legacy hardware Archives

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Surfshark stops updating app for older Android phones – check your version now

Surfshark has discontinued support for the Android 5.0 (Lollipop) operating system. Users are encouraged to upgrade to at least Android 6.0 to continue receiving official app support and security enhancements. The decision is part of Surfshark's strategy to focus on modern security standards and advanced features like post-quantum encryption, which cannot be securely managed on older Android kernels. Manual connections are still possible for legacy hardware, but upgrading is strongly recommended.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Still on Windows 11 23H2? Microsoft will soon force you to upgrade to 25H2 – for your own good

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 11 version 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025, meaning that Home and Pro editions will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 25H2 to maintain security and access new features. Devices running version 23H2 that are not managed by IT departments will receive the 25H2 update automatically, although users can postpone the update temporarily. However, users with older hardware may be unable to upgrade due to lack of support for essential instructions required for newer versions. Alternatives for those unable to upgrade include reverting to Windows 10, which has extended support until October 2026, or transitioning to Linux.

Winsage

September 28, 2025

I created a super-slim Windows 11 install that’s perfect for when Windows 10 falls out of support

Windows 10 support will cease in October, prompting users to consider migrating to Windows 11. Some users are using Tiny11 to create a lightweight Windows 11 ISO, which removes numerous pre-installed applications. To create the ISO, users download Tiny11 and the Windows 11 ISO, then use PowerShell to execute commands that streamline the installation. Tiny11 can remove applications such as Clipchamp, News, Weather, Xbox, and others. Additionally, using tiny11Coremaker removes Windows Component Store, Windows Defender, and Windows Update. After creating the ISO, users can use Rufus to make a bootable USB drive for installation. The resulting installation of Windows 11 will have fewer pre-installed applications, making it more suitable for older hardware.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Windows 11’s driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there

Windows 11 requires drivers to be digitally signed before they can be loaded, which enhances security by preventing malware but restricts user autonomy. This requirement is part of Microsoft's Code Integrity security feature, which became mandatory with Windows 10 version 1607. Drivers must possess a valid digital signature from a recognized authority, and Windows will refuse to load any driver lacking this signature. The signing process can be cumbersome and expensive, favoring larger companies. This enforcement raises concerns about consumer freedom, as users may feel they do not fully own their hardware and face challenges in developing custom drivers. In contrast, Linux allows users greater control over what runs in the kernel, though it presents its own security challenges.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Drops Windows 7-8.1 Support, Adds Speed and AES-256 Encryption

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, meaning users on these operating systems will no longer receive updates or security patches. The new version requires a minimum of Windows 10 and includes performance enhancements, such as faster document loading and improved interoperability with Microsoft formats. Security upgrades include AES-256 encryption and PDF 2.0 export capabilities. The decision to discontinue support for older Windows versions reflects a broader industry trend towards modernization and innovation. Future versions will also require macOS 11 or later. Users on outdated systems are encouraged to evaluate alternatives or stick with earlier versions.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Google TV and Android TV to Transition to 64-Bit Apps, Promising Enhanced Performance

Google will transition to 64-bit app compatibility for Google TV and Android TV starting in August 2026. All new applications and updates submitted to Google Play for these platforms must support both 32-bit and 64-bit ARM architectures. Google will provide developers with tools to assist in this transition, including support for various Nvidia Shield models and a 64-bit Google TV emulator for macOS devices with Apple Silicon. 32-bit support will remain available for older devices during this transition.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Half of Enterprise Windows Endpoints Have Not Yet Migrated to Windows 11, According to ControlUp Study

As of June 2025, 50% of enterprise Windows endpoints have migrated to Windows 11, an improvement from 82% still on Windows 10 the previous year. The Education and Technology sectors lead in migration rates at 77% and 73%, while Healthcare and Finance lag at 41% and 45%. In the Americas, only 43% of endpoints are upgraded, compared to 70% in Europe and 66% in other regions. Larger organizations with over 10,000 devices are the least prepared, with only 42% of migrations completed. ControlUp's analysis is based on over one million enterprise endpoints.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft Axes Old Drivers, Sparks Compatibility Debate

Microsoft is removing outdated drivers from Windows Update to enhance system reliability and reduce security vulnerabilities. This initiative may disrupt users who rely on legacy hardware, as many older devices lack updated driver support from manufacturers. IT administrators face challenges in finding alternative drivers or workarounds for critical systems, as not all hardware vendors provide timely updates. The move reflects a broader trend of prioritizing security and efficiency over backward compatibility, raising concerns about the implications for users with integrated legacy systems. Critics suggest that Microsoft should offer clearer guidance and transitional support for affected users.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

It’s possible to run Windows XP on an Apple TV — and it works like a dream!

Windows XP holds a 0.27 percent share of the Windows market, surpassing Windows 8 and 8.1. A Linux variant of Windows XP is available for those seeking a nostalgic experience. Windows XP has been successfully run on Apple's Vision Pro and ported to the original Apple TV. Only the original Apple TV, which has an Intel Pentium M processor and 256 MB of RAM, can support Windows XP. This porting was documented by Nobel Tech, showcasing DistroHopper39B's efforts using ReactOS. The original Apple TV used in the experiment was provided by the Australian Computer Museum Society (ACMS). Windows XP operates on the Apple TV, but graphics acceleration is unsupported.