DirectStorage Archives

Winsage

November 15, 2025

I’m finally switching to Windows 11, but not for the reason you think

Approximately 40% of Windows 10 users have upgraded to Windows 11, driven by the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14 and various practical considerations. The author upgraded to Windows 11 after acquiring an OLED monitor, as Windows 11 handles HDR significantly better than Windows 10. The introduction of Auto HDR in Windows 11 enhances the visual appeal of older games, while the HDR calibration app is incompatible with Windows 10. The author also faced persistent issues with their Windows 10 installation, such as file corruption and poor microphone quality, which prompted the switch. The end of critical security updates for Windows 10 further influenced the decision to upgrade, making Windows 11 the necessary choice to ensure better performance and security.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Hey, your computer’s vulnerable — fix it for $15 with Windows 11

Windows 10 has ceased support, leaving users without essential security updates. Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, down from its standard price of 9. Key features of Windows 11 Pro include DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced graphics, Auto HDR for improved visuals, DirectStorage for faster load times, Snap layouts for workspace organization, built-in security upgrades, and integration with OneDrive. This offer is time-sensitive. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Windows 11 vs Windows 10

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which features improved multitasking, AI integration, and a refined interface. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip and at least an Intel 8th-generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 series processor, meaning many older PCs will not receive security updates after October 14, 2025. The new interface utilizes the Fluent Design System and Mica, which adjusts window colors based on wallpaper. Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for better window management, and replaces Cortana with Copilot, an AI assistant that enhances user interaction. Gaming features include Auto HDR and DirectStorage for improved performance. Microsoft is making adjustments based on user feedback, such as reinstating the search bar and making Recall an opt-in feature.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends 2025: Gamers Upgrade to Windows 11 or SteamOS

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive free security updates. Gamers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for improved performance and compatibility, particularly due to features like DirectX 12, Auto HDR, and DirectStorage. However, some gamers are hesitant to switch due to interface issues and stricter hardware requirements. As an alternative, SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, is gaining traction among gamers for its streamlined environment and compatibility with Windows games through Proton. The adoption of non-Windows operating systems has increased, with Linux variants now accounting for around 2% of users on Steam. Upgrading to Windows 11 may require new hardware, while options like Tiny11 exist for those with unsupported PCs. The transition away from Windows 10 could drive innovation in gaming operating systems, prompting Microsoft to enhance Windows 11 amid competition.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Windows 11 Home Vs Pro: Differences, Features, And More

Windows 11 Home is the standard edition of Microsoft's operating system, designed for everyday users with a focus on simplicity and accessibility. It features a redesigned interface, Microsoft Teams integration, Windows Hello biometric login, device encryption, support for DirectStorage and Auto HDR for gaming, and Xbox Game Pass integration. However, it lacks advanced business tools like BitLocker encryption and Hyper-V virtualization, which are available in Windows 11 Pro. Upgrading from Windows 10 to either version is free if hardware requirements are met. The Pro version incurs an additional cost when purchasing new machines or licenses, with Windows 11 Home priced at 9 and Windows 11 Pro at 9. Users can upgrade from Home to Pro through the Microsoft Store for . Windows 11 Home is suitable for typical consumers, while Windows 11 Pro is intended for advanced users and business environments requiring enhanced security and management features.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

5 Windows 10 features that Windows 11 does way better

Microsoft will cease security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to choose between a free upgrade to Windows 11 or an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of protection. Windows 11 offers enhanced multi-monitor support, improved gaming features like AutoHDR and DirectStorage, and stronger security measures requiring hardware that supports Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Additionally, Windows 11 integrates AI features such as Live Captions and natural language interaction for adjusting settings.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Windows 12 Rumors: Sorting Facts from Fiction

Windows 12 is generating excitement among users, with anticipated features including a redesigned interface with AI capabilities, accelerated startup times, enhanced cloud service integration, improved multitasking tools, and gaming upgrades. Industry experts speculate a potential launch in late 2025, specifically between September and December. The integration of Microsoft's Copilot is expected to enhance productivity through intelligent task optimization and personalized settings. Windows 12 may also include enhanced Snap Layouts, dynamic widgets, and floating taskbars. Cloud storage will play a significant role, providing seamless file access and faster app updates. Gaming improvements may feature DirectStorage 2.0 and AI-enhanced graphics. Users may need to upgrade their hardware to support these new features. While the release date and features remain unconfirmed by Microsoft, the updates are expected to build on Windows 11 rather than overhaul it completely.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Microsoft ending Windows 10 support for MS Office in August 2026

Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 applications and services until August 2026, allowing users an additional year to transition to Windows 11. Support was originally set to end in October 2025. During this extension, Microsoft will stop new feature updates for MS Office applications on Windows 10, but critical security updates will continue until October 2028. Windows 10 will cease receiving software updates, including security patches, on October 14, 2025. Microsoft is offering free extended security updates for users who activate Windows Backup or choose a paid service. Windows 11 features a new interface, improved window organization tools, enhanced multi-monitor support, and integrates Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot. It also includes gaming enhancements like DirectStorage and Auto HDR, and supports Android apps through the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

I made 21 tweaks in Windows 11 to increase gaming performance

Windows 11 provides several adjustments to enhance gaming performance, including: 1. Enable Game Mode: Prioritizes gaming processes. 2. Disable Memory Integrity: Can improve performance during gaming. 3. Disable Virtual Machine Platform: Turns off virtualization for better performance. 4. Change Power Mode: Set to "High Performance" for maximum resource allocation. 5. Enable Auto HDR: Enhances visuals for HDR-capable displays. 6. Enable Automatic Super Resolution: Upscales games using AI for better frame rates and image quality. 7. Change Game Default GPU: Set a specific GPU for individual games. 8. Install Games on Secondary Drive: Improves loading times, especially with SSDs. 9. Optimization for Windowed Games: Reduces input latency for windowed mode games. 10. Change Refresh Rate: Adjust to the highest available for smoother gameplay. 11. Disable Apps at Startup: Frees up system resources by minimizing startup applications. 12. Free Up Storage Space: Enhances system speed and gaming performance. 13. Install System Updates: Resolves performance issues and improves compatibility. 14. Update Graphic Drivers: Ensures optimal performance in games. 15. Debloat Setup: Uninstall unnecessary applications to free up resources. 16. Enable GPU Scheduling: Reduces latency by offloading tasks from the CPU. 17. Use DirectStorage: Allows faster asset loading from NVMe SSDs. 18. Enable Variable Refresh Rate: Synchronizes refresh rate with frame rate to reduce screen tearing. 19. Change Settings in Games: Adjust in-game settings for optimal performance. 20. Reset Your Computer: Restores system to optimal performance if issues persist.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Breath new life into a PC with this bundle—Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro under $50

A lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro 2019 and Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, originally valued at 9. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025, making an upgrade to Windows 11 Pro essential for continued security updates and new features. Windows 11 Pro includes an AI assistant called Copilot, and features for gamers such as DirectStorage and AutoHDR. Microsoft Office Pro 2019 provides offline versions of applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without a subscription.