gaming enhancements

Winsage
January 18, 2026
Windows 11 is nearing its fifth anniversary and features enhancements in visual design, system performance, and support for Android applications. Microsoft offers a Pro version for power users, which includes advanced functionalities not available in the Home version, such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, Hyper-V, and enhanced remote access capabilities. Windows 11 Home is suitable for average users who prefer simplicity, offering essential features for everyday tasks and automatic updates. It is free for users upgrading from compatible Windows 10 devices and comes preinstalled on new PCs. Windows 11 Pro, priced around 0 for a full license, is ideal for users seeking greater control over system settings and those who rely on virtualization tools. Key specifications include: - Both editions share core features like the full Windows 11 UI, Snap Layouts, and Copilot. - Windows 11 Home includes basic security features, while Pro adds advanced options like BitLocker and Credential Guard. - Pro supports virtualization with Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox, while Home does not. - Processor support differs, with Home supporting 1 CPU and 64 cores, and Pro supporting 2 CPUs and 128 cores.
AppWizard
October 2, 2025
Microsoft is increasing the monthly subscription fee for the PC Game Pass plan to .99, effective November 4, 2025. This change was confirmed on October 1, 2025, and is part of a reorganization of subscription tiers, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now priced at .99 per month. The price increase aims to reflect the enhanced value provided to gamers, including day-one releases for select games, a larger game catalog, and improved cloud gaming features. The Core and Standard plans have been renamed to Essential and Premium, respectively, maintaining their prices at .99 and .99 per month. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes benefits such as Ubisoft Plus Classics and Fortnite Crew.
Winsage
August 13, 2025
Windows 11's August update introduces several enhancements, including the Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) tool (KB5063878) to help users recover from boot failures by diagnosing and resolving issues. The update also addresses stability problems for gamers, particularly for popular games like Fortnite, reducing crashes and interruptions. An AI agent is added to the Settings app for Copilot+ PCs, allowing natural language queries to simplify navigation. Additionally, the update officially introduces the Black Screen of Death as a modern version of the Blue Screen of Death. QMR will be enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users, and while some users may have privacy concerns about sharing diagnostic data, the benefits of resolving boot issues may outweigh these apprehensions.
Winsage
July 18, 2025
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 7, 2025
Popular Science readers can acquire Windows 11 Pro keys for .97 until July 20 or while supplies last, a significant discount from the typical retail price of 9. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Azure AD, Hyper-V, a revamped user interface, Windows Copilot AI assistance, Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 Ultimate. The offer provides a lifetime license with no future fees.
AppWizard
May 22, 2025
Xbox and Antstream Arcade have launched Retro Classics, a collection of over 50 Activision titles from the ’80s and ’90s, available to Xbox Game Pass members worldwide. Notable games in the collection include Commando, Grand Prix, Kaboom!, Mech Warrior 2: 31st Century Combat, and Pitfall!, accessible on consoles, PCs, and cloud gaming devices. The collection features modern enhancements like cloud saves, achievement support, and gameplay pause/resume options, with plans to expand to over 100 titles from Activision and Blizzard in the future. Additionally, Xbox has introduced updates for PC gaming, including a revamped Game Bar with Quick Settings, an upcoming Microsoft Edge Game Assist for in-game browsing, and GeForce Now streaming integration for the Xbox app. The Xbox Rewards program has also been updated, allowing players to redeem points for customizable gift cards for various purchases.
Winsage
May 12, 2025
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 and encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is currently available for .97, down from 9. This offer is time-sensitive with a limited number of codes available. Windows 11 Pro enhances PC performance, features a redesigned user interface, and introduces productivity tools like snap layouts and improved search functionality. It also includes advanced security measures such as Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and BitLocker encryption, as well as gaming enhancements through DirectX12 Ultimate. Additionally, it offers professional tools for remote work, including remote desktop access and features like Azure AD and Hyper-V.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
Many users view Windows 11 as a reimagined version of Windows 10, but it includes exclusive features for gamers. Microsoft has restricted access to the latest Windows 11 update due to complications with the Auto HDR feature, which enhances visuals by converting SDR content to HDR. A bug in Auto HDR has caused games to display incorrect colors or freeze. Microsoft has not specified which devices or games are affected and has implemented a compatibility hold on devices using Auto HDR, preventing them from installing Windows 11 version 24H2. Users are advised to disable Auto HDR to proceed with the update. Additionally, there have been other gaming-related issues with Windows 11 version 24H2, including crashes in games using Easy Anti-Cheat and responsiveness issues in titles like Asphalt 8, along with compatibility challenges with certain Ubisoft games.
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