Hardware Archives

Winsage

July 27, 2026

Microsoft moves to end pirated Windows activations

Microsoft is introducing the KMS Hardware Secured system to enhance Windows licensing security by making unauthorized activation methods more difficult. This system will use TPM-based attestation to authenticate the server managing activation requests, ensuring only legitimate devices are recognized. Readiness notifications for Windows Server 2025 will begin in August 2026, allowing administrators to prepare for the transition to TPM-based attestation, which is expected to become a requirement for KMS activation in a future Windows Server release. This initiative targets corporate clients using Windows volume licensing to complicate unauthorized activation. Additionally, Microsoft plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 4,800 positions, or nearly 2.1% of its global staff, as part of a corporate transformation strategy.

Winsage

July 27, 2026

You heard wrong, Microsoft isn’t ending pirated Windows 11 with TPM, and the new rule only affects enterprise KMS servers

On July 22, Microsoft announced the KMS Hardware-Secured requirement, linking Windows volume activation servers to a TPM chip. This initiative is aimed at organizations using Key Management Service (KMS) servers to enhance security by ensuring that KMS hosts verify their identity and integrity through the TPM before activating Windows machines. The motivation behind this requirement is to prevent unauthorized activation methods that exploit fake KMS servers. Organizations are advised to ensure their KMS hosts are certified and that TPM is enabled. The KMS Hardware-Secured measures do not target individual users with pirated copies of Windows, as most current piracy methods do not involve KMS servers. Microsoft has not pursued legal action against minor piracy instances, focusing instead on maintaining user engagement through subscriptions and services.

AppWizard

July 27, 2026

The new ‘backward compatible’ Xbox games on PC run on an OG Xbox emulator inside an Xbox 360 emulator, and people have already used it to run other Xbox 360 games

The four original Xbox titles made available for "Backward Compatibility on PC" are using a double layer of Xbox console emulation. The new backwards compatibility layer is an Xbox 360 emulator operating with XeFu, the original Xbox emulator designed for the 360. Developers can run dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and Xbox Original games on PC using Microsoft's PC port of XeO3 and components of XWine1. This approach reuses existing technology rather than creating a new emulator from scratch. The XWine1 project indicates that it is possible to run other original Xbox and Xbox 360 games on PC, although success may vary.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved Looks Worse Than Master Chief Collection on Steam Deck and Xbox Ally

Halo: Campaign Evolved has been released for early access. It features impressive visuals on high-end PCs and current consoles but struggles on lower-end hardware, particularly handheld devices like the Steam Deck. The game requires an Intel Core i7-10700K and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super, which are beyond the capabilities of the Steam Deck and base Xbox Ally. On the Xbox Ally, the game runs at 1280x720 resolution with Very Low settings and achieves around 30 fps, occasionally dipping into the mid-20s. Despite being technically playable, the visual quality is poor, with bland textures and a lack of environmental detail. In contrast, the Master Chief Collection runs at 65-70 fps on the Xbox Ally and offers superior visual fidelity. The Steam page claims Campaign Evolved is Steam Deck Verified, although performance is lacking compared to other titles. For those wanting to experience the original Halo campaign on the Steam Deck, the Master Chief Collection is recommended.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

I checked Reddit to see which Windows 11 features people truly find “life changing”, and the community had some surprising answers

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity, many of which are underutilized by users: 1. Clipboard History: Activated with "WIN + V", it allows users to access a history of copied text and images, improving multitasking by enabling retrieval of multiple copied items. 2. Snipping Tool: Beyond screenshots, it includes screen recording, text extraction (OCR), basic image editing, and GIF creation, streamlining workflows by reducing the need for third-party applications. 3. End Task from Taskbar: Users can terminate unresponsive applications directly from the Taskbar, simplifying the process compared to using Task Manager. 4. Windows Sandbox: Provides a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software without risking the main system, available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 5. Winget Command: The Windows Package Manager simplifies app installation and updates via command line, saving time compared to searching for applications online. 6. Snap Layouts: Activated with "Win + Z", it enhances window management by allowing users to arrange applications efficiently on larger monitors. 7. Windows Key + Shift + Arrow: This shortcut enables quick movement of windows between multiple monitors, improving productivity for users with dual or multiple displays. 8. Voice Typing: Activated with "Win + H", it allows dictation in nearly any text field, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. 9. Reliability Monitor: Accessible via "perfmon /rel", it presents system issues on a timeline, making troubleshooting easier and potentially preventing unnecessary reinstallation of Windows 11. 10. Advanced Display Settings: Users can check and adjust their monitor's refresh rate in Settings, ensuring optimal performance, as many monitors default to 60Hz even if they support higher rates.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Minecraft system requirements raised for the first time in 17 years — Microsoft now recommends 16GB of RAM and a 2020s or newer CPU to run the Java Edition

Microsoft has updated the minimum and recommended system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition for the first time in 17 years. The new minimum requirements are as follows: - OS: Windows 10 64-Bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12+, or Linux 64-bit (previously Windows 7, macOS 10.14.5 Mojave, or later) - CPU: Intel Core i3-10100 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100 / Qualcomm Snapdragon X / Apple M1 (previously Intel Core i3-3210 / AMD A8-8600 / Apple M1) - GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 / AMD Radeon RX 460 / Intel Arc A310 / Intel i5-6400 (iGPU) (previously Intel HD Graphics 4000 / AMD Radeon R5) - Memory: 8GB (discrete GPU) / 12GB (iGPU) (previously 2GB) The new recommended requirements are: - OS: Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14+, or Linux 64-bit (previously Windows 10, macOS 10.14.5 Mojave, or later) - CPU: Intel Core i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600 / Apple M2 Pro (previously Intel Core i5-4690 / AMD A10-7800 / Apple M1) - GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT / Intel Arc A580 (previously Nvidia GeForce 700 series / AMD Radeon RX 200 series) - Memory: 16GB (previously 4GB) Players whose systems do not meet the new minimum requirements can switch to the Bedrock Edition to continue gameplay, though this may result in the loss of certain mods.

AppWizard

July 26, 2026

Microsoft shipped a native Xbox 360 emulator with its new backwards-compatible releases on PC — modders quickly got 360 games running with minor tweaks

Microsoft has released four original Xbox titles for PC, enhancing its gaming ecosystem and aligning with its commitment to backwards compatibility. These titles are packaged as standard Games on Demand (GOD) files, which can be converted into base ISOs using GOD extractors. The company has utilized a native x86 version of its Xbox 360 emulator, Xe03, to facilitate this transition. Xe03 is integrated into Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles for backwards compatibility and allows modern consoles to run original Xbox titles. The recent PC port of Xe03, combined with components from projects like XWine1, enables the running of dumped backwards-compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. Among the released titles is Fuzion Frenzy, and Microsoft plans to expand its library of backwards-compatible titles for PC. The PC version of Xe03 enhances the original 480p output of OG Xbox games to 4K and includes features like built-in V-Sync and enhanced anti-aliasing. These games are available through the Xbox PC app under the Xbox Anywhere program, allowing users with digital licenses on console to access them for free on PC. Microsoft is also set to introduce Xbox Achievements support for these titles.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft is using TPM chips to crack down on pirated Windows activations

Microsoft has mandated the inclusion of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as a standard feature in all new motherboards and CPUs to enhance the Windows activation process. The company has introduced an enhancement to its Key Management Service (KMS) that leverages TPM's security capabilities to authenticate the legitimacy of KMS servers. This new "TPM-based attestation" aims to mitigate exploitation risks associated with KMS by validating the cryptographic integrity of KMS servers. Starting in August 2026, TPM-based attestation will be required for KMS activation with the next release of Windows Server. Microsoft has also closed off the "KMS38" activation method in 2025, while traditional KMS activation remains functional. The Massgrave collective has developed an Online KMS method that may be impacted by the new TPM-based attestation.

AppWizard

July 25, 2026

Minecraft Java Edition system requirements want 8/16 GB RAM for the first time, but it isn’t more demanding now, Microsoft just hadn’t updated the specs in a while

Minecraft's updated recommended system requirements for the Java version now include a minimum of 16 GB of RAM and an RTX 2060 or equivalent GPU. This is a significant increase from last year's recommendations of 4 GB and 8 GB of RAM. The GPU requirements have shifted from older 700-series Nvidia graphics cards to more modern options. Microsoft states that these updates aim to clarify the hardware needed for smooth gameplay, although older devices may still run the game but with potential performance issues. Despite these changes, Minecraft remains relatively accessible compared to many contemporary titles, as even budget gaming rigs are expected to meet the new requirements.

Winsage

July 25, 2026

I dug through Reddit to find the ten Windows 11 features people find “life-changing, ” and the results were fascinating

Windows 11 includes several subtle features that enhance productivity, many of which users may overlook: 1. Clipboard history allows users to capture text from various sources without manual entry and integrates functionalities like screenshot capture, screen recording, and GIF creation. 2. The "End Task" option from the Taskbar enables users to terminate unresponsive applications quickly without using Task Manager. 3. Windows Sandbox creates a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software, available only in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 4. Winget, the Windows Package Manager, simplifies app installations and updates via command line, streamlining the process of restoring software collections. 5. Snap Layouts facilitate efficient window management on larger monitors, accessible with the "Windows key + Z" shortcut. 6. The shortcut "Windows key + Shift + Arrow" allows users to move windows between multiple monitors easily. 7. Voice Typing, activated by Win + H, enables dictation in nearly any text field, improving task efficiency. 8. Reliability Monitor provides a timeline of system issues, aiding in troubleshooting without needing a full reinstallation. 9. Advanced Display settings can reveal and adjust monitor refresh rates, ensuring optimal performance. These features collectively enhance user experience and productivity in Windows 11.