partition Archives

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

December 30, 2025

4 Easy Ways to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported CPU

The transition to Windows 11 is significant due to new features, enhanced security, and improved performance. Users with unsupported CPUs may face challenges when upgrading, including installation warnings, potential performance issues, lack of Microsoft support, and possible bugs. Preparations for installation include backing up files, creating a system image, and disconnecting unnecessary devices. Four methods to install Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs are: 1. 4DDiG Partition Manager: This tool bypasses checks for TPM 2.0, CPU, and Secure Boot. 2. Registry Editor: Modify settings to skip hardware checks by creating a DWORD value named “AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU” and setting it to “1”. 3. Rufus: Create a modified Windows 11 USB installer that bypasses checks for TPM, Secure Boot, RAM, and CPU. 4. Replace appraiserres.dll File: Swap the appraiserres.dll file in the installation media with a modified version to bypass hardware checks.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Windows Dev Drives are the speed upgrade you’re not using

Dev Drives are virtual drives introduced in the Windows 11 version 22H2 update, designed specifically for software development. They can be created as partitions on physical drives or as virtual hard drives (VHDs) and use the ReFS file system instead of NTFS. This allows them to bypass continuous malware checks by Microsoft Defender, resulting in performance improvements of up to 41%. Dev Drives are intended for developers engaged in data-intensive tasks, but storing non-development files on them poses security risks. They can enhance workflow efficiency for developers and are accessible through the Settings app in Windows 11.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

I used Linux exclusively for five months instead of Windows, and I was surprised by what I didn’t miss

Five months ago, the author started using open-source operating systems, beginning with Linux Mint and eventually transitioning to Fedora KDE Plasma. Initially concerned about losing essential applications, they found that most of their favorite tools, such as Discord and Google Chrome, were available on Linux, with only Paint.net and ShareX lacking Linux versions. They adapted to using alternatives like Pinta and Spectacle. The author also overcame initial concerns about Linux's user-friendliness, gaining a better understanding of Terminal commands. Although they maintained a dual-boot setup with Windows 10, their usage of Windows has significantly decreased, and they no longer miss the Windows experience. The author has grown comfortable with Fedora and is considering fully transitioning away from Windows in the future.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Windows 11 update breaks Advanced Startup, disables keyboard and mouse

Users are experiencing issues accessing BIOS and Safe Mode after installing the October 2025 update KB5066835, which has rendered input devices like keyboards and mice non-functional during the Advanced Startup environment. Complaints indicate that the update has disrupted essential functionalities, including IIS and localhost. Users have attempted various solutions, such as changing USB ports and disabling fast startup, but these have not resolved the issue. Some users reported success by replacing the problematic Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) image file with an older version. A workaround to access Safe Mode involves creating a Windows 11 installation USB, booting from it, and using Command Prompt to set the system to boot into Safe Mode. The issue appears to affect systems with USB 3.0-only ports, while some laptops retain functionality with built-in keyboards. Microsoft has not yet acknowledged the problem, but a resolution is expected soon.

Winsage

October 4, 2025

How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC: The Ultimate 2025…

To install Windows 11 on a new PC, you need the following: a brand-new PC without an operating system, a working Windows computer to prepare installation media, a USB flash drive (16GB or larger), a valid Windows 11 license key, and a stable internet connection. To create installation media, download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on a functioning computer, run it, accept the license terms, and select “Create installation media for another PC.” Choose a USB flash drive as the destination, and the tool will download Windows 11 onto the USB. To install Windows 11, insert the USB into the new PC and reboot it. Access the BIOS/UEFI boot menu and set the USB drive as the primary boot option. Once the setup loads, select your language, region, and keyboard layout, enter your product key, and accept the license terms. Choose your primary SSD or HDD for a clean installation, which will erase all existing data on that drive. After installation, Windows will reboot multiple times. Complete the out-of-the-box experience by naming your PC, creating a user account, selecting privacy settings, and connecting to Wi-Fi. Post-installation, check for missing drivers via Windows Update and install essential software like a web browser and antivirus. If you need to transfer files from an old PC, consider using system migration software like 4DDiG Partition Manager for a smoother transition. You can install Windows 11 without a license key but will need to activate it later. If your new PC cannot connect to the internet, download necessary network drivers on another computer and transfer them via USB.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

How to enable TPM, Secure Boot, HVCI, and VBS for Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7

Battlefield 6 requires gamers to meet advanced security requirements to access the game, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, HVCI, and VBS. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-based security feature found on most modern motherboards, and if absent, users may need to research their motherboard for upgrade options. Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 can be checked using the Steam beta client or through the Device Manager and System Information panel. If disabled, they can typically be enabled via the BIOS/EFI system. Windows must operate in UEFI mode with the GUID partition table for these features to function correctly, and if installed in legacy mode, reinstallation may be necessary. HVCI protects against malicious code and can be checked via the memory integrity settings. VBS can be verified through the System Information panel, indicating if it is running.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Someone defied the odds and got this vintage Windows OS running natively in HD on AM5 hardware

YouTuber Omores has run Windows 95 natively on the Ryzen 9 9900X CPU, following a previous experiment with Windows 98. To install Windows 95 on an AM5 system, he used a PCI-to-SATA card with an onboard BIOS due to compatibility issues with modern storage controllers. Booting from an NVMe SSD was possible with a partition size under 8.4GB. Windows 95 recognized only up to 62 MB of RAM, but Omores expanded this limit to 1.7 GB using an update to HIMEM and the PATCHMEM patch. He tested the Nvidia GeForce 7900 GS and Quadro FX 4500 GPUs, successfully installing an unofficial Nvidia 82.69 driver for full HD resolution. However, the Nvidia Control Panel did not launch due to its dependency on Internet Explorer 6, and graphical glitches occurred when opening DOS windows. Core functionalities like sound, networking, storage, and display output worked effectively on the AM5 system.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

I used DISM to create a Windows installer with all my apps, and here’s how it works

To back up a Windows 11 image, start with a fresh installation and use the Sysprep tool to generalize the system, avoiding Microsoft Store apps to prevent Sysprep failure. Prepare two external drives: one for storing the Windows image (minimum 8GB) and another bootable drive configured with Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE). Download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) and the Windows PE add-on to create the bootable USB drive. Enter Audit Mode by pressing Ctrl+Shift+F3 at the out-of-box experience screen, disable app updates, and install desired applications for the entire system. Use Sysprep to enter Out of Box Experience (OOBE), check Generalize, and select Shutdown. Boot from the Windows PE drive, use diskpart to identify drive letters, and capture the image with the DISM command. To apply the image on a new PC, create a diskpart script for partitioning and a batch script for applying the image. Boot the new PC from the Windows PE drive, run the diskpart script to create partitions, and execute the batch script to apply the image. This method is efficient for deploying consistent applications across multiple PCs.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Windows 10 End of Life: Check if your PC is Windows 11 compatible

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, but must check hardware compatibility due to stricter requirements. The PC Health Check app can assess whether a Windows 10 PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Users can download and install the app, then follow steps to check compatibility. If a device is incompatible, options may include enabling TPM 2.0 in UEFI firmware or converting from BIOS to UEFI. Insufficient storage can be addressed by freeing up space or using an external hard drive. Unsupported processors may prevent an upgrade. Users can bypass hardware limitations to install Windows 11 or enroll in the Extended Security Updates program for continued updates until October 13, 2026.