Intel Archives

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Hotpatch Updates Come To Windows, Reducing Downtime

Microsoft has introduced hotpatch updates for Windows 11 Enterprise, version 24H2 for x64 (AMD/Intel) CPU devices, aimed at reducing downtime caused by system updates. Administrators can create a hotpatch-enabled quality update policy within the Windows Autopatch framework via the Microsoft Intune console, allowing eligible devices to automatically enroll in this update cycle. Hotpatch updates enable swift implementation of security measures without disruptive reboots, while devices on Windows 10 and earlier will continue to receive standard monthly security updates. Feedback from users has been positive, with many noting the immediate application of security updates as a significant advantage.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft wants you to trade in your Windows 10 PC, here’s what you can get for one

Microsoft is set to discontinue support for Windows 10, prompting users to decide whether to upgrade to Windows 11. To assist with the financial burden of upgrading, Microsoft suggests trading in Windows 10 PCs. The trade-in value of a PC depends on factors such as CPU generation, RAM, storage, and GPU presence. For 7th-generation Intel CPUs, basic workstations sold for around 0, gaming PCs up to 0, and mid-range systems averaged around 0, leading to an average trade-in value of approximately 0. This amount may not cover the cost of a new Windows 11 workstation, which starts at 9, half of a refurbished workstation averaging 0, or even the 9.99 price of a Windows 11 Home license. Selling a Windows 10 machine may not provide sufficient funds for an upgrade, suggesting that repurposing the device with a different operating system could be a viable alternative.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Windows 11 Enterprise machines can now get updates while you work—no reboot required

Microsoft has introduced a hotpatch update system for Windows 11 Enterprise builds, specifically for version 24H2, which allows updates to be applied without requiring a system restart. This feature is beneficial for corporate environments, as it helps maintain productivity and reduces CPU usage during updates. While quarterly updates will still necessitate a reboot, the hotpatching system represents a shift from the previous monthly reboot requirements. To enable hotpatching, organizations must meet specific requirements: a subscription to Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise (E3, E5, or F3), a client running Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 (build 26100.2033 or higher), activation of Visualization-based Security (VBS), and an AMD or Intel x64 processor. For Arm64 devices, the hotpatch system is in public preview and requires a registry key modification. Hotpatch updates will follow the standard update schedule applicable to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 23H2 devices, with each release assigned a distinct KB number. This feature is only available for Windows 11 Enterprise clients and does not extend to Windows 11 Home or Pro machines.

TrendTechie

April 4, 2025

Ремастер ПК-версии The Last of Us 2 слили на торренты

The Last of Us 2 has been released on PC via Steam, featuring a repackaged file size of approximately 116 GB, a complete Russian language translation, enhanced graphics for wide and ultra-wide monitors, Steam achievements, and performance improvements through technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 3, AMD FSR 3.1, and Intel XeSS. The PC version also includes new cosmetic items and 50 points for unlocking additional features and concept art. The game was pirated shortly after its launch.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

The Best PC Games to Play Right Now (Spring 2025)

PC gaming in 2025 features advanced GPUs enabling ray tracing and AI-enhanced upscaling, with tools like Unreal Engine 5 facilitating diverse game development. Platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store host tens of thousands of titles, with over 13,000 new games launched on Steam in 2024. Notable games include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, Cyberpunk 2077, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Warframe, and Apex Legends. Key trends include cross-platform compatibility, free-to-play models, and game subscription services. Optimal gaming setups typically require a mid-range processor, a GTX 1070 or better graphics card, and at least 16GB of RAM. Popular multiplayer games include Valorant and Apex Legends, while highly rated titles include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Disco Elysium. Classics worth playing today include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Portal 2.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

Intel Unison, a powerful free app bridging Android phones and PCs, is shutting down

Intel Unison will cease operations on June 30, 2025. The app has been recognized for transforming Android tablets into external displays and allowing users to make calls, send texts, and transfer files from Windows PCs. While some features can be replicated with Microsoft Phone Link, many users prefer Intel Unison for its comprehensive experience. Lenovo Aura platforms will continue to support Intel Unison until the end of 2025. The app requires Windows 11 machines with at least version 22H2 and a minimum of a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, but it is also compatible with non-Intel machines. Certain Intel Evo 13th-generation and later devices came pre-installed with Intel Unison. Users will need to switch to Microsoft Phone Link for connectivity between Android devices and Windows PCs after the discontinuation.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft starts testing Windows 11 taskbar icon scaling

Microsoft is testing a taskbar icon scaling feature for Windows 11 that automatically reduces the size of taskbar icons to accommodate more applications. This feature is being rolled out gradually to Windows Insiders in the Beta (Build 26120.3671) and Dev (Build 26200.5518) channels as part of the 24H2 version. Users can customize the scaling settings with three options: when the taskbar is full (default), never, or always. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a test remediation package for Windows Insiders that enables the use of the Quick Machine Recovery tool, which will be installed automatically when test mode is activated. Users can check the installation status in Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Microsoft is also testing a basic search history feature for its AI-powered Recall functionality, which will expand to AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs starting in December.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

‘We coded day and night for the two months to create the software we had said already existed’: The history of Microsoft reminds me how far we’ve come in just 50 years

Tomorrow, April 4, 2025, Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary. Bill Gates has released a downloadable PDF of the original source code that started the company, which was initially named 'Micro-Soft'. The original code was created for the Altair 8800 using a teleprinter. Gates and Paul Allen developed the Altair BASIC interpreter, their first product, which aimed to democratize computing. They worked for two months to create the software after promising MITS a product that did not yet exist. Their collaborative effort laid the foundation for significant technological advancements over the past five decades.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft adds hotpatching support to Windows 11 Enterprise

Microsoft has made hotpatch updates available for business customers using Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 systems, allowing seamless installation of security updates without device reboots. Hotpatching modifies in-memory code of active processes to deploy updates without interrupting user activities. Devices under a hotpatch-enabled quality update policy will receive updates quarterly, with no restarts required for eight months of the year. A Microsoft subscription is necessary to activate hotpatching, and devices must meet specific prerequisites, including an x64 CPU and enabled Virtualization-based Security. Hotpatch updates can be managed through Microsoft Intune, and devices on Windows 10 and versions 23H2 and lower will continue to receive standard updates. Microsoft initially introduced hotpatch support for Windows Server Azure Edition in February 2022 and has expanded testing to include Windows 11 24H2.