Re: [#64199]: Aster multi-seat and Windows 11 24H2

[zaphodalive]

Hi Churilin

I tried to e-mail but it got bounced by GMail so I'll put it here.

I went about upgrading to Aster 2.60.0 today, and updating Windows 11 to version 24H2.

After upgrading to Aster 2.60.0 I was required to disable Secure Boot for it to work, but otherwise the new version of Aster worked on Windows 23H2.

After updating Windows 11 to 24H2, my monitors were on the wrong workplaces and changing them around did not work. I tried several times, but was unable to get the correct monitors on the correct workspaces.

As a description:

On Windows 23H2:
Workspace 1 had Display 1.1 (Monitor 1) assigned
Workspace 2 had Display 1.2 (Monitor 2) assigned

If I move Display 1.1 to Workspace 2, and Display 1.2 to Workspace 1, then Aster changes monitors between workspaces correctly.

On Windows 24H2:
Workspace 1 had Display 1.1 (Monitor 2) assigned
Workspace 2 had Display 1.2 (Monitor 1) assigned.

If I move Display 1.1 to Workspace 2, and Display 1.2 to Workspace 1, then Aster accepts the change but monitors are not switched between workspaces upon a restart. Further, after the restart it no longer identified Monitor 2 as Display 1.1 and Monitor 1 as Display 1.2 - it instead now identifies Monitor 2 as Display 1.2 and Monitor 1 as Display 1.1. I tried several times to switch them around with the same result.

I then downgraded Windows back to 23H2 and Aster functioned correctly again, so this appears to be a compatibility issue with Windows 24H2.

It is quite cumbersome to upgrade and downgrade Windows versions, but if there is additional support information I can provide please let me know.

Two other minor points:
- When enabling Aster it said monitors needed to be configured to extend the desktop, but this was already the way the displays were configured. I'm not sure if it said this on both Windows 23H2 and 24H2, or just 24H2.
- I get a warning whenever Windows starts that workplaces are not running, but they actually are. This started recently when I got a new, faster computer. I think it's a timing issue on when Aster starts, and detection of the monitors. If I go to Workspaces in Aster after startup it only shows the display on Workspace 1 and no display on Workspace 2 with an orange indication that Workspace 2 is operational but not active, though if I close and re-open the application it shows the display and green indication. Note Workspace 2 is working the whole time.

Cheers
Eamonn

[zaphodalive]

Hi Chirilin

I was able to get workplaces assigned with the correct displays by binding the ports as you suggested. I have come across another issue since getting it working.

My second display on Workspace 2 is a TV capable of 1366x768 resolution. For some reason Windows always starts it in 1280x720 (720p), no matter what I try to do to get it to retain the existing 1366x768 resolution. When Aster isn't enabled, Windows will start it in the correct resolution in extended desktop mode, but not when it's enabled no matter what I try.

I've had to work around the issue by running an old utility (SetRes) that runs on startup to change the resolution for me, so I don't have to do it manually every time. Do you have any thoughts on why this is happening?

I've also found that trying to update nVidia drivers while Aster is enabled causes the installation to fail.

For the other issue where I get a warning about workplaces not running on Windows startup, I added the conMonNtfy2 reg patch but that didn't make any difference. I also applied the Duetime (30s) reg patch and that delayed the second workspace from starting but the warning that workplaces weren't running still shows up on Windows startup. If anything, I think the warning that workplaces are running needs to be delayed until after the workplace starts, rather than the other way around.

Thanks.

[Slim]

Have the same exact issue. Second display is 4k but always starts in 1080p after enabling Aster and second workplace in Aster doesnt show the monitor in the device list. Also getting the warning about workplaces not running. Previous Aster version with Windows 23H2 worked fine.