Chrome OS Archives

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 11, Office 2021 in 2026: Upgrade Now

Microsoft will conclude support for several key products on October 14, 2026, including Windows 11 version 24H2 and Office 2021. This end-of-support wave also affects various Azure services, Exchange Server versions, and certain .NET frameworks. Organizations must evaluate migration costs and risks associated with operating unsupported products, as the lack of updates could lead to security vulnerabilities. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for select products but at a premium cost. Migration challenges include potential hardware incompatibilities and the need for custom solutions for legacy applications. Proactive planning, inventory assessments, and prioritizing critical systems for migration are recommended strategies. The transition aligns with Microsoft's vision of promoting cloud-based and AI-enhanced technologies. Economic implications include increased IT spending, particularly affecting small and medium enterprises.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Microsoft’s ReFS File System Remains Inaccessible to Windows 11 Users

Microsoft's Resilient File System (ReFS) supports volumes up to 35 petabytes and offers robust data protection through checksums and continuous integrity checks, reducing the risk of data corruption. However, Windows 11 defaults to the NTFS file system, requiring users to use command-line tools to access ReFS features, which may deter average consumers. ReFS is primarily designed for Windows Server environments and has not gained popularity among general users. Testing shows that Windows 11 formats new drives as NTFS, making ReFS less accessible. ReFS can experience performance degradation on single-drive consumer PCs compared to NTFS and lacks features like file system compression, encryption, object IDs, and extended attributes, raising compatibility concerns. Microsoft has introduced the Agent Launchers framework for AI agent registration in Windows, amidst user backlash regarding the evolution of Windows into an "agentic OS." The Windows and Devices segment generated .3 billion in the last fiscal year, remaining flat over three years, while Gaming and LinkedIn generated higher revenues. Users have reported frequent feature changes and declining quality in Windows 11, with Microsoft's Controlled Feature Rollout system causing inconsistencies across devices. ReFS is accessible through the Dev Drive feature in Windows 11, which prioritizes performance over security. Microsoft faces competition from various fronts, including Valve's SteamOS, Apple's upcoming MacBook, and Google's Chrome OS, particularly in the education sector.

Winsage

November 28, 2025

Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it’s not just to escape Windows)

The Linux desktop has seen a rise in popularity, attributed to user distrust in Microsoft Windows, particularly as Windows 10 nears the end of its support life. Zorin OS 18 achieved 1 million downloads in its first month, with 78% from Windows users. Linux desktop market share increased from 1.5% in 2020 to over 4% in 2024, with a peak of over 5% in the US by 2025. The current US figure shows Linux at 3.49%, while the "unknown" category accounts for 4.21%, suggesting many could be running Linux. ChromeOS, a Linux variant, has a market share of 3.67%, bringing the total Linux desktop market share to approximately 11.37%. When including Android, Linux's presence rises to 41.71% in the US and 72.55% globally. The Digital Analytics Program reports a 5.8% market share for Linux desktops, up from 0.67% a decade ago, with a total of 23.3% when including Chrome OS and Android for government site access. Windows 10 holds a 16.9% market share, while Windows 11 is at 13.5%. Factors driving Linux adoption include Microsoft's shift to cloud services, improved gaming capabilities, better usability, hardware compatibility, and concerns about privacy. Approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11, with 26% of users planning to continue using Windows 10 post-support. Digital sovereignty is becoming important for users outside the US, with European governments seeking alternatives to Microsoft, leading to increased exploration of Linux solutions.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11’s Taskbar calendar is finally gaining support for viewing upcoming events and meetings — the glow up we’ve been waiting for

Microsoft is enhancing the Taskbar calendar flyout in Windows 11 to include an "agenda view," allowing users to view and interact with upcoming events and meetings. This feature, previously available in Windows 10, will debut in a preview next month. The update will provide a chronological list of events integrated with the Calendar, enabling users to join meetings directly. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing new AI capabilities, including AI-generated text in any text box and an agentic workspace feature. A hardware-accelerated version of BitLocker for faster data encryption will also launch next year on new PCs running Windows 11. The general availability of the new calendar feature is anticipated in 2026.

BetaBeacon

November 15, 2025

Google is preparing big Android 17 gaming upgrades for fans of real controllers

Android treats USB or Bluetooth gaming controllers as input devices, translating button presses into key codes and axis values for in-game actions. Android relies on predefined configuration files for popular controllers, but many niche peripherals are also compatible. Android does not support button remapping out of the box, but evidence suggests that a future version of Android, possibly Android 17, will bring native controller remapping. This feature will be restricted to apps signed with the platform key. Additionally, a new game controller menu within the Settings app and a virtual gamepad feature have been discovered, which could allow for button remapping and mapping on-screen touch controls to physical controller inputs.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google’s new Cameyo trick lets Chromebooks play nice with Windows apps

Google acquired Cameyo, a company known for software virtualization, and launched Cameyo by Google as a rebranded solution integrated into the Chrome OS ecosystem. This allows businesses to run Windows applications directly on Chrome browsers or Chromebooks without needing a full Windows installation. Users can launch individual Windows applications within Chrome, simplifying operations for IT teams and enabling a transition to cloud-centric Chromebooks. There is potential for this technology to extend to everyday consumers, enhancing the capabilities of Chromebooks for various applications. Google plans to merge Chrome OS and Android, but the specifics of this integration remain unclear.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

AppContext To Keep Apps Alive In Android

Google is set to enhance tablet multitasking in the upcoming Android Q release by introducing a new gesture that allows users to create a compact floating "bubble" window for any app. This feature will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corners, facilitating a more seamless app-switching experience. The floating windows will allow various applications, such as browsers and note-taking tools, to float above the main workspace, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously, particularly on larger devices. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices by providing a more intuitive multitasking environment. The feature will utilize the Bubbles API and is expected to be rolled out for user testing as part of Google's quarterly platform release schedule.

Tech Optimizer

October 26, 2025

Do Chromebooks Need Antivirus Software in 2025?

Chromebooks are a cost-effective alternative to traditional laptops, appealing to students and young professionals due to their built-in productivity tools and user-friendly interface. They feature sandboxing technology that enhances resilience against malware, making them suitable for users learning about digital security. Chromebooks do not natively support traditional antivirus software, but users can access Android-based antivirus applications via the Google Play Store. While vulnerabilities in Chromebooks account for less than 1% of reported issues, users should remain vigilant against threats like fake browser extensions, scam Android apps, phishing attempts, and insecure websites. Key security features of Chromebooks include automatic updates, sandboxing, verified boot, data encryption, and recovery options. Misconceptions persist about their security, such as the belief that all apps in Google Play are thoroughly checked and that malware cannot self-install. If a Chromebook is suspected of being compromised, users can uninstall recent extensions, reboot the device, or use the Powerwash feature for a factory reset. Over 4% of U.S. desktop users utilize Chrome OS, and 30 million students and educators worldwide rely on Chromebooks. They are modeled closely on Linux OS and, while immune to traditional viruses, can still be susceptible to malware. Recommended antivirus options for Chromebooks include Norton, Bitdefender, and Avast. With proper care, Chromebooks typically last between five to eight years.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Microsoft warns of critical vulnerability as Windows 10 support deadline nears

Microsoft has alerted users to a critical security vulnerability affecting up to 400 million Windows PCs, particularly as the deadline for security updates for Windows 10 approaches. Windows 10 is currently operational on 41% of personal computers, with 400 million unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. This situation poses significant cybersecurity risks, as many users will be left with unpatched systems after the October 14 deadline. Additionally, around 140 million PCs are still running Windows 7, which was retired in 2020. Windows 10 users can either enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Update program or upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware allows. For those unable to upgrade, alternatives like Linux or Chrome OS are suggested.