent) and, secondarily, Microsoft-Windows-DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client (adammigrate.dll). I'd like to confirm whether this is a known 25H2 migration issue (especially on Education) and if there is any supported workaround short of a clean install. --- ENVIRONMENT - OS: Windows 11 Education 23H2, Build 22631.6276 - Edition: Education (confirmed via winver and Settings → System → About) - Target: Windows 11 25H2 (26200.6584, "2025 Update") - Upgrade method tried: - Windows Update feature enablement - Windows 11 Installation Assistant - Official 25H2 ISO (26200.6584.250915-1905.25h2_ge_release_svc_refresh_CLIENT_CONSUMER_x64FRE_en-us.iso) mounted locally → setup.exe - Hardware: - Motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 AORUS PRO (BIOS F31) - SSD: WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe (firmware 731130WD, WD Dashboard reports "Healthy", no errors) - TPM 2.0: Intel PTT (firmware TPM) enabled - Secure Boot: Enabled - BitLocker on C: OFF (fully decrypted) --- SYMPTOM Every full in-place upgrade attempt (23H2 → 25H2) behaves as follows: 1. Setup runs, copies files, reboots to SAFE_OS phase. 2. During MIGRATE_DATA, setup fails and rolls back to 23H2. 3. Message on screen: "0x8007042B – 0x2000D The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during MIGRATE_DATA operation" In C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setuperr.log / setupact.log, the failure is always in SAFE_OS / MIGRATE_DATA and includes: V2VArbitrate: Source migration unit <System>\Microsoft-Windows-TPM-Driver-WMI (CCSIAgent) is not supported on the destination machine and it will not be restored V2VArbitrate: Source migration unit is critical, arbitration will fail V2V Arbitration failed. Last error: 0x00000032 pSPExecuteApply: Apply operation failed. Error: 0x0000002C Apply (machine-independent apply, offline phase): Migration phase failed. Result: 44 ExecuteOperations: Failed execution phase Safe OS. Error: 0x8007042B On some runs, just before the TPM arbitration failure, there are also errors related to DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client: Failure while calling IPostApply->ApplySuccess for Plugin="Microsoft-Windows-DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client\adammigrate.dll"… Error: 0x80070002 Error READ, 0x00000002 while gathering/applying object: apply-success, Action,CMXEXmlPlugin, C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\ReplacementManifests, Microsoft-Windows-DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client\adammigrate.dll… However, the ADAM plugin errors are logged as "ignore" in some traces, while the actual rollback is always tied to the critical TPM-Driver-WMI migration unit. --- WHAT I HAVE ALREADY TRIED I've tried to rule out all the usual suspects and a bit more: 1. Health checks & storage - sfc /scannow → no integrity violations - DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth / CheckHealth / RestoreHealth → clean - chkdsk C: /scan → no file system / bad sector issues - WD Dashboard extended test → drive healthy, no SMART warnings 2. Drivers, TPM, AV, services - TPM: - Device: "Trusted Platform Module 2.0" (ACPI\MSFT0101\1) - Driver provider: Microsoft (inbox TPM driver), no OEM TPM drivers - pnputil /enum-drivers | findstr /i tpm shows only Microsoft TPM entries; any OEM/TMP-related oem*.inf were removed. - Legacy / problematic drivers: - Removed old Intel CougarPoint USB driver (oem25.inf) via pnputil /delete-driver oem25.inf /uninstall /force. - Antivirus / security: - McAfee WebAdvisor fully uninstalled. - Kaspersky products uninstalled via standard uninstallers and then cleaned with Kaspersky's kavremover in Safe Mode. - No Kaspersky services, drivers, files, or uninstall entries remain. - Currently only Microsoft Defender is active. - Telemetry: - Connected User Experiences and Telemetry (DiagTrack) service set to Manual and Running to avoid telemetry-related cancellation (0x800704C7). 3. Upgrade artefacts / component cleanup - Deleted: - C:\$WINDOWS.~BT - C:\$GetCurrent - C:\$WINDOWS.~WS - C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download - Ran: - DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase - Then again DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow 4. ISO & media verification - 23H2 ISO: Win11_23H2_English_x64.iso (official multi-edition ISO, SHA-256 verified). - 25H2 ISO: 26200.6584.250915-1905.25h2_ge_release_svc_refresh_CLIENT_CONSUMER_x64FRE_en-us.iso (official 25H2 ISO, SHA-256 verified). - Both mounted locally; upgrade run via setup.exe from the ISO (no third-party media tools). - Tried with Dynamic Update enabled and disabled (/DynamicUpdate Disable). 5. Compatibility scan vs full upgrade behavior - Running from 25H2 ISO: setup.exe /Compat ScanOnly /DynamicUpdate Disable → completes WITHOUT logging the earlier TPM-Driver-WMI / MIGRATE_DATA critical failures. - However, when running a FULL in-place upgrade (same ISO, same environment, DynamicUpdate disabled, "Keep personal files and apps"), the upgrade still fails in SAFE_OS / MIGRATE_DATA with the same TPM-Driver-WMI critical arbitration error and rollback. So, compatibility scan looks clean, but the real SAFE_OS/MIGRATE_DATA phase still hits the TPM-Driver-WMI migration problem. 6. ADAM / DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client state - DISM shows DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client feature as Disabled. - The ADAM migration plugin (adammigrate.dll) logs 0x80070002 during IPostApply->ApplySuccess on some runs. - As suggested in other cases, I have tried: - dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client /norestart → reboot - dism /online /disable-feature /featurename:DirectoryServices-ADAM-Client /norestart → reboot - The ADAM error sometimes disappears or is logged as "ignored", but the TPM-Driver-WMI critical arbitration error persists and still causes rollback. 7. Attempt to repair TPM-Driver-WMI as a package (failed) Following the idea that TPM-Driver-WMI might be a partially removed servicing package, I: - Ran: DISM /Online /Get-Packages | findstr /i "TPM-Driver-WMI" → NO ENTRIES. There is no Microsoft-Windows-TPM-Driver-WMI-Package~… installed as a standalone package. - Mounted Win11_23H2_English_x64.iso as G: and searched for *TPM-Driver-WMI*.cab: → No such cab found anywhere in the ISO. - Mounted install.wim (index 4, Education) read-only and inspected Windows\servicing\Packages, and ran offline DISM /Image:... /Get-Packages | findstr TPM: → No Microsoft-Windows-TPM-Driver-WMI package or mum/cab. Only the component payload exists in WinSxS (amd64_microsoft-windows-tpm-driver-wmi_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.22621.1...), but there is no installable package to feed into DISM /Add-Package. So there is NO STANDALONE TPM-Driver-WMI package that I can re-add or repair via DISM; it appears baked into the base image. --- CURRENT SITUATION - TPM driver: Microsoft inbox, no OEM TPM drivers. - AV: only Defender. - Component store: DISM /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow are clean. - Storage: healthy. - Telemetry service: running. - ADAM client: "enable → disable" cycle tried. - 25H2 compatibility scan: now passes without TPM migration errors. - Full upgrade: still fails in SAFE_OS / MIGRATE_DATA with: - Source migration unit <System>\Microsoft-Windows-TPM-Driver-WMI (CCSIAgent) is not supported on the destination machine and it will not be restored - Source migration unit is critical, arbitration will fail - V2V Arbitration failed. Last error: 0x00000032 - pSPExecuteApply: Apply operation failed. Error: 0x0000002C - ExecuteOperations: Failed execution phase Safe OS. Error: 0x8007042B At this point, the only remaining options I can see are: - In-place repair install of 23H2 using the 23H2 ISO (setup.exe → keep apps & data), to rebuild the whole servicing/migration stack, and then retry 25H2; - Or clean install 25H2 from scratch. Before I go down that path, I'd like to know: --- QUESTIONS 1. Is this a known migration issue in Windows 11 25H2 (especially for Education) involving Microsoft-Windows-TPM-Driver-WMI (CCSIAgent)? In other words, is the "not supported on the destination machine" for this migration unit an expected symptom of a current 25H2 bug or a misconfiguration on my side? 2. Is there any supported way to reset/repair/ignore the TPM-Driver-WMI migration unit on the source side, given that: - there is no standalone Microsoft-Windows-TPM-Driver-WMI-Package~*.cab in the 23H2 ISO, and - DISM /Get-Packages does not list such a package? 3. Is an in-place repair install of 23H2 the recommended next step in this scenario, or is the official guidance to perform a clean install of 25H2 when SAFE_OS / MIGRATE_DATA fails on a critical migration unit like this? 4. Is there any known difference between consumer vs Education/volume 25H2 media that could affect whether the TPM-Driver-WMI migration manifest is present on the target image? Any official guidance or confirmation (e.g., "this is a known issue; wait for an updated 25H2 image or cumulative update" vs "your 23H2 install is irreparably corrupted, clean install recommended") would be very helpful before I commit to a wipe-and-reinstall. Thank you in advance.
Anticipating Windows 12: Enhancements We Long For
As we eagerly anticipate the release of Windows 12, it's essential to voice our expectations and desires for the next iteration of this iconic operating system. Here's a breakdown of what we hope to see in Windows 12: Faster Execution: We envision a Windows 12 that operates with lightning speed, offering seamless performance even on older hardware. Enhancements in optimization and resource management are paramount to achieving this goal. Users crave an OS that responds instantaneously to commands and launches applications swiftly, enhancing productivity and user satisfaction. Better UI Design: A visually appealing and intuitive user interface is integral to the Windows experience. We anticipate a sleek and modern design language in Windows 12, with customizable elements to cater to individual preferences. Consistency across all aspects of the UI, from icons to menus, will streamline navigation and enhance user interaction. Support for Android Apps: In an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, the integration of Android app support into Windows 12 would be a game-changer. Seamless compatibility with popular Android applications would broaden the software ecosystem, empowering users with access to a vast array of tools and services. This integration would bridge the gap between PC and mobile platforms, offering a unified experience across devices. Enhanced Security Features: Security remains a top priority for users in an age of digital threats and privacy concerns. Windows 12 must bolster its defenses with robust built-in security features, including advanced encryption, secure boot processes, and proactive threat detection mechanisms. Empowering users with greater control over their data privacy settings and implementing stringent security protocols will instill confidence in the platform. Expanded App Store Library: The Windows Store is a cornerstone of the Windows ecosystem, providing users with a curated selection of applications and utilities. However, we aspire to see an expansion of the Store's offerings in Windows 12, with a focus on quality and diversity. Encouraging developers to bring their apps to the platform through incentives and support programs will enrich the user experience and foster innovation. In conclusion, Windows 12 represents an opportunity to redefine the standards of excellence in operating system design. By addressing the expectations outlined above – faster execution, better UI design, support for Android apps, enhanced security features, and an expanded app store library – Microsoft can deliver a next-generation OS that delights users and propels the Windows platform into the future. Let's continue to engage in constructive discussions and feedback as we embark on this exciting journey toward Windows 12.Snapped window groups and individual windows
So Windows 11 introduced the option to group windows by using the snapping layout feature. It also allows you to show the group when alt-tab-ing or when hoving over the windows on the taskbar for example (Settings -> Multitasking -> show snapped windows when I hover over taskbar apps, in Task View, and when I press Alt + Tab). This is a great feature but there is a single flow with it. When a user decides to treat with these windows as a window group and not as individual windows, the OS should do too. What I'm trying to say it, when you enable this feature and alt+tab for example, I should see the group listed but not the individual windows as well. That pollutes the alt+tab screen a lot and ultimately makes the screen unusable. Same for the taskbar icons.
Mikrofon Probleme
Guten Tag, seit dem Update auf Windows 11 funktioniert mein Mikrofon nicht mehr. Mein Notebook Acebook1 1 ist seit 1-2 Wochen in Gebrauch und ist an sich ein relativ neues Notebook. Der Support hat schon probiert Treiber zu deinstallieren, installieren... Der Audioeingang wird nicht erkannt. Sowohl ein integriertes Mikrofon wurde nicht erkannt, als auch die Mikrofon Buchse mit einem Headset. Ich vermute der Treiber hat einen Bug. Kann mir da jemand bitte weiterhelfen? GrussMicrosoft finally admits almost all major Windows 11 core features are broken
A major new Windows 11 update has introduced widespread stability issues affecting core system functionality. Many users, including myself, are now experiencing frequent and disruptive problems like File Explorer crashes, slow performance, taskbar glitches, and Bluetooth failures, which together make the operating system frustratingly unreliable for daily use.Windows 11 Title Bar Inconsistencies
In title bars I noticed a number of inconsistencies. I use dark mode. The setting in Personalization > Colors have both "Show accent color on Start and taskbar" and "Show accent color on title bars and windows borders". Most apps show my selected color in title bars. When I open File Explorer, Settings, Microsoft Store, Notepad, Office, and probably other MS related apps, only the border of the window may show my selected color. A handful of third party apps show the same thing. I know that a few updates ago, MS swapped the positions of the tool bar and address bar and added tabs for File Explorer. I don't know if that messed anything up. Are there different types of title bars?
Biometrics - Some of these settings are hidden or managed by your organization
-When going in windows to ->Sign ins-> I am unable to set biometrics. *Some of these settings are hidden or managed by your organization. for e.g. Windows Hello Face This option is currently unavailable - Click to learn more -To try and solve this issue, I enabled Windows Hello for business from Intune -> Device -> enrollment -> Windows hello for business. But issue persists, What do you think could be the issue.Nearly a billion PCs are still running Windows 10, and half are too old to upgrade
Many PCs worldwide are still running Windows 10, with nearly a billion machines using this operating system. Unfortunately, a significant portion of these devices are too outdated to support the latest updates or upgrades, leaving users vulnerable to security risks and missing out on new features.
Which USB or network device to disable power-saving shut-off for when transferring files?
I'm trying to transfer a lot of files (tens of gigabytes at this point, but it could be hundreds) over a network from one USB-connected drive on a laptop to another one (of each). However, I come back to the desk (after the screen has gone to sleep) after a long while (like, 1-10 hours), and the transfer has stopped with an error that the network is disconnected or the remote laptop isn't on the network anymore or the drive doesn't exist or the file doesn't exist The laptops are configured to never go to sleep or hibernate automatically while plugged in (as they both are). Also on one of the devices, it loses WiFi connection when I wake the screen after hours. I've tracked down the problem to likely be Windows' device settings to shut-off the device for power-saving reasons after a set time period of not using the device (like when I walk away from the computer). The timeout is apparently not related to the typical power settings based on keyboard and mouse usage, but is within its own arbitrarily-determined Microsoft realm. It's absurd that Microsoft would program Windows to stop ongoing file transfers with power-saving features on plugged-in devices... it just goes against what the user is trying to do. When I follow instructions to disable the power-saving feature for the devices, so that large transfers can complete in the background over hours or days (I've never had the issue with Linux), I can't tell which devices to change. There's a long list in Network and USB devices (in Device Manager) that looks like gobbledygook to me for the most part. I don't want to toggle one that I don't need to then have an issue. I'll try to paste screenshot examples below from the computer I'm on right now.Random files not opening in fresh Windows 10 Enterprise installation
Hi folks, been a long time since I visited here, I hope everyone is doing well and has happy holidays this year. So I have a Windows 10 enterprise, installation and: 1 I turned off a lot of analytics in this install, all before I turned on the internet access. 2) Now when I click on some random files (but not every file), I get a quick small blank popup for a fraction of a second, and the file doesn't open. (this was happening before I turned the internet on, and is still happening afterwards). 3) One of the files that was blinking out was throwing a Microsoft popup from the right side of the screen and when I clicked on it, it said Windows was not allowing it to run, so I click on that window and turned that one off. Well the random files keep shutting down anyway. Anyone here have a fix or at least an explanation for what might be happening?Login nicht möglich, da ich mein Windows 10 Passwort vergessen habe
Hallo zusammen, ich stehe vor einem dringenden Problem, da ich mein Windows 10 Passwort vergessen habe und mich nicht mehr an meinem Computer anmelden kann. Ich habe bereits versucht, das Kennwort über mein Microsoft-Konto online zurückzusetzen, aber ich suche nach Lösungen für ein lokales Konto, falls das nicht funktioniert. Hat jemand Erfahrung damit, wie man in diesem Fall vorgehen kann, ohne das System komplett neu installieren zu müssen? Ich wäre sehr dankbar für Tipps oder offizielle Methoden, um den Zugriff wiederherzustellen, wenn man das Windows 10 Passwort vergessen hat.Malware inside cursor – be careful on Windows computer...
after some research i found out that this malware has already infected a lot of npm packages what's confusing is that these files were installed inside cursor's own directory of course i understand cursor itself didn't not install the package intially i assumed they came from my "asyncapi-preview" extension i installed for cursor but i also have the same extension in VS Code, and there're no malicious files in tis directory so my qiestions are what's exactly node_modules dir inside cursor's dir used for? is there any way to prevent npm modules without from being installed automatically without my explicit approval? or, more generally, what's the recommended way to avoid this kind of issue in the future?
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Get answers to your questions about adopting Windows 11 and managing Windows devices across your organization. Find out how to proactively implement and monitor Zero Trust practices. Get tips on keep...
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Get answers to your questions about adopting Windows 11 and managing Windows devices across your organization. Find out how to proactively implement and monitor Zero Trust practices. Get tips on keep...
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