portal Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Alarming update: Windows 11 may deprive users of all data

In the recent Windows 11 24H2 update, the bypassnro.cmd script was removed, leading to the automatic activation of BitLocker disk encryption for both corporate and home users. This change has raised concerns about data security, performance degradation, and the risk of irreversible data loss, particularly due to the lack of user notifications when BitLocker is activated. Users are advised to back up their encryption keys to prevent permanent loss of access to files. Microsoft has provided a guide for backing up and recovering BitLocker keys, and users can manually disable BitLocker through the registry or settings. Additionally, Huawei is considering moving away from Windows to its proprietary operating system.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Microsoft: Windows Server hotpatching to require subscription

Microsoft will transition hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025, with a cost of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Microsoft has made a significant announcement regarding the future of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, a feature that allows administrators to apply security updates without the need for system restarts. As the company prepares for the general availability of this service, it will transition to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025. Subscription Details and Preview Phase In a proactive move, Microsoft is encouraging administrators to take advantage of the free preview of hotpatching before it becomes a subscription-based service. This opportunity will remain available until June 30, after which those currently testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. “Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, made available in preview in 2024, will become generally available as a subscription service on July 1st, 2025. With hotpatching, we are taking what was previously an Azure-only capability and now making it available to Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc,” Microsoft stated. Upon the subscription launch, hotpatching will be priced at .50 USD per CPU core per month. To utilize this feature in multi-cloud environments or on-premises, users will need both a Hotpatch service subscription and an Azure Arc-connected server running Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter. How to Enable Hotpatching Enabling hotpatching on your server is a straightforward process. First, connect your server to Azure Arc by following the specified steps. Next, navigate to Azure Update Manager within the Azure Portal, select your Azure Arc-enabled server, and check the hotpatching option as outlined in the provided documentation. A Brief History of Hotpatching Hotpatching has been a part of Microsoft's offerings since February 2022, initially available for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. This feature allows for the deployment of security updates by patching the in-memory code of running processes, eliminating the need for reboots after each installation. However, it is important to note that servers still require reboots for updates delivered through the standard Windows update channel, which are not included in the Hotpatch program. This includes non-Windows updates, such as .NET patches, and Windows non-security updates. Microsoft began public testing of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 in September 2024, with further expansions to Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 365 following in November 2024. By April 2025, hotpatch updates will be generally available for business customers using Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 (AMD/Intel) systems." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50 per CPU core per month. A free preview of the service is available until June 30, 2025, after which users testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. Hotpatching allows administrators to apply security updates without system restarts and will be available for Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc. To enable hotpatching, servers must be connected to Azure Arc and configured via the Azure Update Manager. Hotpatching was initially introduced in February 2022 for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition and allows for in-memory code updates, but standard Windows updates still require reboots. Public testing for Windows Server 2025 began in September 2024, with general availability for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 expected by April 2025.

BetaBeacon

April 27, 2025

What is Steam: The popular gaming platform explained

Steam is a platform and app for distributing video games online that also has social media features and community message boards.

AppWizard

April 27, 2025

I miss old PopCap like you miss old BioWare

From 2000 to 2010, PopCap Games dominated the casual gaming market, influencing the design of many subsequent mobile games. The studio's notable titles included Peggle Extreme, featured in Valve's The Orange Box, and Gyromancer, a collaboration with Square Enix. PopCap's games often drew inspiration from earlier concepts, such as Zuma from Puzz Loop and Bejeweled from the Russian game Shariki. After being acquired by Electronic Arts, PopCap shifted towards mobile and free-to-play models, leading to the decline of its original PC titles. Despite this change, the spirit of PopCap's creativity persists in the indie gaming scene, with games like Donut County and Peglin reflecting its innovative approach. Bookworm Adventures remains accessible through the Internet Archive, contributing to PopCap's lasting legacy.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

A Strangely Gorgeous Puzzle Game Is Free On PC For A Limited Time

The Epic Games Store is offering the game Chuchel for free until May 1. Developed by Amanita Games, Chuchel is an absurd puzzle game featuring a fluffy orange ball named Chuchel on a quest to obtain a cherry, facing challenges from a mischievous pink bug and a large hand. Players solve one-screen puzzles by interacting with various objects in a whimsical manner, prioritizing exploration and experimentation. The game features psychedelic visuals and playful animations, appealing particularly to younger audiences, though its sensory overload may not suit everyone. Chuchel offers a gameplay experience lasting approximately two hours.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

Despite CGI “A Minecraft Movie” is pretty good

“A Minecraft Movie” is directed by Jared Hess and is a fantasy adventure comedy inspired by the 2011 video game. The plot follows four misfits who are transported to the Overworld, guided by the character Steve, voiced by Jack Black. Key characters include Garret “The Garbage Man” Garrison, played by Jason Momoa, and Henry, portrayed by Sebastian Eugene Hansen, along with Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks). The film features comedic chemistry between Black and Momoa, with humor stemming from their dynamic. The CGI production is polished, though some viewers may find the lifelike appearance of monsters unsettling. The movie has inspired memes and quotes among audiences, enhancing the communal viewing experience. It received a rating of 4 out of 5 mustangs.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Film Review: A Minecraft Movie

A Minecraft Movie, directed by Jared Hess and produced by Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures, and Vertigo Entertainment, is set to release on April 4, 2025. The film follows siblings Natalie and Henry as they navigate life in Chuglass after losing their parents. They encounter Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a former video game champion, and inadvertently assemble the Orb of Dominance, leading them to miner Steve's cave entrance to the Overworld. They seek Steve's help to find a replacement Earth Crystal to return to reality while evading the piglin witch Malgosha. The film has five writers but struggles with subpar CGI and humor aimed at adults rather than its younger audience. It faces challenges in capturing the essence of Minecraft and connecting with its target demographic, with missed opportunities for engaging with the game's lore and prominent YouTubers.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Windows 10 LTSC – the version that won’t expire for years

The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October, but two editions will remain supported for two and seven more years, respectively. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 will receive mainstream support until January 12, 2027, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 until January 13, 2032. LTSC versions lack the Windows Store and many modern applications, offering a streamlined experience with essential features only. Activation of LTSC editions requires an enterprise product key, obtainable through a Volume License Agreement. The IoT version is limited to US English, while the standard LTSC supports 38 languages. LTSC editions do not receive version upgrades, remaining on version 21H2 indefinitely. LTSC ISO files are not readily available on the Microsoft download page but can be accessed through the Microsoft portal with an enterprise license. Unauthorized third-party Windows distributions, such as Tiny11 and Atlas OS, exist but may violate Microsoft’s terms of service.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

A Problem With A Minecraft Movie

A Minecraft Movie was released in theaters on April 4th and has a score of 46% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film follows Henry, played by Sebastian Hansen, who opens a portal to the "overworld" and embarks on a quest with Steve, voiced by Jack Black. Key female characters include Henry's sister Natalie, played by Emma Myers, and real estate agent Dawn, portrayed by Danielle Brooks. The film has faced criticism for its portrayal of female characters, who are depicted as struggling and reliant on male characters. It reinforces stereotypes that women are inept at video games and does not pass the Bechdel test, as conversations between female characters primarily focus on a male character, Henry.