compatibility and performance Archives

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 11 Update Finally Lets You Install on Older PCs

Microsoft has relaxed its hardware requirements for Windows 11, allowing older PCs that were previously excluded to install the operating system. This change comes as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in 2025 and aims to provide users with access to the latest security updates and features. Older processors that were once deemed incompatible are now eligible to run Windows 11, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive approach by Microsoft. Users with previously incompatible PCs may now upgrade to enjoy new features like a redesigned Start Menu and improved multitasking capabilities, although they should verify their system's compatibility and performance.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

27 more classic PC games have joined the GOG Preservation Program, including Silent Hill 4

GOG has expanded its Preservation Program by adding 27 classic PC games, ensuring they remain playable on modern PCs. Notable new titles include Silent Hill 4: The Room, F.E.A.R. Platinum, and three Tomb Raider installments. The complete list of newly added games includes: - Alien Breed + Tower Assault - Alone in the Dark: The Trilogy 1+2+3 - Cannon Fodder - Cannon Fodder 2 - Deus Ex – Game of the Year Edition - Fallout 2 - F.E.A.R. Platinum - Jagged Alliance 2 - Port Royale 3 Gold - Privateer 2: The Darkening - Silent Hill 4: The Room - Tomb Raider Anniversary - Tomb Raider Legend - Tomb Raider Underworld - Ultima 1+2+3 - Ultima 4+5+6 - Ultima 8 Gold Edition - Vampire: The Masquerade – Redemption - Wing Commander 1+2 Each game is marked with a special stamp on the GOG store, and GOG provides a Preservation Log detailing updates for compatibility and performance. Silent Hill has been updated for Windows 10 and 11 with modern controller support, while Tomb Raider Underworld has improved DirectX compatibility and cloud save support. The total number of titles in the Preservation Program is now 141, with plans to expand to 500 games by the end of 2025.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Google Play Games on PC is opening the floodgates of app support

Google Play Games on PC will expand to make all Android titles accessible by default as it nears the end of its beta phase. Previously, the selection was limited, but now all games in the Play Store can be played on PCs, although developers can opt out to keep their games mobile-exclusive. A badge system will be introduced to indicate compatibility and performance: "optimized" for the best experience, "playable" for minimum standards with potential control remapping, and "untested" for variable experiences. This aims to enhance transparency and guide users in their gaming choices.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CrossOver 25 improves DirectX 11 support, works with Epic Games Store

CodeWeavers has released CrossOver 25, enhancing the gaming experience for Mac users by expanding support for games from digital storefronts like GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games Store. The update includes Wine 10.0, Wine Mono 9.4.0, vkd3d 1.14, MoltenVK 1.2.10, and D3DMetal 2.1, improving compatibility and performance. D3DMetal 2.1 enhances performance for major titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and adds support for The Last of Us: Part 1, along with other DirectX 11 games. The introduction of DXMT allows for running DirectX 11 titles on macOS, with reported performance improvements for lower-spec Macs. CrossOver 25 launches Steam faster and simplifies the setup process, featuring a new configuration system that optimizes graphics settings automatically. It can also enable AVX for titles requiring specific settings to run on Apple Silicon. CrossOver 25 is available for purchase, including a 12-month support option, while CrossOver Life offers a long-term solution for gamers.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5552 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5552 (KB5052077) has been released to the Release Preview Channel for Insiders using Windows 10, version 22H2. Key updates include: - Adjustments for Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Paraguay. - Fixes for the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME), including responsiveness issues and improved color contrast in the search suggestion panel. - Resolution of a recurring issue with the desktop window manager (dwm.exe) that caused it to stop responding. - Refresh of Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles for select mobile operators. - Improvements to the Narrator, addressing issues with announcing quick action buttons and control types in the Chinese IME candidate window. - Resolution of a service startup failure for Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH), requiring users to manually run the sshd.exe process.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds lowers its minimum PC specs, releases benchmarking too

Capcom has revised the recommended specifications for Monster Hunter Wilds to improve PC optimization based on beta feedback. The minimum CPU requirement is now an Intel Core i5-10400, Intel Core i3-12100, or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, down from an Intel Core i5-10600 or Intel Core i3-12100F. The minimum GPU requirement has been adjusted to Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, and the storage requirement has been reduced from 140 GB to 75 GB. A benchmarking tool is available on the game's Steam page, allowing players to assess system compatibility and performance. Scores above 20,000 indicate a smooth experience at high settings, while scores below 7,000 may require significant settings changes. Testing with high-end hardware yielded an average frame rate of 85 FPS at 1440p with Ultra presets, while mid-range hardware achieved an average of 45 FPS at 1080p with Medium presets. Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 28, 2025.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Mythbusters: Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm

Advantech's infographic addresses myths about Microsoft Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, distinguishing it from Windows Home or Professional editions. Myths about the operating system include: 1. Windows on Arm consumes significant power and resources, leading to poor performance. 2. The image size of Windows on Arm is greater than or equal to that of Windows on x86. 3. Desktop mode is unavailable on Windows on Arm. 4. Windows on Arm is a stripped-down version of Windows. 5. Arm architecture may face limitations with complex tasks. 6. All Windows devices are power-hungry, and switching to Arm offers no improvement. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC typically occupies about 6GB of storage, with a minimum requirement of 16GB. - Desktop mode is available on Windows on Arm. - Windows on Arm retains core functionalities, though some hardware drivers may have compatibility issues. - Arm processors are generally more efficient than x86 counterparts. Myths regarding applications and workload include: 7. Windows on Arm exclusively supports Arm64 applications. 8. Multimedia applications perform poorly on Windows on Arm devices. 9. Windows Copilot can be extended to all versions of Windows running on Arm. Key facts include: - An emulation system allows x86 applications to run on Arm hardware. - Multimedia performance depends on hardware acceleration, which is supported by major SoC manufacturers. - Cloud-based services like Windows Copilot operate effectively on Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC for Arm, but on-device Copilot+ requires specific hardware capabilities. Myths about licensing and development include: 10. The Windows license fee for x86 is expensive, and the fee for Windows on Arm is similarly high. 11. Windows on Arm has limited support for certain Windows frameworks. 12. Development and debugging on Windows for Arm architecture present challenges requiring extended transition periods. Key facts include: - Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is priced between 0 and 0, offering a decade of security updates. - Transitioning from x86 to Arm for application development is streamlined, with common programming languages and frameworks remaining compatible. Tools like Visual Studio facilitate the development process.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

4 things you can do to turn your Windows 11 machine into a home server

Windows 11 can be transformed into a self-hosting and experimentation workstation through various methods: 1. Configure Storage Spaces and Network Shares: Windows 11 can serve as a basic file-sharing and backup server by adjusting network and file-sharing settings. Storage Spaces allows users to combine multiple drives into mirror and parity pools for enhanced storage resilience. 2. Run Type-2 Hypervisors: Users can deploy virtual machines using Type-2 hypervisors like VirtualBox and VMware Workstation Pro on Windows 11, enabling exploration of home server concepts. 3. Enable Hyper-V: Hyper-V can be enabled on Windows 11, including the Home version, providing enhanced performance for virtual machines, although a powerful PC is required. 4. Set Up Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop allows for the deployment of containerized applications on Windows 11, which are less resource-intensive than traditional virtual machines. Proper configuration of Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) can improve compatibility and performance. Windows 11 has limitations such as higher resource consumption compared to Linux, prevalent security vulnerabilities, and frequent update issues, but it can still be utilized for setting up a home server.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Google Drive for desktop adds beta support for Windows 11 ARM64

Google has released a beta version of its Drive for Desktop application for ARM64 devices running on Windows 11, featuring native ARM64 binaries for improved compatibility and performance. The Outlook Meet plugin is not supported in this version. Users are advised to use the beta cautiously, preferably with non-production data and to ensure backups are available. Installation requires a Windows 11 device and Microsoft WebView2, which may need to be downloaded if not already present. Google is seeking user feedback to enhance the application and troubleshoot any issues. This move may lead to better support for ARM-based Windows PCs.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows on Arm apps are about to get access to the secret sauce Adobe used to get Premiere Pro 25 to work on Copilot+ PCs

Windows on Arm PCs with the Snapdragon X Elite processor are receiving a preview build of Windows 11 that enhances Prism emulation, specifically Build 27744. This update expands support for various CPU features, allowing non-native Arm applications to run more efficiently. The update increases the range of 64-bit x86 applications that can be emulated, integrating support for additional CPU extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. Currently, only x64 applications are supported, and users can provide feedback on compatibility and performance issues. Additionally, the Start menu has been simplified, a new Gamepad keyboard layout is being introduced for Xbox controller navigation, the Task Manager's Disconnect and Logoff dialogs have been updated for dark mode and text scaling, and the detach virtual hard disk button has returned in the Settings menu.