bootable USB Archives

Winsage

December 30, 2025

4 Easy Ways to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported CPU

The transition to Windows 11 is significant due to new features, enhanced security, and improved performance. Users with unsupported CPUs may face challenges when upgrading, including installation warnings, potential performance issues, lack of Microsoft support, and possible bugs. Preparations for installation include backing up files, creating a system image, and disconnecting unnecessary devices. Four methods to install Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs are: 1. 4DDiG Partition Manager: This tool bypasses checks for TPM 2.0, CPU, and Secure Boot. 2. Registry Editor: Modify settings to skip hardware checks by creating a DWORD value named “AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU” and setting it to “1”. 3. Rufus: Create a modified Windows 11 USB installer that bypasses checks for TPM, Secure Boot, RAM, and CPU. 4. Replace appraiserres.dll File: Swap the appraiserres.dll file in the installation media with a modified version to bypass hardware checks.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

Windows 11 Pro Now on Holiday Sale for Only $10

A Windows 11 Pro license is available for a significantly reduced price of , down from the standard 9. This digital-only offer is aimed at individuals upgrading new PCs or revitalizing older systems, providing access to modern security features and performance enhancements. Windows 11 is gradually gaining adoption but still lags behind Windows 10. The discount encourages upgrades, particularly as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support phase. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include BitLocker device encryption, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy management, Domain or Azure Active Directory joining, and Windows Sandbox. Security features align with Microsoft’s zero-trust framework, while performance improvements enhance multitasking and productivity. System requirements for Windows 11 Pro include a compatible 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot support, and TPM version 2.0. Upgrading from Windows 11 Home is straightforward, and users should ensure the legitimacy of the license purchased.

Winsage

December 2, 2025

I accepted all of Microsoft’s suggested Windows 11 setup settings with a fresh ISO, forced online accounts and extra telemetry included — can any of it be bypassed?

The latest version of Windows 11, 25H2, has been released with minimal changes from 24H2. Windows 11 is gaining market share as Windows 10 approaches its "End of Life" phase, but user satisfaction remains a concern. Many users express frustration over the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement, which raises e-waste concerns for incompatible PCs. Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account has become challenging, as Microsoft has removed popular workarounds, and a mandatory Internet connection is required during setup. Users also express apprehension about Microsoft Copilot and its data collection practices, which include gathering "Optional diagnostic data" and location services information. Although users can disable tracking features after setup, initial selections are not permanent. Windows Recall, a feature that tracks user activity through visual snapshots, is now available for compatible Copilot+ PCs but is not enabled by default. Users can disable Windows Recall in the Settings app.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Can you still bypass Windows 11 requirements as Windows 10 hits EOL? We tested it

Windows 11 requires a 1GHz dual-core CPU that supports TPM 2.0 and at least 4GB of RAM. Users with older PCs running Windows 10 can still install Windows 11 25H2 using known bypass methods, even if their hardware does not meet these specifications. The installation methods include using a command line for an in-place upgrade, utilizing Rufus to create a bootable USB, or editing the Registry during setup. The Windows 11 ISO file is approximately 7.20 GB in size and can be downloaded from Microsoft's official site. Users can revert to Windows 10 by navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Go back."

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Yes, Microsoft Offers Free Windows 11 Upgrade—Check Your PC Now

Users are upgrading to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life, with its market share dropping below 35%. Windows 11 requires specific minimum hardware requirements, which can be checked using the PC Health Check tool. If a device is not compatible, Microsoft suggests purchasing a new Windows 11 device. Microsoft offers a free 12-month security support extension for those unable to upgrade, with enrollment in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program open until October 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU for Windows 10 and later upgrade to Windows 11 within the next year if their hardware is eligible. Windows 11 has enhanced safety and security features, but around 500 million PCs still run Windows 10. There are reports of issues with the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, and users are advised to download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) as a workaround. It is recommended to back up files during this transition period.

Tech Optimizer

October 13, 2025

Is that virus warning real? How to spot false alarms

Procolored experienced a security incident during a routine download of printer software, where both Google Chrome and Microsoft Defender flagged the software, leading to its quarantine. Despite Procolored's claims of safety, G Data's investigation found a backdoor virus (Xred) and a Trojan, prompting Procolored to release an updated version of the software. False alarms from antivirus software, while typically accounting for less than 1% of reports, can cause significant emotional responses in users. These false positives often arise from heuristic and behavioral analysis methods that misclassify benign software, particularly those interacting with system settings or accessing sensitive data. Users are advised to critically assess antivirus alerts by evaluating the software's purpose, source reputation, and being cautious of social engineering tactics. If confident in a flagged program's safety, users can whitelist it to prevent future alerts. Alternative antivirus tools can be used for verification, and creating bootable USB sticks or DVDs with virus scanners is recommended for additional security. Running suspicious software in a secure environment, like a virtual machine, can help mitigate risks. Users should also be wary of pop-up alerts from dubious sources, as they may be scams.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

Microsoft accidentially breaks Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade using MCT ahead EOL

Microsoft's Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (MCT) is currently malfunctioning on Windows 10 systems, preventing users from upgrading to Windows 11. The latest version of the MCT, released on September 29, 2025, closes unexpectedly without error messages. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a solution. Users can still upgrade to Windows 11 via the Windows Update method or by downloading the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) from the Microsoft download page. To check compatibility for Windows 11, users can use the PC Health Check app. Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, but users can extend security updates until October 13, 2026, through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Enrollment in the ESU program requires a Microsoft account, and different rules apply for users in the EU regarding the enrollment process.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

I was ‘forced’ to update to Windows 11, and it wasn’t as bad as I thought — How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without tearing your hair out

The end of support for Windows 10 is on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11. To upgrade, ensure your PC meets the requirements, back up your data, and follow these steps: 1. Download and install Rufus to create bootable USB sticks. 2. Visit the official Windows 11 page and select "Windows 11 (multi-edition for x64 device)" from the dropdown menu. 3. Choose your preferred language and click on Download (the disk image is approximately 7.2GB). 4. Insert the USB flash drive and open Rufus. 5. Select the USB flash drive and the Windows 11 ISO image. 6. Click on Start to write the image to the USB drive. 7. Adjust installation settings if prompted and click OK. 8. Wait for Rufus to complete the process, then click Close and eject the flash drive. 9. Reboot your PC and select the USB flash drive as the boot device. 10. Follow the Windows 11 installation process.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Microsoft’s ultra compact Windows 11 25H2 update is here – get it in a single restart

Microsoft has begun the rollout of Windows 11 25H2, featuring a streamlined installation process that requires only a single restart. This update shares its code base with the upcoming 2024 version, 24H2, ensuring both versions receive the same updates, with certain features activated in 25H2. Key enhancements include advanced security features, support for Wi-Fi 7, Quick Machine Recovery, and improvements to the Taskbar, File Explorer, and Task Manager. Users upgrading to 25H2 will have support until October 2027, compared to October 2026 for 24H2. Known issues include a glitch affecting playback of protected content and an installation error in enterprise environments. To obtain Windows 11 25H2, users should ensure their device is updated to 24H2 and can follow various installation methods provided by Microsoft. After installation, users can verify the update in the Windows specifications section.