ISO Archives

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I built a portable Windows 11 install on an external SSD, and you can do it too

Linux users can boot entire distributions from a flash drive, while Windows users lost the Windows To Go feature in 2020. The Rufus utility allows users to create a faux Windows To Go installation using a Windows 11 ISO. The process involves selecting the ISO and flash drive, adjusting the Image option, and starting the flashing process. A fast and large drive, such as a 128GB SSD, is recommended for better performance. Users may encounter driver issues and compatibility challenges across different devices. Despite initial setup hurdles, running Windows 11 from a flash drive can provide an efficient and portable workspace, with programs retaining settings across machines. A minimum of a 64GB USB drive is advisable for functionality.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I tried a “kinder” Windows 11 experience with AtlasOS, and this is how it should be

Windows 11 has faced criticism for its telemetry features, mandatory Microsoft Edge inclusion, and resource-consuming background processes that can hinder performance. AtlasOS offers a structured setup process requiring a clean installation of Windows 11 with a local account. Users download the AME Wizard and Atlas Playbook from the AtlasOS website to apply modifications, including disabling Windows Security features and replacing Microsoft Edge with alternative browsers like Brave or Firefox. After installation, AtlasOS modifies the desktop experience, aligning the taskbar to the left and introducing a new wallpaper. It disables animations for faster application opening times and optimizes power plans for performance. Bing search is removed from the search bar, enhancing search efficiency. Privacy is prioritized by disabling telemetry services and location permissions. Performance tests show that AtlasOS stabilizes CPU usage and slightly reduces memory consumption compared to standard Windows. Benchmark results indicate minor performance improvements, with AtlasOS scoring slightly higher in Geekbench 6 but comparable in Cinebench 2024. Users should manage expectations regarding performance gains, as the primary advantage lies in an improved user experience rather than significant speed increases.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft nags more users with Windows 10 end of life banner, says get Windows 11

Users on Windows 10 are experiencing persistent upgrade reminders following the August 2025 Patch Tuesday update (KB5063709), which includes a full-screen banner encouraging them to upgrade to Windows 11. This pop-up appears after updates are installed and indicates that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive technical support or security updates. Users can choose to dismiss the alert, but it will reappear, along with options to download or schedule the installation of Windows 11. Microsoft has updated its documentation urging users to make a decision before the end-of-life date. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will receive only two updates, and users can extend updates until October 13, 2026, by using the 'Enroll now' button on the Windows Update page, though this option may not be available to all users. It is recommended that users save a copy of the Windows 10 ISO before the end-of-life date.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Windows 11 insider builds have new File Explorer dark mode

Users of Windows 11 have experienced inconsistencies with dark mode, as some dialog boxes remain white despite the overall dark theme. A new beta feature in Windows 11 Insider Beta and Dev builds allows File Explorer dialog boxes to adopt a dark mode appearance, which was previously unavailable. This feature can be accessed by users on specific Insider builds (26120.5751 for Beta or 26200.5751 for Dev) released on August 15, 2025. To enable the dark mode dialog boxes, users must use ViveTool, a utility that unlocks hidden features, and execute specific commands after installing the Insider build. Although the dark mode dialog boxes are now available, some buttons within them may still appear in gray, indicating that Microsoft is still refining this aspect of the user interface. Other windows, such as the Run dialog box and Control Panel, still show inconsistencies in color schemes.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Security Update Causes SSD/HDD Failures and Potential Data Corruption

A significant security update from Microsoft, Windows 11 24H2 (KB5063878), is causing issues for users, making SSDs and HDDs inaccessible and potentially corrupting user data. Users have reported installation failures with error code 0x80240069, and despite a hotfix, the update has led to storage drives disappearing from the Windows environment, particularly during large sequential write operations. Recovery attempts are often unsuccessful, putting user files at risk. Microsoft has not provided an official fix, and users are advised to avoid the update and ensure routine data backups. Unplugging and reconnecting the affected drive may temporarily restore visibility but does not guarantee data safety.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Still Running Windows 10 and Can’t Upgrade? Here Are Your Top Options

Beginning October 14, Microsoft will stop broad support for Windows 10, meaning users will lose access to free updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, though not all devices may support it. Microsoft will offer a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing users to access critical security updates for a fee. Alternatives to Windows include various Linux distributions and Google ChromeOS Flex. Users can also consider cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for access to Windows 11. Some users are opting for third-party security software to mitigate risks associated with using Windows 10 after the support deadline. There are methods to bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker, allowing installation on unsupported devices.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Tested: Backup and Restore (Windows 7) has just two jobs, but manages only one

The Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature is located in the Control Panel under System and Security and can be accessed more conveniently through a desktop shortcut. It uses Microsoft’s VHDX files for imaging, allowing users to mount and browse images in Windows Explorer. The backup configuration defaults to user folders and full system images of internal drives, with options to customize selections. Backups can be saved to an internal hard drive or a network location, but not to directly attached external media like USB drives. Users can include non-user folders by transforming them into user libraries. The tool creates VHDX images, but the restoration process requires a physical disc (CD or DVD) and lacks an option to create an ISO file. Users have reported mixed results with Windows Recovery Drive, with some experiencing failures. Backup and Restore (Windows 7) does not support incremental or differential backups and is limited to a single job configuration. It cannot restore to a smaller capacity drive than the original, and the Recovery Drive is tied to the specific PC it was created on. Due to these limitations, it is recommended to consider alternatives like EaseUS Todo Backup 2025 or Macrium Reflect 8 Free for disaster recovery. However, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) remains suitable for creating VHDX images for browsing and manual recovery within the Windows ecosystem.

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

August 6, 2025

How to set up Windows 11 with a local account

Redmond prefers users to log into Windows 11 using a Microsoft account, particularly during installation. This can be problematic for those valuing privacy. A local account, which is stored solely on the device, offers benefits such as keeping preferences off the cloud and avoiding OneDrive. There are methods to set up Windows 11 with a local account: 1. Method 1: During installation, boot from a USB drive with the Windows 11 installer. After reaching the country selection screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt and type PLACEHOLDER5199f62cf80342e3. After rebooting, disconnect from the internet using PLACEHOLDERf8cfa33cc93b6e53 in the command prompt. You can then create a local username and password. 2. Method 2: Use Rufus to prepare a USB installation drive. Select the option to "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" during setup. After booting from the USB, repeat the process of disconnecting from the internet and creating a local account. To add a local account to an existing Windows 11 setup, go to Settings > Accounts > Other Users, then select "Add account" and choose "Add a user without a Microsoft account." Enter the required information to create the local account.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

9 new features that arrived on the Windows 11 Insider Program during the second half of July 2025

During July 2025, Microsoft released seven preview builds for Windows 11, including updates from version branches 24H2 and 25H2, and builds 27913, 27909, and 27902 in the Canary Channel, with build 27902's ISO file available for download. Key enhancements included: 1. Click to Do improvements allowing image descriptions on AMD and Intel devices, previously exclusive to Qualcomm Snapdragon. 2. Windows Narrator now generates detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs for Intel and AMD processors. 3. A new "Recent activity" feature in the Privacy & security section lets users monitor third-party app access to AI functionalities. 4. AI agent functionality is being gradually introduced in the Settings app, starting with the August 2025 Security Update. 5. The Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience page has consolidated recommendations into a single interface. 6. Windows Search is testing a grid view for image search results. 7. The Notification Center now supports a fly-out from secondary monitors, displaying a full clock. 8. Task Manager has reintroduced a view showing processor usage metrics across various pages, with an option to revert to legacy metrics.