Microsoft Surface Archives

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Farewell, Windows 10!

On October 14, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10, ceasing new features, security updates, or bug fixes. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase a new device. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers security updates for an additional year beyond October 2025, available for free with a Microsoft account or for a fee of 1,000 Microsoft reward points. Alternatives to Windows 10 include Linux distributions and Google's ChromeOS, with WINUX being a notable Linux option that resembles Windows. Recommended devices for those considering a new purchase include the ASUS Zenbook A14, priced around 9, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, priced around ,399.99.

Winsage

September 14, 2025

Windows 10 is almost dead — here’s my top 5 Windows 11 picks to get before the deadline

The end of Windows 10 support is on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Users can enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security updates if they wish to retain Windows 10. Lightweight options like Tiny11 Build can help older PCs, but Windows 11's hardware requirements may prevent some users from upgrading. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices risks missing essential security updates, making hardware upgrades advisable. Recommended devices for Windows 11 include: - Laptop: Acer Aspire Go 15, featuring an Intel Core i3-N305 CPU, a 15.6-inch display, priced under 0, with up to 10 hours of battery life. - Desktop: Dell XPS 8950, suitable for office use and gaming, especially with Nvidia RTX GPUs. - Gaming Desktop: Acer Predator Orion 5000, known for performance and value, often available for less than ,799 during sales. - Mini PC: Geekom A5 2025 Edition, priced around 9, supports up to four monitors, and has upgradeable components. - All-in-One PC: MSI Modern AM271P 11M, featuring a 27-inch display, suitable for everyday tasks, bundled with a keyboard and mouse. - 2-in-1 Laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro 11, equipped with a Snapdragon X-series chip, designed for both casual browsing and intensive tasks.

Winsage

September 8, 2025

Microsoft Surface gets trolled, fact checked by X Community Notes for showcasing iPad OS instead of Windows — “The ultimate research buddy.”

Microsoft has been criticized for neglecting its consumer-facing businesses, including Surface, Xbox, and Windows, due to underfunding and cost-cutting measures as it focuses on artificial intelligence. Many of its applications, such as Microsoft Authenticator and SwiftKey, are perceived as being abandoned. The company has experienced significant layoffs, dissolved customer service teams, and closed retail locations. On September 7, 2025, the Surface social media account faced backlash for promoting products using iPadOS instead of Windows 11. Microsoft is also dealing with security breaches and allegations regarding a damaging Windows 11 update. Despite these issues, the company's market capitalization stands at .6 trillion, the second largest in corporate history, but there are concerns that the AI-driven stock surge may be unsustainable.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

I was about to upgrade to Windows 11, but I’ve decided to stick with Windows 10

The upgrade to Windows 11 has been delayed primarily due to the announcement of a free option for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, allowing users to receive support until October 2026 without incurring costs. The requirement to sync settings with OneDrive is seen as a minor inconvenience. Additionally, there are concerns about the performance of Windows 11, with reports of issues such as sluggishness and bugs affecting stability, including a glitch in the recent 24H2 update that could disrupt SSD functionality. The familiarity and reliability of Windows 10 further contribute to the decision to remain on that operating system for now.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Should you replace your Windows 10 PC on Prime Day? Here’s how to know

Amazon's Prime Day event is from July 8th to July 11th, offering significant discounts on devices. Windows 10 support will end in October, prompting users to either continue with unsupported systems, purchase a year's support, or buy a new model. To check if a PC can be upgraded to Windows 11, users can use the free PC Health Check app, which identifies unmet hardware requirements. A key requirement for Windows 11 is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), but many devices fail to qualify due to outdated processors rather than TPM absence. If a PC does not qualify for the upgrade, users should consider purchasing a new device, especially with Prime Day deals approaching.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Surface PCs with Arm-based AMD chip could arrive in 2026

Microsoft is set to introduce a new line of Surface PCs in 2026 featuring AMD's Arm-based chip, codenamed Sound Wave. The Sound Wave chip is expected to be an APU with six CPU cores (two for performance and four for efficiency) and an integrated GPU with four compute units based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, designed for a thermal envelope of 5-10W. This suggests a strategy for low-powered Surface PCs, potentially refreshing the Surface Go or Surface Hub models. This will be the first time since the Surface Laptop 4 that Microsoft incorporates an AMD processor into its Surface lineup. Recently, Microsoft launched new models, including a 12-inch Surface Pro and a 13-inch Surface Laptop, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, which may outperform the upcoming AMD Sound Wave chip.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

I replaced my laptop with Microsoft’s 12-inch Surface Pro – here’s my buying advice a week later

The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro is available for preorder, starting at 9 for the Platinum color and ,099 for the Violet and Ocean colors. It features a thin and lightweight design, a fast-charging battery, and a Snapdragon X Plus processor. The base model includes 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a maximum storage option of 512GB. Essential accessories like the keyboard, mouse, and power adapter are sold separately. The device has a resolution of 2196 x 1464 and offers up to 16 hours of battery life, achieving over 15 hours during video playback. It can charge to 50% in 30 minutes and 80% in an hour. The Surface Pro is designed for everyday users and supports AI-driven applications.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows 10: Computer recycling at the end of support

Microsoft has issued guidance advising users to consider disposing of computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, as support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The document suggests recycling old devices responsibly and mentions that Microsoft Surface devices can be sent in for recycling in certain states. The trade-in program is limited to specific countries and applies only when purchasing certain new Surface PCs. The document does not explicitly instruct customers to discard outdated devices but promotes new hardware sales. It also notes that alternatives like installing a Linux distribution on older hardware exist. The lack of security updates for unsupported systems will increase vulnerability to cyber threats.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Google Chrome downloads ‘can’t run’ on Windows due to broken installer issue

A glitch is affecting the installation of Google Chrome on Windows devices, causing users to encounter a pop-up message stating, "This app can’t run on your PC." This issue is prevalent among Windows 10 and 11 users attempting to install from Google's official website. The problem arises because Google has mistakenly uploaded the Arm version of the Chrome installer instead of the x86 version. The download page typically selects the appropriate version based on the user's machine, but this error has led to disruptions. Users on Arm machines can install without issues, while others face difficulties. The standalone installer remains unaffected, offering a potential workaround.