M Service Failed to Start
Hi, I'm getting the following error which seems to be causing my PC to freeze and it can only be unfrozen by powering off/on: 'The M service failed to start due to the following error: The system cannot find the file specified.' Using the registry editor I found the following: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\M I noticed that the ImagePath data is set to C Can anyone shed any light on what the M service is and how to rectify this? Regards, Rich
Bluetooth Headset Microphone Constantly Disconnects
Hello, I have noticed this issue not only with myself, but several colleagues of mine using any bluetooth headset and its built-in microphone. When initially connecting bluetooth headsets to our Windows devices (Apple, Shokz, etc.) they work as intended. However, the microphone seems to disconnect and no longer be recognized by Windows randomly throughout the day and/or right before answering calls (through MS Teams). Audio continues working as intended. The only solution I have found is restarting the device. You can imagine this becomes extremely annoying and causes us to lose time working. I have tried several other solutions. Uninstalling the drivers through device manager just creates an endless loading screen loop and never completely uninstalls any drivers while the headset is paired. Removing the device in Windows Bluetooth settings also ends up getting stuck and doesn't allow you to un-pair or re-connect to the headset. Restarting Bluetooth services does not fix the issue either. Does anyone have a similar issue or a fix for this? It has only started happening recently, maybe within the past couple weeks.
User Folder displaying wrong name and icon
I recently noticed that my personal user file is displaying the name "Pictures" and has the Pictures icon. However, when I click on the folder, everything is correct within the folder and the address bar shows the correct folder name. I've attempted to attach an image here; I had to paste several images together to create the attached image, so I know that the address bar would not actually be visible at this point, but if I click on the Pictures folder then the address bar it becomes visible. Thanks, Tom
settings were not migrated from previous OS installation due to partial or ambiguous device match
I can't access the files on my external ssd drive. The Event record = settings were not migrated from previous OS installation due to partial or ambiguous device match Device Manager = present but Volumes tab shows "-"s Disk Management = not present I am not a newbie and it is very rare I cannot fix a computer/IT issue on my own but this one has me stuck. Windows is up to date, BIOS is up to date, drivers, etc. I've done ALL the things suggested online. I even wiped my computer and reinstalled everything, still not working. I need a fix for this, I need the files. HELP!
Windows 11 24H2/25H2 System Freeze After January 2026 Updates – Lenovo ThinkPad G2
Dear Microsoft Support Team, We would like to raise a high-priority technical support case regarding a stability issue observed after installing the January 2026 cumulative updates on our Windows 11 devices. Environment Details: Device Model: Lenovo ThinkPad G2 (multiple units) OS Versions: Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Update Installed: January 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative update (KB number can be provided) Deployment Method: WSUS / Intune / Windows Update (specify accordingly) BIOS Version: (Installed Latest available from Lenovo) Issue Description: After installing the January 2026 cumulative updates, devices intermittently experience a complete system freeze. The system becomes fully unresponsive: Mouse and keyboard input stop responding No BSOD is displayed Task Manager cannot be opened System recovery is only possible via hard reboot (power button) Frequency: The issue occurs randomly, both during active use and idle state. Multiple users across our environment are impacted. Troubleshooting Performed: Reinstalled OEM-certified Lenovo display drivers Disabled Fast Startup Ran SFC and DISM health checks (no integrity violations) Updated BIOS to latest version Setting power idle mode, then work normally Request: - Please confirm whether this is a known global issue under investigation. - Advise if any hotfix, Known Issue Rollback (KIR), or registry-based mitigation is available. - Provide guidance on additional diagnostic logging required at kernel or driver level. - Confirm whether crash dump analysis is recommended for this scenario. We are prepared to provide additional diagnostic logs, memory dumps, or reproduction steps upon request. Kindly treat this as a priority case due to multi-user impact in a production environment. Thank you for your support. #Windows11, #Windows 11 24H2, Windows Update, Cumulative Update, System Freeze, Lenovo ThinkPad, Display Driver, EnterpriseIssue Printing in Color on Windows 11
I am having an issue enabling color printing on Windows 11 for my HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the printer several times, installed the latest printer drivers for this model, and made sure that it was set up using a Standard TCP/IP Port instead of WSD. Here is what my computer is showing when I attempt to print: Ink cartridges installed have a sufficient amount of ink (I just installed two new ink cartridges). Any possible solutions would be much appreciated!
The New Start Menu Is a Perfect Example of Microsoft Forcing Unwanted “Features” on Users
I’m posting this because I’m beyond fed up with the direction Microsoft is taking with Windows, and the latest Start Menu redesign is really unwelcomed. Whoever decided to implement the new “All” section with forced Categories, Grid/List views, and a permanently attached app list seems to have completely forgotten something fundamental: this is my Start Menu, not theirs. I’ve already turned off every bit of clutter I can — Recommended, recent files, “suggestions,” all of it. Yet Windows still insists on injecting an enormous block of UI I never asked for and will never use. I don’t care whether it’s Categories, List, or Grid. I don’t want any of it. I want the Start menu to show ONLY the pinned items I chose, nothing else, the same way it worked for years. But now? Microsoft has deliberately removed the ability to collapse, hide, disable, or eliminate this lower “All” section entirely. It wastes space, disrupts workflow muscle memory, and provides zero value for users who already know exactly what they need. It’s an unwanted visual and functional takeover of the one UI element that should be the most personal and customizable. This is exactly the type of “change for the sake of change” that pushes long‑time Windows users away. It feels like decisions are being made by people who never actually use Windows for real work, and who believe their design experiments matter more than respecting users’ preferences. I’m tired of being forced into UI experiments I never opted into. I’m tired of updates that remove more choice than they add. And I’m tired of Microsoft ignoring the most universal feedback users keep giving: Stop shoving new UI elements in our faces and give us back full control over our own operating system. If Microsoft wants people to stay enthusiastic about Windows instead of increasingly frustrated with every forced redesign, then we need true user‑controlled customization — not “pick between three unwanted layouts,” not “view modes,” not scripts, not policies, not third‑party hacks. Just a simple, basic ability to hide what we don’t want. Give us the Start Menu we choose, not the Start Menu you decide we should have.
