manufacturers Archives

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Microsoft Confirms 2 Free Offers—Windows Users Must Now Choose

Microsoft has abandoned its October deadline for Windows 10, affecting approximately 700 million users who can choose to remain on Windows 10 or upgrade to Windows 11. About 400 million users are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, while around 240 million cannot upgrade due to hardware requirements. Users can extend support for Windows 10 until October 2026 through cloud backup, redeeming rewards points, or paying a nominal fee. Windows 10 will receive security updates for the next 12 months, but Windows 11 offers enhanced security features. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of upgrading to Windows 11 for better security. Concerns exist about user inertia and the potential slowdown in upgrade momentum. The extended support tool will soon be available to all users, and those unable to upgrade are advised to utilize it.

AppWizard

June 28, 2025

Gaming on Linux is better than ever — but it’s still bad

Linux has evolved significantly in the gaming sector, becoming a credible alternative to Microsoft for PC gaming, aided by tools like Proton and a dedicated community. However, challenges remain, such as compatibility issues and a lack of native Linux game versions. The introduction of DirectX by Microsoft solidified Windows as the primary gaming platform, creating a focus on Windows that disadvantages Linux. Proton allows many Windows games to run on Linux but does not create native versions, and essential software for graphics cards is often missing. Currently, Windows holds over a 95% share in the Steam hardware survey, while Linux accounts for only 2.69%. Despite progress, Linux still faces a long journey to become a mainstream gaming platform.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

How PC makers exploited BIOS copyright strings to unlock trial software during the Windows 95 era

Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen recounted issues during the development of Windows 9x, particularly regarding software copyright violations among PC manufacturers. The Windows 95 team aimed to ensure compatibility with various PCs, discovering a BIOS string "Not Copyright Fabrikam Computer" while examining firmware. In the early 1990s, branded PCs often had preinstalled software that unlocked premium features based on specific BIOS strings. Some manufacturers, like the fictional "Contoso," manipulated these strings to bypass licensing fees, which was likely illegal. The developers faced challenges retrofitting Plug and Play technology onto older systems while navigating these deceptive practices.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft will start removing legacy drivers from Windows Update

Microsoft is shifting its approach to driver management in Windows to improve the quality and security of drivers available through Windows Update. The initiative will phase out legacy drivers and focus on providing only fresh, tested, and compatible drivers. Expired drivers will no longer be available through Windows Update, streamlining the user experience and enhancing system integrity. Manufacturers and developers can republish expired drivers with justification. After an initial cleanup targeting legacy drivers, Microsoft will allow a six-month period for feedback before permanently removing drivers. This process will continue with subsequent batches of drivers. Concerns have been raised about the impact on users of older devices and the potential loss of a valuable resource for reliable drivers.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft tests Xbox app with Battle.net integration — updated app brings third-party game library aggregation

Microsoft is testing a new Xbox app for PC among Xbox Insiders, which will aggregate installed games from various third-party storefronts into a single interface. This feature will debut with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds later this year. The initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to transition Xbox from a console-centric brand to a service-oriented platform, aligning with the Game Pass initiative for both Xbox and PC users. Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handheld devices instead of developing its own Xbox handheld. While a widespread launch of the aggregated library feature has not been announced, initial rollout with the ROG Ally handhelds is expected during the holiday season, with broader support potentially arriving by the end of this year or in 2026.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Windows 11 migration shows surprising surge for some businesses – but for once, desktop is leading the way

Desktop shipments to businesses increased by 22%, accounting for 17% of total enterprise PC sales, as companies prepare for the end of support for Windows 10. In contrast, overall PC shipments for consumers rose by only 9%. Canalys reported that during the first four months of 2025, overall PC shipments rose by an average of 9%, with desktops increasing by 8% and notebooks by 10%. Windows 11 adoption is currently at 43%, while Windows 10 stands at 53%. IDC forecasts a potential contraction in the global PC market due to stabilization from the migration to Windows 11 and expected worsening macroeconomic conditions.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Deadline For 400 Million Windows Users

Microsoft may soon mandate upgrades from Windows 10, potentially ending the current free upgrade offer. Recent updates to Windows 10 include warnings about automatic feature updates for devices nearing the end of support. Microsoft auto-installed the KB5001716 patch last year, affecting around 400 million Windows 10 users. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, with an option to extend it for a fee. Analysts estimate at least 240 million PCs are ineligible for the free upgrade and will need to pay for security updates or risk vulnerabilities. Microsoft and PC manufacturers are encouraging users to invest in new PCs as the deadline approaches.

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.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Microsoft to stop pushing older Windows 11 drivers through Windows Update

Microsoft is implementing a policy change in Windows Update that will no longer display older legacy drivers when a newer version is available. This update is being rolled out but does not affect the replacement of newer drivers manually installed from Intel, AMD, or Nvidia. The initiative is described as a “periodic cleanup of drivers from Windows Update,” primarily targeting OEMs. When a driver expires and a newer version exists, the older driver will be removed from Windows Update listings. This cleanup focuses on legacy drivers, and while users may not notice significant changes, it aims to streamline the update process. Future expansions may include expired drivers without replacements, but currently, the focus is on legacy drivers with available updates. OEMs can republish expired drivers with justification. The policy will not resolve issues where manually installed drivers are replaced by older versions via Windows Update, as Windows Update drivers may have higher version numbers despite being older. The policy does not affect users on unsupported hardware, as a driver is only marked as “expired” when a new replacement is available.