Surface Devices Archives

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

Save big on last-minute gifts with Microsoft Store’s Countdown Sale, featuring discounts on Surface Copilot+ PCs, Xbox and PC games, and more

The Microsoft Store is hosting a Countdown Sale with significant discounts on gaming and entertainment products, offering fast and free 2-3-day shipping and flexible payment options. Discounts include up to 50% on PC games, up to 60% on Xbox games, up to 65% on select movies and TV shows, and up to 50% on select apps. Xbox Wireless controllers are discounted until December 22. Customers purchasing the Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition will receive a bonus console wrap until January 1, 2025. Surface devices are also discounted, with offers valid until December 24. A limited-time trade-in offer provides up to 0 cash back for eligible devices until December 31. The Microsoft Store offers free extended returns, 24/7 online support, and price protection through January 31, 2025. An AI-powered Store Assistant is available to help customers find gifts.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

These are my 15 favorite features and changes that Microsoft added to Windows 11 in 2024

- Windows 11 introduced the Sudo command, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges without launching the Windows Terminal as an administrator. - An "Energy Saver" mode was added to enhance power management, combining features of the previous "Battery Saver" and "Power Mode." - Users can now modify power button actions directly from Settings without accessing the legacy Control Panel. - The date and time format in the Taskbar's System Tray has been revised to omit the AM/PM designation and the four-digit year. - Taskbar navigation has been improved, allowing users to focus on applications using their initial letters. - Users can customize mouse scrolling direction via Settings without accessing the Registry. - Windows 11 now supports Wi-Fi 7, promising speeds exceeding 40 Gbps. - A network refresh button was added to the Quick Settings flyout for easier scanning of available wireless networks. - Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) enhances gaming visuals on Copilot+ PCs by upscaling images and improving frame rates. - Windows Studio effects enhance video and audio calls with AI-driven features, now available to all Copilot+ PC users. - The context menu in File Explorer has been updated to include labels for commonly used actions. - A new archive compression wizard allows users to create Zip, TAR, and 7zip files. - The "Link to Windows" feature enables browsing and transferring files from Android devices to Windows 11 computers without a USB connection. - The "Windows Setup" interface has been revamped with a cleaner design and simplified installation process. - A customizable Copilot key option allows users to remap this key to any application from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

Exclusive report: What’s next for Surface in 2025, including a possible 11-inch mini Surface Laptop?

Surface introduced the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 in March, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors and anti-reflective screens. Microsoft later announced the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X SoCs. New iterations of the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Laptop Studio are expected, including a Surface Laptop with an Intel Lunar Lake processor and a potential new 11-inch device powered by a Snapdragon X Plus SoC. The upcoming Surface devices may include features like a card reader and 5G connectivity. Copilot+ features are anticipated to extend to the Surface Laptop Studio, requiring a neural processing unit (NPU) with 40+ TOPS. A new Surface Dock is also expected, with details yet to be revealed. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are likely to launch in the first quarter of 2025, with additional products potentially released from spring to fall.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Fed up with hearing about Windows 10 support ending next year? Bad news – Microsoft has stepped up its Windows 11 upgrade campaign

Microsoft is informing Windows 10 users that support will end in October 2025. A banner on help pages for Surface devices states, “Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025,” and notes that after this date, Microsoft will not provide free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Users are advised to consider upgrading to Windows 11. Microsoft has updated numerous support documents to include similar notifications and encourages users to visit a hub for advice on out-of-support operating systems. Alternatives for users include switching to a different operating system or opting for an additional year of paid support for Windows 10.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

These Cyber Monday Microsoft Surface deals could make me ditch my MacBook

Cyber Monday offers significant discounts on Microsoft Surface devices, making it a favorable time for upgrades. The Surface Pro tablet and Surface Laptop are highlighted as top recommendations, especially for users who prefer Windows 11 over Apple's products. The introduction of Qualcomm's Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips has revitalized the Surface line, enhancing its competitiveness against iPads and MacBook Airs. Current Cyber Monday deals include substantial savings across various retailers in the US and UK, with discounts on products ranging from electronics to appliances.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

The best Cyber Monday Surface Laptop and Surface Pro deals already available

Cyber Monday features significant deals on Microsoft Surface devices. - Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5-inch Refurbished: 0, 38% off, Intel Evo Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 18 hours battery life. - Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15-inch Refurbished: 0, 38% off, Intel Evo Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 17 hours battery life. - Microsoft Surface Pro 13-inch: ,350, 33% off, Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, includes keyboard. - Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 14.4-inch: ,282, 11% off, Intel Core i7-13800H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. The Surface Pro is a tablet with a detachable keyboard, while the Surface Laptop offers a traditional laptop experience.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

“Windows 365 Link” is Microsoft’s $349 thin client for Windows in the cloud

Microsoft is launching the Windows 365 Link in April at a price of . The device is a compact black box designed to connect to the Windows 365 cloud service, rather than operating Windows locally. It features a user-friendly interface with a single USB-A port on the front and multiple connectivity options on the rear, including one USB-C 3.2 port, two USB-A ports, a full-size DisplayPort, a full-size HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a power jack. The Windows 365 Link operates without a fan, is powered by an unspecified Intel processor, and includes 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It runs a streamlined version of Windows and supports dual 4K displays. The device includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity and is designed for efficient integration with desktop peripherals and network connections.

Winsage

September 29, 2024

Wiping a Windows laptop? Here’s the safest way to erase your personal data – for free

Individuals upgrading their technology must consider how to handle their old Windows PCs, ensuring the permanent deletion of personal files. For desktop PCs, swapping out the system drive can erase data, while laptops may require a full reset. On Windows 10, this can be done via Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and on Windows 11 via Settings > System > Recovery, selecting the Remove Everything option. Users can also utilize the Clean Disk option or perform a clean installation by deleting disk partitions. However, Microsoft warns that these methods may not meet stringent data erasure standards, leaving the possibility of data recovery by skilled individuals. For systems with solid-state drives (SSDs), manufacturers often provide Secure Erase commands through management utilities. Third-party tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard also offer wipe disk options. Users can enhance security by encrypting the system drive using Windows’ built-in encryption tools before performing a clean install. If a Microsoft account is used on a device with BitLocker Device Encryption (BDE), the system drive is likely encrypted by default. Users can check for BDE support using the System Information utility. For Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro users, the Manage BitLocker utility allows for full drive encryption. If BDE is unavailable, the command Cipher /W:C: can be used to overwrite unused disk space, though this process may take a significant amount of time.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

Windows 11’s huge annual update should hit your PC in October

Microsoft will release the Windows 11 24H2 update on September 24, 2024, initially available to managed PCs through an optional non-security preview. The broader rollout will begin with the monthly security update on October 8, 2024. Users can opt-in early for updates via the Windows Settings menu. The update includes AI functionalities, performance enhancements for laptops with AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips, support for Wi-Fi 7, and new features like Automatic Super Resolution. User interface tweaks and new AI experiences in Paint and Photos are also expected. The controversial Recall feature may be postponed, while the new Outlook web app is being preloaded on some PCs.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

What’s new with AI on Windows 11 version 24H2 (2024 Update)

Windows 11 is set to release its third feature update, version 24H2 (2024 Update), which includes various AI functionalities. Key features include: - Windows Copilot Runtime: A framework that integrates over 40 AI models for local task execution. - Windows Recall: Captures screenshots of user activity and allows searching through a "Recall" app, respecting privacy by not tracking InPrivate or Incognito modes. - Windows Studio Effects: Enhancements for webcam and microphone inputs, including Background Blur and Voice Focus. - Live Captions: Enhanced with AI for real-time transcription and translation. - Voice Clarity: Reduces background noise during conversations automatically. - Auto Super Resolution: Upscales graphics for gaming using on-device AI. - Restyle Image for Photos: Transforms photos using AI-driven styles. - Cocreator for Paint: Assists in enhancing artwork with creative suggestions. - Copilot app: Redesigned interface for AI integration, offering contextual suggestions within applications. The update began partial availability on June 18, 2024, for Copilot+ PCs, with a broader rollout expected in September or October. Some features may require new hardware.