requirements Archives

Winsage

June 21, 2025

Just like many Windows 10 users, some SSDs are snubbing Windows 11, too

A recent update to Windows 11 version 24H2, released in October 2024, has caused installation issues for users of Western Digital SSDs, particularly the WD SN770 model. Users encounter a compatibility message stating their hardware isn't ready for the new version. Possible solutions include reverting to a Windows 10 image, switching to Linux, or updating the SSD's firmware using the SanDisk Dashboard, which may help pass the Windows hardware scan. While Linux offers fewer hardware restrictions, it may present challenges with application compatibility.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ Now Has Overwhelmingly Negative Reviews on Steam – How One of 2025’s Best Games Is Crashing on PC

Monster Hunter Wilds has received an "Overwhelmingly Negative" rating on Steam, despite being Capcom's fastest-selling title earlier this year. Players have expressed dissatisfaction primarily due to performance issues with the PC version, including frequent crashes, sluggish server response times, and high system requirements for smooth gameplay. Many negative reviews come from players with significant hours logged in the game, indicating that the discontent is not impulsive. While some players appreciate the gameplay, others criticize the narrative-driven approach and simplified mechanics, which have disappointed long-time fans.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft 365 brings the shutters down on legacy protocols

Microsoft will block legacy authentication methods by default in Microsoft 365 starting mid-July 2025 through August as part of its Secure Future Initiative. The notification, MC1097272, emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their systems due to the vulnerabilities of legacy protocols, such as the Remote PowerShell (RPS) protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, and the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocol. Additionally, Microsoft will require administrator consent for third-party applications accessing organizational files and sites, shifting the responsibility from users to administrators to enhance security. These changes will apply universally across all Microsoft 365 tenants.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27881 has been released to the Canary Channel, with downloadable ISOs available. This build introduces a new profanity filter setting for voice typing, allowing users to manage the transcription of profane words. A new feature called speech recap has been added to Narrator, enabling users to track spoken content and access live transcriptions. General improvements include security certificate updates, a redesigned needy state pill on the taskbar, enhanced accessibility features, and new image editing capabilities in the Windows share window. A new FAQs section has been added to the Settings > System > About page, and various fixes have been implemented across different components. Known issues include problems with the taskbar display and the "Reset this PC" option not functioning after the upgrade. Users joining the Canary Channel on new Copilot+ PCs may experience loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

You Can Get Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$84 Right Now

A bundle featuring a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2021 is available for a reduced price until July 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The Windows 11 Pro activation key allows upgrades on two compatible PCs with at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The bundle includes eight Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, which can be installed on a single computer with a minimum of 1GB of RAM and 4GB of free hard disk space. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

With Windows 10 circling the drain, Windows 11 sees a long-overdue surge

Windows 11's market share increased from 43.22 percent in May to 47.73 percent in June, while Windows 10's share decreased from 53.19 percent to 48.92 percent during the same period. Microsoft has encouraged this transition through full-screen prompts, an advertising campaign, and a tool for migrating data from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Windows 11 has minimum requirements, including a TPM 2.0 module, which disqualifies many existing PCs from upgrading. Users may face options such as running an unsupported version of Windows, paying for continued support, purchasing new hardware, or switching to alternative operating systems.

Winsage

June 18, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 200 to 400 million devices that will no longer receive updates or patches, exposing them to security vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 requires modern hardware specifications, which many older devices lack. Users must decide between investing in new hardware, opting for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable alternatives, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and providing robust security updates. Linux offers users greater control and transparency, addressing privacy concerns associated with proprietary systems. LibreOffice supports open document formats, ensuring long-term accessibility without vendor constraints. The end of Windows 10 support may prompt significant shifts in the tech industry, encouraging a move towards systems that prioritize sustainability and user rights.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving an estimated 200 to 400 million devices vulnerable to security risks due to a lack of updates. Users must choose between upgrading to Windows 11, which has strict hardware requirements, paying for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable options, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and provide robust security updates without vendor lock-in. Privacy concerns regarding data collection by major tech companies are highlighted, with Linux offering users greater control and transparency. The transition away from Windows 10 is seen as an opportunity to promote user empowerment and sustainability in technology choices.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft has broken Windows Hello facial recognition — it no longer works in the dark

Windows Hello now requires a color camera in addition to infrared sensors for user sign-ins, which reduces its effectiveness in low-light conditions. This change was made to address a spoofing vulnerability and was implemented after an initial announcement in April. The updated system struggles in dark environments, raising concerns for users with darker skin tones, as low-light conditions can hinder facial recognition. Users can disable the color webcam to revert to using only IR sensors, but this disables video capabilities. Alternatives for sign-in include PIN, password, or fingerprint authentication.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

iState: A Russian Government Messenger?

On June 10, the Russian State Duma approved the establishment of a national messenger to be pre-installed on all newly sold smart devices starting September 1. This app will include a digital ID system and aims to streamline access to government services, identity verification, contract signing, and banking transactions. The initiative is inspired by China's WeChat but raises concerns about surveillance and data storage by the Russian government. The specific application for the national messenger has not yet been finalized, with Max, developed by VKontakte, being a leading candidate. Legal expert Sarkis Darbinyan doubts that Max will attract WhatsApp's user base and predicts it will be limited to domestic use without end-to-end encryption. Despite these issues, State Duma IT Committee head Sergei Boyarsky believes that existing messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will continue to operate if they comply with Russian laws.