older PCs Archives

Winsage

January 28, 2026

‘Windows 11 25H2 edges ahead of Windows 10 in gaming performance’: testing proves newer OS is faster — but there’s an elephant-sized BSOD in the room

Windows 11 version 25H2 has outperformed Windows 10 (22H2) in gaming benchmarks, a shift from earlier assessments where Windows 10 was faster than Windows 11 23H2. The improvements in Windows 11's gaming capabilities were largely due to the 24H2 update. Testing was conducted on high-end hardware, specifically with an AMD Ryzen 9800X3D processor and Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU, and results may vary with different setups. Games like Arc Raiders and Borderlands 4 showed performance increases of 11% and 9% to 13%, respectively, on Windows 11. However, Windows 11 has faced bugs and glitches, including boot failures and sleep mode issues, particularly on older PCs, leading to hesitation among gamers about upgrading from Windows 10, which remains stable with only security updates. The deadline for Windows 10's extended support is October 2026, prompting users to consider upgrades or new purchases.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

Windows 11 update is breaking sleep mode on some PCs — but there’s one trick that might help

Windows 11's January update, KB5074109, has caused a bug affecting sleep mode on certain older PCs, leading to system crashes that require hard reboots. Users have reported that the issue appears only when the update is installed and resolves upon its removal. This problem primarily affects older machines using the S3 sleep state, while newer devices with modern standby features are less impacted. A suggested workaround involves unplugging USB webcams. Additional issues reported include freezing with the Outlook app for POP accounts, shutdown failures for enterprise users, and problems with keyboard and mouse functionality. Microsoft has acknowledged some of these issues and has deployed emergency fixes for certain problems.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Emergency Updates For Most Windows PCs

Microsoft has released emergency fixes in response to issues arising from January's Patch Tuesday security updates. Users experienced shutdown failures and Remote Desktop login difficulties after the updates. Microsoft has resolved two critical bugs: one related to shutdown failures on Windows 11 version 23H2 and another concerning Remote Desktop connection failures on versions 24H2 and 25H2. However, three issues remain unpatched: a black screen before the cursor appears, a glitch resetting the desktop background to black, and problems with the desktop.ini file in File Explorer. Additionally, there is an unresolved issue with Outlook Classic that may cause it to freeze for users with older POP accounts. Microsoft has provided two emergency updates: KB5077744 for Remote Desktop connection failures on versions 25H2 and 24H2, and KB5077797 for the shutdown issue on version 23H2.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Tech Bloggers Switch to Linux Over Windows Privacy Woes in 2026

In early 2026, many prominent technology writers are transitioning from Windows and macOS to Linux-based systems, citing frustrations with Windows 11's mandatory updates, privacy concerns, and software bloat as key reasons for the shift. The appeal of Linux is bolstered by advancements in gaming compatibility, user-friendly distributions, and a growing open-source community. While some users face challenges such as a steep learning curve and software incompatibilities, the overall sentiment is positive, with predictions suggesting significant growth for Linux desktops in 2026. Economic factors, including the cost of proprietary software and hardware demands, are also driving users towards Linux, which remains free and efficient. Community support plays a crucial role in easing the transition, and there is optimism about Linux's potential to capture more market share in various fields, despite some realism regarding the need for proprietary software in certain workflows.

Winsage

January 7, 2026

5 Apps That Can Breathe New Life Into Your Old Windows PC

Windows PCs can become slow due to digital clutter from uninstalled applications, unused registry entries, and background processes. This software bloat can often be optimized using lightweight, free tools instead of upgrading hardware. Microsoft PC Manager is a user-friendly utility that enhances performance by clearing temporary files and freeing up RAM, featuring sections for System Protection, Storage Management, and App Management. The Everything app provides rapid file search results by reading the Master File Table, conserving system resources and allowing customization of search preferences. Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility is a powerful debloater tool that can remove telemetry and bloatware, with options for tweaking system settings to improve performance, though caution is advised to avoid instability. The Thorium Browser is a lightweight alternative to resource-intensive browsers, built on the Chromium framework, providing speed and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with older hardware. Bulk Crap Uninstaller offers a thorough uninstallation process, removing all traces of software and allowing for bulk uninstalls, with features like color-coded categorization and the option to create restore points.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 AI components are getting their own changelogs (release history), as Microsoft plans model updates

Microsoft has released a support document titled “Release information for AI components” that details the AI components integrated into Windows 11, which can be installed through Windows Update or accessed via the Microsoft Update Catalog. These components are essential for enabling various AI models to operate locally on devices, and installations typically occur automatically on compatible PCs with 40+ TOPs of NPU. The size of Windows 11 Patch Tuesday updates has increased significantly, now ranging from 4-5GB, compared to previous updates that were under 800MB. Users can manage AI components through Settings > System > AI Components, although this page is empty for older PCs. The changelog includes individual components like the Settings Model, Image Search, Semantic Analysis, and Content Extraction, as well as lower-level elements such as Execution Provider. Updates for these AI models occur every few weeks, often without visible changes.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Microsoft in 2025: year in review

In 2025, Microsoft faced challenges including a slow migration to Windows 11 after the end of Windows 10, with many users opting to stay on the older system due to free Extended Security Updates. The anticipated rush to Windows 11 did not occur, partly because many older PCs did not meet the new system requirements. Microsoft increased its focus on AI integration in Windows 11, but this initiative faced backlash from users concerned about unnecessary features and existing bugs. The annual upgrade brought only minor improvements, and persistent bugs continued to affect user experience, particularly for gamers, who faced disruptions amid rising competition from platforms like SteamOS. Additionally, a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass led to subscriber cancellations, although revenue remained high. Xbox console sales dropped by 70% year-on-year, while the Surface hardware division did not achieve the same success as the previous year, with new devices failing to generate excitement.

Winsage

December 27, 2025

Windows 11 Users Demand Leaner OS to Cut AI Bloat and Boost Speed

Microsoft is facing significant user criticism regarding Windows 11, particularly due to its emphasis on artificial intelligence features, which many users find unnecessary and detrimental to performance. Complaints include sluggish interfaces, increased resource consumption, and a cluttered user experience, leading to calls for a more streamlined version that prioritizes speed, reliability, and efficiency. Users have reported issues such as slow file explorers and excessive RAM usage, often linking these problems to AI-driven functionalities. Community-driven alternatives like Tiny11 have emerged, focusing on eliminating bloatware and AI features to enhance efficiency, especially on older hardware. Microsoft has acknowledged user concerns and promised improvements, but the integration of AI tools continues to dominate updates. The company is also reconsidering its strategy in response to backlash, including relaxing system requirements for certain versions of Windows. However, there remains a strong demand for a lightweight version that balances innovation with core functionalities, as users express frustration over imposed features and a lack of choice.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

The (slow) end for Windows 10

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft retired Windows 10, ending its support for security updates, bug patches, and technical assistance. Users can still operate Windows 10, but the lack of updates raises security concerns, making outdated systems targets for cybercriminals. Businesses using Windows 10 may face compliance risks and reliability issues as new applications and hardware become incompatible. Users with compatible hardware can upgrade to Windows 11, while those unable to upgrade can access Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a fee, except in the EU where ESUs are free. Alternatives include migrating to Windows 365 Business or installing ChromeOS Flex or Linux on older PCs. Investing in new machines with Windows 11 is recommended for better security and performance.