Difference between revisions of "Windows"
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− | ''' | + | '''Key points''' |
+ | {{++}} The most popular and widely supported family of operating system among PC gamers. | ||
+ | {{++}} [[Wikipedia:Backward compatibility|Backward compatibility]] is high, with newer versions of the operating system capable of running decades old software with minimal issues. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Have transitioned over to periodical major upgrades biannually since the introduction of Windows 10. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Resources''' | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://support.microsoft.com Official support] | ||
+ | {{ii}} [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/update-history-windows-10 Windows 10 Update history] | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://catalog.update.microsoft.com Microsoft Update Catalog] - Allows for manual download of updates or device drivers. See [https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/323166/how-to-download-updates-that-include-drivers-and-hotfixes-from-the-win related KB article]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Communities''' | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://answers.microsoft.com Microsoft Community] - Official community for everything related to Microsoft | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/windows10/ /r/windows10] - Subreddit dedicated to Windows 10 | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://www.reddit.com/r/windows/ /r/windows] - Subreddit dedicated to Windows in general | ||
==General== | ==General== | ||
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The Command Prompt is the command-line interpreter provided by Microsoft for Windows systems and is the not-as-powerful equivalent of the shell in [[Linux]] and [[Mac OS]]. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'cmd.exe' or by running a 'Batch file'. | The Command Prompt is the command-line interpreter provided by Microsoft for Windows systems and is the not-as-powerful equivalent of the shell in [[Linux]] and [[Mac OS]]. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'cmd.exe' or by running a 'Batch file'. | ||
====Admin Command Prompt==== | ====Admin Command Prompt==== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Windows 8 and later|fix= |
− | |||
* Push {{key|Win+X}}, then push {{key|A}}. | * Push {{key|Win+X}}, then push {{key|A}}. | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Task Manager=== | ===Task Manager=== | ||
− | The Task Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the managing running processes as | + | The Task Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the managing running processes as well as providing information about computer performance. |
+ | |||
+ | It can be accessed by any of the following ways: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * {{Key|Right-click}} on the taskbar of Windows and select '''Task Manager'''. | ||
+ | * Press {{Key|Ctrl|Alt|Delete}} and select '''Task Manager'''. | ||
+ | * Press {{Key|Ctrl|Shift|Escape}} to open it directly. | ||
===Device Manager=== | ===Device Manager=== | ||
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===Registry Editor=== | ===Registry Editor=== | ||
The Registry Editor allows users to edit the Windows registry. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'Regedit.exe'. | The Registry Editor allows users to edit the Windows registry. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'Regedit.exe'. | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Basic Editing|fix= |
− | |||
# Push {{key|Win|R}}, type '''regedit''', then click '''OK'''. | # Push {{key|Win|R}}, type '''regedit''', then click '''OK'''. | ||
# Navigate to the desired registry key, such as <code>{{p|hkcu}}</code>, under the '''Computer''' category. | # Navigate to the desired registry key, such as <code>{{p|hkcu}}</code>, under the '''Computer''' category. | ||
# Double click on any entries on the right side, right after selecting a registry key, under the '''Name''' category, in order to edit them. | # Double click on any entries on the right side, right after selecting a registry key, under the '''Name''' category, in order to edit them. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Advanced Search|fix= |
− | |||
# Download [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963880.aspx RegJump], extract it inside the root directory of the main '''Local Disk''' location. | # Download [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963880.aspx RegJump], extract it inside the root directory of the main '''Local Disk''' location. | ||
# Copy any desired path into the clipboard. | # Copy any desired path into the clipboard. | ||
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While they can save time for developers, these files can cause problems for the end-user (commonly referred to as "[[Wikipedia:DLL hell|DLL Hell]]"). | While they can save time for developers, these files can cause problems for the end-user (commonly referred to as "[[Wikipedia:DLL hell|DLL Hell]]"). | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Windows 10== | ||
+ | ===Game Bar=== | ||
+ | The Game Bar ({{key|Win|G}}) allows easy capture recording of gameplay screenshots and video while playing a game and is enabled by default in Windows 10. Unfortunately, some games suffer from sporadic but severe [[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|FPS]] drops when the bar is enabled.<ref>[http://steamcommunity.com/app/730/discussions/0/350542145703363730/ How to fix CS 30 FPS cap after Windows 10 anniversary update! :: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive General Discussions]</ref> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Disable game bar|ref=|fix= | ||
+ | # Open '''Settings''', click on '''Gaming''', and navigate to the '''Game bar''' page. | ||
+ | # Uncheck '''Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar'''. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Disable game DVR background recording|ref=|fix= | ||
+ | # Open '''Settings''', click on '''Gaming''', and navigate to the '''Game DVR''' page. | ||
+ | # Uncheck '''Record in the background while I'm playing a game'''. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Disable driver updates delivered through Windows Update=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Driver updates can only be disabled before they are actually downloaded/installed. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Not all driver updates will be listed at first, however they can be disabled gradually. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=[https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3073930/how-to-temporarily-prevent-a-driver-update-from-reinstalling-in-window How to temporarily prevent a driver update from reinstalling in Windows 10]}} | ||
==Issues unresolved== | ==Issues unresolved== | ||
− | + | <!-- Maybe we should have a separate page with features (relevant to gaming) added and removed across Windows versions, akin to wikipedia. Maybe a feature matrix. --> | |
− | |||
− | |||
===Screen recorders, overlays, injectors won't work with Windows Apps=== | ===Screen recorders, overlays, injectors won't work with Windows Apps=== | ||
See [[Windows Store#Issues unresolved|Windows Store]] article for this and other Windows Apps related issues. | See [[Windows Store#Issues unresolved|Windows Store]] article for this and other Windows Apps related issues. | ||
==Issues fixed== | ==Issues fixed== | ||
− | ===Alt F4 doesn't terminate | + | ===Alt F4 doesn't terminate frozen applications=== |
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use [https://stefansundin.github.io/superf4/ SuperF4]}} |
− | |||
− | }} | ||
===Older Games Missing .dll File on Windows Vista and later=== | ===Older Games Missing .dll File on Windows Vista and later=== | ||
{{ii}} Some .dll files have different names on Windows Vista and later. | {{ii}} Some .dll files have different names on Windows Vista and later. | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Copy DLL to folder|fix= |
− | |||
# Make a note of the name of the missing .dll. | # Make a note of the name of the missing .dll. | ||
# Go to <code>{{p|windir}}\SysWOW64</code> (or <code>{{p|windir}}\System32</code> if you are running a 32-bit version of Windows). | # Go to <code>{{p|windir}}\SysWOW64</code> (or <code>{{p|windir}}\System32</code> if you are running a 32-bit version of Windows). | ||
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# The game should now see the .dll and play normally. | # The game should now see the .dll and play normally. | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===DirectDraw is broken=== | ||
+ | This issue actually first materialized in 8.1,<ref>https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/directdraw-emulation-still-broken-in-windows-10/5a619148-cf1e-4813-b733-997b996b9567</ref> unfortunately there is little more that can be done than use a DDraw wrapper: | ||
+ | * [https://www.dxgl.info DXGL] | ||
+ | * [https://fdossena.com/?p=wined3d/index.frag Wine3D for Win] | ||
+ | * [https://github.com/narzoul/DDrawCompat DDraw Compact] | ||
+ | * [https://code.google.com/archive/p/ddhack/ DDraw Hack] | ||
+ | * [http://bitpatch.com/ddwrapper.html DDWrapper] | ||
+ | * [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/ DxWnd] | ||
+ | * [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/579-windows-881-ddraw-fps-fix/ DDRAW FPS Fix] | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ii}} [http://dege.freeweb.hu DgVoodoo 2], a glide wrapper, also has a DDraw wrapper built-in. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Direct3D 8 has a very similar issue on 8.1 and later as well<ref>https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=47772</ref>, however the ddraw wrappers (with an exception to the ones that include a d3d8.dll) do not fix the issue as D3D8 doesn't use ddraw, being the first version of DirectX to deprecate it. Instead use [https://www.vogons.org/download/file.php?id=40791&sid=194009d3f6320aa046542761a6b7e2a1 a patched d3d8.dll], the [http://enbdev.com/download_convertor_dx8todx9.htm DX8 to DX9 convertor] or the [https://github.com/crosire/d3d8to9/releases d3d8to9] wrapper. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Users of Windows Vista and on-wards actually benefit from a DDraw wrapper due to it no longer being hardware accelerated on such systems, however the built-in DDraw wasn't completely broken until 8.1. | ||
===Older games refuse to start on Windows 8 and later=== | ===Older games refuse to start on Windows 8 and later=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install DirectPlay|fix= |
− | |||
# Open the Start screen, type <code>OptionalFeatures.exe</code> and press {{key|Enter}}. | # Open the Start screen, type <code>OptionalFeatures.exe</code> and press {{key|Enter}}. | ||
# Expand Legacy Components. | # Expand Legacy Components. | ||
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===Force CPU affinity=== | ===Force CPU affinity=== | ||
− | {{ | + | {{ii}} Prevents processes from using other CPU cores than the ones allowed, which can work around threading synchronization issues that might exist. |
− | {{Fixbox | + | |
− | # Open Windows [[Task Manager]] | + | {{Fixbox|description=Provisional solution: Task manager|fix= |
− | # Find | + | # Open Windows [[#Task Manager|Task Manager]]. |
− | # Right click on the process | + | # Find process for the application by {{Key|Right-click}} on its task and press '''Go to process/details'''. |
− | # | + | # {{Key|Right-click}} on the process and select '''Set affinity'''. |
− | + | # Deselect all other CPU cores than the ones the process should be allowed to run on. If you want to prevent the process from using Intel's Hyper-Threading (HT) or AMD's Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT) CPU cores then deselect all odd CPU cores (so 1, 3, 5, 7, etc). | |
+ | # Click '''OK''' to apply the change. It will take effect immediately. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Notes''' | ||
+ | {{ii}} Task Manager does not store the tweak permanently. It needs to be reapplied each time the process launches. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Permanent solution: customized shortcut|fix= |
− | |||
# Right click on your desktop | # Right click on your desktop | ||
# Make a new shortcut to <code>{{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe</code> | # Make a new shortcut to <code>{{p|windir}}\System32\cmd.exe</code> | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Permanent solution: flag game executable|fix= |
− | |||
# Download [http://www2.robpol86.com/guides/ImageCFG/ ImageCFG] | # Download [http://www2.robpol86.com/guides/ImageCFG/ ImageCFG] | ||
# Place it in the same folder of the game exe | # Place it in the same folder of the game exe | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use PsExec|fix= |
− | |||
# Download [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897553.aspx Sysinternals's PsTools] | # Download [https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897553.aspx Sysinternals's PsTools] | ||
# Extract PsExec in the game executable folder | # Extract PsExec in the game executable folder | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use RunFirst|fix= |
− | |||
# Download [http://www.activeplus.com/Products/RunFirst RunFirst] | # Download [http://www.activeplus.com/Products/RunFirst RunFirst] | ||
# Create a shortcut to <code>RunFirst.exe</code> with the path to game executable as a parameter | # Create a shortcut to <code>RunFirst.exe</code> with the path to game executable as a parameter | ||
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===4-Gigabyte Tuning=== | ===4-Gigabyte Tuning=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Windows XP and Server 2003 (x86 only): edit boot configuration file|ref=<ref>[https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff556232%28v=vs.85%29.aspx /3GB (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network]</ref>|fix= |
− | |||
# Open [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]] under administrator privileges | # Open [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]] under administrator privileges | ||
# Type <code>bootcfg /raw "/3GB /userva=2048" /A /ID 1</code> (where 1 is the boot entry id) | # Type <code>bootcfg /raw "/3GB /userva=2048" /A /ID 1</code> (where 1 is the boot entry id) | ||
− | {{Fixbox | + | }} |
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Windows Vista and later (x86 only): edit boot configuration database|ref=<ref>[https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff542202.aspx#_______increaseuserva________megabytes______ BCDEdit /set (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network]</ref>|fix= | ||
# Open an elevated [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]] | # Open an elevated [[#Command Prompt|command prompt]] | ||
# Type <code>BCDEdit /set increaseuserva 2048</code> | # Type <code>BCDEdit /set increaseuserva 2048</code> | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Force IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE flag in executables|fix= |
− | |||
# Download [http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/large-address-aware.112556/ Large Address Aware enabler] | # Download [http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/large-address-aware.112556/ Large Address Aware enabler] | ||
# Open it and select game executable | # Open it and select game executable | ||
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===Shoddy coded applications mess system-wide registry setting=== | ===Shoddy coded applications mess system-wide registry setting=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Edit key ACL|fix= |
− | |||
# Open [[#Registry Editor|regedit]] | # Open [[#Registry Editor|regedit]] | ||
# Navigate to the relevant key | # Navigate to the relevant key | ||
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===Codec hell=== | ===Codec hell=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Reset DirectShow filters|fix= |
− | + | # Download and open [http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Video/Codec-Packs-Video-Codecs/DirectShow-Filter-Manager.shtml DirectShow Filter Manager] | |
− | # Download and open [http://www. | ||
# Go to the Troubleshooting tab | # Go to the Troubleshooting tab | ||
# Select ''Restore standard DirectX codecs'' | # Select ''Restore standard DirectX codecs'' | ||
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===Missing codecs=== | ===Missing codecs=== | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Install [http://ffdshow-tryout.sourceforge.net/ ffdshow]|ref=<ref>[http://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php?t=190254&page=65#post7309217 Tomb Raider 6 Modding Thread - www.tombraiderforums.com]</ref>|fix= |
− | |||
{{ii}} Choose the release with the number of bits your troublesome application is compiled for, regardless of the actual OS instruction set | {{ii}} Choose the release with the number of bits your troublesome application is compiled for, regardless of the actual OS instruction set | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=QuickTime for Windows is no more|ref={{CN|date=February 2018}}|fix= |
− | |||
{{ii}} Install [http://www.free-codecs.com/qt_lite_download.htm QT Lite] for apps that use Apple's codecs. | {{ii}} Install [http://www.free-codecs.com/qt_lite_download.htm QT Lite] for apps that use Apple's codecs. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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{{ii}} Upgrading or refreshing your Windows installation will move some files and folders to a <code>Windows.old</code> folder on the system drive. | {{ii}} Upgrading or refreshing your Windows installation will move some files and folders to a <code>Windows.old</code> folder on the system drive. | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Retrieve files from windows.old|ref=<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-files-upgrade-windows-old Retrieve files from the Windows.old folder - Microsoft Windows Help]</ref>|fix= |
− | |||
# Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>Computer</code> and press {{key|Enter}}. | # Open the Start screen/Start menu, type <code>Computer</code> and press {{key|Enter}}. | ||
# Go into the system drive (usually C:). | # Go into the system drive (usually C:). | ||
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}} | }} | ||
− | ===Non- | + | ===Non-Unicode applications might not work properly=== |
− | {{ii}} This is most commonly issue with Japanese games and visual novels | + | {{ii}} This is most commonly an issue with Japanese games and visual novels, and may prevent a game from being installed, launched, or even work properly (may have scrambled text or bugs). |
− | {{ii}} | + | {{++}} Locale Emulator/Microsoft AppLocale runs the application with the correct localization without affecting the rest of the operating system. |
− | {{ | + | |
− | {{ | + | {{Fixbox|description=Use Locale Emulator|fix= |
− | {{Fixbox | + | {{ii}} Developed primarily for Windows 10, although it is also compatible with both 7 and 8.1. |
+ | {{--}} Supports only 32-bit executables. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Instructions''' | ||
+ | # Download [https://pooi.moe/Locale-Emulator/ Locale Emulator] and extract the archive to where you want the application to be installed. | ||
+ | # Run {{file|LEInstaller.exe}} and select '''Install for current user'''. | ||
+ | # After the installation have finished, use {{file|LEGUI.exe}} to set up desired localization profiles. | ||
+ | # Finally, right-click on a 32-bit executable (or its shortcut) and select the desired profile under the '''Locale Emulator''' context menu. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use Microsoft AppLocale|fix= | ||
+ | {{ii}} Might not work on modern versions of Windows as the tool have not been updated since 2004. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Instructions''' | ||
# Download Microsoft AppLocale [https://web.archive.org/web/20050115055602/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8c4e8e0d-45d1-4d9b-b7c0-8430c1ac89ab&displaylang=en here] and install it. | # Download Microsoft AppLocale [https://web.archive.org/web/20050115055602/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8c4e8e0d-45d1-4d9b-b7c0-8430c1ac89ab&displaylang=en here] and install it. | ||
#* With Windows versions after XP installation will fail. Simply put installer to XP SP3 compatibility mode to continue. | #* With Windows versions after XP installation will fail. Simply put installer to XP SP3 compatibility mode to continue. | ||
− | # Open AppLocale follow instructions. It should automatically detect programs language. | + | # Open AppLocale follow instructions. It should automatically detect programs language. |
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | |
− | + | {{Fixbox|description=Change non-Unicode language system-wide|ref=<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-system-locale Change the system locale - Windows Help]</ref>|fix= | |
+ | {{ii}} Easiest way to fix the issue, but may introduce unwanted changes to other programs; especially if the display language of Windows is non-English. This includes some basic characters being incorrectly replaced, programs defaulting to set non-Unicode language and other programs suddenly not being able to launch or crash. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Instructions''' | ||
# Go to Control Panel, Clock, Language and Region and Regional and Language Options. | # Go to Control Panel, Clock, Language and Region and Regional and Language Options. | ||
− | # From Administrative tab change non-unicode language. | + | # From Administrative tab change non-unicode language to the country/localization the game originated from. |
# Restart computer for changes to take effect. | # Restart computer for changes to take effect. | ||
}} | }} | ||
===IPX protocol deprecated=== | ===IPX protocol deprecated=== | ||
− | {{ii}} IPX was a LAN protocol commonly used with older programs, especially | + | {{ii}} IPX was a LAN protocol commonly used with older programs, especially games. Unfortunately it was removed entirely from Vista and later with no indication of returning. |
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Try a wrapper|ref={{CN|date=February 2018}}|fix= |
− | |||
Try one of the following: | Try one of the following: | ||
* [http://ipxemu.sourceforge.net ipxemu] | * [http://ipxemu.sourceforge.net ipxemu] | ||
* [http://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXWrapper] | * [http://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ IPXWrapper] | ||
− | * [http://www.kali.net Kali] - This one's | + | * [http://www.kali.net Kali] - This one's more for tunneling IPX over the internet rather than LAN, but still works. |
}} | }} | ||
− | {{Fixbox| | + | {{Fixbox|description=Copy support files from Windows XP|ref=<ref>https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/82727f50-9e1b-4fcf-8a38-e45567938ec4/ipx-on-windows-7?forum=w7itpronetworking</ref>|fix= |
− | |||
What you need: a working installation of Windows XP sp2. | What you need: a working installation of Windows XP sp2. | ||
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Step 4. | Step 4. | ||
Reboot computer. | Reboot computer. | ||
− | {{--}} Only works on 32-bit version of Vista and later. | + | {{--}} Only works on 32-bit version of Vista and later. |
+ | {{--}} Some parts of protocol don't even work (properties button greyed out in setting, ect.) | ||
+ | {{ii}} Support files can also be downloaded [http://ccm.net/download/download-3890-support-ipx-for-vista here] in case you don't own XP. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Lowered volume when using background Metro/UWP apps=== | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
+ | # Push {{key|Win|R}}, type <code>mmsys.cpl</code>, then select '''OK'''. | ||
+ | # Open the '''Communications''' tab, then select '''Do nothing''' and save. | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | == | + | ===Microsoft removed the MIDI Mapper=== |
− | + | Starting Windows 8.1 and later, Microsoft removed the ability to change the default MIDI device, at least officially | |
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Modify the registry|ref=<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfbbzN9XuPw</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | Go to: "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32"<br> | ||
+ | Then open "midimapper" and replace "midimap.dll" with "VirtualMIDISynth\VirtualMIDISynth.dll"}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Use a MIDIMapper replacement|ref=<ref>http://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/blog/2013/03/what-happened-midi-mapper-windows-8</ref><ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQQDJ6tQH_o</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | Use the [https://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/midimapper CoolSoft MIDIMapper] or KaleidonKep99's (A.K.A. Riccardo Loi) ReactOS MIDI Mapper (no longer availible).}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Error connected with "dxgmms2.sys" error with DirectX 8 or older games=== | ||
+ | This happened after the November 2015 update on Nvidia video cards that do not support DirectX 12 hardware features. Issue was resolved with Windows update KB3140743. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==="To use this, you need to upgrade Windows" notification on Microsoft Store pages=== | ||
+ | Ensure Windows 10 is Version 1511 or later (run <code>winver</code> from the start menu search box to verify).<ref>[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_store/cant-buy-quantum-break-in-windows-10/f00be2f0-3fc3-4f97-a2e9-dba3e2d32737?auth=1 Can't buy Quantum Break in Windows 10 - Microsoft Community]</ref> The update can be installed through Windows Update (if listed) or manually from [https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 Get Windows 10]. | ||
− | If you're having trouble getting DOS games to run on older versions of NT (XP & 2000) checkout [http://www.sierrahelp.com The Sierra Help Pages]. | + | ===SafeDisc protected games do not work with Windows 10=== |
+ | {{ii}} '''This exposes the system to known security vulnerabilities, and can make the system more susceptible to malicious attacks.''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Previous versions of Windows included a compatible version of {{file|secdrv.sys}} for Macrovision [[DRM#SafeDisc|SafeDisc DRM]]; Windows 10 does not, rendering games protected by SafeDisc unplayable. According to a Microsoft representative "Safedisc is not supported on Windows 10" and people will have to wait for Macrovision to come out with an updated kernel driver, something they have yet to do.<ref>[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/age-of-mythology-windows-10/c7142024-8298-4060-aeb8-0e77d9d83af7 Microsoft Community Forums :: Age of Mythology - Windows 10]</ref> However a workaround is to obtain and install the kernel driver from an older version of Windows, as described below. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Install SafeDisc drivers from a previous version of Windows|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=KyoriAsh|date=2018-07-19}}</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | # Download the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1154-safediscforwin10zip/ necessary files]. | ||
+ | # Extract to any path except directly to {{code|{{path|windir}}\system32\drivers}}. | ||
+ | # Copy {{file|secdrv.sys}} to {{code|{{path|windir}}\system32\drivers}}. | ||
+ | # Import {{file|secdrv.reg}} to Windows registry. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Backward compatibility== | ||
+ | ===Compatibility mode=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} See [[Windows Compatibility Mode|Windows Compatibility Mode]] for information on how to use the built-in backward compatibility mode of Windows. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===DOS compatibility=== | ||
+ | For modern versions of Windows (both 32-bit and 64-bit), it is recommended to use [[DOSBox]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ii}} If you're having trouble getting DOS games to run on older versions of NT (XP & 2000) checkout [http://www.sierrahelp.com The Sierra Help Pages]. | ||
+ | {{ii}} In the transition from Windows 9x to NT based versions, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_DOS_machine#Windows_NTVDM DOS compatibility was temporarily maintained], at least for 32-bit editions. | ||
==Other information== | ==Other information== | ||
− | === | + | ===Install the bundled games of Windows 7 on newer versions=== |
− | {{ii}} | + | {{ii}} While Microsoft haven't made the games bundled with older versions of Windows easily accessible to newer versions of the operating system, it is still possible to download and install these due to efforts from the community to make them compatible with newer versions of Windows. |
− | === | + | {{Fixbox|description=[https://winaero.com/blog/get-windows-7-games-for-windows-10/ Download and install the desired games from this article.]|fix= |
− | + | The package includes the following games from Windows 7: | |
+ | * [[Chess Titans]] | ||
+ | * [[FreeCell]] | ||
+ | * [[Hearts]] | ||
+ | * [[Mahjong Titans]] | ||
+ | * [[Minesweeper (Vista)|Minesweeper]] | ||
+ | * [[Purple Place]] | ||
+ | * [[Solitaire]] | ||
+ | * [[Spider Solitaire]] | ||
+ | * [[Internet Backgammon]] | ||
+ | * [[Internet Checkers]] | ||
+ | * [[Internet Spades]] | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Speed up loading of web pages in Windows=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Windows ships with '''Automatically detect settings''' enabled by default for compatibility reasons. This option allows automatic configuration of Internet connectivity in networks that supports it by using the '''DNS''' or '''DHCP''' services of the network. However support for this type of automatic configuration is almost only found within corporate or academic networks, and the feature is as such not usually required for home or small network users. | ||
+ | {{--}} The feature have in some instances been found to add noticeable delays when loading content from the Internet, and is therefor recommended to be disabled unless the network requires it. | ||
+ | {{mm}} Disabling this feature affects all applications that relies on the internal IE subsystem of Windows, such as Google Chrome, Steam, and more. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref=<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/zo66b/by_request_psa_drastically_speed_up_steams_web/ Reddit Gaming Subreddit - Make Big Picture Quicker]</ref>|fix= | ||
+ | # Open the '''Start''' menu and type '''Internet Options'''. | ||
+ | # Open the '''Connections''' tab, click the '''LAN Settings''' button. | ||
+ | # Uncheck the '''Automatically detect settings''' checkbox. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Notes''' | ||
+ | {{ii}} Re-enable the setting if you lose Internet access entirely within 48 hours. | ||
+ | }} | ||
{{References}} | {{References}} | ||
[[Category:Guide]] | [[Category:Guide]] |
Revision as of 23:49, 19 July 2018
Developers | |
---|---|
Microsoft | |
Release dates | |
Windows | November 20, 1985 |
Key points
- The most popular and widely supported family of operating system among PC gamers.
- Backward compatibility is high, with newer versions of the operating system capable of running decades old software with minimal issues.
- Have transitioned over to periodical major upgrades biannually since the introduction of Windows 10.
Resources
- Official support
- Windows 10 Update history
- Microsoft Update Catalog - Allows for manual download of updates or device drivers. See related KB article.
Communities
- Microsoft Community - Official community for everything related to Microsoft
- /r/windows10 - Subreddit dedicated to Windows 10
- /r/windows - Subreddit dedicated to Windows in general
General
Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is the command-line interpreter provided by Microsoft for Windows systems and is the not-as-powerful equivalent of the shell in Linux and Mac OS. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'cmd.exe' or by running a 'Batch file'.
Admin Command Prompt
Windows 8 and later |
---|
|
Task Manager
The Task Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the managing running processes as well as providing information about computer performance.
It can be accessed by any of the following ways:
- Right-click on the taskbar of Windows and select Task Manager.
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select Task Manager.
- Press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc to open it directly.
Device Manager
The Device Manager is an application built into Windows that allows for the management of device drivers. It can be accessed from the Control Panel.
Registry Editor
The Registry Editor allows users to edit the Windows registry. It can be accessed by going to 'run' and typing 'Regedit.exe'.
Basic Editing |
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|
Advanced Search |
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Notes
|
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
A Blue Screen of Death (a.k.a BSOD or Bluescreen) is an error screen that Windows produces when it encounters an error that it cannot recover from.
DirectX
DirectX is a collection of APIs for Windows that allows programs to interact directly with hardware.
.NET Framework
The .NET Framework is a software framework for Windows that is required for games built in .NET-aware languages (such as C# or Visual Basic), including those that use XNA. Different games may require different versions of .NET Framework. A list with download links to all versions may be found on MSDN. Windows 8 and 10 users may want to read this.
DLLs
DLL stands for "Dynamic Link Library". DLL files (.dll) are Windows exclusive library files containing code and data that can be used over several applications.
While they can save time for developers, these files can cause problems for the end-user (commonly referred to as "DLL Hell").
Windows 10
Game Bar
The Game Bar (⊞ Win+G) allows easy capture recording of gameplay screenshots and video while playing a game and is enabled by default in Windows 10. Unfortunately, some games suffer from sporadic but severe FPS drops when the bar is enabled.[1]
Disable game bar |
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|
Disable game DVR background recording |
---|
|
Disable driver updates delivered through Windows Update
- Driver updates can only be disabled before they are actually downloaded/installed.
- Not all driver updates will be listed at first, however they can be disabled gradually.
How to temporarily prevent a driver update from reinstalling in Windows 10 |
---|
Issues unresolved
Screen recorders, overlays, injectors won't work with Windows Apps
See Windows Store article for this and other Windows Apps related issues.
Issues fixed
Alt F4 doesn't terminate frozen applications
Use SuperF4 |
---|
Older Games Missing .dll File on Windows Vista and later
- Some .dll files have different names on Windows Vista and later.
Copy DLL to folder |
---|
|
DirectDraw is broken
This issue actually first materialized in 8.1,[2] unfortunately there is little more that can be done than use a DDraw wrapper:
- DgVoodoo 2, a glide wrapper, also has a DDraw wrapper built-in.
- Direct3D 8 has a very similar issue on 8.1 and later as well[3], however the ddraw wrappers (with an exception to the ones that include a d3d8.dll) do not fix the issue as D3D8 doesn't use ddraw, being the first version of DirectX to deprecate it. Instead use a patched d3d8.dll, the DX8 to DX9 convertor or the d3d8to9 wrapper.
- Users of Windows Vista and on-wards actually benefit from a DDraw wrapper due to it no longer being hardware accelerated on such systems, however the built-in DDraw wasn't completely broken until 8.1.
Older games refuse to start on Windows 8 and later
Install DirectPlay |
---|
Note: Normally Windows 8+ automatically detects if an application needs DirectPlay or other legacy components when it launches and prompts the user to install DirectPlay, but this requires a certain combination of services to be active such as the Diagnostic Policy Service which are sometimes disabled by the user. |
Force CPU affinity
- Prevents processes from using other CPU cores than the ones allowed, which can work around threading synchronization issues that might exist.
Provisional solution: Task manager |
---|
Notes
|
Permanent solution: customized shortcut |
---|
Notes
|
Permanent solution: flag game executable |
---|
Notes
|
Use PsExec |
---|
Notes
|
Use RunFirst |
---|
Notes
|
4-Gigabyte Tuning
Windows XP and Server 2003 (x86 only): edit boot configuration file[4] |
---|
|
Windows Vista and later (x86 only): edit boot configuration database[5] |
---|
Notes |
Force IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE flag in executables |
---|
Notes
|
Shoddy coded applications mess system-wide registry setting
Edit key ACL |
---|
Notes
|
Codec hell
Reset DirectShow filters |
---|
Notes
|
Missing codecs
Install ffdshow[9] |
---|
|
QuickTime for Windows is no more[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game files missing after upgrading or refreshing Windows
- Upgrading or refreshing your Windows installation will move some files and folders to a
Windows.old
folder on the system drive.
Retrieve files from windows.old[10] |
---|
|
Non-Unicode applications might not work properly
- This is most commonly an issue with Japanese games and visual novels, and may prevent a game from being installed, launched, or even work properly (may have scrambled text or bugs).
- Locale Emulator/Microsoft AppLocale runs the application with the correct localization without affecting the rest of the operating system.
Use Locale Emulator |
---|
Instructions
|
Use Microsoft AppLocale |
---|
Instructions
|
Change non-Unicode language system-wide[11] |
---|
Instructions
|
IPX protocol deprecated
- IPX was a LAN protocol commonly used with older programs, especially games. Unfortunately it was removed entirely from Vista and later with no indication of returning.
Try a wrapper[citation needed] |
---|
Try one of the following:
|
Copy support files from Windows XP[12] |
---|
What you need: a working installation of Windows XP sp2. Step 1. Ctrate a new folder c:\temp Step 2. Copy the following files to the directory c:\temp *and* to the corrsponding vista directories: Note: You might need to open up an "elevated" command prompt, "run as administrator", (to get write access to directories). Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkipx.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkflt.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkfwd.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnknb.sys Windows\System32\drivers\nwlnkspx.sys Windows\System32\rtipxmib.dll Windows\System32\wshisn.dll Windows\System32\nwprovau.dll Windows\inf\netnwlnk.inf (*) Windows\inf\netnwlnk.pnf (*) (*) The directory "inf" is hidden Step 3. Go to "manage network connection" (in control panel-> network). Right click your LAN adapter connection, click "install", "protocol", "Add", Do not select the IPX that is already in the list, be sure to select "have disk". Navigate to "c:\temp" and select file "netnwlnk.inf", now select "WLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS". You will get a warning it's not verifyable, install anyway (or not..). If you get an error message about a missing module, you forgot to copy the above files to the windows 7 directories. Step 4. Reboot computer.
|
Lowered volume when using background Metro/UWP apps
Instructions[citation needed] |
---|
|
Microsoft removed the MIDI Mapper
Starting Windows 8.1 and later, Microsoft removed the ability to change the default MIDI device, at least officially
Modify the registry[13] |
---|
Go to: "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32" |
Use a MIDIMapper replacement[14][15] |
---|
Use the CoolSoft MIDIMapper or KaleidonKep99's (A.K.A. Riccardo Loi) ReactOS MIDI Mapper (no longer availible). |
Error connected with "dxgmms2.sys" error with DirectX 8 or older games
This happened after the November 2015 update on Nvidia video cards that do not support DirectX 12 hardware features. Issue was resolved with Windows update KB3140743.
"To use this, you need to upgrade Windows" notification on Microsoft Store pages
Ensure Windows 10 is Version 1511 or later (run winver
from the start menu search box to verify).[16] The update can be installed through Windows Update (if listed) or manually from Get Windows 10.
SafeDisc protected games do not work with Windows 10
- This exposes the system to known security vulnerabilities, and can make the system more susceptible to malicious attacks.
Previous versions of Windows included a compatible version of secdrv.sys
for Macrovision SafeDisc DRM; Windows 10 does not, rendering games protected by SafeDisc unplayable. According to a Microsoft representative "Safedisc is not supported on Windows 10" and people will have to wait for Macrovision to come out with an updated kernel driver, something they have yet to do.[17] However a workaround is to obtain and install the kernel driver from an older version of Windows, as described below.
Install SafeDisc drivers from a previous version of Windows[18] |
---|
|
Backward compatibility
Compatibility mode
- See Windows Compatibility Mode for information on how to use the built-in backward compatibility mode of Windows.
DOS compatibility
For modern versions of Windows (both 32-bit and 64-bit), it is recommended to use DOSBox.
- If you're having trouble getting DOS games to run on older versions of NT (XP & 2000) checkout The Sierra Help Pages.
- In the transition from Windows 9x to NT based versions, DOS compatibility was temporarily maintained, at least for 32-bit editions.
Other information
Install the bundled games of Windows 7 on newer versions
- While Microsoft haven't made the games bundled with older versions of Windows easily accessible to newer versions of the operating system, it is still possible to download and install these due to efforts from the community to make them compatible with newer versions of Windows.
Download and install the desired games from this article. |
---|
The package includes the following games from Windows 7: |
Speed up loading of web pages in Windows
- Windows ships with Automatically detect settings enabled by default for compatibility reasons. This option allows automatic configuration of Internet connectivity in networks that supports it by using the DNS or DHCP services of the network. However support for this type of automatic configuration is almost only found within corporate or academic networks, and the feature is as such not usually required for home or small network users.
- The feature have in some instances been found to add noticeable delays when loading content from the Internet, and is therefor recommended to be disabled unless the network requires it.
- Disabling this feature affects all applications that relies on the internal IE subsystem of Windows, such as Google Chrome, Steam, and more.
Instructions[19] |
---|
Notes
|
References
- ↑ How to fix CS 30 FPS cap after Windows 10 anniversary update! :: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive General Discussions
- ↑ https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/games_windows_10/directdraw-emulation-still-broken-in-windows-10/5a619148-cf1e-4813-b733-997b996b9567
- ↑ https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=47772
- ↑ /3GB (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network
- ↑ BCDEdit /set (Windows Drivers) - Microsoft Developer Network
- ↑ The oft-misunderstood /3GB switch – The Old New Thing
- ↑ Kernel address space consequences of the /3GB switch – The Old New Thing
- ↑ Windows Vista File and Registry Virtualisation – Richard's Weblog
- ↑ Tomb Raider 6 Modding Thread - www.tombraiderforums.com
- ↑ Retrieve files from the Windows.old folder - Microsoft Windows Help
- ↑ Change the system locale - Windows Help
- ↑ https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/82727f50-9e1b-4fcf-8a38-e45567938ec4/ipx-on-windows-7?forum=w7itpronetworking
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfbbzN9XuPw
- ↑ http://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/blog/2013/03/what-happened-midi-mapper-windows-8
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQQDJ6tQH_o
- ↑ Can't buy Quantum Break in Windows 10 - Microsoft Community
- ↑ Microsoft Community Forums :: Age of Mythology - Windows 10
- ↑ Verified by User:KyoriAsh on 2018-07-19
- ↑ Reddit Gaming Subreddit - Make Big Picture Quicker