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Here's how to get the Windows event wallpaper Microsoft never released
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Here’s how to get the Windows event wallpaper Microsoft never released

Microsoft unveiled the RTX Spark laptops featuring innovative superchips and a new wallpaper design reminiscent of the Bloom design associated with Windows 11. The wallpaper has not yet been released for public use, causing frustration among enthusiasts. A Discord user discovered the wallpaper embedded in Microsoft's Retail Demo Experience app files, leading to its sharing, although the available version is compressed. A full-resolution version is promised for the future. Discussions about this development are ongoing in the r/WindowsCentral community on Reddit.
Run a Virus Scan on Windows 11: 12 Steps, 45 Min [2026]
Tech Optimizer
October 22, 2026

Run a Virus Scan on Windows 11: 12 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which many users overlook. Manual virus scans are important due to evolving cyber threats, and a tutorial exists for conducting a full scan in 12 steps, taking about 45 minutes for setup. Users should confirm that Microsoft Defender is active and can automate scans with a script. Fake antivirus alerts can appear as browser notifications, and users should not follow their instructions. If a fake alert occurs, users should close it and run a quick scan through Windows Security. Common pitfalls in virus scanning include running multiple antivirus programs, scanning with outdated definitions, and initiating scans from pop-ups. Advanced security strategies include using Windows Sandbox and monitoring startup items. Regular scans are recommended, with a quick scan weekly and a full scan monthly. Microsoft Defender may be sufficient for many users, but additional protection may be necessary if other tools frequently identify missed threats. In case of a confirmed infection, users should disconnect from the network, change passwords, and report the incident.
10 Windows laptops that could challenge your idea of what an everyday laptop should offer
Winsage
October 22, 2026

10 Windows laptops that could challenge your idea of what an everyday laptop should offer

Sparsh Sharma is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, specializing in consumer technology, gadgets, artificial intelligence, and digital trends. He previously worked for two and a half years at Times Network, contributing to Times Now Tech by covering technology stories, including smartphones, gadgets, apps, cybersecurity, and emerging tech trends. He has tested and reviewed various devices, focusing on real-world performance and practicality. Sparsh is particularly interested in artificial intelligence and enjoys using AI tools to enhance technology content. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Outside of work, he is a cricket enthusiast and a fan of Virat Kohli. He can be contacted for technology story ideas at sparsh.sharma@htdigital.in.
Microsoft says it's optimizing Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, so I tested 26H2 on an 8GB laptop
Winsage
October 22, 2026

Microsoft says it’s optimizing Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, so I tested 26H2 on an 8GB laptop

Following the Windows 11 26H2 update, users with 8GB PCs reported a significant reduction in RAM usage. One user noted a decrease from 5GB to 3.3GB after a restart, while tests on a virtual machine showed RAM usage drop from 4.1GB to between 2.8GB and 3.2GB. Microsoft has optimized RAM usage for 8GB PCs, aiming for improvements through 2026, with anecdotal evidence suggesting a reduction of 1GB to 2GB in boot RAM usage. Specific improvements include Windows now retaining up to 2GB more active data in memory and allowing Widgets to load only when accessed, freeing over 200MB for other tasks. The separation of Widgets from the Discover feed has also contributed to reduced RAM usage.
$35 Gets You Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro
Winsage
October 20, 2026

$35 Gets You Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, down from 9.99, until November 1. This bundle includes Windows 11 Pro, which features security tools like BitLocker and Hyper-V, and Office Professional 2021, which contains applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The software is licensed for installation on a single Windows PC with no recurring subscription fees, contrasting with Microsoft 365 Personal, which costs .99 annually. Digital license keys are delivered promptly for easy setup.
I enabled Windows 11's drive compression and got over 60GB back without slowing down my PC
Winsage
October 19, 2026

I enabled Windows 11’s drive compression and got over 60GB back without slowing down my PC

Running out of space on a PC can be frustrating, especially with rising storage and RAM prices. Windows 11 offers a file compression feature that allows users to compress files on their drives, freeing up space without compromising usability. This NTFS compression operates in the background, enabling access to files without manual extraction. To enable it, users can right-click on a drive in File Explorer, select Properties, and choose the compression option if the drive uses the NTFS file system. The compression process may take time, as seen when it took about two hours to compress 333GB of data. While drive compression can consume CPU resources and slightly increase loading times, the impact is minimal on modern computers. Users can also selectively compress specific files or folders to manage performance better.
Windows RAM at 91%? Use RAMMap to see what’s actually taking up memory
Winsage
October 19, 2026

Windows RAM at 91%? Use RAMMap to see what’s actually taking up memory

A reading of 91% RAM usage in Task Manager does not necessarily indicate that a PC is short on memory. Microsoft’s RAMMap tool provides a detailed breakdown of memory usage into categories such as Active, Standby, Modified, and Free memory. Task Manager presents a single total for memory usage, which can be misleading. An 8GB PC may show 7.1GB used out of 7.8GB without detailing the composition of that figure. Windows retains recently used app data in Standby, allowing for quick access, which means Standby memory is counted as Available. RAMMap categorizes memory usage as follows: - Active: Memory currently utilized by applications and system processes. - Standby: Cached pages that can be reclaimed by Windows. - Modified: Pages that have been altered and need to be written to storage. - Free and Zeroed: Pages ready for reuse. In a test, RAMMap showed 6.96GiB Active, 580MiB Standby, 263MiB Modified, and approximately 36MiB of Free plus Zeroed memory. Task Manager reported 685MB Available, mostly from cached memory. Committed refers to virtual memory allocated to applications, while Compressed indicates memory reduced in size by Windows. Resource Monitor offers a built-in view of memory usage. Emptying the Standby list using RAMMap reallocates memory rather than creating it, as shown in a scenario where Standby memory decreased from 996MiB to 258MiB, but Task Manager’s Available figure dropped from 1.32GB to 921MB. If Available memory consistently diminishes and the PC lags, adding more RAM may be necessary. Windows counts Standby memory as Available because it can be reclaimed quickly. RAM cleaner apps do not effectively increase Available memory, as Windows rebuilds the cache from the drive. Committed in Task Manager does not mean RAM in use; it refers to virtual memory allocated to applications.
Microsoft should be proud of Surface Laptop Ultra, but is Windows 11 a selling point or a roadblock for its premier PC?
Winsage
October 18, 2026

Microsoft should be proud of Surface Laptop Ultra, but is Windows 11 a selling point or a roadblock for its premier PC?

Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra, showcasing its features during a presentation led by CEO Satya Nadella and other key figures. This device is part of the first wave of RTX Spark laptops aimed at creators seeking enhanced AI capabilities. Reviewers have compared it favorably to Apple’s MacBook Pro, highlighting Microsoft's intent to compete in the high-performance laptop market. Microsoft has also announced significant improvements to Windows 11, including an upgraded search experience and faster File Explorer, while promoting the value of modern Windows 11 PCs. The Surface Laptop Ultra is described as the most powerful Surface device in years, with a focus on attracting developers who typically use Macs.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra review: RTX Spark in a straight-up beautiful Windows PC
Winsage
October 16, 2026

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra review: RTX Spark in a straight-up beautiful Windows PC

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra features a sleek aluminum chassis available in "nightfall" and platinum colors, weighs 4.4 pounds, and includes a Mini-LED display with a resolution of 3270 x 2180. It is powered by an Nvidia RTX Spark N1X CPU with 20 cores and a GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, accompanied by 32GB LPDDR5X-9400 memory and a 1TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, has a 1080p Surface Studio camera, and a 92 WHr battery. It measures 12.95 x 9.40 x 0.75 inches and is priced at ,699.99. The device runs Windows 11 Pro and has a battery life of approximately 10 hours and 43 minutes. It can run games like God of War: Ragnarok at 2560 x 1440 with ultra settings, achieving frame rates between 41 and 47 fps, but faces compatibility issues with some titles. The display brightness reaches 944 nits, surpassing competitors.
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