storage drive Archives

Winsage

May 29, 2026

New Qualcomm Chip Could Make Your Next Windows Laptop Cheaper Than A MacBook Neo

Hardware prices are increasing due to high demand for RAM and components driven by artificial intelligence growth, affecting sectors like gaming and smartphones. The Steam Deck has already seen a price rise. Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon C platform, which may allow Windows ARM laptops to be priced as low as 9, potentially making them affordable alternatives to the MacBook Neo. Acer, HP, and Lenovo are among the first manufacturers to use the Snapdragon C, with the Acer Aspire Go 15 featuring this chip. The Snapdragon C utilizes Qualcomm's Kryo CPU cores, and while specific pricing and performance details are not yet available, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is expected to have a 512 GB storage drive, 8 GB of RAM, and a 1920 x 1080 display. Actual pricing will depend on hardware configurations, and a comparison with the MacBook Neo will require performance benchmarks.

Tech Optimizer

May 6, 2026

I tested AVG antivirus. It’s proof great AV doesn’t need to be pricey

The cost of AVG Internet Security includes a single-device plan starting at a specified amount for the first year, which then increases to a higher annual fee, and a multi-device plan for up to ten devices that starts at a different amount for the first year and rises to a specified annual fee thereafter. The multi-device option allows sharing among family members. AVG Internet Security adds five features to its free antivirus: password protection, webcam safeguards, monitoring for unauthorized file access, defense against malicious website redirects, and protection against remote desktop protocol attacks. It does not include a VPN, which requires an upgrade or separate purchase. The installation process is straightforward, with a user-friendly dashboard. Users can initiate scans easily and choose from various scan types. AVG excels in real-time protection, scanning files upon access and monitoring applications for unusual behavior, including ransomware protection. As of 2025, users must set their own scheduled scans. AVG offers a secure browser during installation and a data shredder feature, though its effectiveness may vary. Customer support includes online chat, phone assistance, and comprehensive support pages. AVG Internet Security has received high marks for performance, detecting 100% of threats in controlled tests while minimally impacting system resources during regular use.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

How much RAM does your PC really need in 2026? A Windows and Mac expert’s verdict

Shopping for a new computer involves focusing on three critical components: the processor, storage drive, and RAM. For Windows machines, 16GB of RAM is the operational minimum for new consumer laptops, while 4GB is the minimum requirement for Windows 11. MacBook users can find satisfactory performance with 8GB of RAM, but Apple has set 16GB as the starting point for its new MacBook Air M4. Chromebooks can operate effectively with 8GB or less. More RAM generally improves performance, but excessive memory can lead to diminishing returns. DDR stands for "double data rate," with DDR5 being the latest standard for faster data transfer speeds. Most users find 16GB adequate, while gamers and creative professionals may need 32GB. Beyond 32GB is typically excessive unless engaged in demanding activities, where 48GB or 64GB may be warranted.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

How much RAM does your PC actually need in 2025? A Windows and Mac expert weighs in

Shopping for a new computer involves focusing on three key components: the processor, storage drive, and RAM. For Windows machines in 2025, 16GB of RAM is the operational minimum for new consumer laptops, while 8GB is sufficient for regular use on MacBooks, although the new MacBook Air M4 starts at 16GB. Chromebooks can operate effectively with 8GB or less. DDR5 is the latest standard for RAM, enhancing data transfer speeds, while DDR6 has been announced but is not yet widely implemented. Most users need 16GB of RAM, but gamers and creative professionals may require 32GB or more for demanding applications. For resource-intensive tasks, 48GB or 64GB may be necessary.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

I used DISM to create a Windows installer with all my apps, and here’s how it works

To back up a Windows 11 image, start with a fresh installation and use the Sysprep tool to generalize the system, avoiding Microsoft Store apps to prevent Sysprep failure. Prepare two external drives: one for storing the Windows image (minimum 8GB) and another bootable drive configured with Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE). Download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) and the Windows PE add-on to create the bootable USB drive. Enter Audit Mode by pressing Ctrl+Shift+F3 at the out-of-box experience screen, disable app updates, and install desired applications for the entire system. Use Sysprep to enter Out of Box Experience (OOBE), check Generalize, and select Shutdown. Boot from the Windows PE drive, use diskpart to identify drive letters, and capture the image with the DISM command. To apply the image on a new PC, create a diskpart script for partitioning and a batch script for applying the image. Boot the new PC from the Windows PE drive, run the diskpart script to create partitions, and execute the batch script to apply the image. This method is efficient for deploying consistent applications across multiple PCs.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Latest Windows update is borking storage drives for some users

Recent updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10 have caused significant stability issues linked to a bug in the Microsoft Defender update, making some solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard drives (HDDs) unreadable. The issue was first reported by a user on Twitter and affects drives that contain the Windows operating system, leading to potential system failures. The problem is particularly prevalent in the latest 24H2 versions of Windows 11 and several updates for Windows 10. It appears to be associated with certain drives using a specific NAND controller from Phison. The bug is triggered during heavy write sessions to NVMe SSDs and HDDs, especially when writing or backing up data exceeding 50 gigabytes. The range of affected drive models is unclear, and users are uncertain about potential solutions, including firmware updates.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Security Update Causes SSD/HDD Failures and Potential Data Corruption

A significant security update from Microsoft, Windows 11 24H2 (KB5063878), is causing issues for users, making SSDs and HDDs inaccessible and potentially corrupting user data. Users have reported installation failures with error code 0x80240069, and despite a hotfix, the update has led to storage drives disappearing from the Windows environment, particularly during large sequential write operations. Recovery attempts are often unsuccessful, putting user files at risk. Microsoft has not provided an official fix, and users are advised to avoid the update and ensure routine data backups. Unplugging and reconnecting the affected drive may temporarily restore visibility but does not guarantee data safety.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5733 (KB5062673) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Changes and Improvements: - File Explorer now shows people icons for work or school accounts under the “Activity” column and in the “Recommended” section, revealing Live Persona Cards from Microsoft 365 when hovered over or clicked. - The option to manage or clear Bing search history has been removed from Settings and can now be accessed directly through the Privacy dashboard. Fixes: - The Start menu crash issue has been resolved. - A fix has been implemented for taskbar preview thumbnail unresponsiveness. - The lock screen widget crash has been addressed, allowing users to add new widgets. - Multi-finger touchpad gestures have been fixed. Known Issues: - Some users may experience a rollback with a 0x80070005 error during installation. - An issue with dao360.dll causing application crashes is being addressed. - Blank icons may appear in the Start menu's “All” section after updating. - Reports of all apps being unpinned from the taskbar are under investigation. - In dark mode, low storage drive indicators may appear inaccurately. - Delays in intelligent text actions on Copilot+ PCs are noted. - Live captions may crash during live translation on Copilot+ PCs. - Connecting Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth may cause a bugcheck; users can resolve this by uninstalling a specific driver. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and features are gradually rolled out. Users should ensure that the toggle for the latest updates is turned ON to receive new features promptly. Some features may not be released beyond Windows Insiders and may change over time.

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

This Week in Crypto Games: B3’s Self-Destruct PC, Avalanche Battle Pass

B3, a layer-3 gaming protocol founded by former Coinbase employees, acquired Andromeda Insights, a gaming PC manufacturer, to control the entire gaming ecosystem. Their first product, the B3PC, features a self-destruct storage drive, hardware wallet, encryption, on-chain game support, and offline transaction capabilities. It is available for preorder with a 0 deposit and expected delivery in Q1 2026. B3's protocol supports over 80 games and launched its native token in February 2023. Avalanche introduced a free-to-mint NFT called the Avalanche Battle Pass to incentivize cross-game participation. Developed by Ava Labs and Playfull, the pass allows players to earn rewards by engaging with partnered games and supports over a dozen titles. Off the Grid has over 300,000 daily players, while MapleStory N has reached 770,000 users since its May launch. Pudgy Penguins game Pengu Clash launched on Telegram, and Avalanche's Forgotten Playland implemented in-game NFT support as part of its major update.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

Here’s why you should reinstall Windows 11 every two months – no, I’m not kidding

Windows has evolved through various versions, creating a strong connection among users. Bugs can arise from updates, driver issues, or upgrades, and it is often advised to avoid upgrades in favor of fresh installations. Corrupted registry files and mislabelled directories can lead to resource consumption by background programs. A dual-storage drive system is recommended, designating a fast drive for the OS and a slower drive for media and backups, facilitating easier reinstallation. This setup encourages robust backup practices and helps maintain system integrity. Windows Defender is highlighted as an effective antivirus solution, and preparation for installation, including having necessary drivers on a USB stick, is crucial. A proactive approach to system maintenance can enhance the Windows experience.