PCs Archives

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Your Windows update experience just got updated

Windows Insiders are receiving enhancements to the Windows Update experience based on user feedback, focusing on providing more control and reducing disruptions. Key features include: 1. The ability to skip updates during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). 2. Extended options for pausing updates for up to 35 days, with the ability to re-pause as needed. 3. Separation of power actions from update actions, allowing users to shut down or restart without triggering updates. 4. Enhanced insights on available updates, including device class information for driver updates. Additionally, the update process will be unified to minimize reboots, with a single restart expected per month for most users. Updates will download in the background and can be manually initiated by users. Improvements also focus on reducing update times and implementing automatic recovery measures for update failures.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Microsoft’s new Windows 11 freebies are useful, but they also feel a little desperate

Microsoft has launched an offer for U.S. college students purchasing Windows laptops, providing a year of Microsoft 365 Premium, a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and a custom Xbox Wireless Controller, valued at approximately 0. This offer is available until June 30, 2026, or while supplies last, through Microsoft channels, major retailers, and participating PC manufacturers. The initiative follows Apple's introduction of the MacBook Neo, priced at ,199 for regular customers and 9 for students. The offer is exclusively for verified U.S. college students, applicable only to qualifying PCs, and intended for new subscribers to the services. Many colleges already provide Microsoft’s productivity tools, which may lessen the appeal of the Office component. The pricing of Windows laptops has faced challenges, with recent increases noted, such as the 13-inch Surface Laptop rising to ,199.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Microsoft is finally letting you skip updates during Windows 11 setup

Microsoft is introducing changes to the Windows 11 Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) by allowing users to click “Update Later” during setup to bypass post-installation updates. This aims to streamline the installation process and enable quicker access to desktops. The feature is currently being rolled out, but the timeline for widespread availability is uncertain. Users should be cautious, as skipping updates may expose their PCs to security vulnerabilities until they manually install the updates.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Microsoft just made Windows 11’s Drag Tray for sharing files less annoying, and it actually works now

Microsoft has introduced the Drop Tray in Windows 11, replacing the previous Drag Tray to enhance file sharing. The Drop Tray features a more compact design and aims to minimize accidental openings while being easily dismissible. It is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 PCs by May as part of a set of reliability fixes. The new design encourages users to engage with it intentionally for file sharing, improving usability for those with desktop folders. The option to enable or disable the Drop Tray can now be found under Settings > System > Multitasking > Drop Tray.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Get Linux on your ancient 486 Windows 95 desktop using WSL9x — very old Windows PCs can cooperatively run very modern Linux kernels

A computer enthusiast has developed a tool called WSL9x, which allows users to run contemporary Linux kernels on early versions of Windows (from Windows 95 onward) and on machines with 486 CPUs. WSL9x enables the simultaneous operation of Windows and Linux applications without relying on hardware virtualization. The architecture includes a client program, wsl.com, which manages a DOS window for the console driver. Meanwhile, the Linux community is phasing out support for the Intel 486 CPU, with developers removing related support options in the Linux kernel, marking the end of support for this processor.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of Windows 11

Google has launched a physical ChromeOS Flex USB Kit, priced at a modest amount, to support users on Windows 10 whose hardware does not meet Windows 11 requirements. This kit, developed with Back Market, is part of a pilot program with limited stock. The kit includes printed guides and video tutorials for installing ChromeOS Flex, which is available for free download. ChromeOS Flex allows devices to boot in under 10 seconds and primarily supports web browsing and cloud-based applications, but does not support Android applications. It consumes approximately 19 percent less energy than similar systems and aims to extend the lifespan of existing devices to reduce electronic waste. The kit is available through Back Market, but future production and pricing details have not been disclosed.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Windows 365 Link: One year of the simple, secure, purpose-built Cloud PC device

Windows 365 Link, a service launched a year ago, enhances the Windows 365 experience by providing a cloud-based Windows environment that is easy to manage, secure, and cost-effective. It allows organizations to scale Cloud PCs without local data or applications. Over the past year, it has expanded into new regions and industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and professional services. Organizations using Windows 365 Link have reported benefits like reduced management burdens and seamless access for workers. The partner network has grown to over 200 resellers in 20 countries, facilitating quick deployment. Upcoming updates include support for Bluetooth device pairing, tenant branding, USB redirection, and visibility into pending updates on sign-in screens.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Samsung just removed a big barrier between Galaxy phones and Windows PCs

Samsung's Galaxy Connect app is now available for non-Samsung Windows 11 devices, allowing features like copy-paste functionality, direct access to phone storage, and using the phone as a second screen. The app supports syncing web pages across devices and can be installed on various brands of laptops, including Lenovo, Asus, and Dell. However, it is only compatible with Intel and AMD x64 Windows 11 devices, excluding ARM-based PCs. The latest version of the app is 2.1.6.0, and installation requires logging into the Microsoft Store with the same Samsung account linked to the Galaxy phone.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

Nothing’s “AirDrop” app returns after a short absence – but there’s a catch

Nothing has launched a new file transfer tool named Warp, which allows users to share files, images, copied text, and links between devices using Google Drive. Users need to be signed into their Google accounts to utilize the tool effectively. The announcement was made on the Nothing Forum, and users are encouraged to install a browser extension and a dedicated app. The app was temporarily removed from the app store shortly after its launch but has since returned. The Chrome extension supports file sharing on PCs, while the mobile app integrates into the device's share menu. Users can share content by selecting "Nothing Warp" from the menu. The tool is designed for simplicity but may experience slow upload speeds for larger files. It addresses specific user needs rather than serving as a comprehensive multi-platform solution.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Microsoft Changes Windows Security After 15 Years—Update By ‘End Of April’

Microsoft is set to expire the Secure Boot authentication certificates that protect Windows PCs from threats upon each restart, with this initiative beginning in April 2023. The update will install new certificates and confirm if user action is necessary, with all devices expected to have the update by the end of April 2026. Users can check their Secure Boot status in Windows Security, where a badge system indicates the status. If the certificates expire, users may be at risk of boot-level malware. Microsoft is enhancing visibility of Secure Boot certificate status to aid user awareness. Users should check their PC by the end of the month to ensure it is updated.