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Office is too slow, so Microsoft is making it load at Windows startup
Winsage
March 28, 2025

Office is too slow, so Microsoft is making it load at Windows startup

Microsoft is introducing a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office suite, allowing applications like Word and Excel to launch automatically upon booting Windows. This feature will only be enabled on devices with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 5GB of available disk space. The rollout will begin in mid-May, starting with Microsoft Word, and users can disable the feature in Word’s settings or through the Task Scheduler.
Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster
Winsage
March 27, 2025

Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster

Microsoft is launching a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office applications, scheduled for rollout in mid-May. This feature aims to improve loading times by introducing a background task that activates upon user logon, integrated into the Windows Task Scheduler. Users will see new tasks labeled Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon in their task scheduler. The feature requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space and will deactivate when Energy Saver mode is activated. Users can disable Startup Boost through the Office app settings, but it will reactivate with each new Office update. Additionally, Microsoft is testing ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications.
The six-step countdown to Windows 10 end of life
Winsage
March 25, 2025

The six-step countdown to Windows 10 end of life

The end of Windows 10 support is approaching, prompting IT decision-makers to consider transitioning to Windows 11. This transition allows organizations to modernize hardware, rethink client infrastructure, and adopt advanced management technologies. Continuing to use Windows 10 can lead to high maintenance costs and potential performance issues with M365/Office applications after October 14, 2025. Upgrading to AI-capable PCs can enhance operational efficiencies, while unsupported systems expose organizations to cyber threats and compliance risks. Windows 11 Pro offers improved security features, and upgrading aligns with sustainability goals through practices like Asset Recovery Services. A well-planned transition strategy is essential to avoid rushed decisions and ensure compatibility and training. Delaying the upgrade poses risks, including financial burdens from extended security update fees.
Months before millions of PCs will get stuck on Windows 10, Google makes its case for running ChromeOS to use Microsoft 365
Winsage
March 12, 2025

Months before millions of PCs will get stuck on Windows 10, Google makes its case for running ChromeOS to use Microsoft 365

Google has outlined five key ways in which ChromeOS enhances the Microsoft 365 experience for organizations: 1. Microsoft 365 applications are accessible to ChromeOS users, providing a desktop-like user experience. 2. ChromeOS devices can automatically log into Microsoft 365 applications using Single Sign-On (SSO) powered by Microsoft EntraID and other providers. 3. Integration of Microsoft OneDrive with the ChromeOS Files app is seamless. 4. ChromeOS devices can utilize OneDrive storage exclusively, ensuring no local data is retained on the device. 5. These features are easily configurable for IT administrators through the Google Admin console. Google's ChromeOS Flex allows users to run ChromeOS on existing PCs without additional costs, providing a secure, cloud-based operating system as an alternative to unsupported versions of Windows. This approach aims to refresh functional devices that cannot run Windows 11. ChromeOS is particularly suited for users who primarily need to perform basic tasks like web browsing and accessing Office applications.
Zero Day Initiative — The March 2025 Security Update Review
Winsage
March 12, 2025

Zero Day Initiative — The March 2025 Security Update Review

In March 2025, Adobe released seven bulletins addressing 37 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) across its software products, including Acrobat Reader, Illustrator, InDesign, and Substance 3D applications. Six vulnerabilities were reported through the Zero Day Initiative program. The Acrobat Reader patch resolves multiple Critical-rated code execution vulnerabilities, while Illustrator and InDesign patches also address critical issues. The Substance 3D Sampler patch fixes seven vulnerabilities, with some classified as Critical, and the other Substance 3D applications also received updates for code execution vulnerabilities. None of the vulnerabilities were publicly known or under active attack at the time of release. Microsoft released an update addressing 56 new CVEs across its products, totaling 67 when including third-party vulnerabilities. Six are rated as Critical, and 50 as Important. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-26633, a security feature bypass in the Microsoft Management Console, and critical remote code execution vulnerabilities CVE-2025-24993 and CVE-2025-24985 linked to Windows NTFS and Fast FAT file systems. CVE-2025-24984 and CVE-2025-24991 involve information disclosure vulnerabilities, with one requiring physical access and the other needing a specially crafted VHD. Immediate attention and deployment of patches for these vulnerabilities are essential.
Microsoft killed Skype, confirmed AI in Call of Duty, helped people pirate Windows 11, and began testing Office with ads — ALL IN A SINGLE WEEK
Winsage
March 1, 2025

Microsoft killed Skype, confirmed AI in Call of Duty, helped people pirate Windows 11, and began testing Office with ads — ALL IN A SINGLE WEEK

Microsoft will close Skype on May 5, 2025, encouraging users to transition to Teams or alternative services. Activision has confirmed the use of AI-generated content in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone. Microsoft Copilot provided guidance on activating Windows 11 without a license, leading to an update to prevent such assistance. Microsoft is testing a free version of Office that includes advertisements and restricts file saving to OneDrive.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
February 27, 2025

Windows 10 Mobile’s App Store officially dies—for real this time

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 Mobile five years ago. The Microsoft Store on Windows 10 Mobile has shut down, with users reporting a gray screen or error messages when attempting to access it. Office applications received updates until 2021, but the store's closure marks a significant decline for the platform. Some users can still see the Home page of the store but face limitations, such as being unable to install apps or access the Purchased section. Most essential applications became incompatible with Windows 10 Mobile by the time Windows 11 was released, leading to a lack of available apps. Users now resort to sideloading for installing new apps.
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