Surface Devices Archives

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Windows 10: Computer recycling at the end of support

Microsoft has issued guidance advising users to consider disposing of computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, as support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The document suggests recycling old devices responsibly and mentions that Microsoft Surface devices can be sent in for recycling in certain states. The trade-in program is limited to specific countries and applies only when purchasing certain new Surface PCs. The document does not explicitly instruct customers to discard outdated devices but promotes new hardware sales. It also notes that alternatives like installing a Linux distribution on older hardware exist. The lack of security updates for unsupported systems will increase vulnerability to cyber threats.

Winsage

February 24, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: A new era for Surface

The Windows Central Podcast discusses the latest developments in Windows 11, including new features from the Dev and Beta Channels and changes in system requirements. The hosts also consider the future of Surface devices amid significant changes in Microsoft's hardware strategy. Additionally, they explore Microsoft's announcement regarding Quantum chip technology and its potential impact. The podcast mentions HP's acquisition of Humane AI and its implications for the future of artificial intelligence in the business sector.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Unblockable ads now litter Microsoft’s Windows Surface app

Microsoft's Surface app has transformed into a marketplace filled with advertisements, overshadowing its original purpose of device management. Users encounter promotional offers, including a 30% discount on an Xbox controller, prominently displayed at the bottom of the interface. Ads are integrated into the app, raising concerns about user consent, and persist even with ad blockers in Microsoft Edge. The app now resembles a shopping platform, which may dishearten users who expected a streamlined experience. This shift reflects a broader trend in Microsoft's ecosystem of frequent marketing pushes across platforms, potentially affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft’s Windows hardware enters a new era

The Surface division at Microsoft has experienced significant internal changes over the past 18 months, including the departure of Panos Panay and new leadership. This has led to a strategic refocusing of the Surface portfolio, moving away from experimental hardware designs to more conventional offerings aimed at a broader audience. The company has discontinued extravagant devices like the Surface Studio and Surface Duo, favoring products that resonate with business customers and general consumers. Last year, Microsoft introduced AI-powered Windows computers known as Copilot+ PCs, which emphasize continuity and refinement of established designs rather than radical innovations. The Copilot+ PC initiative has allowed Windows on Arm to demonstrate its viability, with Snapdragon chips competing effectively in the Windows ecosystem. Surface continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Windows ecosystem, but with a more cautious approach that prioritizes ecosystem health over creating new markets. Future form factor experimentation will likely be delegated to OEM partners, while Microsoft focuses on transitioning users to Windows 11 and promoting Copilot+ PCs. Stakeholders can expect a steady stream of sensible Surface devices and incremental updates in the near future.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

You Should Install This Windows Security Patch Right Away

Microsoft's February 2025 Patch Tuesday security update addresses 55 security vulnerabilities across the Windows platform, including: - 22 remote code execution vulnerabilities - 19 elevation of privilege vulnerabilities - 9 denial of service vulnerabilities - 3 spoofing vulnerabilities - 2 security feature bypass vulnerabilities - 1 information disclosure vulnerability Among these, four vulnerabilities are classified as critical zero-day vulnerabilities, with two requiring immediate attention. 1. CVE-2025-21194: A security feature bypass vulnerability related to Microsoft Surface devices, potentially allowing unauthorized access to Windows virtual machines. 2. CVE-2025-21377: An NTLM hash disclosure spoofing vulnerability that could allow attackers to retrieve plain-text passwords by interacting with a malicious file. The other two zero-day vulnerabilities confirmed to be actively exploited are: 1. CVE-2025-21391: A Windows storage elevation of privilege vulnerability that enables deletion of targeted files on a user's computer. 2. CVE-2025-21418: A vulnerability that allows attackers to gain elevated system privileges within Windows. Users are advised to install the patch promptly to protect their systems.

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.