Future of Windows Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Why Windows 11 requires a TPM – and how to get around it

Microsoft introduced a hardware compatibility requirement for Windows 11 in 2021, mandating the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 standard. A TPM is a secure cryptoprocessor designed to manage security-related tasks and encryption keys, enhancing system security by encrypting data, generating random numbers, and validating digital signatures. The TPM architecture is defined by the ISO/IEC 11889 standard. TPM can be integrated as a chip on a motherboard or within firmware, with major companies like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm adopting this technology. TPM 2.0 is essential for Windows security features, working with Secure Boot to ensure only trusted code is executed at startup and facilitating biometric authentication through Windows Hello. It also secures BitLocker keys, making unauthorized data access difficult. Most PCs manufactured from 2016 onwards include TPM 2.0 by default, while older systems may have limited TPM capabilities or adhere to the unsupported TPM 1.2 standard. Users can check their TPM status using the System Information tool. TPM functionality is not exclusive to Windows; it is also utilized in Linux PCs and IoT devices, while Apple devices use a different architecture called Secure Enclave. Windows 10 and 11 automatically initialize the TPM during installation, and users can upgrade to Windows 11 with any version of TPM through a registry modification.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Microsoft deprecates Suggested Actions in Windows 11

Microsoft has announced the retirement of the Suggested Actions feature in Windows 11, as confirmed in their Deprecated Features list. This feature, which provided contextual suggestions based on copied text, was part of the Windows Insider Dev Channel for less than three years. Despite its intended purpose to enhance user efficiency, it struggled to gain traction and faced complaints regarding its functionality, particularly in recognizing phone numbers and causing unwanted pop-ups. Microsoft is shifting focus towards its Copilot initiative, an AI-driven assistant, while other elements of the Windows 11 interface, like the right-click menu, have been modified without facing similar retirement.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Microsoft kills hope old PCs will run Windows 11 as death of world’s most popular OS nears

Microsoft has announced stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11, mandating TPM 2.0, which has barred many older systems from upgrading. This decision creates a divide between modern and outdated hardware and raises concerns for Windows 10 users, as support for that operating system will end in October 2025. Windows 11 has a slower adoption rate, with Windows 10 holding a 61.8% market share compared to Windows 11's 34.9%. The transition may result in approximately 240 million PCs being discarded, raising sustainability concerns. Microsoft is expected to increase promotions for Windows 11 within the Windows 10 interface to encourage upgrades.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Microsoft says having a TPM is “non-negotiable” for Windows 11

Microsoft requires TPM 2.0 support as a non-negotiable prerequisite for upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 to enhance security. TPM 2.0 is a specialized processor that provides hardware-based security functions, such as storing sensitive information securely. As of October 2023, over 61% of Windows systems globally still run Windows 10, while less than 35% have upgraded to Windows 11 since its launch in October 2021. Microsoft will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for home users to postpone their upgrade to Windows 11 for an additional year, with enrollment opening closer to the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Specialized versions of Windows, like LTSB and LTSC, will continue to receive updates beyond this date. Windows 11 24H2 has begun rolling out to eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 22H2 and 23H2.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft reiterates that it will not lower Windows 11 requirements — A TPM 2.0 compatible CPU remains “non-negotiable” for all future Windows versions

Users with processors older than Intel's 8th Generation CPUs or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series will need to pay an annual fee for Extended Security Upgrades (ESUs) as Microsoft approaches the end of support for Windows 10. Windows 11 requires the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for security, and PCs that do not meet this requirement will be ineligible for the new operating system. Currently, 61.82% of Windows desktop users are still on Windows 10. Users have options to either invest in new hardware, upgrade existing systems, pay for continued support, or consider switching to Linux.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft stubbornly sticks to Windows 11’s TPM security requirement – and risks annoying Windows 10 users

Microsoft has declared TPM 2.0 a "non-negotiable" requirement for Windows 11, emphasizing its importance for enhanced security protocols and advanced encryption. This requirement primarily targets businesses, as Microsoft aims to protect organizational data against cyber threats. Windows 10 will reach its End of Life in October 2025, with Microsoft offering extended support until October 2026 for users unable to upgrade. Microsoft discourages unofficial methods to bypass the TPM 2.0 requirement, implementing a watermark on unsupported installations to reinforce its stance.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft doubles down, still won’t let older PCs run Windows 11

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 requirement for Windows 11 is a mandatory standard set by Microsoft, which does not support older PCs lacking these security chips. Users have limited options: purchase a new PC, continue using Windows 10 without support, or switch to Linux. Microsoft emphasizes that TPM 2.0 is essential for modern security and encryption tools. Most new laptops and desktops now come with TPM 2.0 compliant processors, including Arm-based devices. There is skepticism about the transition to Windows 11, as users have faced challenges upgrading older machines. The push for TPM 2.0 is partly driven by increased security threats, including those related to cryptocurrency. This announcement reaffirms Microsoft's previous stance on the necessity of TPM 2.0 for future Windows versions.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft closes the door on Windows 11 supporting older hardware

Microsoft has confirmed that the hardware requirements for Windows 11, including the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, are non-negotiable. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025. TPM 2.0 is essential for encrypting data, validating digital signatures, and enhancing security on Windows devices. It integrates with security features like Credential Guard, Windows Hello for Business, and BitLocker disk encryption, and supports Secure Boot. Windows 11 also requires support for virtualization-based security and hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), limiting compatibility to CPUs released from 2018 onward. Although there are workarounds for unsupported hardware, Microsoft has tightened upgrade processes and is promoting new PC purchases to encourage upgrades from Windows 10.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

Windows 12 is everything Windows 11 should be — and the Microsoft OS we deserve!

Microsoft will end complimentary support for Windows 10 next year, prompting users to either upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for the anticipated Windows 12. Concept designers have created videos envisioning future versions of Windows, including Windows 12 and its variations. One designer, Nepnus, has proposed a modern design for Windows 12 featuring a centered taskbar, rounded edges, a compact floating bar for the Start menu and Search, a centered Start menu, and a new feature called Windows AI for smart functionalities. The Settings section is also expected to be redesigned for better user experience.