Windows Drivers

Microsoft is dealing with a couple of unrelated processor driver problems that are causing headaches for some Windows users.…

Redmond's Windows Update tool is automatically replacing the existing AMD GPU drivers for Windows 10 and Windows 11 with older versions, causing compatibility problems between the newly installed driver and AMD Software already deployed in the devices.


AMD acknowledged the problem and outlined a solution.


Meanwhile, Microsoft issued a temporary fix for a situation where the integrated camera app on some mobile devices, such as Surface Pro X tablets, running on certain Arm-based processors stopped working. The workaround developed by the software maker gets the camera up and running again, though it isn't a complete fix.

In the last couple of weeks, some Windows users were greeted with a dialog box when trying to launch AMD software on mobile and all-in-one systems warning them of the automatic Microsoft Update move and the resulting compatibility problem. When users got out of the warning box, AMD Software wouldn't launch.  READ MORE...

Protecting Your PC

Ransomware — malware that prevents you from accessing your files unless you pay the hacker that infected your computer — has been an issue plaguing computer users and businesses for years. Given its prevalence and the fact that a ransomware infection can lead to the loss of valuable files like documents or family pictures, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re protected. Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft has added features to its built-in Windows Security software that can help keep your computer safe from ransomware.

As far as ransomware is concerned, there are two levels to Windows Security. The first consists of malware scans, which are on by default, and which you can learn more about here. While this will work to keep ransomware from being installed on your computer, if a piece of malware does manage to slip by, the scans won’t be able to protect your files.

The second level is Windows’ ransomware protection, which you have to turn on manually. However, before you do, it is worth noting that this feature is not on by default for a reason. It works by only letting approved apps make changes to your files — which, in theory, prevents ransomware from encrypting them and locking them away. This, however, can cause some problems with apps that aren’t expecting it, so you may have to do some occasional trouble-shooting if you’ve got ransomware protection turned on.

As a result, as we go over how to enable ransomware protection, it’s worth keeping in mind that there will probably be some tinkering involved with this process.

HOW TO TURN ON RANSOMWARE PROTECTION
Windows’ built-in ransomware protection is included in its security app. To get to it, either search “Windows Security” from the start menu or go to “Settings”> “Privacy & Security”> “Windows Security.”  READ MORE...