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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.
How to switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint - for free
Winsage
October 5, 2025

How to switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint – for free

The countdown for Windows 10 support is underway, prompting users to consider alternatives like Linux Mint, especially if they are hesitant about upgrading to Windows 11 or if their hardware does not meet the requirements. Linux has become more user-friendly, and Linux Mint is recommended for both newcomers and experienced users. To switch to Linux Mint, users need a Windows PC, an internet connection, and a USB stick with at least 4GB of storage, with an estimated installation time of about 2 hours. Users should compile a list of essential programs and check for Linux-compatible alternatives. Many cloud-based applications work on Linux, and Windows 10 can be run within Linux using Oracle VirtualBox for incompatible programs. The installation process involves downloading the Linux Mint ISO from the website, preparing a USB drive, and adjusting the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Users should disable Secure Boot to ensure a smooth installation. After rebooting, the Mint interface will appear, and the installation wizard will guide users through the setup process, including language preferences and partitioning the hard drive. Enabling Timeshift for system backups and using the Backup Tool for personal files is recommended. After installation, users should check for additional drivers and install multimedia codecs. Linux Mint requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM and 20GB of disk space and is compatible with most modern hardware. Running both Linux Mint and Windows on the same PC is possible, either by dual-booting or using a virtual machine. Most modern hardware is compatible with Linux, and testing Mint through a live session on a USB stick can confirm compatibility. Software-as-a-service applications generally work well on Linux, while older programs may require additional tools. Many popular applications are available on Linux, and Steam-based games perform well.
Microsoft Releases Windows 11 25H2... With Zero New Features?
Winsage
October 1, 2025

Microsoft Releases Windows 11 25H2… With Zero New Features?

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 as a lightweight enablement package (eKB) that activates features already present in version 24H2. The update requires only a single restart and shares a common servicing branch with 24H2, allowing for efficient annual feature updates. The Enterprise and Education editions of 25H2 have a 36-month support cycle, while Pro editions have a 24-month cycle. The update focuses on security enhancements, removing vulnerable features like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, and allows IT administrators to remove pre-installed Microsoft applications. Users can expedite access to 25H2 by enabling a specific Windows Update option or by downloading the enablement package from Microsoft's website.
Windows 11 25H2 Preview Arrives as Lightweight Enablement Package
Winsage
September 1, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 Preview Arrives as Lightweight Enablement Package

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074) in the Release Preview Channel, focusing on security enhancements rather than major changes. The update removes PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC due to security vulnerabilities. IT administrators can remove pre-installed Microsoft default applications via Group Policy or MDM CSP on Enterprise and Education devices. The update uses an enablement package (eKB) for delivery, activating features already embedded in machines running version 24H2 with a simple restart. Both versions share the same servicing branch, allowing for efficient annual feature updates. The support timelines have been reset, with Enterprise and Education editions on a 36-month cycle and Pro editions on a 24-month cycle.
Xbox PC app can now stream 250+ games beyond the Game Pass library
AppWizard
July 16, 2025

Xbox PC app can now stream 250+ games beyond the Game Pass library

Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox PC app with a new feature called “Stream your own game,” allowing Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream over 250 console games directly to their PCs without installation. This feature expands the library of supported games from 50 to over 250, including titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy. The games run on Microsoft’s cloud servers, conserving installation time and storage space on PCs. To use this feature, users need a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and digital copies of the games; physical discs are not supported. Participation in the Xbox Insider program and registration for the PC Gaming Preview is also required. Currently, the feature is available in 28 countries, with plans to remove the Insider restriction and broaden game selection in the future.
Windows 11's latest preview build makes updating your PC less of a hassle
Winsage
April 11, 2025

Windows 11’s latest preview build makes updating your PC less of a hassle

Microsoft has released a new Release Preview build for Windows 11 Insiders, featuring significant updates. The Windows Update feature now provides an estimated offline time for updates, accessible through the Windows Update settings and the Start menu power button. The KB5055627 update introduces the Copilot+ Recall feature, which captures snapshots of user activities for easy information retrieval, requiring Windows Hello for secure access and specific system requirements. Windows Search has been improved to allow searches using descriptive terms instead of exact names, and the Click to DO feature suggests relevant applications based on user selections. These features will be rolled out gradually, and users can find guidance through the Windows Insider Program.
Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update
Winsage
October 28, 2024

Microsoft heard you like Windows updates, so it updated how updates update

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 version 24H2, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which includes improvements to the update installation process, resulting in a 45.6% faster installation, 39.7% quicker restart times, and a 15.3% decrease in CPU consumption compared to version 22H2. Key enhancements include parallel processing of component manifests, optimized reading and parsing of component manifests, and scalable use of available RAM. Traditional feature updates are now approximately 200 MB smaller due to certain inbox applications being updated through the Microsoft Store. Notable features in the update include: - Integration of Phone Link with the Start menu. - Simplified layout for the taskbar system tray. - Revamped Quick Settings for improved speed and customization. - Windows Spotlight image as the default wallpaper. - Animated taskbar app preview thumbnails. - Support for HDR images as desktop wallpapers. File Explorer updates include: - Updated home tab layout with shared documents. - Ability to duplicate tabs via right-click. - Enhanced context menu layout. - Support for .7z and .TAR archive formats. - Direct viewing of Android phone file systems. New apps and features include: - A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contacts. - Updated Copilot as a standalone web application. - AI features in Photos for generative erase and background editing. - A new Recall app for information retrieval using AI. - Paint with generative AI capabilities. Settings updates include: - Windows Update with checkpoints and hot patching. - Voice Clarity using AI to eliminate background noise. - Simultaneous configuration of power settings. - A new Energy Saver mode. - Configurable mouse scroll wheel direction. - Support for Wi-Fi 7 hardware. - A new PRISM emulation layer for x86 apps on Arm devices. - Enhanced performance for Arm-based devices. - AutoSR using AI to improve gaming performance. - Live Captions translating languages into English in real-time. - Advanced Windows Studio Effects for webcam enhancement.
Top 5 weekly: easier Windows updates, Qualcomm vs. Arm, and more
Winsage
October 27, 2024

Top 5 weekly: easier Windows updates, Qualcomm vs. Arm, and more

- The Flyby11 app allows users to bypass Windows 11 system requirements, providing an alternative for upgrading unsupported hardware. - Arm has initiated the cancellation of its chip design license with Qualcomm due to a disagreement following Qualcomm's acquisition of Nuvia, with an eight-week negotiation period in place. - A YouTuber's attempt to install macOS on a Steam Deck faced technical challenges, resulting in quirks like a permanent portrait mode, suggesting that SteamOS may be a more practical choice. - The upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update is expected to reduce installation time by 45.6% and CPU usage by 15.3%. - New Oryon processors for Windows on Arm PCs are expected to outperform Intel processors in single-core performance while using less power, indicating a potential shift towards Arm architecture in mainstream computing.
Microsoft Is Finally Making Installation of Windows Updates a Breeze
Winsage
October 26, 2024

Microsoft Is Finally Making Installation of Windows Updates a Breeze

Steve DiAcetis from the Windows Fundamentals team announced that the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update will enhance the update installation experience by streamlining the process, resulting in reduced installation times, quicker restarts, and lower CPU usage. Initial tests showed a 45.6% faster installation time, a 39.7% improvement in restart times, and a 15.3% reduction in CPU usage when upgrading from Windows 11 22H2 to 24H2. A separate evaluation on a device that hadn't received updates for 18 months revealed a 43.6% faster installation speed, a 33.5% quicker restart, and a 25% reduction in CPU usage. Additionally, the size of feature updates has been reduced by approximately 200 MB by integrating system applications into monthly updates, while other applications will require updates through the Microsoft Store.
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