external drive Archives

Winsage

January 11, 2026

Windows 10 Users Are Being Targeted With New Upgrade Offer

A surge of attacks targeting Windows 10 machines highlights the need for users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is currently available at a discount of approximately 94% off its standard price. Windows 10 is becoming increasingly vulnerable as it approaches its end of support, leaving users exposed to cyber threats. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns that unsupported systems are often exploited by cybercriminals. Windows 10 remains widely used, making it a significant target for attackers, as evidenced by over billion in reported cybercrime losses in 2023. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced security features, including BitLocker drive encryption, Credential Guard, and Smart App Control, along with a security-first design that requires compatible hardware. Current promotions allow users to purchase a Windows 11 Pro license for under 0, providing a one-time purchase option that includes updates until Microsoft ends support for Windows 11. Users are advised to check compatibility before upgrading and to back up important files. For those unable to upgrade, alternatives include purchasing Extended Security Updates or investing in new hardware that meets Windows 11 specifications.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

My proven 4-step method for fixing slow Android phones – and it works every time

- Uninstall unused applications to free up space and improve phone speed by navigating to Settings > Storage > Apps. - Offload photos to an external drive or cloud storage to clear space on the device. - Clear app cache by going to Settings > Storage > App > Clear Cache. - Check for updates to the Android operating system by going to Settings > General > System Update and ensure apps are updated in the Google Play Store. - Adjust animation speed through Developer options by enabling it in Settings > About phone > Software information and tapping the Build number seven times, then modifying the animation scale settings in the Drawing section.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

I tried 3 Windows laptops with Qualcomm chipsets this year – and found 3 glaring issues

Last year, Microsoft introduced Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, prompting the purchase of a Surface Pro 11, which became essential for daily tasks. This led to acquiring additional devices, including a Surface Laptop and a Dell XPS 13, both with Snapdragon X Elite chips. Despite effective marketing, businesses remain cautious about these devices. Windows on Arm has improved for Office applications and web services, with devices maintaining cool temperatures and long battery life. However, there are limitations: backup software may not work effectively on Arm devices, as external drives are inaccessible during recovery, necessitating workarounds like network or cloud storage. Installing Linux on Snapdragon-powered PCs is challenging due to a lack of compatible installation images, making Intel-based PCs more practical for work tasks. Additionally, Arm-based devices have performance constraints for gaming, with Snapdragon processors unable to compete with dedicated GPUs, making high-performance gaming unfeasible.

Winsage

October 25, 2025

Microsoft warns Windows 10 is a ransomware magnet — and 84% of our readers are still using it

Over 90% of ransomware attacks target unsupported PCs, highlighting the urgency for users still on Windows 10 to transition to Windows 11. A poll showed that 84% of Tom’s Guide readers are still using Windows 10. Unsupported systems are vulnerable to ransomware and malware attacks, which can compromise personal files and lead to identity theft. Microsoft no longer monitors older systems for vulnerabilities, leaving users unaware of potential breaches. The long-term costs of not upgrading can exceed the investment required for a system that supports Windows 11. To mitigate risks, users should implement antivirus solutions, use strong passwords, and regularly back up critical data.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Don’t want Windows 11 yet? Here is how to keep updates on Windows 10

Support for Windows 10 officially ends on 14 October 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates and patches. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows users to continue receiving critical security updates until 13 October 2026. To qualify for ESU, PCs must run Windows 10, version 22H2, be one of the specified editions (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstations), have the latest updates installed, and be signed in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. Enrollment can be done at no cost if settings are synced with a Microsoft account, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or through a one-time purchase. Each ESU license covers up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account. If users do not enroll in ESU, their PCs will not receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for long-term security, but many older PCs may not meet the necessary hardware requirements. After October 2026, even those enrolled in ESU will lose official security support.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 is gone, but ChromeOS Flex can fill the void

Microsoft has officially ceased support for Windows 10, which was launched in 2015. Users with compatible hardware may transition to Windows 11, while those with incompatible devices can use ChromeOS Flex, a modified version of ChromeOS that enhances older hardware. ChromeOS Flex, developed by Neverware and rebranded after Google’s acquisition in 2020, allows users to extend the lifespan of their devices by several years and offers robust security against viruses. Transitioning to ChromeOS Flex involves backing up files, checking device compatibility, installing the Chromebook Recovery Utility, and following instructions to install ChromeOS Flex from a USB drive.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2025

How a single MacBook compromise spread across a user’s Apple devices

Macs are known for their reliability and security but are not immune to malware, which is becoming more sophisticated. A user named Jeffrey in Phoenix reported performance issues with his MacBook, which was used without an Apple ID due to company policy. The malware eventually affected his personal devices, prompting him to seek assistance from Apple. Signs of potential infection include sluggish performance, frequent app crashes, unusual activity in Activity Monitor, redirected web traffic, and altered security settings. macOS includes built-in protections like Gatekeeper, XProtect, System Integrity Protection, and Sandboxing, but these are not foolproof. If a Mac is suspected to be infected, users should disconnect from the internet, back up important files, boot into Safe Mode, run a trusted malware removal tool, check login items and Activity Monitor, consider a clean reinstall of macOS, secure other devices, reset passwords, and seek professional help if needed. To prevent infections, users should install strong antivirus software, consider personal data removal services, use a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, keep macOS and apps updated, review login items and background processes, and use identity theft protection services.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

5 hidden features in Windows you probably didn’t know about

- ClickLock allows users to mimic a sustained mouse click by holding down the mouse button for about a second, enabling actions like text highlighting without continuous pressure. - Windows 11 includes screen savers that can be activated after a period of inactivity, with options like 3D Text, Bubbles, Mystify, Photos, and Ribbons. - The "God Mode Folder" provides a centralized view of various Windows settings and Control Panel utilities within File Explorer, created by renaming a folder to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}". - Users can generate a detailed battery report by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and entering the command "powercfg /batteryreport," which saves the report in the System32 folder. - File History allows users to maintain a continuously synchronized backup of their libraries by connecting an external or network drive, automating the backup process and enabling restoration of previous file versions.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

Windows 11 Update: Here’s How To Upgrade Your PC From Windows 10 Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 10 on October 14, with extended security updates available for an additional year. Users are advised to transition to Windows 11 for better security. The upgrade process involves backing up files, downloading Windows 11 via a standard upgrade or clean install, and then installing the operating system. A clean install requires an 8GB+ USB flash drive and the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. Potential issues include errors from Windows updates, and users may consider alternatives like Linux if they find Windows 11's interface unappealing.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Support for Windows 10 Ends Next Month: Here’s How to Update Your PC to Windows 11 If You Haven’t Already

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. Before upgrading, users should back up their files to prevent data loss, using either an external drive or OneDrive for cloud storage. To download Windows 11, users can either install it over Windows 10 or perform a clean install using a USB flash drive with the Media Creation Tool. During installation, users can choose to preserve existing files or perform a clean install. For those hesitant to upgrade, continuing with Windows 10 poses security risks, and Linux is suggested as an alternative operating system. User-friendly Linux distributions like Linux Mint or Ubuntu are recommended for newcomers.