hardware refresh Archives

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Microsoft flips Windows Backup to on by default unless you’re in the EU

Microsoft has enabled Windows Backup for Organizations by default in the 26H2 version of Windows 11, except in the European Union. This feature allows organizations to restore device settings and installed Microsoft Store applications easily during events like lost laptops or system resets. Devices running Windows 11 25H2 and earlier, as well as those with a backup policy that disables this setting, will not be included in the automatic backup initiative. Organizations can opt out of this feature if they have stringent privacy policies or data sovereignty concerns. Administrators must explicitly disable the policy if they do not wish to use the feature. Microsoft clarifies that this service is not a comprehensive backup solution but part of a broader Windows resiliency effort. Eligible devices with the backup policy in a Not Configured state will enable backup automatically when Windows 11, version 26H2 becomes generally available.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Why B3 chose Android for secure AI-enabled productivity

B3 has deployed a secure mobile solution to 1,000 employees in two weeks using Android Enterprise, enhancing security with AI threat detection and Managed Google Play. The transition is expected to yield a 30% cost savings over the next decade. B3 prioritized security and compliance while providing devices that ensure constant availability and productivity. The deployment process was streamlined through collaboration with Samsung and Android Enterprise's zero-touch enrollment, allowing centralized management of devices. Employees received lightweight devices with 7-inch screens and longer battery life, leading to positive feedback. B3 is also expanding its use of AI to improve productivity and plans to refresh hardware more frequently due to the anticipated cost savings.

Winsage

June 28, 2026

Microsoft Shares Bounce From 52-Week Low as Italian Probe and Windows 10 Extension Create Crosscurre

The Italian antitrust authority, AGCM, has launched an investigation into Microsoft 365 for allegedly guiding users toward pricier subscription tiers by integrating AI tools like Copilot and Designer without explicit user consent. Microsoft has stated it will cooperate with the investigation. Last year, Australia’s consumer watchdog made a similar complaint regarding hidden costs related to Copilot during contract renewals. Despite this scrutiny, Microsoft shares rose to €327.90, a 5.71% increase, following a shift in investor sentiment towards AI-software firms. Microsoft also extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 until October 2027, allowing users to delay transitioning to Windows 11, which could hinder hardware sales. The stock remains down nearly 19% year-to-date and is trading below key moving averages. The ongoing regulatory investigation and sluggish Windows upgrade cycle present challenges for Microsoft’s growth.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2026

How PostgreSQL on Azure helps modernize legacy databases

Microsoft is enhancing PostgreSQL to establish it as a high-performance, scalable, and enterprise-ready open database platform, addressing the limitations of legacy systems like Oracle. Many Oracle customers face rising licensing costs, performance bottlenecks, and scalability issues, prompting them to consider migration. Apollo Hospitals successfully migrated from Oracle to Azure Database for PostgreSQL, achieving a 60% reduction in operational costs and a threefold improvement in system performance. Microsoft has introduced an AI-assisted migration tool to simplify the transition from Oracle to PostgreSQL, automating the conversion of schemas and application code. Azure Database for PostgreSQL offers high performance, scalability, and security, with features like v6-series compute SKUs and SSD v2 storage. Azure HorizonDB, a new cloud-native PostgreSQL service, supports extreme performance demands and is designed for real-time analytics. Microsoft is committed to enhancing PostgreSQL as an open-source database for enterprise workloads, enabling organizations to innovate and become more agile.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Microsoft expands Windows restore to more enterprise devices

Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows enterprise users to restore personal settings and Microsoft Store applications from a previous Windows 11 device during their first login on a new or reimaged device using a Microsoft Entra ID account. This feature is part of Windows Backup for Organizations, which streamlines the migration process to Windows 11. The restore capability has been expanded to support hybrid-managed environments, multi-user device configurations, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Users will receive a prompt during the first login to either restore from a previous device's backup or set up the device as new, but those who bypass this step will not receive another prompt. IT administrators can manage this feature through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy. The feature will be available for devices with Windows updates released on February 24, 2026, and later. Windows Backup for Organizations was first announced in November 2024, reached public preview in May 2025, and became generally available in August.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10

By November 2025, Windows 11 held 53.7 percent of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 had 42.7 percent. Statcounter's data is based on a sample of around 1.5 million websites. Many consumers have devices incompatible with upgrades or prefer not to change functioning systems. In the EU, consumers benefit from free Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses face slow change management processes due to poor planning and resource challenges. Organizations use ESUs to maintain security during transitions, but costs can be burdensome for unprepared businesses. Consumers often retain older Windows 10 machines for secondary tasks, affecting usage statistics. Organizations strategically leverage ESUs for mission-critical systems and budget constraints. The cost of ESUs is often less than the potential disruptions from migration. Windows 11 lacks compelling features to prompt enterprises to upgrade, and adoption is slower than previous operating systems, lagging by 10-12 points according to Dell's COO.

Winsage

October 22, 2025

The Windows 10 end-game: how IT leaders can turn migration pressure into strategic advantage

Many small and medium-sized businesses still rely heavily on Windows 10 as the deadline for Microsoft to discontinue support approaches. Microsoft’s hardware requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0, aim to establish modern security standards. Peripheral compatibility issues arise as legacy equipment often depends on outdated Windows drivers. Cyber insurance providers are limiting coverage for unsupported operating systems, leading to premium increases for organizations. Successful migrations to Windows 11 can leverage application modernization opportunities, with cloud-native alternatives providing enhanced functionality and security. Windows 11's security architecture supports zero-trust implementations more effectively than Windows 10. The integration of Windows 11's security features with Conditional Access policies allows for improved security controls. Organizations that migrate early can avoid resource scarcity and higher costs associated with the impending deadline. A structured implementation strategy for late-stage planning includes rapid assessment, strategic pilot design, and parallel track implementation for different user categories. The October 2025 deadline for Windows 10 end-of-support emphasizes the need for strategic migration planning to avoid security vulnerabilities and operational risks.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Lenovo leads PC market as Windows 10 deadline drives upgrades

Lenovo led the global PC market in the third quarter of 2025, shipping 19.4 million units and achieving a 25.5% market share, reflecting a 17.3% growth from the previous year. Total global PC shipments reached 75.9 million units, marking a 9.4% increase. HP shipped 15 million units (19.8% market share), and Dell shipped 10.1 million units (13.3% market share). Apple and Asus shipped 6.8 million and 5.9 million units, respectively. The North American market faces challenges due to US import tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainties, while Asia Pacific, particularly Japan, experienced growth driven by hardware refresh initiatives related to the end of Windows 10 support. Demand for PCs is largely influenced by lifecycle management as organizations prepare for the end of Windows 10 support on October 13.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Microsoft pushes NPUs as a way to an intelligent Windows

Microsoft is promoting the potential of neural processing units (NPUs) to enhance Windows intelligence, although NPUs are not yet part of official hardware requirements. NPUs are designed to accelerate local inference with lower power consumption and are found in devices from smartphones to Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft claims that NPUs can make sophisticated AI experiences more affordable, stating that tasks that once required expensive computing can now be performed on less costly devices. However, the current utility of local AI processing for users is limited, with few OS features requiring local processing and minimal impact on productivity. Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into applications like Notepad and Photos, but these changes are not driven by user demand. Despite the lukewarm reception, Microsoft advocates for NPUs, highlighting their ability to run multiple AI applications concurrently. Concerns exist regarding future hardware requirements, as the company may eventually include NPUs in its specifications, echoing past experiences with Windows 10. As of early September, AI-enabled notebooks with NPUs made up 40.5 percent of the European distribution channel, a figure expected to rise.