anti-cheat Archives

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Windows on Arm vs Intel: Which laptop platform is right for you?

The Windows laptop market has shifted towards devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This initiative, known as Windows on Arm, has produced notable products like the Asus ZenBook A14 and Dell XPS 13, which are praised for their performance in AI applications and impressive battery life. These devices can run Intel-based applications through an emulation layer called Prism, which translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, allowing compatibility with non-native software. While they perform well for office tasks and some creative applications, limitations exist in gaming and high-demand software due to the need for specific drivers and graphics performance. Currently, the market features three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. Pricing for these laptops often exceeds ,000, making Intel and AMD options more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

In an embarrassment for Microsoft, SteamOS seems to destroy Windows 11 on gaming performance and battery life, as well as usability

Early comparisons between SteamOS and Windows 11 on identical hardware show that SteamOS offers significantly better gaming performance, particularly in battery life. The Lenovo Legion Go S, when running SteamOS, provides over six hours of gameplay on 2D games like Dead Cells, while the Windows version only achieves 2.75 hours. Despite Windows 11's compatibility with various gaming platforms, it has faced criticism for performance issues and unnecessary features. Windows holds a dominant market share of about 70% in desktop operating systems, but the rise of SteamOS may challenge this position.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Windows 11 Home vs Pro for Gaming: Which One Should You Choose?

Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro does not yield significant benefits in gaming performance, compatibility, or features for most gamers. Both editions provide identical gaming performance, supporting the same core gaming technologies such as DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and Game Mode. Windows 11 Home supports up to 128 GB of RAM and one CPU socket with 64 cores, while Windows 11 Pro supports up to 2 TB of RAM and two CPU sockets with 128 cores. Pro includes additional features like BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V virtualization, and Group Policy management, which are not typically utilized by gamers. The price of Windows 11 Home is lower than that of Pro, making it a more cost-effective choice for gaming. Both editions meet the hardware requirements for modern gaming, and compatibility with major games and platforms is consistent across both versions.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade block lifted after Safe Exam Browser fix

Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block that prevented certain users of the Safe Exam Browser from installing the Windows 11 2024 Update due to compatibility concerns. The block was initially implemented in September to protect users from issues with Safe Exam Browser version 3.7 or earlier. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Safe Exam Browser version 3.8 or later before proceeding with the Windows 11 24H2 update. If users still encounter the safeguard hold after 48 hours of updating, they should contact Safe Exam Browser Support. The Windows 11 24H2 feature update is now available for all compatible PCs, except those under safeguard holds. Microsoft has resolved issues that previously blocked the update for some users and has removed other compatibility holds for specific devices and applications. However, some upgrade blocks remain due to incompatible hardware and software. Windows 11 24H2 began its rollout in May 2024 for enterprise testing, with a broader release in October.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

As Windows 10’s death looms, Linux fans still promote “no ads or telemetry” for your old laptop instead of buying a Copilot+ PC

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11, purchase an additional year of support through the Extended Security Updates program, or switch to a different operating system. Approximately 240 million PCs are not ready for Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading hardware for Windows 11, highlighting Linux's advantages such as being free, open-source, and environmentally friendly. They encourage users to explore beginner-friendly Linux distributions and assure support from the Linux community. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 42.69%, while Windows 10 has a dominant 54.2%.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends

As Windows 10 approaches its End of Life in October 2025, the ‘End of 10’ project advocates for transitioning to Linux for users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The initiative emphasizes the environmental benefits of extending the lifespan of existing devices, highlighting that computer production accounts for over 75% of carbon emissions during its lifecycle. It also points out that Linux offers greater privacy and control compared to Windows 11, as well as cost efficiency since it is free and future updates remain free if the chosen distribution is supported. While there are concerns about the learning curve and potential software compatibility issues, the project encourages users to seek support from online forums or local repair shops. The Linux community is noted for its willingness to assist newcomers, making it a viable alternative for older PCs that cannot support Windows 11.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now ready to rollout to everyone

Microsoft has announced the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which is now available for all compatible PCs, except those with safeguard holds. The gradual rollout via Windows Update is nearing completion, and eligible users will see an option to download the update in their settings. Automatic updates will apply to Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2) not managed by IT departments. Upgrade blocks are in place for systems with incompatible hardware or software, including certain applications and drivers. Users can check compatibility using the PC Health Check app or Windows 11 specifications. The update introduces new features such as AI-powered capabilities, an energy saver, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Bluetooth LE audio support, HDR background support, natural language understanding in search, and a revamped Windows Recall feature. The rollout began in May 2024 for enterprise testing and transitioned to general availability in October. It will also be available to eligible PCs running Windows 10 22H2 in late January 2025, with a force-installation for unmanaged systems on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. Microsoft provides a guided walkthrough and support document for users during the upgrade process.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

5 amazing Linux distros that are better than Windows, but you should avoid them as a beginner

Linux distributions have evolved to be more accessible for users transitioning from Windows and macOS, with Debian-based distributions being relatively easy to navigate. DietPi is an ultra-lightweight OS that requires manual configuration of essential packages, making it more suitable for experienced users. Tails prioritizes user privacy by using the Tor network and operates from a USB drive, but is not ideal for casual users. Qubes OS enhances security through virtualization but has a steep learning curve and challenges with GPU passthrough. Talos Linux is optimized for Kubernetes projects but may be difficult for newcomers due to its lack of SSH support and immutable design. Bazzite, a gaming-focused distribution based on Fedora, offers a user-friendly setup but may not support multiplayer games with kernel-level anti-cheat technology, making it less suitable for competitive gamers.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft: April 2025 updates break Windows Hello on some PCs

Microsoft has announced that a subset of Windows users may have difficulties logging into their accounts via Windows Hello after installing the April 2025 security updates, specifically affecting Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 with the KB5055523 update. The issue occurs on devices with Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM) or System Guard Secure Launch features enabled prior to the update. Users may see messages indicating problems with their PIN or facial recognition setup. Microsoft has provided workarounds for affected users, including re-enrollment in Windows Hello for both PIN and facial recognition. Additionally, Microsoft resolved another bug related to KB5055523 affecting Credential Guard and introduced a safeguard hold for Windows 11 24H2 systems using SenseShield Technology's sprotect.sys driver due to compatibility issues. Upgrade blocks have also been implemented for devices with incompatible software or hardware, including Dirac audio improvement software and certain applications.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

I tried gaming on Linux — and it’s better (and worse) than you think

The gaming experience on Linux, particularly with Ubuntu, has been positive, with many single-player and co-op games performing well due to compatibility tools like Wine and Steam's Proton. While most Windows games can be played on Linux, limitations exist, particularly for MMORPGs and competitive multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat systems, rendering titles like Fortnite and Valorant unplayable. Some competitive games do offer Linux support, but this is not guaranteed. Additionally, accessory applications for gaming peripherals often lack support on Linux, although open-source alternatives exist. As of 2025, while Linux gaming has improved, significant gaps remain, particularly in compatibility with anti-cheat systems, making it less appealing than Windows for many gamers.