installing Windows 11 Archives

Winsage

August 18, 2025

This Windows 11 Settings quirk makes me love the Control Panel even more

Microsoft introduced Windows 11, featuring a redesigned Settings app with a nested menu system aimed at providing a cleaner, touch-friendly experience for novice users. The classic Control Panel is still accessible but is less prominent, leading some users to prefer it for its direct access to powerful options. Managing audio devices has become more complicated, requiring multiple steps in the new Settings app compared to the two-click access in the Control Panel. Similarly, managing core Windows components, changing user account types, and fine-tuning power plans have all become more convoluted in Windows 11's Settings app. The Control Panel remains essential for power users who need quick access to these features.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Ask Engadget: What are my options when Windows 10 support ends on October 14?

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can continue to operate their Windows 10 PCs after this date, but they will not receive customer support, security updates, or upgrades, making the system vulnerable. Upgrading to Windows 11 is the best option for most users, provided their hardware meets the minimum requirements. Users can check compatibility with Microsoft's PC Health Check app. If a PC cannot support Windows 11, users may consider buying a new PC, with prices typically ranging from 0 to ,200. Alternatively, users can continue using Windows 10, which poses significant security risks without updates. Another option is to pay for the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) for an additional year of support until October 13, 2026, available for a fee or Microsoft reward points.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Installing Windows 11 on older hardware

Microsoft will cease free support for Windows 10 in October 2025, ending security updates for users. Windows 11 requires specific hardware, including a 64-bit CPU, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot, but can be installed on older devices using workarounds. The Rufus tool allows users to create a modified USB stick that bypasses these hardware checks. Users can download the Windows 11 ISO, integrate it into Rufus, and create a customized installation medium. The installation process can retain personal data and installed programs, but annual feature updates may require manual installation. UEFI mode and Secure Boot can be bypassed, but transitioning to UEFI is recommended. Upgrading hardware, such as adding RAM or installing an NVMe SSD, can improve performance on older systems.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 update shows up on ‘incompatible’ PCs: Should you click upgrade or beware?

Microsoft is extending Windows 11 upgrades to computers that do not meet its official minimum requirements, prompting confusion among users. Reports indicate that users are receiving upgrade prompts despite lacking essential components like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or a modern processor. This change raises questions about whether Microsoft is relaxing its compatibility standards or if it is a technical oversight. Users are advised to exercise caution before upgrading unsupported machines, as this may lead to issues such as failed installations, unreliable performance, and lack of future security updates or customer support.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now works with Easy Anti-Cheat (Fortnite), won’t cause BSODs anymore

Windows 11 24H2 is now available to users, with automatic updates for those on older versions like Windows 11 23H2. Initially, the update was blocked for some Intel PC users running games like Fortnite due to compatibility issues with Easy Anti-Cheat. Microsoft has resolved these compatibility concerns as of July 25, confirming that the upgrade is now accessible to all users after nearly ten months of collaboration with Epic Games. The block primarily affected Intel Alder and Intel vPro processors, and while the specific update that fixed the issues was not detailed, it is suggested to be included in the July 2025 Patch Tuesday (KB5062553). Users with Intel vPro (Core i7) systems reported that the update appeared automatically after this patch. Additionally, some users with Ryzen processors also faced similar problems, although this was not widely acknowledged. Users who experienced a Blue Screen of Death error (Memory_Management code) while installing Windows 11 24H2 with Fortnite are advised to uninstall Easy Anti-Cheat and reinstall drivers if issues persist. Support for Windows 11 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025, prompting users to prepare for the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 proactively. The "Pause updates" feature has been reported to be unreliable, potentially allowing mandatory updates to install unexpectedly.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Windows 10 will soon lose support: why you should upgrade to Windows 11 now

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid vulnerabilities. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available but comes at a cost. Upgrading to Windows 11 is free for most users, but it requires specific hardware, including the TPM 2.0 module. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported machines may not receive updates or support, potentially necessitating the purchase of a new PC.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Windows 10 is ending: How to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC

Support for Windows 10 will officially conclude in October 2025, prompting users to seek alternative solutions for security and updates. Users with devices that do not meet Windows 11 requirements can install it on unsupported hardware using a tailored ISO and a tool called MicroWin. To create a personalized Windows 11 image, users must run a command in the Windows terminal to activate WinUtil, which allows downloading the latest official ISO from Microsoft. Users can customize their installation settings and generate a modified, lighter ISO. After creating the ISO, it can be transferred to a USB drive for installation. This method helps extend the lifespan of older PCs as users transition from Windows 10.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

The First 5 Things To Do After Upgrading To Windows 11

Users are encouraged to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as support for the former ends. The upgrade requires meeting minimum hardware requirements and can be initiated through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The taskbar in Windows 11 is redesigned with a centered Start menu, but users can revert to a left-aligned layout by adjusting Taskbar settings. Customization options are limited, but third-party applications can offer more flexibility. The Start menu features only Pinned apps and Recommended files by default. Users can customize it by unpinning apps, adding new ones, grouping them into folders, and modifying layout and color through Settings. To free up space after upgrading, users can uninstall unnecessary applications via Settings > Apps and delete Windows 10 installation files by navigating to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Disabling unnecessary startup services can enhance boot speed, which can be managed through Task Manager. Privacy settings should be reviewed post-upgrade, with options available under Settings > Privacy & security to adjust permissions and disable data sharing features.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Did Microsoft Change Windows 11 Requirements? – Here’s the Truth

Microsoft has not changed the official requirements for Windows 11 since its launch. Users need a compatible 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster with at least two cores), a minimum of 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Essential features include UEFI firmware that supports Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and displays of at least 9 inches with a resolution of 720p. Microsoft allows experienced users to manually install Windows 11 on unsupported devices at their own risk, but this is not advisable due to potential issues. The strict requirements are intended to enhance security and performance. Users can check compatibility with the PC Health Check Tool. Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, after which there will be no official support. For those whose systems do not meet the specifications, upgrading hardware or purchasing a new PC may be necessary.