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Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year
Winsage
January 1, 2026

Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year

Microsoft has concluded support for Windows 10, with over 44% of PC users still operating on the OS. This poses potential risks for users, particularly as the end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop issuing free updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering security patches until October 13, 2026, at a cost of £22 for individual users and starting at £45 for businesses, with prices doubling in subsequent years. Users can also access ESU benefits through Microsoft Rewards Points or by performing a Windows Backup via OneDrive, which has a 5GB free limit. Research suggests that around 5 million individuals in the UK could be at risk due to continued reliance on Windows 10. The ESU program is available for users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2.
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is upset with Microsoft, calls Windows boot process ‘dystopian’ - The Times of India
Winsage
December 29, 2025

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin is upset with Microsoft, calls Windows boot process ‘dystopian’ – The Times of India

Vitalik Buterin expressed concerns about Microsoft's requirement for internet connectivity during the installation of Windows, calling the experience “dystopian.” He encountered a barrier while trying to boot into Windows to install Linux, as it required an internet connection to communicate with Microsoft’s servers. This commentary was in response to a post on X that suggested corporations are increasingly eliminating personal computer ownership, which could lead to a societal shift towards radical political ideologies. Buterin's remarks reflect unease regarding the power dynamics between consumers and corporations in the tech industry. In contrast, another user on X, known as ‘iRish,’ argued that most users may not share these concerns and that Microsoft is catering to the majority rather than tech-savvy individuals.
Windows Server 2025 gains native NVMe support, 14 years after its introduction — groundbreaking I/O stack drops SCSI emulation limitations for massive throughput and CPU efficiency gains
Winsage
December 19, 2025

Windows Server 2025 gains native NVMe support, 14 years after its introduction — groundbreaking I/O stack drops SCSI emulation limitations for massive throughput and CPU efficiency gains

Windows Server 2025 now supports native NVMe I/O, moving away from SCSI bus commands. This feature requires a registry key modification or group policy MSI to activate. Users can see performance improvements of up to 80% in IOPS and a 45% reduction in CPU utilization during high I/O loads. Testing on a two-socket Intel system with 208 logical cores and a Solidigm D7-PS1010 SSD showed a 45% increase in IOPS with one thread, 78% with eight threads, and 71% with 16 threads, alongside a 41% and 47% decrease in CPU load during 4K random reads with eight and 16 threads, respectively. The I/O processing workflow has been redesigned for better performance, enhancing overall latency and responsiveness. Community feedback is mixed, with some users experiencing negligible differences and others suggesting that only PCIe 5.0 NVMe devices can fully utilize the new I/O stack. There is no timeline for this feature's rollout to Windows 11, and its effectiveness may vary based on drive firmware quality. Home computing tasks may not see significant improvements, but multitasking and gaming experiences could benefit from reduced CPU load and improved system responsiveness.
9 Apps You Should Never Install On Windows 11
Tech Optimizer
December 7, 2025

9 Apps You Should Never Install On Windows 11

John McAfee's antivirus software struggles with poor performance and questionable business practices, relying on financial arrangements with manufacturers for its prevalence. Users often face persistent pop-ups for additional services, leading to high subscription costs without significant value. Norton, another antivirus solution, is criticized for slowing down system performance and not providing better protection than Windows Defender. ExpressVPN has shifted focus from privacy to marketing after its acquisition, raising concerns about user data security. Honey, a shopping extension, tracks personal data and may mislead users with affiliate links. CCleaner has become bloated since its acquisition by Avast and is no longer effective on Windows 11. WiFi speed booster software often fails to improve performance and may collect user data. Crypto mining software poses risks as many applications are malware. Razer Synapse often causes performance issues for gamers, while NVIDIA's application can negatively impact system performance and is not as beneficial as alternatives.
Microsoft is too busy with AI to fix Windows 11's design — so developers stepped up
Winsage
December 5, 2025

Microsoft is too busy with AI to fix Windows 11’s design — so developers stepped up

FluentFlyout is a new application for Windows 11 that enhances media control by introducing customizable flyouts activated by media keys. It integrates well with the Windows 11 aesthetic and offers a premium version for .96, which includes a taskbar widget, while a free version is available on GitHub. The app features options for previewing upcoming media, personalizing content display, adjusting flyout position, and selecting themes. Despite improvements in design from Microsoft, such as updates to the Run dialog box and dark mode, users have expressed frustration with the pace of these updates and inconsistent design elements. Third-party developers like those behind FluentFlyout are addressing these gaps and improving the user experience on Windows 11.
Microsoft Confirms New Upgrade Decision For All Windows Users
Winsage
December 5, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Upgrade Decision For All Windows Users

Approximately 500 million users have PCs that qualify for Windows 11 but have not yet upgraded. Microsoft has announced that all supported systems can download and install Windows 11 version 25H2, available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users with the necessary system requirements. The update may encounter installation errors, such as the 0x80070306, and users may experience issues like disruptions to dark mode in File Explorer and complications with Intel Arc GPU drivers. Microsoft is working on a resolution for these problems, but a specific timeline for fixes is not provided. Users can check for the Windows 11 upgrade by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting "Check for updates." This feature is exclusive to qualifying PCs.
Dell says PC sales flat despite slow Windows 11 transition
Winsage
November 26, 2025

Dell says PC sales flat despite slow Windows 11 transition

Dell's outlook for the upcoming year indicates steady PC sales, with COO Jeffrey Clarke noting challenges in completing the Windows 11 transition, lagging behind previous transitions by 10 to 12 percentage points, affecting around 500 million PCs. Despite this, Clarke expressed optimism for the PC market, predicting "roughly flat" sales after mid-to-high single-digit growth in the past year. Dell secured orders totaling .3 billion for AI servers and shipped products valued at .6 billion in the quarter ending October 31st, with server and networking revenue increasing by 37 percent year-over-year. There is growing interest in traditional servers, driven by the need for efficient configurations, but rising costs for RAM and NAND present challenges. Dell reported .6 billion in revenue for the latest quarter, an 11 percent year-over-year increase, and anticipates revenues of .5 billion in Q4 and .7 billion for FY 2026, with significant growth expected from server sales as many customers still use older server models.
'Most of the innovation in gaming has happened on PC' says EVE Online studio boss: 'When I love a game, it's so deeply PC'
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

‘Most of the innovation in gaming has happened on PC’ says EVE Online studio boss: ‘When I love a game, it’s so deeply PC’

Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, stated that most gaming innovation occurs on PC, with mobile gaming primarily focused on refinement. He noted that PC gaming allows for more experimentation. CCP Games is developing EVE Frontier, while EVE Online recently launched its expansion, Catalyst, on November 18, and EVE Frontier's next update is scheduled for November 27. EVE Vanguard, a first-person shooter, is also in development.
Best Laptops to Get the Most Out of AI
Winsage
November 15, 2025

Best Laptops to Get the Most Out of AI

Consumers are now prioritizing speed, extended battery life, and intelligent features powered by artificial intelligence in personal computers. Copilot+ PCs are equipped with advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs), offering performance up to five times faster than a typical Windows laptop from five years ago. They provide up to 22 hours of video playback, making them suitable for professionals who need long-lasting battery life. Additionally, these PCs integrate AI capabilities within the Windows 11 environment to enhance productivity and creativity.
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