The Old New Thing

Practical development throughout the evolution of Windows.

Latest posts

How can I wait until a named object (say a mutex) is created?
Jul 24, 2025
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How can I wait until a named object (say a mutex) is created?

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

You can't, but maybe you can wait for something else.

Exploring possible solutions to the inconsistency in how Windows searches case-insensitively for named resources
Jul 23, 2025
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Exploring possible solutions to the inconsistency in how Windows searches case-insensitively for named resources

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

Maintaining compatibility while addressing flaws.

Being more adamant about reporting that C++/WinRT was unable to resume execution on a dispatcher thread
Jul 22, 2025
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Being more adamant about reporting that C++/WinRT was unable to resume execution on a dispatcher thread

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

Better versions in a different box.

What happens if C++/WinRT is unable to resume execution on a dispatcher thread?
Jul 21, 2025
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What happens if C++/WinRT is unable to resume execution on a dispatcher thread?

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

What you get out of the box.

The case of the invalid instruction exception on an instruction that should never have executed
Jul 18, 2025
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The case of the invalid instruction exception on an instruction that should never have executed

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

I don't recall ever asking you to do that.

If the Window Runtime PropertyValue is for boxing non-inspectables, why is there a PropertyValue.CreateInspectable?
Jul 17, 2025
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If the Window Runtime PropertyValue is for boxing non-inspectables, why is there a PropertyValue.CreateInspectable?

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

For completeness, but not for functionality.

The Fundamental Failure-Mode Theorem: Systems lie about their proper functioning
Jul 16, 2025
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The Fundamental Failure-Mode Theorem: Systems lie about their proper functioning

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

It doesn't say what it does on the tin.

Perhaps not a recommended usage for an emergency power outlet
Jul 15, 2025
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Perhaps not a recommended usage for an emergency power outlet

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

Maybe that's not a critical system.

There is a <CODE>std::<WBR>chrono::<WBR>high_<WBR>resolution_<WBR>clock</CODE>, but no <CODE>low_<WBR>resolution_<WBR>clock</CODE>
Jul 14, 2025
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There is a std::chrono::high_resolution_clock, but no low_resolution_clock

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

For when you care only enough to be roughly on time.