ISO file Archives

Winsage

April 21, 2025

How to keep using Windows 10 in a virtual machine after support ends

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can run Windows 10 in a virtual machine (VM) to continue using it safely. The tool Disk2Vhd can convert a physical Windows 10 installation into a virtual hard drive (VHD or VHDX) for use in virtualization software like VirtualBox or Hyper-V. To use Disk2Vhd, download and extract it, launch the appropriate executable, select partitions for conversion, and choose between VHD and VHDX formats based on the virtualization software. After conversion, transfer the VHD file to the target computer and set up a new VM, integrating the backup file instead of creating a new virtual hard drive. Users can also reinstall Windows 10 in a VM using an installation medium and the Media Creation Tool to download the ISO file. When creating a VM, allocate at least 4GB of virtual memory and install necessary programs and guest extensions afterward. Creating a backup point after installation is recommended for stability.

Winsage

April 17, 2025

Forget Windows 11. These mad lads made Linux look like Windows XP!

The Linux distribution Q4OS has introduced a feature that allows users to experience the Windows XP interface, along with other Windows versions, within a Linux environment. Users can download the free Q4OS distribution and install the XPQ4 graphical user interface (GUI) to activate various Windows-like interfaces, including Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. A live installation option via USB is available, allowing users to try the experience without installation by downloading the ISO file for XPQ4, referred to as FreeXP. Users can create a bootable USB stick using tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher, and upon booting, they will encounter the FreeXP or Free10 interface. The default login credentials for Q4OS are “adminq” with a blank password, and users can customize the language during startup. The XPQ4 environment allows users to switch between different Windows versions using the ‘XPQ4 Desktop Styles’ tool. The operational experience is designed to feel familiar to Windows users, with features for easy software installation and personalization. Installing Q4OS with XPQ4 involves selecting ‘Install Q4OS’ and following an installation wizard that includes options for language, keyboard model, and user account setup. After installation, users can log in with their new credentials and use a Linux environment that resembles Windows XP.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Your ‘unsupported’ Windows 10 PC can still run Windows 11 in 2025

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users considering upgrading to Windows 11 may face obstacles due to hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and specific CPU models. Workarounds exist for upgrading incompatible PCs. To check compatibility: - Determine if the PC uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS via System Information (msinfo32.exe). - Ensure BIOS Mode is UEFI. - Check TPM status using the TPM Management tool (tpm.msc). - Verify CPU compatibility; most Intel CPUs from 2009 or later and AMD CPUs from 2013 or later should meet the standards. Option 1: Registry Edit Method (for PCs with TPM 1.2+ and UEFI) 1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as an administrator. 2. Navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetup; create MoSetup key if absent. 3. Create DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU, set value to 1, and restart. 4. Download Windows 11 ISO from aka.ms/DownloadWindows11. 5. Mount the ISO file and run Setup.exe. Option 2: Using Rufus (for PCs without TPM or UEFI) 1. Download Rufus version 4.6 or later and Windows 11 ISO. 2. Prepare a USB flash drive (16GB or larger). 3. Launch Rufus, select the USB drive, choose the Windows 11 ISO, and check the box to remove requirements for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. 4. Create the bootable drive and run Setup.exe from the USB drive. These methods are unofficial workarounds. Users may encounter compatibility warnings, and the registry method is preferred for its simplicity. Some very old systems, especially those with AMD processors lacking SSE4.2 support, may still be incompatible.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

10 pesky Windows 11 24H2 bugs still haunting PCs despite several patches

In October, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 24H2, which enhances Copilot AI, refines File Explorer, and improves performance and stability. The update is available for users of Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 through the Windows Update screen or Microsoft's official Download Windows 11 page. However, various bugs have been reported, leading Microsoft to temporarily pause the update for certain problematic PCs. Notable issues include: 1. AutoCAD 2022 may not open on some systems. 2. PCs with Citrix components may struggle with installation due to a glitch from the January Patch Tuesday update. 3. Compatibility issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat program can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, particularly on Intel Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Users report internet connectivity problems after the update, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 5. Network sharing issues prevent devices from appearing in the network list. 6. Printer setup issues affect users of Copilot+ PCs from various manufacturers. 7. Audio output problems occur on PCs with Dirac Audio technology. 8. Outlook may fail to launch if Google Workspace Sync is installed. 9. Integrated camera issues affect the Windows camera app and Windows Hello facial recognition. 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers may trigger blue screens on certain PCs. Microsoft has issued several patches to address these bugs since the update's launch, but some patches have introduced new issues.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Windows 11’s File Explorer UI could soon scale better when you change OS settings

The Windows 11 23H2 build update KB5053648 in the Beta Channel of the Insider Program improves accessibility by addressing issues with dialog box text scaling in File Explorer. Previously, text size adjustments did not uniformly apply, but the update ensures that all elements within dialog boxes reflect the new text size consistently. Additionally, the update resolves issues with the search indexer causing crashes in File Explorer and fixes the date display of files and folders in the Home section. Users in the EEA region will no longer see account-based recommendations in the Home section, simplifying the interface. There are also discussions about a faster unarchiving experience, although slow loading times persist in File Explorer. Users are encouraged to report glitches through the feedback hub.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

Sonic fans are leading the charge on a new preservation tool that can help give any Xbox 360 game a native PC port

Sonic Unleashed has been released on PC after 17 years, enabled by a tool called XenonRecomp, which allows fan developers to convert Xbox 360 executables into C++ code for various platforms. This tool simplifies the process of creating adaptations, although it is not as simple as dragging and dropping a .iso file. The current focus is on Unleashed Recompiled, which features enhancements like higher native resolutions and unlocked frame rates. The emulation options for Xbox 360 are limited, with the unofficial emulator Xenia supporting only a small portion of the library, while many Xbox 360 games have previously received official PC ports or were available on the PlayStation 3. The potential for new native PC ports offers the promise of improved performance and gameplay adjustments compared to emulation.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

10 bugs still haunt Windows 11 24H2 despite multiple patches

In October, Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update, enhancing Copilot AI and improving File Explorer, performance, and stability. The update is available for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 through Windows Update or Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page. However, the update has encountered multiple bugs, leading Microsoft to pause it for certain problematic PCs. Several patches have been released to address these issues, including initial fixes in late October, further resolutions in mid-November, and specific updates for USB device issues, conflicts with Ubisoft games, and an optional preview update in January. Ongoing issues include AutoCAD 2022 not opening, conflicts with Citrix components, Easy Anti-Cheat causing blue screens, driver incompatibilities leading to blue screens, internet connection problems, broken clipboard history, network sharing failures, printer setup issues on Copilot+ PCs, audio output glitches, and Outlook failing to launch with Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems and is working on solutions while maintaining a Known Issues and Notifications page.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Microsoft Temporarily Stops Windows 11 24H2 Update for AutoCAD 2022

Microsoft has halted the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update for users operating AutoCAD 2022 due to a significant compatibility issue that causes the software to fail to launch. A safeguard hold (ID: 56211213) has been instituted to prevent devices with AutoCAD 2022 from receiving the update. Users are advised against manually installing the update, as it may result in AutoCAD 2022 crashing. The issue is isolated to AutoCAD 2022, while versions 2023, 2024, and 2025 are unaffected. Autodesk is investigating the issue, and users are encouraged to either postpone the update, upgrade to a newer version of AutoCAD, or roll back to Windows 11 23H2 if they have already updated. An official fix is anticipated in the near future.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

How to save your old computer when Windows 10 hits its end of life

Linux has evolved significantly and allows for running various Windows applications and games through open-source projects like Wine, Vulkan, and Proton. It consists of multiple distributions, including Arch, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, Mint, Opensuse, Red Hat, and Ubuntu, which can overwhelm newcomers. Linux Mint is recommended for users transitioning from Windows due to its similar interface. To install Linux Mint, download the .iso file from the official website, create a bootable USB drive using Balena Etcher, and boot from the USB stick. The installation process involves selecting language, keyboard layout, formatting the disk, and creating a username and password. After installation, users can access the Mint desktop, use the Driver Manager for hardware drivers, manage software through the Software Manager, and update the system with the Update Manager. For gaming, users can install Steam from store.steampowered.com. For those seeking simplicity, Google’s Chrome OS is a Linux-based alternative that operates primarily through the Chrome browser.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

How to create your own bootable Windows 11 SSD for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck operates on Linux, which limits access to certain games and services that require Windows, such as PC Game Pass titles and multiplayer games with anti-cheat software. Users can integrate Windows 11 into their Steam Deck by creating a portable version on a USB-C SSD. Recommended SSD options include the Crucial X6 2 TB SSD or a Genki SavePoint SSD enclosure for M.2 2230-size SSDs. To download Windows 11, users should visit Microsoft's website and select the appropriate ISO file. Creating a bootable drive involves using Rufus to set up the SSD with Windows 11. After downloading Valve's official drivers for the Steam Deck, users can boot into Windows by connecting the SSD and selecting it from the drive selector screen. Adjustments may be needed for display settings, and installing the Steam Deck drivers is recommended for optimal functionality. Once set up, users can access a wider range of PC gaming experiences, including the Xbox app for PC Game Pass titles.