PCs Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Computer owner shares frustration after seeing concerning message on Windows laptop: ‘I will not be buying a new one’

Microsoft announced that free security updates for Windows 10 will end in October, prompting concerns among users about needing to purchase new PCs with Windows 11. Many users expressed frustration over planned obsolescence, noting difficulties in finding parts for older devices and the financial burden of replacing them. The World Health Organization reported that over 68 million tons of e-waste were generated globally in 2022, with only 22% recycled properly. Users on the subreddit discussed alternatives like switching to Linux to avoid purchasing new devices. Options for e-waste disposal include recycling services from Staples and Redwood Materials, as well as donating or selling functional devices.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Specs Don’t Matter Anymore, Play AAA Games on Cheap Hardware

Microsoft has expanded Xbox Cloud Gaming access to subscribers of the Standard and Core plans, allowing them to stream games included in their subscription and access titles in their personal library that support cloud play. This change aims to reduce barriers for gamers without high-end setups. Select PC titles will also be available for play on desktops and handheld devices for Xbox Insiders subscribed to Game Pass Core or Standard. Premium features remain exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, and Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently available only in select regions. Microsoft continues to offer PC Game Pass, which does not include cloud gaming or console games, and may introduce a free, ad-supported version of Game Pass in the future. The company is also committed to producing Xbox hardware and hints at a hybrid console launch next year, with a successor to the Xbox Series S/X expected by 2027.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC Will Lose Security Updates Soon — Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users of older computers without security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program to extend protection until October 2026 by installing the free update KB5063709. The ESU program offers two payment methods: 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for local accounts or a payment option for up to ten PCs under a single Microsoft account. This program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. For alternatives, various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are available for older machines, as well as ChromeOS Flex for a browser-based experience. Users can also access Windows 11 through cloud services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which requires a reliable internet connection and subscription costs. Microsoft 365 applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices for three more years. The approaching end of Windows 10 support may prompt users with aging devices to consider upgrading to new computers that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering better performance, security features, and longer battery life.

TrendTechie

August 28, 2025

Пост @denis-19 — Open source

SeedBox Lite is an open-source project on GitHub that allows users to create a home streaming service similar to Netflix, providing access to a library of content from torrents. It features instant start capability, a user-friendly interface with options for subtitles and full-screen viewing, and is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PCs. The application can be secured with a password for privacy, and installation is quick and guided by a tutorial.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows PC just got a big Bluetooth audio upgrade from Microsoft

Microsoft has announced a new Bluetooth streaming technology called Low Energy (LE) Audio for Windows 11, aimed at improving audio quality for online gaming and virtual meetings. LE Audio integrates the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Hands-Free Profile (HFP) into a single profile, allowing high-quality audio and microphone use simultaneously. This technology utilizes superior audio compression for high-quality sound in stereo. Users can experience enhanced audio quality in applications like Microsoft Teams, where Spatial Audio will now function with wireless Bluetooth headsets. To utilize LE Audio, users need compatible Bluetooth devices and a Windows 11 PC, specifically running Windows 11 24H2 with the latest updates and Bluetooth audio drivers. Some existing PCs will receive updates, while new laptops launching in late 2025 are expected to support LE Audio natively.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Call Of Duty: WW2 Is Once Again Available For PC Game Pass

Activision has reintroduced Call of Duty: World War II to the Microsoft Store and Xbox PC App after its removal on July 4 due to an undisclosed issue. The game is now available for PC Game Pass players. Speculation suggests the withdrawal was related to Remote Code Execution attacks affecting player security. The issues were limited to the PC version, while the Xbox edition remained available. Call of Duty: WWII is developed by Sledgehammer Games and features a campaign with realistic gameplay elements, including no automatic health regeneration. The next installment, Black Ops 7, is forthcoming, and Activision recently canceled the Carry Forward program that would have allowed content transfer from Black Ops 6.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Xbox Game Pass tiers get better

Members of the Xbox Insider Program who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Standard can now stream select games through Xbox Cloud Gaming and access PC versions of certain titles. This feature was previously exclusive to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Xbox Cloud Gaming is available on various devices, including Xbox consoles, select Smart TVs, Meta Quest 3 headsets, and web browsers. The Xbox Game Pass tier structure includes Xbox Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass Standard, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, each offering different features and libraries. The Xbox Ally devices, which run PC versions of games, are set to launch on October 16, 2025, with anticipated pricing of 9 for the higher-end model and 9 for the lower-end variant.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft’s “last-minute snooze button” for Windows 10 is here —sort of

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring Windows 10 over Windows 11 due to design flaws and strict system requirements. The public interest group PIRG has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider, warning of increased electronic waste. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support, with a cost structure that has changed to a flat fee for up to 10 devices and requires a Microsoft Account for payment. Users can also use Microsoft Reward points to cover costs or synchronize settings with the cloud for free updates. The enrollment process for the ESU program began in July, but many users have not yet accessed it. The 'Enroll' button for the program is gradually rolling out, with speculation that it may be widely available around September 9, 2025. Organizations have criticized the ESU program as inadequate for the over 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project argues that Microsoft's approach is a temporary fix that undermines sustainability efforts. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux as an alternative. Microsoft is encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through notifications.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows Backup for Organizations

Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool aimed at IT administrators to manage device resets and migrations from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool focuses on preserving Windows settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps, rather than serving as a comprehensive backup solution. Backups can be initiated from supported versions of Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (22H2 and later), with restoration limited to Windows 11 (22H2 and beyond). Only fully Entra-joined devices can restore settings and apps directly to the Start Menu. The backup policy can be enabled through mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy and is opt-in by default. A scheduled task runs every eight days for backups. The Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) will be used for system restoration, but alternative restoration methods are not supported. The tool does not back up user files, and backup data is stored within the enterprise's tenant without support for cross-tenant migration or Cloud PCs.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Xbox Game Pass Standard and Core Tiers Get Access to Cloud Gaming and New PC Games

Microsoft has made its Xbox Cloud Gaming service accessible to subscribers of the Game Pass Core and Standard tiers, allowing them to stream cloud-enabled games included in their subscriptions as well as select titles they already own. This change is effective immediately and does not extend to the PC Game Pass tier. Xbox Insiders subscribed to the Game Pass Core or Standard tiers can access select PC games through the Xbox app on PC. Xbox Cloud Gaming is available on Xbox consoles, PCs, and the web, as well as on Samsung and LG smart TVs and Fire TV devices. Users on smart TVs need to activate preview features in the Settings under the Account section to enable cloud-enabled games.