StatCounter Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft Hints at End to Windows 11 Setup Account Requirement

Microsoft is exploring the removal of the requirement to sign in with a Microsoft account during the initial setup of Windows 11, a change that has been frequently requested by users. Currently, Windows 11 Home and most consumer Pro installations require a Microsoft account for setup, although local accounts are available but not easily accessible. This requirement has faced backlash, leading to the development of workarounds by users. Microsoft has defended the necessity of the cloud account for benefits like password recovery and settings synchronization. A potential change could introduce a clearly labeled option for setting up with a local account during the out-of-box experience, while still allowing the option to sign in with a Microsoft account. Windows 11 currently accounts for about one-third of active Windows PCs, trailing behind Windows 10. The proposed changes aim to enhance user satisfaction and address privacy concerns.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Lifetime License Drops To $12.97

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, which is a 93% discount from Microsoft's standard price of 9. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz or faster 64-bit CPU with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, TPM 2.0, and UEFI with Secure Boot. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support, meaning it will no longer receive security updates, which poses risks for users. Windows 11 includes features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Group Policy management, and AI-assisted Copilot. Users upgrading from Windows 10 should back up their files and ensure drivers are current. Windows 11 offers performance enhancements for gaming, such as DirectStorage and Auto HDR. Keys priced low are often OEM or volume-license keys tied to a single machine and may not be transferable.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Android 16 Bug Silently Breaks VPNs, Say Providers

Multiple VPN providers, including Proton VPN, Mullvad, WireGuard, and TunnelBear, are experiencing a persistent bug in Android 16 that causes their services to disconnect unexpectedly after app updates. Google has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. The bug occurs when the network stack enters a problematic state during a VPN app update while still connected, leading to a "connecting" loop and potential loss of internet connectivity or exposure of non-VPN traffic. Restarting the VPN app does not resolve the issue; a device reboot or app reinstallation is required. This bug undermines Android's safety features like Always-on VPN and "Block connections without VPN." The issue affects a significant number of users, given Android's 70% market share and the 30-35% of internet users utilizing VPNs. Temporary workarounds include rebooting the device, manually disconnecting the VPN before updates, and pausing auto-updates. The bug poses operational risks for organizations enforcing always-on VPN policies, and developers are seeking app-side mitigations while emphasizing the need for a platform-level fix. Users are advised to monitor their VPN status after updates and report issues to assist in troubleshooting.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Lifetime Office 2021 And Windows 11 Pro Bundle Hits $50

A bundle is available that includes a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for approximately . This offer provides an estimated discount of 88% off the typical retail price, eliminating ongoing subscription costs. Office Professional 2021 includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while Windows 11 Pro features security enhancements such as BitLocker and virtualization capabilities. The bundle is particularly appealing for users looking to upgrade from older versions of Office or Windows. Office 2021 is a perpetual license for a single Windows PC and will not receive new features, only security and bug fixes. Windows 11 Pro is also a perpetual license, requiring separate purchases for major future releases. Users must ensure their PC meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11, including a compatible 64-bit CPU and TPM 2.0. This deal is suited for solo professionals, students, and small teams, but may not be ideal for those who rely on cloud collaboration and frequent feature updates.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11 reaches new milestone as Microsoft comes closer to finally killing off Windows 10

Microsoft's Windows 10 global share has decreased to 26.27% as of February, down from 35.77% in January, while Windows 11's adoption rate has risen to 72.77%. Windows 11 is now used by 1 billion individuals worldwide. Official support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft is phasing out the Security Boot feature, and users must upgrade to Windows 11 for ongoing protection and updates. Windows 11 offers features like default encryption and improved virtual desktop support. Users with eligible Windows 10 systems can upgrade for free, but the minimum hardware requirements include a 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. As many as 240 million functioning laptops may be unable to upgrade due to these requirements. New hardware is available with Windows 11 pre-installed, and Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs with unique AI functionalities.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux

The anticipated arrival of Windows 12 may drive many PC users to consider switching to Linux due to its deeper integration of artificial intelligence, increased monetization strategies, and higher hardware requirements. Microsoft has indicated a shift towards an AI-centric operating system, which could alienate users who prefer a stable desktop experience. As Windows 10 nears the end of its support in 2025, users face the choice of paying for Extended Security Updates, upgrading to Windows 12, or exploring alternatives like Linux, which has reached a 4% global market share in 2024. Recent developments in Windows 11, such as the introduction of ads and telemetry, have caused dissatisfaction among users, while Linux distributions remain ad-free and focus on security and functionality. Windows 11's new hardware requirements may leave many older PCs behind, whereas Linux is compatible with less powerful hardware. The Linux desktop has matured, with improved app distribution and gaming capabilities, and offers extensive support options. If Windows 12 emphasizes AI, advertising, and hardware restrictions, it could lead to a significant migration towards Linux as users seek a more user-friendly and controllable operating system.

Winsage

March 2, 2026

Windows 11 tops market share as 10 faces extended farewell

Recent data from Statcounter indicates that Windows 11 has a market share of 72.57 percent, while Windows 10 holds 26.45 percent. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 has surpassed one billion users. Statcounter's data is collected from over 1.5 million websites and may be subject to revision. Microsoft will discontinue support for many versions of Windows 10 in October 2025, leading some organizations to consider Extended Security Updates (ESU), which can incur additional costs. Windows Server 2016 has a 20.3 percent share among monitored servers, and Windows 10 2016 LTSB accounts for 0.5 percent of Windows devices, making up 19.8 percent within the LTSC/LTSB category. The higher usage of LTSC/LTSB is attributed to special-purpose devices in consumer and retail sectors, which face stricter upgrade protocols.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Now $12.97 in Rare Deal

A Windows 11 Pro license is available for .97, representing a 93% discount from the standard retail price of 9. This license activates on one machine and includes features such as BitLocker full-disk encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy, and Domain join support. Windows 11 Pro also integrates Microsoft’s Copilot for AI-assisted tasks and offers workflow enhancements like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops. To qualify for Windows 11, a PC must have a compatible 64-bit CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Users upgrading from Windows 11 Home typically retain their files and applications. Caution is advised regarding the purchase source to avoid gray-market or region-locked keys. Key differences between Windows 11 Pro and Home include enhanced security and management features, making Pro suitable for users handling sensitive data or requiring remote access.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11 continues gaining traction, nears 75% market share — Windows 10 finally on the way out, some five months after Microsoft axes support

Windows 11 has an installation rate of nearly 75% on desktop PCs globally, with a market share of 72.78%, up from just over 50% in late 2025. Windows 10's installations have decreased to 26.27% from around 45% during the same period. Launched in October 2021, Windows 11 gained popularity after Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10, although its adoption faced challenges due to hardware requirements and the need for a Microsoft account. Users have sought workarounds for these limitations, but Microsoft has tightened restrictions. Some former Windows 10 users are switching to alternatives like macOS or Linux instead of upgrading to new Microsoft-promoted PCs. Windows 11 has also encountered technical issues, including a missing sign-in password icon, reduced gaming performance on certain Nvidia GPUs, and data loss due to BitLocker recovery. Microsoft has committed to addressing these issues in the near future.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Spotify Android App Draws Ire For Rigid Gestures

Spotify's Android app relies on mandatory swipe gestures that cannot be disabled, causing usability issues that conflict with Android's navigation system. This design choice has led to accidental actions, such as skipping tracks or altering playlists, particularly affecting users with motor or dexterity challenges. Research indicates that invisible gestures can lead to unintended activations, and guidelines recommend providing multiple input methods. A proposed solution is to introduce a Gestures menu for user customization, allowing users to disable or modify swipe actions. With Android's market share at around 70% and Spotify having approximately 626 million monthly active users, minimizing accidental actions could enhance user experience and provide a competitive advantage.