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Windows Registry Tweak Unlocks 80% SSD Speed Boost on Consumer PCs
Winsage
January 1, 2026

Windows Registry Tweak Unlocks 80% SSD Speed Boost on Consumer PCs

A modification in the Windows Registry can enable a native NVMe driver, potentially doubling the performance of solid-state drives (SSDs) by enhancing random read and write speeds by up to 80%. This driver is typically reserved for enterprise environments and is not officially available for consumer versions of Windows 11. The modification carries risks, including the possibility of rendering a system unbootable and disrupting features like BitLocker encryption. Early adopters have reported mixed results, with some experiencing significant performance improvements while others face stability issues. The tweak highlights the disparity between consumer and enterprise hardware capabilities and reflects ongoing discussions within the tech community about optimizing SSD performance.
3 Windows 11 and Microsoft features you'll love in 2026 — and 1 you'll hate
Winsage
January 1, 2026

3 Windows 11 and Microsoft features you’ll love in 2026 — and 1 you’ll hate

In 2025, Microsoft faced public perception challenges, with accusations of "enshittification" of its products, including Xbox, Surface, and Windows, leading to a loss of support from former advocates. Windows 11 has been criticized for bugs and underwhelming AI features. Qualcomm introduced Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme chips, which will require an update to Windows 11 (version 26H1) for compatibility. Windows 11 will also see the return of the Agenda view in the Taskbar calendar flyout and improvements to dark mode, addressing previous inconsistencies. A controversial feature in Microsoft Teams will automatically update users' work locations based on Wi-Fi connections, raising privacy concerns. The Xbox Full Screen Experience is being rolled out to enhance the gaming interface, optimizing performance by reducing background applications.
Windows 1.01 was launched 40 years ago, but it didn't start well — Microsoft's graphical OS adventures were uncompetitive at launch
Winsage
November 22, 2025

Windows 1.01 was launched 40 years ago, but it didn’t start well — Microsoft’s graphical OS adventures were uncompetitive at launch

Microsoft released Windows 1.01 40 years ago, marking its first entry into graphical user interfaces with a WIMP-driven shell. Launched in 1985, it operated on DOS and required an Intel 8088 processor, 256KB of RAM, twin-floppy drives, and CGA graphics. A mouse was recommended but not necessary for navigation. At its release, Apple's Macintosh and home computers like the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga had already established graphical operating systems. Windows 1.01 included applications like Notepad, Paint, Clock, Calculator, and a game called Reversi. The interface featured tiled windows rather than overlapping ones. U.S. customers could purchase Windows 1.01 at launch for approximately 0, and version 1.02 was released in Europe in May 1986.
Windows 11 26H1 Focuses on New Silicon Support, Not New Features
Winsage
November 10, 2025

Windows 11 26H1 Focuses on New Silicon Support, Not New Features

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000, focusing on hardware optimization rather than major user interface changes. This build supports advanced silicon from Qualcomm and NVIDIA, specifically targeting Windows-on-Arm platforms featuring Snapdragon X2 Elite processors and NVIDIA's N1 and N1x SoCs. The 26H1 update will not be a feature update for version 25H2 but will include platform modifications for new hardware, with no action required from users. Microsoft plans to use an enablement package (eKB) to unlock functionalities within the 26H1 framework, similar to the 25H2 update, which also introduced few new features and emphasized security improvements while deprecating certain features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC due to security vulnerabilities. Additionally, IT administrators can remove pre-installed Microsoft default applications on Enterprise and EDU devices through Group Policy or MDM CSP.
Arc Raiders and Battlefield 6 prove that great performance and low system requirements are king for multiplayer PC games in 2025
AppWizard
November 4, 2025

Arc Raiders and Battlefield 6 prove that great performance and low system requirements are king for multiplayer PC games in 2025

Arc Raiders had over 350,000 simultaneous players during its launch weekend. It is designed to run on older hardware, requiring a minimum CPU of Intel Core i5 6600K and a GPU like the GTX 1050 Ti or RX 580. The RTX 3060 is the most commonly used desktop GPU among gamers, while the RTX 4060 is gaining popularity. The high cost of PC upgrades and inflation make it difficult for many players to keep up with the latest hardware. Battlefield 6 is playable on older hardware like the 4 GB AMD Radeon RX 570, while Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford described Borderlands 4 as "a premium game for premium gamers," which may limit its audience. Performance optimization is crucial for attracting a broad player base in multiplayer games.
Don't be fooled: Microsoft's claim that Windows 11 PCs are 2.3x faster than Windows 10 ones is based on hardware, not software
Winsage
June 29, 2025

Don’t be fooled: Microsoft’s claim that Windows 11 PCs are 2.3x faster than Windows 10 ones is based on hardware, not software

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, highlighting that Windows 11 PCs can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs. This claim is based on testing with Geekbench 6 Multi-Core benchmarks, comparing older Windows 10 PCs with older Intel Core processors to newer Windows 11 systems with the latest Intel Core generations. The performance boost is primarily attributed to advancements in hardware rather than the operating system itself. Microsoft notes that performance will vary significantly by device and other factors.
What Grand Theft Auto V’s PC update says about furnishing older games with current tech
AppWizard
March 6, 2025

What Grand Theft Auto V’s PC update says about furnishing older games with current tech

Rockstar has released a significant update for Grand Theft Auto V on PC, aligning its features with those of the console versions from 2020. The update includes graphical enhancements, improved loading times, and support for the DualSense controller and modern gaming peripherals. It features ray tracing with ambient occlusion and global illumination, support for Nvidia DLSS 3 and AMD FSR3, higher resolutions, and advanced audio technology. This update is free for PC users, while it was paid for console users. Rockstar's investment in updating this decade-old game comes as Grand Theft Auto VI approaches, aiming to keep players engaged and confident in the franchise's ongoing relevance.
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