older hardware Archives

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Evicting Copilot: The Insider’s Guide to Purging AI from Windows 11

Microsoft's Windows 11 has introduced Copilot, an AI assistant aimed at enhancing productivity, but it has faced criticism from users concerned about privacy and resource usage. Copilot offers features like document summarization and image generation, but some users have labeled it an unwelcome presence. During the March 2025 Patch Tuesday, some users experienced Copilot being inadvertently uninstalled. Privacy concerns and performance issues have led many to seek ways to disable or remove Copilot, with methods including hiding the Copilot button, using Group Policy Editor, editing the Windows Registry, and uninstalling the app through Settings or PowerShell commands. In corporate environments, IT administrators can disable Copilot using Intune or Group Policy. Users have reported that Windows updates can reinstall Copilot, prompting them to disable automatic updates or block related domains. Recent user sentiment indicates growing fatigue with AI features, and there is potential for Microsoft to introduce easier opt-out options in future updates.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Still on Windows 11 23H2? Microsoft will soon force you to upgrade to 25H2 – for your own good

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 11 version 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025, meaning that Home and Pro editions will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 25H2 to maintain security and access new features. Devices running version 23H2 that are not managed by IT departments will receive the 25H2 update automatically, although users can postpone the update temporarily. However, users with older hardware may be unable to upgrade due to lack of support for essential instructions required for newer versions. Alternatives for those unable to upgrade include reverting to Windows 10, which has extended support until October 2026, or transitioning to Linux.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Lenovo says upcoming Android PCs will have “limited desktop features, app compatibility issues” and more problems when compared to Windows PCs

Lenovo has provided insights on Google's upcoming Android PC platform, highlighting its suitability for lightweight tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. However, it warns of limitations compared to traditional systems like Windows 11, including restricted desktop features, app compatibility issues, and gaming performance constraints. Users may face a learning curve due to the lack of advanced file management and multitasking capabilities. Android PCs are not designed for high-performance gaming and may struggle with desktop-class applications. Despite these drawbacks, Lenovo believes Android PCs could perform well in the low-end market, especially on older hardware or low-powered devices, offering better energy efficiency than Windows 11. Qualcomm supports the potential of Android PCs, predicting they will improve over time, with rumors suggesting initial device shipments could begin next year.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Arc Raiders and Battlefield 6 prove that great performance and low system requirements are king for multiplayer PC games in 2025

Arc Raiders had over 350,000 simultaneous players during its launch weekend. It is designed to run on older hardware, requiring a minimum CPU of Intel Core i5 6600K and a GPU like the GTX 1050 Ti or RX 580. The RTX 3060 is the most commonly used desktop GPU among gamers, while the RTX 4060 is gaining popularity. The high cost of PC upgrades and inflation make it difficult for many players to keep up with the latest hardware. Battlefield 6 is playable on older hardware like the 4 GB AMD Radeon RX 570, while Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford described Borderlands 4 as "a premium game for premium gamers," which may limit its audience. Performance optimization is crucial for attracting a broad player base in multiplayer games.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Windows 11 Pro License With Expert Course Drops to $24.99.

A bundle is available for .99 that includes a Windows 11 Pro license and an expert-led training course. Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10, leaving users exposed to security vulnerabilities. To upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet specific requirements, including a compatible CPU, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. The bundle provides access to advanced features of Windows 11 Pro, such as BitLocker drive encryption and Remote Desktop, along with practical guidance on setup and customization. Users are advised to back up their files, clean up their systems, and choose the appropriate upgrade path. Windows 11 offers enhanced security features and improved productivity tools. The bundle is a cost-effective alternative to Extended Security Updates for those still using Windows 10.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

YouTube removes Windows 11 Microsoft account bypass video citing a community guideline violation with potential to cause serious physical harm or death — “I don’t think Microsoft had anything to do with it.”

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, impacting around 400 million PCs globally, and encouraged users to upgrade to Windows 11 through full-screen notifications. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support at no cost by syncing their PC settings with a Microsoft Account or using 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, which is free in the European Economic Area. Advocacy groups criticized the ESU program, calling it ineffective and indicative of planned obsolescence. Some users are considering switching to Linux for fewer ads and less telemetry tracking. Third-party tools like Flyoobe and Tiny11 help users transition to Windows 11 by bypassing hardware requirements and streamlining the OS. YouTube removed a video from CyberCPU Tech demonstrating local account setup for Windows 11, and Microsoft is enforcing Microsoft account requirements during new installations. The creator, Rich, believes the video removal was due to YouTube's AI misinterpretation, not Microsoft.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

How Was THIS the First Game I Finished on My New PC?

The author recently upgraded to a new gaming PC and completed LEGO Horizon Adventures, a family-friendly game part of Sony's 2024 initiative. The game, built on Unreal Engine 5, has faced criticism for its system requirements and performance issues, but it performed well on the author's PC, especially with Nvidia's DLSS 4. The game features high production value and effective use of lighting and environmental detail, although it condenses a longer narrative into a shorter format. It was developed by Studio Gobo and Sony, not the usual TT Games team. The author created a document to track completed games and noted that LEGO Horizon Adventures is the only entry so far. The review was self-funded, with no compensation received from developers.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

6 exciting and niche OS projects that are quietly growing as users leave Windows

More individuals are dissatisfied with Windows due to updates, telemetry, and restrictive design choices, especially with the end of life for Windows 10 approaching. This has led to a subtle migration towards niche operating systems. Zorin OS is a user-friendly Linux distribution designed for newcomers, featuring a familiar interface that mimics Windows and macOS, and is powered by Ubuntu for stability. It includes Zorin Connect for synchronizing notifications and emphasizes security and privacy. Haiku is a lightweight operating system that serves as a successor to BeOS, focusing on speed and simplicity, built entirely from scratch for a snappy user experience. SerenityOS is an independent project created from the ground up, featuring a nostalgic aesthetic and a complete desktop environment, with a focus on usability and craftsmanship. Ultramarine Linux is a Fedora-based distribution that simplifies open-source software for users, offering multimedia codecs and multiple desktop environments for a comprehensive experience. Vanilla OS introduces a modern approach to Linux with immutability, protecting core system files and allowing independent application management to enhance stability. ReactOS aims to recreate the Windows experience using open-source code, focusing on compatibility with Windows applications and drivers while fostering a community around its development.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Microsoft Removing Support for Windows 10 Could Increase E-Waste, Cybersecurity Threats

Microsoft announced it will discontinue support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 40 percent of its user base. Many devices do not meet the technical specifications required to upgrade to Windows 11, leading users to consider alternatives to avoid discarding their devices or risking exposure to outdated software. Critics, including environmental and cybersecurity advocates, warn that this decision could result in up to 240 million old devices ending up in landfills, exacerbating electronic waste issues and increasing cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for the next year, but users who do not transition to Windows 11 may become vulnerable to cyber threats, including phishing attacks. The financial burden of new devices can be significant, prompting suggestions to install Linux Mint, a free operating system that can extend the life of older hardware. Advocates also emphasize the importance of supporting the right to repair and legislation against planned obsolescence to promote sustainability in technology.