editions Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Ctrl + Alt + Goodbye

Windows 11 Home and Pro (version 23H2) will no longer receive security patches or bug fixes after November 11, 2025. Users are advised to upgrade to the latest version by checking for updates in the Settings under Windows Update. Enterprise and Education editions will have support extended until November 10, 2026.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in November

Microsoft announced that support for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025. The Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive support until November 10, 2026. The last supported editions of Windows 11 22H2 will reach their end of servicing on October 14. Users of Windows 11 23H2 are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, which began rolling out in May 2024 and became generally available in October 2024. Microsoft has implemented compatibility holds that may block upgrades on devices with certain incompatible software and drivers. Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in install base, achieving over 53% of all Windows systems, while 59.9% of gamers use Windows 11 as of July 2025.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Update Microsoft Windows 11 Now Or Your Security Updates Will Stop

Microsoft has confirmed that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 23H2, will no longer receive security updates after November 11, 2025. Users who contact Microsoft Support after this date will be advised to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11 to maintain support. Windows 11 22H2 will have its end of security updates on October 14, 2025, affecting the Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 23H2, will continue to receive updates until November 10, 2026. Microsoft has released a Windows Lifecycle FAQ to help users understand the implications of reaching the end of support status.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

InstallAware Launches Setup Virtualization Technology “Project OS/3,” Running Windows Binaries Directly on Linux and macOS.

InstallAware Software has launched "Project OS/3," a solution that simplifies running Windows applications on Linux and macOS by using Wine. Users can install Wine through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) setup wizard, eliminating the need for command-line interactions. The installation process is initiated with a single click, and once Wine is set up, "Project OS/3" injects the Windows application along with necessary files and registry keys into the Wine instance, ensuring the application is operational with original shortcuts recreated on the host system. Developers can provide a Windows setup file, and the tool will create a ready-to-run native code installation for both Linux and macOS, addressing compatibility issues typically encountered with Wine. The ease of use is facilitated by InstallAware Studio Admin's PackageAware setup capture technology and InstallAware Multi Platform's native code setup engines, which automatically retarget captured Windows installations onto designated Wine instances. "Project OS/3" also offers a graphical method for installing Wine, providing a quicker alternative for compatible setups. InstallAware Software, founded in 2003, specializes in cloud infrastructure and enterprise software deployment, and offers InstallAware 2025 for free for open-source projects, with paid editions available.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Two revolutionary 90s shooters shadow dropped on Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, and PC — Complete with enhanced performances, online multiplayer crossplay, and more

Bethesda Softworks has released Heretic+Hexen, a compilation of remastered editions of Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders and Hexen: Beyond Heretic, during QuakeCon 2025. The compilation is available on Xbox platforms, Xbox Game Pass, and PC via Windows and Steam. It includes the original titles, Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel, and two new episodes: Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur, totaling 117 campaign maps and 120 deathmatch maps. The remastered versions feature online cross-platform deathmatch and co-op for up to 16 players, local split-screen for up to 8 players, an enhanced soundtrack, community mod support, improved performance with multithreaded rendering, accessibility options, modern controller support, and translations into 12 languages. Heretic+Hexen is available for purchase on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, and is included in Xbox Game Pass. A limited-time offer at CDKeys provides one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for .04.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Move over Windows Ugly sweaters, Microsoft is about to drop custom Windows XP Crocs with an all-important Clippy Jibbitz

Microsoft is releasing Windows XP Crocs, called the '50th Anniversary Exclusive,' marking the first time a Windows version is featured in footwear. These Crocs are currently available for internal order by Microsoft employees, with a planned worldwide launch to follow. The design is inspired by the classic Windows XP wallpaper and includes six Jibbitz shoe charms: Clippy, MSN Butterfly, Internet Explorer Logo, Recycling Bin, and Folder. Each pair also comes with a drawstring tote featuring the Windows XP wallpaper design. Further updates on pricing and availability are anticipated.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft announces end of support for Windows 11 SE

Microsoft has announced that it will phase out Windows 11 SE, with support and updates ending in October 2026. Windows 11 SE was designed for educational environments and low-spec devices, featuring essential educational applications and Microsoft Office 365 (subscription required). The decision comes as Chromebooks gain popularity in the educational sector. Microsoft will not release any feature updates after version 24H2, and users are advised to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11 for continued support and security. The operating system has been criticized for its reduced functionality and user experience compared to standard laptops.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Microsoft yanks the plug on Windows 11 SE, giving school and college IT techs a little over a year to find a suitable replacement

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 SE four years ago as a specialized operating system for web-first devices in education, but it has not gained popularity among students and IT professionals. The end-of-life date for Windows 11 SE is set for October 2026, after which all updates, security patches, and technical support will cease. Microsoft has not announced plans for a successor and advises users to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11. Windows 11 SE faced challenges with application accessibility due to strict limitations on non-educational software, which complicated its use in educational environments. In contrast, Google’s ChromeOS is preferred in the education sector for being more user-friendly and adaptable. The removal of support for Windows 11 SE raises security concerns, as devices will become vulnerable without updates. Microsoft’s quick phase-out of Windows 11 SE indicates a retreat from the lightweight OS market, where Google has a strong presence, and past attempts by Microsoft, such as Windows 10 S and Windows RT, have failed to gain traction.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Millions still cling to Windows 10 as end of support looms

Windows 11 has a market share of 53.51 percent, while Windows 10's share is 42.88 percent, according to Statcounter data. Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in less than three months, yet many PCs remain on this older version. Organizations face challenges in transitioning to Windows 11 due to legacy applications and hardware incompatibilities. The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is seen as a temporary solution, and while consumers can secure a complimentary year of ESU, corporate customers using Microsoft 365 do not have this option. There are no plans from Microsoft to offer free ESUs for Windows 10. Despite the impending end of support, Windows 10 is expected to remain significant in enterprise planning for months or years to come.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

The Witcher 3 mod adds enhanced physics, new animations, and improved precision when dismembering enemies

The modder Kradiarumas has released a new mod for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that enhances the game's dismemberment system. This mod introduces a more dynamic physics engine for dismemberment, allowing for improved precision and a 100% chance of dismemberment with every strike. It also revives the spinning sword attack from the E3 2014 gameplay reveal. The mod is available in five versions and is compatible with both Next-Gen and Old-Gen editions of the game. Other mods in the community include a first-person mod, the HD Reworked Project, and various combat and quest enhancements. Recent mods have restored boat races, added new quests, and reinstated a cut reputation system. Additionally, mods utilizing Ray Tracing technology have been introduced, such as the RTX Mirrors Mod and one that enhances fire effects.