minimum requirements Archives

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC isn’t dead yet – this OS from Google can revive it

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of life, affecting users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. ChromeOS Flex is a free operating system by Google designed to modernize older Windows PCs and Macs, offering a fast and secure alternative built on Chromium OS. It does not support standalone Windows applications but allows access to Microsoft 365 and other SaaS applications via web portals. ChromeOS Flex focuses on security with features like automatic updates and data encryption, and it has never experienced a reported ransomware attack. The minimum system requirements include an Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and the ability to boot from a USB drive. To install ChromeOS Flex, users must back up their files, create a USB installation drive using the Chromebook Recovery Utility, and boot from the USB drive to test compatibility before proceeding with a full installation.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft still has a massive Windows 10 problem – and there’s no easy way out

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after a standard 10-year support lifecycle. Most editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise, will stop receiving updates, although PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function without updates. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions have different end dates, with some extending support until 2029. Current data indicates that approximately 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs are replaced by Windows 11 each month, suggesting that around 35% of the 1.4 billion Windows devices will still be using Windows 10 by the end-of-support date, equating to over 500 million PCs potentially vulnerable to cyber threats. As of April 2025, about 54% of PCs globally are still running Windows 10. Users likely to remain on Windows 10 include those with incompatible hardware, corporate environments that have standardized on Windows 10, and users resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Microsoft faces challenges related to a significant number of unsupported PCs, and while extended support options exist for enterprise customers, consumer adoption is expected to be low. Users unable or unwilling to upgrade may consider non-Microsoft operating systems or continue using Windows 10 without official support, which poses security risks.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows 10 support is ending – and Microsoft’s “helpful” checklist wants you to toss your laptop

Microsoft is transitioning Windows 10 users to Windows 11, with an end-of-support date for Windows 10 set for October 14, 2025. Windows 11 has achieved a desktop market share of 42.69%. A newly released end-of-support checklist suggests users prepare to replace their Windows 10 machines rather than simply upgrade. The checklist outlines Windows 11's minimum hardware requirements and implies that Microsoft encourages users to consider new hardware, raising suspicions that the stringent requirements are designed to stimulate sales of new devices. The checklist emphasizes backing up data and responsible recycling of old devices, and it suggests trading in older machines for discounts on new Windows 11-compatible computers. Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has evolved significantly, particularly with the integration of generative AI, which has raised hardware specifications. The introduction of Copilot+ PC-branded laptops highlights the urgency for users to upgrade from aging Windows 10 devices.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

You Can Get Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$23 Right Now

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a reduced price of A, down from A5, allowing upgrades for two compatible PCs. The activation code introduces features such as Windows Copilot, powered by GPT-4, and includes functionalities like Remote Desktop, BitLocker Device Encryption, Azure AD, Hyper-V, Assigned Access, and Windows Sandbox. Minimum system requirements are 4GB of RAM and 64GB of available storage.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro now $10 with Stack Social deal

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its original price of 9. A coupon code, WINDOWS, can further reduce the price to .97. Key features include an intuitive interface, enhanced voice typing, advanced security, and gaming capabilities with DirectX 12 Ultimate. The package includes Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and touchscreen support, and purchasing it grants a lifetime license. Users should ensure their PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Additionally, Walmart is offering Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) for 9.99, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for .99.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows 11 has a hidden FAQ page in testing that tells you why your PC is slow

Windows 11 will introduce a new FAQ page in its Settings app to help users identify potential limitations of their PCs. This feature, currently hidden in Dev Channel builds, will answer questions about the OS version and evaluate GPU adequacy for gaming and video tasks. It will also analyze the impact of having 4-8GB of RAM on performance. The feature can be activated using the third-party utility ViVeTool with ID “5530588,” but its effectiveness may vary across systems. Microsoft has faced criticism for Windows 11's strict minimum hardware requirements, which may prevent many PCs from upgrading from Windows 10. This situation may force users to upgrade hardware or consider alternatives like ChromeOS. Microsoft aims to enhance user experience with Windows 11, which may lead to increased hardware sales and user satisfaction.