PC users Archives

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

More classic Call of Duty PC games hit Microsoft Store, hinting at Game Pass launch

Microsoft has added the PC versions of three Call of Duty titles—Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare—to the Microsoft Store. Additionally, four more Call of Duty titles—Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III—have also appeared on the Microsoft Store. The pricing for these games is consistent with market rates, and the store pages indicate that cross-platform multiplayer is not supported. Xbox Achievements and cloud saves are available, but Xbox Play Anywhere is not included. There is speculation about a potential influx of Call of Duty games in the Xbox Game Pass library for 2024.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Microsoft says it will not lower Windows 11 system requirements

Microsoft has confirmed that the system requirements for Windows 11 will not change, disappointing many Windows 10 users with older PCs lacking hardware-level security features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. Windows 10, launched in 2015, will end its support lifecycle next year, leaving millions of computers without security updates. Currently, 61.82% of PC users are on Windows 10, while Windows 11 has 34.94%. In the gaming community, 43.31% of players use Windows 10 compared to 52.98% on Windows 11. Popular browsers and applications are expected to continue supporting Windows 10 for the foreseeable future. Users can choose to upgrade hardware, buy new devices, switch to Linux, or use third-party applications to manage updates. Microsoft will offer Extended Support Updates for Windows 10 at a cost.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Xbox App Just Added 400 PC Games And Microsoft Wants More

Microsoft has added over 400 games to the Xbox app, including titles like Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove and Jackbox Party Pack, with contributions from Japanese developers Kemco and Kairosoft. Approximately 100 of these titles support the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, allowing gamers to transition between Xbox console and PC. Microsoft has reduced its revenue share from sales to 12% to attract developers from competing storefronts. More announcements are expected at the Game Developers Conference 2025. Additionally, Microsoft is testing direct-to-cloud controllers and enhancing streaming service visual quality. A pilot program for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members allows them to stream select games from their Xbox consoles.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Xbox’s PC App Brings Refreshed Home Experience To All Users

Microsoft has rolled out its revamped Home Experience to all PC users after testing with Xbox Insiders. The new user interface aims to enhance the gaming experience by making it easier to find games and discover new titles. It features Game Pass offerings and streamlines access to games outside the subscription service, keeping players informed about featured content, upcoming releases, new events, Game Pass updates, and sales. The Xbox app is also evolving to help discover Xbox titles not included in Game Pass. A new "jump back in" feature allows players to resume gameplay easily in 'Compact Mode.' Microsoft plans to introduce more features in the future as part of its Windows and PC Game Pass initiatives.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Microsoft working to bring all PC games with Xbox features into Xbox app

Microsoft has made the new PC gaming Home experience available to all users through the Xbox app on Windows, after testing it with Xbox Insiders. This update provides a centralized hub for players to stay informed about game releases, events, and exclusive Game Pass content. The new interface includes curated collections, personalized recommendations, and a "Jump back in" feature for quick gameplay resumption. Microsoft is also integrating nearly 400 PC games with Xbox functionalities into the app, including titles from developers like Kemco, Kairosoft, Yacht Club Games, and Double 11.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

How to free up space on a Windows PC

Many Windows PC users face storage space issues due to the accumulation of games, photos, movies, and applications. To manage files, users can utilize default folders like Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos, or create their own organizational structure. To delete files, navigate to Windows Settings > System > Storage to identify and remove unwanted files. Users can also sort files by size in File Explorer and permanently delete items from the Recycle Bin. Storage Sense is a built-in feature that automatically cleans up temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin when disk space is low. Users can customize its operation frequency. The Cleanup recommendations feature provides tailored suggestions for freeing up storage, including the removal of temporary and large files. Applications can take up significant storage; users can find unused apps in the Cleanup recommendations section or by checking Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Uninstallation can be done through the three dots next to an app or by managing games on platforms like Steam.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

These are my 15 favorite features and changes that Microsoft added to Windows 11 in 2024

- Windows 11 introduced the Sudo command, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges without launching the Windows Terminal as an administrator. - An "Energy Saver" mode was added to enhance power management, combining features of the previous "Battery Saver" and "Power Mode." - Users can now modify power button actions directly from Settings without accessing the legacy Control Panel. - The date and time format in the Taskbar's System Tray has been revised to omit the AM/PM designation and the four-digit year. - Taskbar navigation has been improved, allowing users to focus on applications using their initial letters. - Users can customize mouse scrolling direction via Settings without accessing the Registry. - Windows 11 now supports Wi-Fi 7, promising speeds exceeding 40 Gbps. - A network refresh button was added to the Quick Settings flyout for easier scanning of available wireless networks. - Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) enhances gaming visuals on Copilot+ PCs by upscaling images and improving frame rates. - Windows Studio effects enhance video and audio calls with AI-driven features, now available to all Copilot+ PC users. - The context menu in File Explorer has been updated to include labels for commonly used actions. - A new archive compression wizard allows users to create Zip, TAR, and 7zip files. - The "Link to Windows" feature enables browsing and transferring files from Android devices to Windows 11 computers without a USB connection. - The "Windows Setup" interface has been revamped with a cleaner design and simplified installation process. - A customizable Copilot key option allows users to remap this key to any application from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Windows 11 Recall officially comes to Intel and AMD

Microsoft has expanded its Recall AI feature to support Copilot+ PCs with Intel and AMD processors, following initial availability on Qualcomm-powered devices. The feature has stabilized after previous challenges, and the latest update (version 26120.2510) will be available to Intel and AMD users in the Windows Insiders Dev Channel. Users must manually enable snapshot functionality and can control the retention and deletion of snapshots, which do not record sensitive information. The update also includes security enhancements, requiring Windows Hello for identity authentication and the use of BitLocker and Secure Boot. Additionally, a new "Click to do" feature allows users to interact with snapshots more easily.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

PC users gifted 18 free games in huge giveaway, yours to keep forever

Amazon Prime members can access 18 free PC games through Prime Gaming in December. Notable titles include Tomb Raider: Underworld, Star Wars Bounty Hunter, Overcooked 2, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, and Dredge. Additional games such as Planet of Lana, Predator: Hunting Grounds, and The Town of Light will be released throughout the month. These games can be claimed via Amazon’s Prime Gaming website and will remain in the members' libraries permanently. Quake II will also be available next week. The games can be accessed through the Amazon Games app, the Epic store, or GOG.

Tech Optimizer

November 26, 2024

Readers’ Choice 2024: The PC Security and Online Privacy Brands You Trust Most

PCMag has reviewed antivirus software since 1988 and evaluated over 150 security applications last year. A recent survey revealed consumer preferences for antivirus software and VPNs. For 2024, Proton emerged as the top VPN brand with a score of 9.0 out of 10, while Bitdefender was rated the most trusted antivirus brand, receiving a perfect five-star rating. Trend Micro won the Reader's Choice Award for security suites, surpassing Bitdefender. In mobile antivirus, Bitdefender was the preferred choice, excelling in most categories. The survey for Antivirus and Security Suites was conducted from September 10 to November 4, 2024.