criteria Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft Warns 240 Million Windows Users—Stop Using Your PC

Microsoft's support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, prompting the company to advise users with ineligible PCs—estimated to be as high as 240 million—to recycle their devices and upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft warns that unsupported devices will be vulnerable to data breaches and cyber threats without security updates. There has been an increase in upgrades to Windows 11 as the deadline approaches, but options for those unable to upgrade are limited. Microsoft encourages responsible recycling and offers trade-in programs, though these may not provide significant financial returns. Users can also consider paid extended support for an additional 12 months.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

The BAFTAs declares Shenmue and a game that came out 2 months ago more influential than Tetris and expects us to all just go along with that

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) invited the gaming community to vote for the most influential video game of all time. The results named Yu Suzuki's 1999 Dreamcast title, Shenmue, as the most influential game, praised for pioneering open-world gameplay and popularizing Quick Time Events (QTEs). The subsequent rankings included Doom in second place, Super Mario Bros in third, Half-Life in fourth, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Minecraft in fifth and sixth, respectively. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was ranked seventh, despite being a recent release. The voting process raised questions about the interpretation of "most influential," as some voters seemed to equate it with personal enjoyment, leading to unexpected results. The full list of the BAFTA's most influential games includes: 1. Shenmue 2. Doom 3. Super Mario Bros 4. Half-Life 5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 6. Minecraft 7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 8. Super Mario 64 9. Half-Life 2 10. The Sims 11. Tetris 12. Tomb Raider 13. Pong 14. Metal Gear Solid 15. World of Warcraft 16. Baldur's Gate 3 17. Final Fantasy VII 18. Dark Souls 19. Grand Theft Auto 3 20. Skyrim 21. Grand Theft Auto

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Android 15 blocked Phone Link from mirroring sensitive notifications, but Microsoft has a fix

Microsoft's Phone Link app can now mirror sensitive notifications from Android devices to Windows PCs after the Android 15 update had initially restricted this capability. The Android 15 update classified two-factor authentication codes as sensitive, blocking their visibility to most notification listeners, including Phone Link. To access sensitive notifications, Phone Link must be preinstalled on the device and granted the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission. Users with devices that have Link to Windows preinstalled, like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, can grant permission to restore full functionality. For devices without the preinstalled app, workarounds include disabling Android System Intelligence notification processing or manually granting permissions.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Is it time to ditch Windows File Explorer? 6 signs you’ve outgrown it

Windows File Explorer is the default file management tool for Windows but often disappoints power users due to several limitations. The search function is slow, taking several minutes for results, especially in large folders or external drives, and requires careful configuration of indexing settings. Customization options are limited, lacking advanced features like split views or custom color labels, while third-party tools offer extensive customization. File Explorer's reliance on traditional folder structures is outdated, missing features like tagging or smart folders, which are crucial for professionals in creative fields. File transfers can be frustrating, with stalls and unpredictable speeds, whereas alternatives like TeraCopy provide faster and more reliable transfers. Filtering and sorting options are basic and insufficient for managing large collections, lacking advanced capabilities found in third-party explorers. Additionally, the absence of dual-pane navigation hinders efficiency, despite recent updates introducing tab functionality.

AppWizard

March 29, 2025

Co-op hit Split Fiction now holds three Guinness World Records that seem destined to be won specifically by co-op hit Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios released the co-op game Split Fiction, which has received critical acclaim, including praise from PC Gamer editor Fraser Brown. The game set three Guinness World Records within a week of its release: most played local co-op videogame on Steam, most sold local co-op videogame within 48 hours, and most sold local co-op videogame within one week. It peaked at 197,434 concurrent players on Steam within the first 24 hours. The studio plans to adapt the game for film and employs a "friend's pass" model, allowing one player to share the game with a partner who doesn't own it. Split Fiction is available for purchase on Steam.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft launches new Windows 11 apps to make it easier to find contacts and files

Microsoft has unveiled two new companion apps for Windows 11 users: People and File Search. The People app enhances connectivity by allowing users to explore contacts, access profile cards, send messages via Teams, and search based on various criteria. The File Search app simplifies file management by enabling users to find recently opened files, search by content, filter by type, and preview files before sharing. Both apps integrate with Microsoft 365 tools and can be pinned to the taskbar for easy access. Currently, they are available to Windows 11 users who have Microsoft 365 desktop apps, are part of the Microsoft 365 Insider program (Beta Channel), and hold a Microsoft 365 subscription for business.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Hitachi Energy’s upgrade to Windows 11 on 89% of desktops

Hitachi Energy has migrated over 40,000 desktops to Windows 11 across 12 countries, starting with a pilot of 500 devices in November 2023 and full rollout beginning in March 2024, expected to complete by October 2024. The company assessed 45,335 devices, with 43,568 suitable for upgrade, and found 2,330 out of 3,034 applications compatible with Windows 11, achieving a 76% compatibility rate. Approximately 40,600 devices, nearly 90%, successfully transitioned to Windows 11, while the rest were upgraded to Windows 10. The migration utilized ManagementStudio integrated with various platforms for efficiency, with nearly 10,000 devices upgraded in May 2024. A pilot program tested the new OS with selected users to identify issues before broader deployment. Transitioning is crucial as Windows 10 approaches end-of-support, with Microsoft addressing numerous vulnerabilities in its updates.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2025

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac provides essential malware protection, including quarantine capabilities and safeguards against future attacks, but lacks features compared to competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Its pricing structure includes .99 for one license, .99 for three, and .99 for five licenses, with options for up to 25 devices at 4.99 annually. F-Secure requires macOS 12 or later and has been rated excellent by AV-Test Institute, achieving a perfect score of 18 in recent macOS tests. The software offers a quick virus scan and custom scan options but does not include scheduled scanning. It successfully quarantines 82% of Windows malware samples and scores 94% in phishing detection. F-Secure includes parental controls for managing children's online activities and features scam protection similar to its Windows version.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

E-waste or Linux? Charities face tough choices as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft will end free security updates for Windows 10 in October, affecting charities that refurbish older computers. Approximately 240 million PCs do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, which include a CPU of 1GHz or faster with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0 compatibility. Many recent computers are ineligible for the upgrade despite having sufficient RAM and storage. Chester Wisniewski from Sophos warns that using Windows 10 poses security risks, as vulnerabilities in both Windows 10 and 11 can be exploited. Charities using Windows 10 may face compliance issues with regulations like GDPR, risking fines and reputational damage. The U.S. recycles only 14 to 40 percent of electronic waste, leading to an estimated 1.06 billion pounds of e-waste, which contaminates soil and water. The UN estimates the annual economic cost of e-waste at billions, projected to rise significantly by 2030. Statcounter reports that Windows 10 still accounts for 58.7 percent of Windows installations. Organizations like PCs for People have shifted to Linux Mint for older systems, ceasing distribution of Windows 10 a year before the cutoff.