hardware upgrade Archives

Winsage

December 25, 2024

5 ways to make Windows 11 boot faster without new hardware

Windows can exhibit sluggishness during boot times, which can be improved without hardware upgrades or reinstallation. 1. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager to enhance boot times. 2. Adjust the Fast Startup feature in Control Panel, as it can sometimes hinder performance. 3. Reduce the operating system selection timeout in System Properties to streamline booting for users with multiple operating systems. 4. Uninstall unneeded applications to free up resources. 5. Ensure sufficient free space on your SSD, as full SSDs can degrade performance.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

If your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded, you have 5 options before time runs out

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive any updates, including security fixes. Microsoft will not extend support, and the final version, 22H2, will receive monthly security updates until that date. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10, buy new hardware, transition to a Linux distribution, pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11. ESUs are available at a cost, with pricing increasing over three years. There are methods to upgrade to Windows 11 on incompatible systems, including registry edits and using tools like Rufus.

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 2, 2024

Microsoft Warns 400 Million PC Owners—This Ends Your Windows Updates

Microsoft is urging the estimated 400 million Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, highlighting enhanced security but warning of compatibility issues with unsupported hardware. A revised disclaimer states that installing Windows 11 on incompatible PCs may lead to a lack of support and updates, with damages not covered under warranty. The end-of-support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025. Users have limited options: invest in hardware upgrades, pay for extended support, or risk installing Windows 11 without guarantees. Microsoft has introduced an acknowledgment clause for users installing Windows 11 on incompatible systems and provided guidance for reverting to Windows 10. Recent statistics show Windows 10 regaining market share, indicating user reluctance to switch. Of the 800 million Windows 10 users, over 400 million may not meet the TPM 2.0 requirement for Windows 11. The market dynamics suggest that by 2025, there may be favorable conditions for PC buyers as demand could soften due to extended support options.

Winsage

November 25, 2024

Windows 11 gets more adverts – and we’re not sure what’s going on with the latest ads, but they’re rather bewildering

Microsoft is increasing its promotional efforts in Windows 11 by introducing advertisements labeled as ‘suggestions’ or ‘recommendations.’ These ads encourage users to purchase titles like Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and subscribe to Microsoft 365. The notifications panel now includes a prompt for the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Vault Edition with a ‘Buy Now’ button that links to the Microsoft Store, and another notification promotes the Microsoft Defender app, which requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality. Users can opt out of these advertisements by adjusting settings in the Settings app. However, some embedded advertisements remain unavoidable, and there is a growing trend of advertisements in both Windows 11 and Windows 10, with Microsoft encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, often necessitating a hardware upgrade.

Winsage

November 9, 2024

Microsoft seems to be stepping up campaign to get folks to abandon Windows 10 for Window 11

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 as the end-of-life deadline for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025. Users are receiving messages about the transition, including a warning that after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. A 'learn more' option is available for users interested in the benefits of Windows 11 and the upgrade process. However, some users may face challenges if their hardware does not meet Windows 11's requirements, potentially requiring a TPM module or a new processor. Microsoft is also promoting the purchase of new Windows 11 PCs to avoid hardware upgrade issues. Additionally, users can opt for extended support for Windows 10 until October 2026 by purchasing it, which was previously only available for businesses.

Winsage

October 11, 2024

Windows 11 version 24H2 is basically Windows 12, and here’s why

Windows 11 version 24H2 is a significant update that was initially speculated to be Windows 12 but was ultimately labeled as an update to Windows 11. Major Windows releases have historically occurred every three years, with the last major release being Windows 10 in 2015. Windows 11 was released in 2021, and speculation about Windows 12's debut in 2024 aligns with this three-year cycle. Version 24H2 is built on a new platform codenamed Germanium, introducing substantial performance enhancements, particularly for Arm devices. Although it is a free update, the visual appearance remains largely unchanged, and many new features may not significantly alter the user experience. While the update is accessible for existing devices, many exciting features will require new PCs with advanced processors. Microsoft has not ruled out the possibility of a distinct Windows 12 in the future, but the current strategy focuses on supporting existing users while encouraging hardware upgrades.