ISO Archives

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Flyby11 Lets You Install Windows 11 on Older Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Lubuntu is a Linux distribution that combines the Ubuntu framework with the lightweight LXQT desktop environment, making it fast, reliable, and user-friendly, particularly for older hardware. The desktop interface is designed to be familiar to users, especially those accustomed to Windows, featuring a panel, start menu, system tray, and organized applications. The Configuration Center allows users to customize settings easily. Openbox is the default window manager, enabling theme and window behavior modifications. Lubuntu does not provide a straightforward method for sharing folders across a local area network using its default file manager. The operating system is notably fast, with applications launching quickly, making it a suitable alternative to Windows 10 for older machines.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

You can try Linux without ditching Windows first

A growing number of users are exploring alternative operating systems as support for Windows 10 concludes, with Linux being a popular choice due to its user-friendly and free modern distributions. Many users start with little experience, and dual-booting allows them to run both Windows and Linux on a single machine, enabling them to select between the two at startup. This setup requires careful installation to ensure both operating systems coexist. Users can access files on Windows partitions from within Linux. To set up dual-booting, it's advisable to test on a spare machine and back up important files. The general steps include creating a bootable ISO for the Linux distribution, inserting the USB drive, and selecting the option to install alongside the current OS. After installation, users can choose between Linux and Windows upon reboot. Caution is advised to avoid losing data on the Windows partition.

Winsage

July 13, 2025

These PowerShell scripts make it easy to migrate Windows installs

A PowerShell script developed by GitHub user Anduin2017 allows users to create a new Windows 11 installation on an empty physical drive while retaining access to files and applications from the existing installation. The process requires running the script in an elevated PowerShell window, providing inputs such as the location of the empty drive and the edition of Windows to install from an ISO file. Users can continue using their PC during the installation, and upon completion, they can choose between the existing and new installations upon reboot. To set up necessary applications, users can customize PowerShell modules using a sample install.ps1 file from the GitHub project. This method is particularly beneficial for users relying on cloud storage solutions like OneDrive, as it allows for a refreshed operating system with minimal downtime and easy access to data. The streamlined approach is designed for users who frequently encounter Windows issues and need clean installations, enabling rapid replication of a base system with essential programs.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2025

Percona offers clear view into Transparent Data Encryption

Percona has launched its Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) extension for PostgreSQL, designed to secure sensitive data at rest without licensing fees or usage restrictions. TDE automatically encrypts and decrypts data at the database layer, protecting backups and transaction logs, with encryption keys stored separately. The pg_tde extension supports compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS v4.0, and allows users to encrypt all database files, apply encryption at the table level, and maintain control over their encryption strategies. It integrates with Key Management Services (KMS) providers and requires a patched PostgreSQL server to function. Percona aims to extend pg_tde to Community PostgreSQL, with some code already contributed for review. The extension is included in the Percona Distribution for PostgreSQL, which also offers support and consulting services for TDE setup and configuration.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I built a PiKVM to control my PC remotely, and it’s a game-changer

The PiKVM project allows users to control a desktop or server remotely using a Raspberry Pi 4B and an HDMI-CSI bridge adapter, providing comprehensive keyboard, video, and mouse control even during reboots. It offers browser-based access to the PC's screen in real-time, enabling actions like force shutdowns, BIOS access, and operating system reinstallation, independent of the host system's operating system. The setup captures HDMI output and simulates USB input, functioning in scenarios like BIOS or crash screens. Essential components for building a PiKVM include a Raspberry Pi 4B, an HDMI-to-CSI bridge adapter, a microSD card, USB cables, an official power supply, and the latest PiKVM OS image. The setup process involves writing the OS image to the SD card, connecting the hardware, and accessing the web interface for remote control. PiKVM is beneficial for tasks such as troubleshooting boot sequences, configuring BIOS settings, and monitoring system status without physical interaction.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

This app makes my Windows 11 PC look like Windows 7 — but it’s not for everyone

Explorer 7 is a customization tool designed to restore the Windows 7 taskbar and Start menu for users of Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. It allows users to modify accent colors and integrates familiar Windows 7 UI elements, although it lacks the Aero effect in app windows and retains a modern appearance in File Explorer. Setting up Explorer 7 requires registry edits and Windows 7 installation files, with no built-in method to revert changes. Limitations include compatibility issues with UWP apps, lack of support for multiple taskbars on different monitors, and potential inconsistencies with autoplay features. The project is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a Windows 7 experience, but its compatibility with future updates of Windows 10 and 11 may be uncertain.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Every Windows user should keep a live version of Linux handy

Many users experience frustration with operating system issues on Windows, often leading to time wasted on troubleshooting and rebooting. A live version of Linux, such as Linux Mint, can serve as a reliable alternative for diagnosing and fixing Windows-related problems. This live distribution runs from a USB drive and provides essential troubleshooting tools without the complications of Windows recovery environments. Utilities like GParted, Memtester, Foxclone, and Clonezilla are available for managing file systems, testing memory, and recovering data. Setting up a live version of Linux is straightforward, involving formatting a USB drive and flashing a live ISO. Linux Mint Xfce Edition is noted for its user-friendliness, while tools like Ventoy allow multiple ISOs on a single drive for versatility. A live Linux setup offers a familiar desktop experience and a suite of recovery tools, making it a valuable resource even for non-Linux users.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Windows 10 is almost dead, but Flyby11 can help your old PC upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life status by the end of 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats unless they upgrade. Flyby11 is a tool that enables users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by bypassing Microsoft's system requirements, allowing installation without checks for TPM 2.0 or specific CPU models. It can also patch USB installation drives for clean installs on unsupported PCs. However, it requires the POPCNT instruction, which has been standard in processors since around 2010; if a PC lacks this feature, Windows 11 will not boot. While Flyby11 offers a way to receive security updates, it may lead to instability and performance issues, particularly on older hardware. Exploring Linux distributions is suggested as an alternative for users with aging PCs, as they are optimized for older hardware and provide long-term support.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Before Windows 10 goes EOL, I’m testing three alternative Linux distros to save my 6-year-old laptop from the landfill

The CachyOS installer offers an aesthetically pleasing yet somewhat confusing installation experience, particularly regarding the Bootloader selection, where the default is Systemd-boot instead of the more familiar Grub. Additionally, the additional package installer lacks sufficient context, which may confuse users. The installation process has become more streamlined compared to the past, where users had to deal with multiple ISO images and CDs. Now, one can easily create a Live USB using software like Rufus, Raspberry Pi Imager, or Balena Etcher. A Live USB allows users to test the operating system before installation and serves various purposes such as troubleshooting and data recovery. The author is installing CachyOS on a Lenovo X390 laptop with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-8265U.