Laptops Archives

Winsage

July 23, 2026

China Wants a Future Without Windows. It Starts This September.

Huawei will launch its first PCs powered by HarmonyOS in September, aiming to reduce China's reliance on Windows and create a homegrown computing ecosystem. The rollout will initially target government departments, financial institutions, and enterprise customers. HarmonyOS has been developed in response to U.S. sanctions, which restricted Huawei's access to Google services, advanced chips, and Windows licensing. The operating system has achieved high-level Chinese security certifications, making it suitable for sensitive government use. Huawei plans to build an interconnected ecosystem similar to Apple's, integrating HarmonyOS laptops with its other devices.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Original Xbox Games Are Coming to PC Starting With Four Fan Favorites

Microsoft has launched its Xbox Backward Compatibility preview, enabling four original Xbox games—Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy—to be played on PC and handheld devices. These games feature enhancements such as 4x resolution upscaling, VSync support, multiple display modes, anisotropic filtering, and improved anti-aliasing. They are available for purchase on the Xbox Store and can be accessed on PC or handhelds through Xbox Play Anywhere or Xbox Cloud Gaming. All four titles are also included in Xbox Game Pass. Minimum system requirements for playing these games include: - GPU: Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550 or Intel UHD 770 or Intel Arc A310 - CPU: Minimum 4 Cores Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor - RAM: 8GB - OS: Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions: Latest Version as of January 2026 Recommended specifications include: - GPU: Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti or Intel Arc A770 - CPU: 6 cores and 12 threads Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme - DirectX Version: DirectX12 API, Hardware Feature Level 11 - GPU VRAM: 8GB - OS: Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions: Latest Version as of January 2026

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft fixes the Windows 11 bug slowing down some Dell PCs

Microsoft released an unscheduled update for Windows 11, designated as KB5121767, targeting users on versions 24H2 and 25H2 to address performance issues on certain Dell PCs and laptops with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers. The update aims to fix degraded battery life, increased power consumption, and unexpected system behavior caused by conflicts with these drivers. Affected devices primarily include newer Dell models such as the Precision, XPS, and Pro Max series. Users can obtain the update automatically if they have enabled the relevant option in Windows Update or manually through Settings or the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update modifies the Windows build number to 26200.8894 for 25H2 and 26100.8894 for 24H2 and includes previous security and quality enhancements. Microsoft recommends the update for users experiencing sluggish performance or erratic behavior after July updates, particularly those with recent Dell devices with Intel processors.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

Facebook and Instagram down in mass outage for thousands of users

On Sunday morning, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram experienced significant outages, with users globally reporting difficulties accessing their accounts, particularly on Facebook's desktop version. Many encountered an error message stating their accounts were temporarily unavailable due to a site issue. Reports of issues surged just before 9 AM, and while extensive, not all aspects of the platforms were affected. Nearly 60 percent of reported issues on Facebook were related to the website version, though many users accessed the platform via mobile apps. Users expressed frustration, noting that while Facebook worked on mobile devices, it was inaccessible on laptops. Some also faced issues with the Messenger app, which indicated it was outdated despite attempts to reinstall it. The timeline for resolution remained uncertain.

Winsage

July 17, 2026

This Surface is the only laptop that supports Windows 11’s best new feature

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 8 features Snapdragon X2 chips, enhancing battery life and graphics performance. It uniquely supports Windows 11's advanced haptics, providing tactile feedback through the touchpad, mouse, or stylus. This feature allows users to feel interactions, such as when hovering over Snap Layouts. The Surface Laptop 8 for Business, launched earlier, operates on an Intel processor but also supports advanced haptics. Both models enhance the Windows 11 experience, with popular software like Filmora and Affinity already integrating this feature. Additional devices, such as the Logitech MX Master 4 and Surface Slim Pen 2, can also utilize advanced haptics.

Tech Optimizer

July 17, 2026

Psychology says people who use only free version of antivirus aren’t careless: What this choice may reveal

Individuals who choose free antivirus software often do so based on a careful evaluation of their needs, budget constraints, and personal experiences with security. Factors influencing this decision include monthly budget, type of internet usage, trust in software brands, previous experiences with malware, confidence in personal online habits, and awareness of cybersecurity risks. Psychological theories, such as Prospect Theory and Satisficing Theory, suggest that users assess the perceived benefits of free software against the costs of paid options, leading many to conclude that free solutions are sufficient for their needs. Research indicates that technology choices are based on perceived usefulness and value, with positive past experiences reinforcing the decision to continue using free antivirus software. Overall, individuals often make decisions by balancing their requirements with available resources, highlighting the importance of evaluating personal needs before making purchases.

Tech Optimizer

July 15, 2026

Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? How to Protect Your Device

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, Verified Boot, automatic updates, data encryption, and Recovery Mode, which collectively reduce the risk of malware infections. However, they are still vulnerable to threats such as malicious Chrome extensions, scam Android apps from third-party stores, phishing attacks, and risks associated with using Developer Mode and cloud storage. Users can identify potential malware through signs like slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, and unusual battery drain. To remove malware, users should eliminate suspicious extensions, uninstall dubious apps, run antivirus scans, enable Google Play Protect, or perform a Powerwash to reset the device. To protect their Chromebooks, users should avoid Developer Mode, check app permissions, use two-factor authentication, verify website URLs, and use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Pastor turns Minecraft into a mission field for the unchurched

A Reformed pastor in Switzerland, Florian Homberger, conducts weekly devotionals in Minecraft, attracting around 20 participants each session, nearly half of whom have no prior ties to the church. Homberger began using Minecraft after being inspired by the strong connections within an online gaming community. He created a virtual city named Convento and initiated the devotionals in summer 2025, with sessions lasting about 30 minutes. The format is interactive, involving in-game activities related to biblical themes, such as obstacle courses representing trust during challenges. Each session ends with participants launching virtual fireworks as a symbolic gesture of prayers. Homberger believes this virtual setting helps dismantle barriers to church attendance, providing a comfortable space for young people. He has also set up laptops in the parish hall for young people to log on together, viewing Minecraft as a legitimate social space.

Winsage

July 13, 2026

Windows 11’s smallest upgrade shows a big commitment from Microsoft

Windows 11 is set to receive an update that includes a slightly taller search box in the Start menu, increasing its height by four pixels. This change, currently in preview, is part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative aimed at improving user experience by addressing inconsistencies in the operating system. The update was revealed in the release notes for a preview build, leading to humorous reactions from users. Despite the minor nature of this adjustment, it highlights ongoing design issues within Windows 11, such as misaligned windows and inconsistent menus, which contribute to a perception of incompleteness. Additionally, the context menus in the latest preview build feature more rounded corners, raising questions about UI consistency. The Windows K2 initiative aims to enhance both performance and visual appeal, improving the overall user experience.