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Don’t use Recuva. I also had the same issue and my photos became corrupt. I am literally crying RN.
90% of the recovered photos are corrupt.

I was trying to clear some of my folder. But I accidentally I deleted some important folder from my D drive. I was able to recover the photos from Recuva, mostly my family photos. But now many of them are not opening.
Does anyone knows what is the reason? I want those photos very urgent.

Hey Esther,

I’ve seen this issue a lot, and I know how frustrating it can get—especially when you’ve already tried all the standard steps. Since DISM, SFC, and even Group Policy tweaks didn’t help, here are a few deeper-level suggestions that have worked for others in similar cases:

Check for Pending Updates or Reboots: Sometimes Windows has a pending restart or stuck update in the background. Try running this in Command Prompt (Admin):

shutdown /r /t 0
Clear the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder again after stopping the update services. Even if you’ve done this before, do it manually:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits

Use Windows 10 Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool: If the in-place updates are failing, downloading the Windows 10 Update Assistant often bypasses the stuck process.

Check the setupact.log and setuperr.log files inside C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\ — these logs usually point out exactly where and why the update is failing.

Create a New Local Admin User and try updating from there. Corrupted user profiles can sometimes interfere with update permissions.

Let me know the exact error code you’re seeing—some of them have very targeted fixes.

Always happy to help troubleshoot deeper if you can share more logs or error details.

Every time I turn on my PC, it throws an error before loading Windows. I can’t even reach the desktop or any recovery options. Most fixes online assume you can log in or access advanced settings, but I can’t do either. Has anyone dealt with this kind of issue and found a workaround? Really need help getting past this screen.

Hey everyone,
I’ve been stuck with a persistent issue where my Windows 10 refuses to install updates. Every time I try, it either gets stuck during installation or throws an error code that leads nowhere. I’ve already tried running the update troubleshooter, resetting the Windows Update components, using DISM and SFC, and even tweaking Group Policy settings—nothing seems to work.

At this point, I’m not sure what else to try. If anyone has managed to fix this kind of issue or has any suggestions that actually worked for them, I’d really appreciate the help.

Hey Frisky,

Yeah, I’ve run into this before — having identical drives can be a real headache.

Download CrystalDiskInfo — it’s free and shows each drive’s health along with full serial numbers. You can match that with the physical label on the drives without unplugging anything.

Also, in Device Manager > Disk Drives, right-click each one, go to Properties > Details > Physical Device Object name. That can help you trace which is which.

If you’re comfortable with PowerShell, this command helps too:

Get-PhysicalDisk | Select FriendlyName, SerialNumber, HealthStatus

Should help you figure out the failing one without pulling random cables.

Hey, good that you’ve got 2FA on — that definitely saved you here. Even though the login was blocked, it’s still a smart move to change your password right away, just in case your credentials were leaked somewhere.

Also, it doesn’t always mean your device is compromised — sometimes, attackers just try credential stuffing using leaked info from data breaches. But to be safe:

Run a full scan with Windows Defender or something like Malwarebytes.
Check for strange startup items or unknown apps in Task Manager.
Visit haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email has been in any breaches.

If you’re using the same password elsewhere, change those too.

Better safe than sorry, and sounds like you already have a good head start on security.

Hi Diwo,

I see @Daxi, has already pointed out some solid initial checks — especially around BIOS settings, USB drivers, and possible power-related issues. Those are indeed the right starting points.

To build on that:

Prioritize checking the PSU if you’re seeing system-level instability (like restarts or freezing). If the PSU is aging or borderline for your system’s power needs, USB device connections can tip it over.

Disconnect front panel USB headers temporarily. A short or grounding issue from a front port can crash the system even if the rear ports seem fine.

Look into Event Viewer under “System” logs for any Kernel-Power or USB-related errors at the exact time of the crash — this will help confirm whether it’s driver-level or hardware-triggered.

If you’re unsure about testing hardware, boot into a Linux live environment. If the system behaves the same there, that’s a clear hardware confirmation.

You’ve already ruled out malware for the most part, but if you want full peace of mind, run a bootable antivirus scanner like ESET SysRescue.

Let us know the PSU model and if anything stands out in the Event Logs — that’ll help us guide you further.

Hey Diwo, from what you’ve described, I’ve seen similar issues before—usually it’s either a power delivery problem or a faulty USB port. I’d suggest checking your PSU or motherboard for any signs of failure. Try reinstalling the USB controller drivers manually and physically inspect the ports too, especially the front ones.

Also, check Event Viewer for any critical or USB-related errors. For now, unplug all non-essential USB devices and test ports one by one with just the keyboard. Malware could be a factor, but this seems more like a hardware thing. Share your Event Viewer logs and PSU details—I’ll help you dig deeper.

Microsoft is continuing its annual update cycle with the release of Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the 2024 Update. While there were rumors that this would be the launch of Windows 12, Microsoft is sticking with the Windows 11 branding. That said, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest updates to the OS, especially with new AI features and improved support for Arm-based devices powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X Elite chipset.

Release Timeline

The 24H2 update is expected to be available to all users in September 2024, following the usual release pattern of past major updates. However, manufacturers will receive the RTM (Release to Manufacturing) version as early as April, allowing them to preload the OS on devices that are set to launch in June.

This version is built on a new platform called Germanium, which will be required for all new Windows 11 devices—particularly those using the latest Arm architecture. General rollout to existing users will follow in the second half of the year.

Free Upgrade and Hardware Requirements

As with previous updates, Windows 11 24H2 will be free for all current Windows 11 users. The core system requirements will remain the same. However, some of the new features—especially AI-based ones—will require specific hardware.

For instance, AI Super Resolution (which enhances game graphics automatically) will only work on PCs with a built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit). If your device doesn’t have one, this feature won’t be available unless you upgrade to compatible hardware.

Upgrade Requirement

Unlike monthly updates, feature updates like 24H2 are optional as long as your current version is still supported. If you’re using Windows 11 version 22H2, be aware that support for Home and Pro editions will end later this year. Closer to that time, users will need to upgrade to either 23H2 or 24H2 to continue receiving security updates.

Key Features in 24H2

Although the update is still in development, several features are already in testing with Windows Insiders:

Copilot improvements: Copilot will offer smarter suggestions. For example, copying text might trigger Copilot actions like summarizing or explaining content.

Voice Clarity: Previously exclusive to Surface devices, this feature removes background noise during calls. It runs on the CPU, so it’s supported on most devices.

Super Resolution: This AI feature aims to improve the quality of videos and games automatically, although it requires hardware with an NPU.

Parallax wallpapers: A rumored feature that uses AI to add depth effects to desktop backgrounds.

Natural language file search: You might be able to search files using phrases like “show me the documents I worked on last week.”

More features are expected to be confirmed as development progresses. This update sets the stage for a shift toward deeper AI integration in Windows and better performance on Arm-based systems.

Stay tuned for further updates as Microsoft releases more details in the coming months.

Hi everyone,

I ran into a strange issue today and could use some help figuring it out.

I’ve had my desktop for about 3 years, and everything has worked smoothly until now. Suddenly, whenever I plug in a USB device — whether it’s a flash drive, external hard disk, or even my wired keyboard — the computer either instantly restarts or freezes completely. This happens regardless of which USB port I use (front, back, or even on the motherboard extension).

What’s even more confusing is that if a USB device is already plugged in during boot, the system sometimes fails to load Windows at all — it just stays stuck on the motherboard logo screen.

I initially thought it might be a hardware fault, but I’ve also read about malware that can interfere with USB input/output or manipulate power levels through the port. I’m not sure if this is a physical issue, driver corruption, or something more malicious.

I’m running Windows 11 Pro (fully updated).

No recent hardware changes.

I’ve done basic malware scans but found nothing unusual.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? Any tips for diagnosing whether this is a software or security issue? Would appreciate any guidance before I start replacing parts.

Hey everyone,

I received a security alert from my email provider saying there was a login attempt from an unfamiliar location and device. I have two-factor authentication enabled, so I believe the login was blocked — but it still worries me.

I haven’t clicked on any shady links lately, and my passwords are fairly strong, but now I’m wondering:

Should I change my password immediately even if the login was unsuccessful?

Could this mean my device is compromised?

Are there any tools or steps I should take to ensure nothing malicious is running on my system?

Hi all,

I’m in the middle of replacing a failing hard drive and could use some advice.

Windows has been throwing up errors related to one of my older HDDs, so I’ve started backing up data in preparation for a swap. The issue is — I have two drives that are the exact same make and model installed in my system. They even show nearly identical names and serials in Disk Management, which is making it really difficult to figure out which physical drive is actually failing.

Is there any reliable method or tool that can help me link what I see in Windows (like “Disk 1” or “Disk 2”) to the actual drive installed in the case — without having to randomly unplug drives to test?

Would really appreciate any guidance before I start pulling cables and possibly removing the wrong drive. Thanks!

Hey everyone, I’ve run into a strange issue with my multi-monitor setup and could use some help figuring out whether this is a monitor or GPU-related problem.

I’m using a system with 4 monitors connected via DisplayPort (DP #1 through DP #4). Here’s what’s happening:

Monitor 1 (primary, connected to DP #1) stopped showing video. It only displays the manufacturer’s logo at startup, then goes black.

I tested Monitor 1 by connecting it to DP #2, #3, and #4 — still no video.

Plugged Monitor 2 into DP #1 — video works fine.

This led me to believe Monitor 1 was faulty, so I ordered a replacement.

However, things got weirder today:

I also have a small 7-inch display connected to DP #4. When both the 7-inch monitor and the replacement monitor are connected, neither shows video.

If I disconnect the 7-inch monitor from DP #4, video comes back on the main display (DP #1).

If I unplug the main monitor and plug the 7-inch into DP #1, video works on the 7-inch.

This behavior seems inconsistent. Could it be a GPU issue, some DisplayPort bandwidth or power limitation, or are the monitors at fault?

The latest update for all Windows lover is that — Microsoft is finally doing something about the slow and sluggish performance some of us have been noticing. They’ve rolled out a new test version where, if you report your PC feeling slow, it’ll automatically collect performance data and send it to them. This should help them figure out what’s going wrong more quickly.

They’ve already made some improvements last year — like speeding up the taskbar and reducing delays from startup apps — but more changes are coming in the 25H2 update later this year. They’re also tightening rules for driver developers to avoid future performance issues. Fingers crossed things get smoother soon!

Viewing 15 replies - 676 through 690 (of 1,125 total)

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