Laptops Archives

Winsage

June 22, 2025

With 114 days left until Windows 10 support is ditched, Windows 11 enjoys a last-minute surge in upgrades

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

This Android App Boosts Your Phone — And Google Just Made It Official

Google has introduced the Linux Terminal app with the Android 15 update, allowing users to run a Debian virtual machine on their smartphones. This feature utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to execute complex commands, run scripts, and manage storage, enhancing smartphone functionality. Activation is simple through developer options, making it accessible to all users. The Linux Terminal serves as a valuable tool for professionals and developers, enabling them to work efficiently on the go. Casual users can also benefit by running Linux-based applications directly on their devices. The upcoming Android 16 is expected to further enhance this experience with better support for external displays, positioning Android phones as central components of users' tech ecosystems.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Meteorfall Journeys, Towaga, Lumino City, more

A new wave of Android game and app deals has emerged, including savings on Samsung Galaxy Book laptops and Lenovo’s Legion Go PC gaming handheld. Discounts are available on the 512GB Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and Google Pixel Watch 3. Notable Android app and game price drops include titles such as Towaga, Lumino City, Majesty: The Fantasy Kingdom, and Meteorfall: Journeys. Meteorfall is a deck-building roguelike adventure where players choose from four adventurers and enhance their decks with new cards. Combat involves drawing cards to either unleash their power or conserve stamina, adding strategic depth to encounters.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft has a brand-new service aimed at saving all your files from disastrous cloud drop-out

Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Reserve, a web-based service that provides temporary, pre-configured Cloud PCs for users during device disruptions. Users can access these Cloud PCs from any device, and they come equipped with Microsoft 365 applications, corporate settings, and security protocols. The service can be utilized for up to 10 days each year. Pricing details are not yet announced, and a preview is expected to launch soon. There is speculation about a possible subscription-based model, and an online application process will be available for early access. Additionally, a 20% discount for first-time customers has been announced for the existing Windows 365 platform.

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2025

Do You Need Antivirus for Chromebook?

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, verified boot, and automatic updates, which contribute to their reputation as secure devices. Despite these protections, vulnerabilities can still exist, particularly through phishing scams, risky extensions, and the use of Linux or Android apps. Security experts suggest that users who frequently engage in online shopping, download Android applications, connect to public Wi-Fi, or store sensitive information in the cloud should consider antivirus software for added protection. Recommended antivirus options for Chromebooks include TotalAV Essential Antivirus, Norton Mobile Security, and Avira Antivirus Security, each offering various features and benefits tailored for Chromebook users.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

[Fixed] How to Recover Unsaved Word Document on Windows 10/11

4DDiG Data Recovery is a tool designed to recover unsaved Word documents by scanning the AutoRecover folder and other locations. It can recover corrupted, deleted, unsaved, or formatted MS Office files with a high success rate and offers a free trial. Users can preview files before restoration, and the software is compatible with various storage devices and Windows operating systems (7, 8, 10, and 11) without requiring technical skills. To recover an unsaved Word document using 4DDiG, users should install the tool, select the drive where the documents were lost, scan for unsaved documents, preview, and then recover the desired files. Microsoft Word has built-in features for recovering unsaved documents, including the Document Recovery Pane and manual searches for AutoRecover files with ".asd" and backup files with ".wbk" extensions. Temporary files with a ".tmp" extension may also contain unsaved work and can be retrieved from a specific path. To prevent future losses, users are advised to enable AutoRecover and create backup copies in Word's settings. Common recovery questions include the ability to recover unsaved documents depending on AutoRecover settings and the locations of AutoSave files, which vary by operating system. For Windows, common paths include C:Users[Username]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWord and C:Users[Username]AppDataLocalMicrosoftOfficeUnsavedFiles.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft has disabled a ‘key feature’ to enhance Windows security – The Times of India

Microsoft updated the Windows Hello face unlock functionality in April, which now fails to operate in low-light environments due to a strategic decision aimed at addressing a spoofing vulnerability. Users of Surface Laptops have reported frustrations as they can no longer access their devices using facial recognition in dark rooms. The update requires color cameras to see a visible face when signing in. Researchers from Nanyang Technological University identified a vulnerability in the system that allowed unauthorized access, although Microsoft categorized it as "important" and stated the likelihood of exploitation remains low. A temporary workaround for users is to disable the webcam through Windows 11's Device Manager, but this renders the camera unusable for other applications.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows Hello webcams have stopped working in the dark. I don’t care

Microsoft has updated its Windows Hello biometric recognition system to use both the standard optical webcam and the infrared depth camera for user authentication, addressing a potential spoofing vulnerability. Testing on three laptops (Surface Laptop 7th Edition, Asus ZenBook S 14, and MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo) showed that all devices successfully recognized the user in dim lighting conditions. However, some colleagues reported issues with facial recognition in similar low-light environments, indicating inconsistency across devices. Microsoft has included a numeric PIN option as a backup login method. The update is said to enhance security by requiring visible light for recognition, but its practical impact on user experience appears minimal.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

Now You Can Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11 Pro or Home for Only $10

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 in October 2025, making the upgrade to Windows 11 urgent. Windows 11 Pro is available for purchase from StackSocial for a promotional price, significantly lower than the standard price from Microsoft. Users can apply the promo code MSO5 at checkout to access this deal. The Pro version includes features like DirectX 12 Ultimate, BitLocker device encryption, Azure-AD, and Hyper-V. Upon purchase, users receive a lifetime license, but must ensure their hardware meets the minimum system requirements for installation. The download code must be redeemed within 30 days before it expires.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Arm says Windows game compatibility is up to developers

Arm-powered Windows devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are noted for their sleek designs and long battery life. While core compatibility issues have been largely resolved, gaming remains a challenge due to anti-cheat program compatibility, which can prevent games from launching. Chris Bergey from Arm Holdings mentioned that most users spend about 90% of their time on applications with native Arm versions. Major developers like Epic Games are exploring ways to improve compatibility with Arm-based systems. Additionally, anti-cheat issues affect the Steam Deck, which operates on an AMD processor but lacks native versions of several popular anti-cheat systems. As Arm-based Windows devices gain market share, game developers are expected to prioritize support for these platforms. The integration of Windows and Steam into Arm-based handheld devices could transform the gaming landscape, especially with improved battery life and efficiency.