PCs Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft really, really wants Windows 10 users to buy Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11, promoting its Copilot+ PCs as a solution for those whose devices do not qualify for the upgrade. Copilot+ PCs feature AI tools like Recall, which captures and indexes screenshots for easy searching, and offer performance improvements, claiming to be up to five times faster than devices that are five years old. However, there are concerns about privacy and security related to Recall. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive security updates. Options for Windows 10 users include upgrading to Windows 11 if eligible, purchasing a Copilot+ PC, paying for extended support, switching to Linux, or remaining on Windows 10 with associated risks.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 — here’s what you need to do

A limited-time offer allows users to purchase a Windows 11 Pro key for .97, down from its regular price of 9. This promotion enables upgrades for two compatible PCs. Windows 11 Pro features a user-friendly installation process, a lifetime license with no ongoing fees, productivity enhancements like snap layouts and virtual desktops, and robust security measures including biometric login and device encryption. It also includes an AI-powered assistant, Copilot, to help optimize workflows. Support for Windows 10 will end soon, making this an opportune time to upgrade. Prices on StackSocial may change.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows RDP has a major security problem, and Microsoft has refused to do anything about it

A security flaw in Windows RDP allows previously revoked credentials to remain functional after a password reset, enabling users to access their PCs with old passwords. Microsoft does not classify this issue as a bug, stating it is an intentional design to ensure at least one user account can always log in. This behavior is not flagged by Microsoft Defender, Azure, or Entra ID, and the company's documentation lacks clarity on the matter. Microsoft has been aware of this issue since at least August 2023 but has chosen not to modify the code, citing potential compatibility issues.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Secure your organization against changing conditions with a special offer from Windows 365

82% of business leaders view 2023 as critical for reevaluating strategic and operational frameworks. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, prompting organizations to consider strategies for transitioning to Windows 11 or Windows 365. Microsoft is offering a 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new customers from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025. Windows 365 provides a secure Windows 11 experience via a Cloud PC and is designed with Zero Trust principles for enhanced security. Transitioning to Windows 365 can lower carbon footprints and align with sustainability goals. Crocs reported annual cost savings of 0,000 after switching to Windows 365. Dnata Travel Group chose Windows 365 for secure access for their mobile workforce. Hamburg Commercial Bank plans to expand its use of Windows 365 for sustainability improvements. The promotional offer is available for new customers and has specific terms and conditions, including a deadline for processing transactions.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Is Almost Free Now, but This 92% Off Deal Won’t Last Long

The Blue Screen of Death can indicate the need for a fresh installation of Windows 11 Pro, especially after issues like corrupt files or viruses. StackSocial is currently offering Windows 11 Pro activation keys for a reduced price of , down from 9, which is a 92% discount. The Home edition is also available at a discount of 89%. These keys are intended for PCs that require a new Windows license, and users should ensure compatibility with Windows Update for the upgrade. Windows 11 Pro includes features like Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and AI-powered Windows Copilot, providing advanced security, user-friendly design, and productivity tools. The deal is time-sensitive, with keys selling rapidly.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows 11 April security patch quietly blocks 24H2 update, but are you impacted?

Microsoft is preparing to release the Windows 11 25H2 update in October, aimed at facilitating the transition to Windows 11 24H2. However, the rollout of Windows 24H2 has faced issues, with many PCs experiencing blocks due to third-party applications and technical problems. The April security patch, released on April 8, has complicated the upgrade process for some users, particularly those with the patch KB5055528 installed, leading to error code 0x80240069. This issue mainly affects IT administrators using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), while individual users on Windows 11 Home are largely unaffected. Microsoft is investigating the problem and plans to release a fix by the next Patch Tuesday on May 13. Additionally, organizations are advised to explore alternative update management solutions, as WSUS is no longer under active development.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

3 reasons I prefer managing packages with WinGet over Chocolatey now

Package managers streamline software installation and management on PCs, with WinGet being Microsoft's user-friendly solution for Windows 11. Unlike Chocolatey, which requires complex setup, WinGet is ready to use out of the box after accepting license terms. It integrates with PowerToys, allowing users to execute commands via the Command Palette without opening a Terminal. Additionally, WinGet manages applications from the Microsoft Store, providing a comprehensive experience that can yield more relevant search results. While Chocolatey has a larger repository and advanced features for professionals, WinGet is more accessible for average users.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

The Best PC Games of 2025 So Far (Spring Edition)

Spring 2025 has seen the release of several notable PC games, including: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: Released on April 24, 2025, by Sandfall Interactive, it sold over 1 million copies in three days and features a blend of French art nouveau aesthetics and JRPG combat mechanics. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Released on February 28, 2025, by Capcom, it introduces full narrative integration and dynamic monster interactions. - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered: Released on April 22, 2025, by Bethesda Game Studios, it attracted over 4 million players shortly after launch and features enhanced visuals and gameplay updates. Other early 2025 releases include: - Blue Prince (April 10, 2025) - Split Fiction (March 6, 2025) - Atomfall (March 27, 2025) - Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20, 2025) - Two Point Museum (March 5, 2025) - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (January 23, 2025) - Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (January 22, 2025) - Ninja Gaiden II Black (January 23, 2025) - The Talos Principle: Reawakened (April 10, 2025) Highly anticipated titles for later in 2025 include: - Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2025) - Doom: The Dark Ages (May 15, 2025) - Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (August 28, 2025) - The Outer Worlds 2 (Expected 2025) - Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) - Marvel’s Blade (TBA 2025) - Hades II (Full Release later 2025) - Frostpunk 2 (Summer 2025) - Slay the Spire 2 (Early Access Expected 2025) - Anno 117: Pax Romana (Expected 2025) - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (October 2025) - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Expected 2025) - Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Expected 2025) In 2024, top-rated PC games included: 1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree 2. Metaphor: ReFantazio 3. UFO 50 4. Tekken 8 5. Caves of Qud 6. Animal Well 7. Satisfactory 8. Balatro 9. Thank Goodness You’re Here! 10. The Last of Us Part II Remastered The PC gaming landscape in 2024 was characterized by significant hardware advancements, improved game integration and compatibility, and thriving online communities.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft engineer reveals more details about Janet Jackson song that used to mysteriously crash Windows XP PCs

A bug affecting Windows XP caused crashes when playing Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" on certain systems, linked to a natural resonant frequency that interfered with 5400rpm hard drives. Microsoft and an OEM developed a custom audio filter to eliminate the problematic frequency, which remained in place until Windows 7 introduced new rules allowing users to disable audio filters. This posed a risk of hardware damage for those unaware of the bug. The OEM received an exemption from the new rule to keep the audio filter active, protecting both their reputation and Microsoft's. The identity of the OEM remains undisclosed, referred to as "Fabrikam" in documentation.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft wants users to ditch Windows 10 before its imminent death — Using Copilot+ PCs with Recall to upsell Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through its new Copilot+ PCs. These PCs meet Windows 11's system requirements and feature AI-powered enhancements, including up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4, operating up to 5 times faster than five-year-old Windows devices, and offering up to 22 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge. In January, Microsoft reported that 15% of premium-priced laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter were Copilot+ PCs, with expectations for this percentage to increase. Windows 11's market share is currently 42.69%, while Windows 10 holds 54.2%.