Microsoft 365 Archives

Winsage

August 11, 2026

Windows is a drop in Microsoft’s ocean, no wonder it’s been ignored while Azure and LinkedIn eat the profit

Microsoft's fiscal year results for FY26 showed a 16% increase in stock price, adding nearly half a trillion dollars to its market value. The "More Personal Computing" segment reported billion in revenue with an operating income of .4 billion, reflecting a slight decline in revenue but an increase in operating income. Analysts estimate that Windows client revenue is just over 5% of Microsoft's total revenue, approximately billion for FY26, with an estimated income of around billion. The overall margin for the More Personal Computing category is about 27%. Azure has crossed the 0 billion revenue threshold, making it the largest product category within Microsoft. LinkedIn contributes an estimated billion to billion in income. Microsoft may prioritize investments in emerging technologies over Windows due to higher profits from other segments.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

5 years later, Windows 10 refuses to die, and Microsoft just can’t push holdouts to Windows 11

Windows 11 was released in 2021, but Windows 10 remains a significant presence, with approximately 17% market share among enterprise PCs as of 2026. Lansweeper reports that Windows 10 has lost users, dropping from nearly 50% in early 2025 to around 40% by October 2025, and settling at 16.9% a year later. Key sectors using Windows 10 include healthcare (23%), consumer retail (22.7%), small and medium businesses (21.4%), manufacturing (18%), and enterprises (16.6%). Windows 10 has 1,903 active CVEs compared to 652 on Windows 11, indicating a 2.9 times higher vulnerability. About 14% of Windows 10 users receive Extended Security Updates, leaving 2% on unsupported versions. HP reports that 30% of its installed base still uses Windows 10, reflecting a core group resistant to upgrading. Microsoft states that Windows is active on 1.6 billion PCs globally, with a noted 7% decrease in Windows OEM revenue attributed to lower PC demand and the end-of-support effects for Windows 10.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Will Windows 11’s new setup let you bypass the Microsoft account? Not on the list, at least for now

Microsoft has announced enhancements to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, aiming to streamline the setup process before the end of 2026. The current setup requires a Microsoft account and an internet connection, eliminating the option for a local account, which was available in previous Windows versions. Users face delays due to mandatory updates, which can take 20 to 50 minutes, and are subjected to numerous promotional pages during the setup. Microsoft has introduced a “Skip for now” option for updates but has not addressed the forced Microsoft account sign-in requirement. There is no mention of removing this requirement in recent updates, despite ongoing demand from users. Microsoft has relaxed some account requirements in other areas, such as allowing sign-ins with Google or Apple accounts for Bing, but the OOBE still mandates a Microsoft account.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Desktop Linux just cracked 10% market share – and Windows 11 is mostly to blame

Desktop Linux has reached a market share of 10.65% in North America, doubling from a 5% share in 2025. When including Chrome OS, the combined market share rises to 12.72%. The US federal government's Digital Analytics Program (DAP) reports Linux's market share at 5.8%, with a total end-user Linux share of approximately 19% when factoring in Android and Chrome OS. Key reasons for users leaving Windows include the transition to Microsoft 365, improved gaming on Linux, better user-friendliness, enhanced hardware compatibility, and privacy concerns. Approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs are ineligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, with 22.16% of Windows users still on Windows 10. A survey found that 26% of users plan to continue using Windows 10 after support ends. Users are frustrated with Windows, viewing Windows 11 as a promotional platform for Microsoft's services. Modern Linux distributions are user-friendly, and installation is straightforward. Linux is recognized for its superior security compared to Windows, which has faced numerous vulnerabilities and security patches.

Winsage

August 4, 2026

Microsoft never learns, IT admins rage as a new OneDrive app invades Windows 11 and keeps coming back when you remove it

Microsoft has begun silently installing the "OneDrive Photos" app on Windows PCs, including enterprise systems managed via Microsoft Intune, without prior notification. IT professionals have expressed significant frustration over this unexpected addition, noting that the app is incompatible with Entra accounts and cannot be removed without uninstalling OneDrive entirely. The app functions as a web-based gallery feature, indexing and displaying photos stored on local machines, but its necessity is questioned due to the existing Microsoft Photos app. OneDrive Photos is linked to the OneDrive sync client, making it impossible to uninstall independently. Users have reported that the app appears in Windows Search results with an 'Uninstall' option but does not show up in the Installed apps page, leading to confusion. A script has been developed to remove the shortcut, but it often reappears due to its connection with the OneDrive sync client. Discussions with Microsoft suggest that the rollout may have been unintended, with an apology expected soon.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Microsoft warns Windows PC users of Russian hackers on hotel WiFi

Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows PC users about Russian hackers targeting individuals using hotel WiFi networks. The campaign, named CaptiveCrunch and attributed to the Storm-2945 group, focuses on corporate travelers and employs tactics like credential theft and malware distribution through compromised guest networks. Microsoft has been monitoring this activity since May, noting its impact on hospitality networks utilizing captive portals. Hackers have been redirecting users to counterfeit sign-in pages to steal credentials without phishing emails. The threat may also extend to Android devices, with hackers using deceptive techniques to manipulate users into downloading malicious APK files. The hackers employ fake verification checks and sign-in prompts, sometimes misleading users into Microsoft's legitimate authentication process to gain access to accounts. Microsoft has identified a specific remote-access trojan named CornFlake, which can record keystrokes, steal credentials, and capture screenshots. Recommendations for travelers include using mobile hotspots, avoiding updates through captive portals, strengthening authentication methods, and blocking unnecessary device-code authentication.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Own Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for Just $33

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is available for .97 until August 9, down from its regular price of 9.99. The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, and a free version of Microsoft Teams. It offers lifetime access on a single Windows PC and features significant performance enhancements and updated collaboration tools. The software is installed locally, allowing use without an internet connection for many tasks. It does not include continuous feature updates like Microsoft 365, providing a stable, perpetual version of the software.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

Microsoft Weekly: Xbox outage, fake Windows apps, new Windows 11 updates, and more

Microsoft has released two Cumulative Update Previews: KB5101681 for Windows 11, which includes calendar-based Windows Update pausing, a quieter Widgets experience, and enhanced accessibility features; and KB5101684 for Windows 10, which introduces Voice Isolation for Voice Access and new precision touchpad gesture controls. The company reported a record billion quarter for fiscal year 2026, with an 18% year-over-year increase, and Azure's annual revenue surpassed billion for the first time. Microsoft 365 Copilot's paid seat count exceeded 30 million. Xbox experienced a significant outage due to a failure in a shared licensing service, but services have since been restored. The Windows Insider Program released two Future Platforms builds that include features like Voice Isolation and a new scheduling system for updates. Wintoys transitioned to .NET 10 and Windows App SDK 2.3.1, while Notepad, Calculator, Clock, and Media Player received minor updates. Excel's July update added Power BI support and eliminated the AutoSave requirement. Microsoft confirmed its presence at Gamescom 2026, celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary with 140 gaming stations and 25 playable titles. Double Fine laid off 23 employees, and Ubisoft canceled Project Maverick but is developing a new project. Xbox console owners can unlock PC versions of select games on Ubisoft Connect at no extra cost. Gears of War: E-Day introduced a new 12-player Horde Siege mode.

Winsage

August 2, 2026

I still use Microsoft To Do — and I’m hoping one of my favorite daily Windows apps can avoid the graveyard of forgotten software

Users prioritize speed and efficiency in Windows applications, favoring tools that launch quickly and use minimal system resources. Microsoft To Do is highlighted as a simple task management app that serves as a modern version of Wunderlist, offering effective synchronization across devices. The app can help organize daily responsibilities, though its effectiveness varies by user. There are concerns about the future of Microsoft To Do, with speculation about potential integration into Microsoft 365. Despite the availability of alternatives, the author appreciates the functionality of Microsoft's in-house applications.

Winsage

August 1, 2026

Microsoft Issues Hotel Wi-Fi Warning For Windows PC Users

Microsoft has issued a warning to organizations regarding the risks associated with public and hospitality network infrastructures, citing a new hacking threat from Russian cyber actors targeting travelers for malware distribution and credential theft. This warning follows the identification of a global campaign named CaptiveCrunch, linked to Storm-2945, which has been targeting corporate travelers since early May by exploiting compromised guest networks. Attackers are manipulating hospitality networks to facilitate credential theft and malware delivery, using tactics such as redirecting network traffic to counterfeit sign-in pages. The campaign affects both Windows and Android devices and employs techniques that include presenting fake verification checks and software updates. Some victims have been misled into participating in Microsoft’s legitimate device-code authentication process, allowing attackers to gain access to accounts without stealing passwords. Microsoft advises travelers to treat guest networks as untrusted and recommends using mobile hotspots, avoiding updates through captive portals, and enhancing security measures. Malicious tools identified include the Windows remote-access trojan (RAT) named CornFlake, which can steal credentials, record keystrokes, and hijack audio and video capabilities.