Bugs Killed
Problems I have seen killed on Windows and Mac, with the steps that killed them.
Each page says where it comes from: a repair I made, a repair by someone from XL.net, or published sources you can open. The steps are one quick check away.
Windows
Remote Desktop refused the connection because the session limit was already in use
Remote Desktop showed "The number of connections to this computer is limited, all connections are in use. Please contact administrator" because a logon session was stuck. Logging off the session did not clear it, so the computer was rebooted to clear the stuck session and Remote Desktop worked again.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-10-06.
Windows
Remote Desktop shortcut needed to connect to the server
The Remote Desktop shortcut was configured and tested. The connection worked, and the username was saved so only the password is needed going forward.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-10-05.
Windows
Virtual machine remote desktop became reachable again after a reboot
The virtual machine could not be reconnected to at first. Support rebooted the VM, and the user then confirmed remote desktop access was restored.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-10-05.
Windows
Continuous scrolling caused by wireless mouse receiver
All apps and menus kept scrolling indefinitely, including Excel and Windows Settings. Unplugging the wireless mouse USB receiver stopped the scrolling, so the mouse/receiver was treated as faulty and left disconnected pending replacement.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-10-02.
Mac
Mac locked out until reset and a new Apple ID password was set
The Mac was locked out and could not be signed back in. It was reset, a new Apple ID password was created with the temporary password, and the laptop booted to the desktop.
- macOS
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-10-02.
Windows
Second monitor not working on a docked laptop
The second monitor stopped working after it had been fine the day before. Reseating the docking station power cable and the laptop connection reset the dock and the monitor started working normally again.
- Windows
Killed 2 times by someone from XL.net, most recently on 2026-10-02.
Windows
Shared drive access failed with 'The local device name is already in use, this connection has not been restored'
Access to a shared drive failed with the Windows error about the local device name already being in use and the connection not being restored. Support reset the password, and the user was able to get back in.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-10-02.
Windows
Windows time zone was set to UTC instead of Eastern Standard Time
The computer's time zone was incorrect. The technician changed it from UTC to Eastern Standard Time and closed the request as completed.
- Windows
Killed 2 times by someone from XL.net, most recently on 2026-10-01.
Windows
Missing search drop-down options after profile rebuild
After a profile was recreated, some expected search drop-down options were missing and search was inefficient. The technician removed the files tied to the rebuilt profile, let it repopulate, and the missing options came back.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-30.
Windows
Wireless printer would not print while the computer was on Guest WiFi
The printer was connected, but print jobs would not go through. Changing the computer from Guest WiFi to the main WiFi restored printing.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-30.
Windows
Frozen virtual desktop session after setup
The virtual desktop froze after setup. The session was restored after the latest Windows updates were installed and the user was logged back into the remote desktop; no root cause was established.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-29.
Windows
Remote access to the desktop was restored after a reboot
The user could not connect to the office desktop. The machine was reached remotely, rebooted, and access worked again afterward.
Killed 3 times by someone from XL.net, most recently on 2026-09-29.
Windows
Unexpected Windows security-style notifications opening Edge
Windows notifications appeared after a reboot and showed AV/firewall warnings that opened Edge. The browser settings for Chrome and Edge were reset to clear the notification source.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-28.
Windows
OneDrive was not running, so shared files were not syncing
OneDrive was not running, which stopped changes in the shared folder from updating for other users. The app was repaired, set to start with Windows, configured to restart on failure, launched, and sync was confirmed working.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-28.
Windows
Printing failed while VPN was enabled
The computer could not print because the VPN was on. Turning the VPN off restored printing.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-28.
Windows
Windows Hello face setup error during sign-in
The computer was stuck at the Windows Hello face setup screen with the message 'Sorry something went wrong with face setup'. The technician reset Windows Hello, signed the user back in, and confirmed facial recognition worked again after setup.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-28.
Windows
Outlook email not syncing; new profile fixed it
Email sync in Outlook was broken because the active Outlook profile was not syncing. The issue was fixed by creating a new Outlook profile, and the ticket was closed as complete.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-28.
Windows
RemotePC connection restored after rebooting the office PC
The remote session would not connect to the office PC even though it was powered on. Rebooting the PC, which took longer than usual and was likely waiting on Windows updates, restored RemotePC access.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-28.
Windows
Azure Virtual Desktop was slow because the VM maxed out CPU
The remote desktop in AVD was sluggish because the VM was on a 2-core legacy size and the CPU was hitting 100% during normal use. It was resized to the newer D4ads_v5 4-core / 16 GB size and brought back online.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-25.
Windows
Remote desktop connection stuck on loading screen
Users reported that the remote desktop session stayed on a loading screen, even when trying from a different device. Rebooting the remote desktop server restored access and multiple users could connect again.
- Windows
Killed 2 times by someone from XL.net, most recently on 2026-09-25.
Windows
Desktop icons were hidden and then restored
Desktop icons were hidden because Windows' HideIcons setting was on. The technician turned Show desktop icons back on and confirmed the icons returned.
- Windows 11 Pro (10.0.26200)
Killed once by me, on 2026-09-24.
Windows
Remote Windows laptop is extremely slow
A remote Windows laptop was reported to be extremely slow, with even simple tasks taking much longer than normal. The technician installed the Windows update, ran a system scan, and restored the machine's health; the machine then went offline and the account was signed out after the updates.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-24.
Windows
Mapped network drives return "Not enough server memory resources"
Users could not open the H: and S: network drives because the server hosting them was returning an out-of-memory error. The server was rebooted, and access to both drives was verified afterward.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-23.
Windows
BSOD with stop code CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT
The laptop suddenly powered off and then showed a blue screen stuck at 0% with stop code CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT (0x101). The technician ran a system scan and performed a restore health repair.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-23.
Windows
Windows freezing after a system file scan found corruption
The computer was freezing, with the user suspecting the graphics card. A scan found corrupted system files and the technician reported that those files were repaired; drivers were already up to date and Event Viewer showed no errors.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-23.
Windows
Printer needed specific drivers before it would print
Installed the required printer drivers and confirmed the printer could print successfully.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-22.
Windows
Server stopped checking in until network offload was disabled
The machine was online but not fully reachable over the network and had stopped checking in. The fix was to change the network offload setting so Windows handled packet preparation instead of the old network driver.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-21.
Windows
Website blocked until its domain was added to the network allow list
Access to a required website was blocked. The domain was added to the network allowed list, and the user was asked to retest access.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-21.
Windows
Power BI access failed because the license was unassigned
The user could not get into Power BI because the license had come unassigned. The license was reassigned to the account and the user was told to try again.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-21.
Mac
My MacBook battery drains much faster since I updated macOS
A MacBook that used to last all day runs down in a few hours after a macOS update. Apple acknowledges a temporary hit to battery life right after an update, while the Mac finishes indexing in the background. Drain that is still there days later is not something Apple has acknowledged, so the next step is to find out which app or process is spending the energy.
- macOS Tahoe 26
Researched from 4 sources you can open.
Windows
MFA sign-in loop after new phone setup
The account could not complete sign-in in Outlook/Microsoft Authenticator after a phone change. The technician reset MFA and confirmed the account could log in again.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-19.
Mac
My new MacBook will not join the office Wi-Fi network
Some M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro models can fail to join office 802.1X Wi-Fi when content filter extensions are in use. Apple resolved this issue in macOS Tahoe 26.4.1.
- macOS Tahoe 26
Researched from 2 sources you can open.
Windows
Access error resolved after certificate and connection file update
Access showed an error until the security certificate was updated and the outdated Access connection file was replaced. Access then opened successfully when the computer was on the VPN.
- Windows
Killed 3 times by someone from XL.net, most recently on 2026-09-18.
Windows
Laptop Wi‑Fi instability resolved by power reset and driver updates
The laptop’s Wi‑Fi was unstable while other devices were okay. A power reset was performed and pending vendor updates, including the wireless LAN driver update, were installed; the connection was then confirmed stable.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-17.
Windows
Repeated RDP session freezes/disconnects from a misconfigured connection file
Users were getting repeated freezes and disconnects in remote desktop sessions and had to force log out and sign back in. The technician built, tested, and then pushed a fix that updates the existing RDP connection file/settings and places a corrected RDP file on the public desktop for new profiles.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-16.
Windows
PC was asleep and unreachable over RemotePC
Remote access failed because the computer was in a sleep/hyper-sleep state. The technician brought it back online and confirmed RemotePC access was working again.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-16.
Windows
Printing failed because the Print Spooler had stuck jobs
Printing from the computer was failing. The technician restarted the Print Spooler service and cleared failed print jobs, and the issue was reported resolved.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-15.
Windows
BitLocker recovery prompt prevents Windows startup
The laptop stopped at the BitLocker recovery prompt and could not start Windows. The technician retrieved the recovery key from Intune and sent it securely by encrypted email so the user could continue booting.
- Windows
Killed 8 times by someone from XL.net, most recently on 2026-09-15.
Windows
Microsoft Intune Management Extension service stops unexpectedly
On affected managed Windows devices, the Intune Management Extension service stops or repeatedly crashes. Intune policies, PowerShell scripts, and Win32 app actions might then stop applying.
Researched from 4 sources you can open. Killed once by me, on 2026-09-14.
Windows
Cursor could not move between two displays after hub replacement
The desktop was not set up as an extended display, so the pointer would not cross between the two screens. The technician reset the display settings, checked the screen order, and set the main display as needed.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-14.
Windows
My games crash with EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION since the August Windows update
After the Windows update released August 11, 2026, some PCs cannot run certain games. The game freezes or closes, an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION error appears, or the PC restarts on its own. Microsoft traced it to old kernel drivers named like inpoutx64 that ship with RGB lighting software, and shipped a block that disables the driver.
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 11, version 25H2
Researched from 4 sources you can open.
Windows
Windows Update fails at 35 percent with error 0x800f0922 and undoes the changes
A Windows 11 update gets most of the way through, then rolls back at about 35 percent with 'Something didn't go as planned. Undoing changes' and error 0x800f0922. Microsoft traced one widespread case to a nearly full EFI System Partition, and published both an automatic mitigation and a registry command that lets the update through.
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 11, version 25H2
Researched from 4 sources you can open.
Windows
Teams and the new Outlook will not open on my Surface after the August update
On Arm based Windows PCs such as Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, Microsoft Teams and the new Outlook for Windows fail to launch or close on their own after the Windows security update released August 11, 2026. Classic Outlook, Word, and Excel keep working. Microsoft resolved the issue in the September 8, 2026 updates and published a workaround for PCs that are not there yet.
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 11, version 25H2
- Windows 11, version 26H1
Researched from 5 sources you can open.
Windows
My USB speakers and headset went silent after the September Windows update
After the September 8, 2026 Windows security update, some USB audio devices stop working. Device Manager reports 'This device cannot start (Code 10)', there is no sound at any volume, and the Sound settings page can stop responding. Microsoft has confirmed the problem and says a fix is still being worked on.
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 11, version 25H2
- Windows 11, version 26H1
Researched from 5 sources you can open.
Mac
macOS 27 Golden Gate never appears in Software Update on my Mac
Software Update says your Mac is up to date even though macOS 27 Golden Gate has reached the September 14, 2026 launch date Apple announced. On most Macs that means the model is not on Apple's compatibility list. macOS 27 runs only on Macs with Apple silicon, so every Intel Mac stops at macOS Tahoe 26, which still gets security updates.
- macOS Tahoe 26
- macOS Sequoia 15
- macOS 27 Golden Gate
Researched from 7 sources you can open.
Windows
My desktop wallpaper turned black after the August Windows update
After the optional preview update KB5120998, released August 27, 2026, some Windows 11 PCs show a solid black desktop background. Slideshow settings and contrast themes can be lost too, and setting the wallpaper again by hand does not stick. Microsoft confirmed the issue and fixed it in the September 8, 2026 updates.
- Windows 11, version 24H2
- Windows 11, version 25H2
Researched from 6 sources you can open.
Mac
My Mac says an error occurred while installing the macOS update
A macOS update or upgrade stops part way and shows an error while downloading, preparing, or installing, or says the software is damaged, could not be verified, or failed to personalize. Apple lists the checks that clear most of these, starting with free space and a stable connection.
- macOS Tahoe 26
- macOS Sequoia 15
Researched from 5 sources you can open.
Mac
An app I downloaded will not open because Apple cannot check it for malicious software
You double-click an app you downloaded and macOS refuses, saying it cannot check the app for malicious software, or that the developer cannot be verified. This is Gatekeeper doing its job. Apple documents a supported way to open an app you trust, and a very different answer for an app macOS says will damage your computer.
- macOS Catalina and later
Researched from 2 sources you can open.
Windows
Fake virus pop-ups in Microsoft Edge caused by browser cookies
The computer was showing scam-like virus pop-ups in Microsoft Edge. The technician removed the site cookies in Edge and rebooted the machine to confirm the pop-ups did not return.
- Windows
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-11.
Windows
Claude desktop stopped working after security update KB 5124008
Claude's desktop app was reported as unable to function after a known issue update. The security update KB 5124008 was uninstalled to roll the machine back until a fix is available.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-09-11.