PC hardware Archives

Winsage

January 27, 2026

Windows 11’s growth has officially hit a brick wall — and users appear to be fleeing back to Windows 10

Windows 11's global desktop market share declined from 55.18% in October 2025 to 50.73% by December 2025. The operating system faced technical issues, including a problematic Patch Tuesday that affected users' ability to run applications and shut down devices. Microsoft's decision to allow the FBI access to BitLocker encryption keys has eroded user trust. Additionally, increasing advertisements and a push towards AI integration have led to dissatisfaction among users. Complaints about Windows 11 have spread from niche forums to mainstream channels, with critics noting a disconnect between new hardware capabilities and the operating system's performance.

Winsage

January 19, 2026

Why I’m holding a mirror up to Microsoft in this week’s Windows Wrap

A wave of enthusiasm for Windows 11 PCs was observed at CES, but Microsoft faced criticism due to user dissatisfaction. A tool to remove AI features from Windows 11 was highlighted, along with a migration of users to a specific Linux distribution and insights from Jeff Bezos predicting a shift towards cloud solutions. The sentiment expressed by a colleague noted that while PC hardware has improved, Windows has not kept pace. Users are frustrated not out of animosity but due to high expectations. A how-to guide for removing the Copilot app from Windows 11 was provided, and despite frustrations, Windows 11 PCs are still seen as valuable for productivity, gaming, and creativity, with several models currently discounted.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

007 First Light PC Specs And System Requirements Revealed By IO Interactive

IO Interactive is set to release 007 First Light on May 27. The minimum PC hardware requirements are: Intel Core I5 9500K or AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor, Nvidia GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5700 graphics card, 16 GB RAM, 8 GB video RAM, 80 GB storage, and Windows 10/11 (64-bit). The recommended requirements are: Intel Core I5 13500 or AMD Ryzen 5 7600 processor, Nvidia RTX 3060 TI or AMD RX 6700 XT graphics card, 32 GB RAM, 12 GB video RAM, 80 GB storage, and Windows 10/11 (64-bit). The game will also be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2. A trailer featuring the villain Bawma, played by Lenny Kravitz, has been released, along with a preview of a behind-closed-doors demo.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Windows Registry Tweak Unlocks 80% SSD Speed Boost on Consumer PCs

A modification in the Windows Registry can enable a native NVMe driver, potentially doubling the performance of solid-state drives (SSDs) by enhancing random read and write speeds by up to 80%. This driver is typically reserved for enterprise environments and is not officially available for consumer versions of Windows 11. The modification carries risks, including the possibility of rendering a system unbootable and disrupting features like BitLocker encryption. Early adopters have reported mixed results, with some experiencing significant performance improvements while others face stability issues. The tweak highlights the disparity between consumer and enterprise hardware capabilities and reflects ongoing discussions within the tech community about optimizing SSD performance.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Best PC Sports Games for 2026

Sports games on PC in 2026 showcase a diverse array of titles that blend arcade excitement, intricate simulations, and innovative concepts. Modern PC hardware enhances the gaming experience, allowing titles that once required specialized setups to run seamlessly on contemporary devices. Arcade-style sports games benefit from lower system requirements and simplified controls, while simulation-heavy titles are better suited for desktops. Standout games include Baseball Stars 2, which maintains its charm with engaging mechanics, and RetroMania Wrestling, which focuses on recognizable gameplay rather than realism. Fire Pro Wrestling World offers extensive customization and online play, appealing to players who enjoy fine-tuning their matches. Mutant Football League reimagines American football with fictional teams and exaggerated violence, while Super Mega Baseball 3 combines stylized visuals with intricate statistical systems. Rocket League remains popular for its skill-based multiplayer, and Windjammers 2 emphasizes strategic gameplay. Turbo Golf Racing merges golf with kart racing, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 remasters classic skateboarding titles. The PC platform thrives on variety, offering arcade-style action, intricate simulations, and experimental hybrids. Notable sports games in 2026 include Rocket League, Super Mega Baseball 3, Fire Pro Wrestling World, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2, and Windjammers 2. Many sports games are suitable for the Steam Deck, especially arcade-style titles. While there are fewer officially licensed simulations on PC, some titles cater to simulation-focused players. Current trends include hybrid designs, enhanced community tools, and growing interest in customization systems.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

Game platform Steam to end support for system 32-bit Windows

Valve has announced the end of support for 32-bit Windows operating systems on its Steam platform, transitioning to a native 64-bit architecture to improve security and performance. Support for the 32-bit client will continue until January 1, 2026, after which it will no longer receive updates or security fixes. Users on 32-bit systems may experience a decline in service quality and access to new features. The decision is driven by memory limitations of 32-bit systems, which can only address a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, and the enhanced security capabilities of 64-bit systems. The latest Steam update also includes support for the Nintendo Switch 2 controller, compatibility with GameCube Adapters in Wii-U mode, and improvements to "Gyro Modes" along with various bug fixes. Users are encouraged to upgrade to 64-bit systems to avoid service disruptions.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Top Games to Try on a New PC

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is set in 1403 Bohemia, where players lead a resistance against Sigismund of Luxembourg, featuring enhanced first-person combat and a larger world. Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into a refined RPG with improved systems and stunning graphics set in Night City. Farming Simulator 25 offers an authentic agricultural experience with over 400 pieces of machinery and regular updates. Super Fantasy Kingdom combines city-building with roguelite elements in Early Access. Strange Antiquities is a puzzle game where players manage a shop of magical artifacts. Escape From Duckov is a humorous extraction shooter featuring a duck navigating combat zones. Path of Exile 2 expands on its predecessor with numerous classes and a vast skill system, currently in Early Access. Hades II follows Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, with enhanced mechanics and visuals. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG set on the island of Lumière, involving a mysterious event. Delta Force returns as a free-to-play tactical shooter with large-scale multiplayer and cosmetic-only monetization. ARC Raiders is a community-driven extraction shooter in a post-apocalyptic setting. Silent Hill f introduces a standalone chapter set in 1960s Ebisugaoka, featuring multiple endings and intricate puzzles. Recommended PC games for 2025 include Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Cyberpunk 2077, Farming Simulator 25, Hades II, and ARC Raiders. Delta Force offers free-to-play gameplay without pay-to-win mechanics. Cyberpunk 2077 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II are ideal for testing high-end graphics. Most games accommodate new players, but some have complex mechanics suited for experienced players. ARC Raiders provides a cooperative experience for new PC owners.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

id Software released its first game 35 years ago today — Commander Keen title showcased John Carmack’s breakthrough side-scroller engine

Today marks 35 years since the release of Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons - Episode 1: Marooned on Mars, a DOS game that contributed to the formation of id Software. John Carmack's development of smooth scrolling on PCs was a significant achievement during the Enhanced Graphics Adapter era, initially intended for a port of Super Mario Bros. 3. The success of Commander Keen led Carmack and his colleagues to leave Softdisk and establish Ideas from the Deep, which became id Software. The Commander Keen trilogy laid the groundwork for id Software's transition into 3D rendering, culminating in the release of Wolfenstein 3D in 1992 and Doom in 1993. This period marked a shift in PC hardware from 486 to Pentium processors and the rise of dedicated 3D graphics cards. Nvidia introduced the GeForce 256 at the end of the 1990s, with Quake III Arena being one of the first titles to utilize this technology.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

I finally bought a Secretlab Magnus Pro gaming desk, and I love it more than my RTX 5090

The Secretlab Magnus Pro is a desk designed to improve cable management, featuring a full-width cable management area with a flip-up panel and a solid sheet metal trough to keep cables organized. It includes an integrated power strip for streamlined power management and allows for the use of magnetic cable management accessories. The desk also offers a Desk Riser attachment for monitor elevation and a Premium PC Mount for securing a PC case. While it has some limitations, such as the tray size not accommodating all mounts, it is considered a valuable investment for those struggling with cable clutter. The price can exceed ,000, which is significantly higher than standard desks.

BetaBeacon

December 4, 2025

Emulating PC games on Android is easier than ever, and you can thank Valve

Valve is contributing to Windows emulation on Android by sponsoring the development of key emulation tools such as the Pex emulator and the Proton compatibility layer. These tools allow Windows games designed for traditional x86 PC hardware to run on Arm architecture, enabling PC emulation on devices like Android phones and tablets.