Surface Pro 9

Winsage
July 15, 2025
Windows PCs come with tools to manage power consumption, notably the Power Settings Command-Line Tool (Powercfg.exe), which can generate a battery report. This report, saved as an HTML document, details battery usage, capacity, and historical data. Users can create a battery report by opening Command Prompt and entering specific commands. The report shows the design capacity and current full-charge capacity of the battery, helping track degradation over time. The battery report also includes usage data over the past three days, allowing users to analyze which activities impact battery performance. The Battery Life Estimates section provides insights into potential battery longevity based on usage patterns. Windows 11 allows users to check app-specific power consumption through Settings > System > Power & Battery. The Energy Recommendations checklist in Windows 11 offers energy-saving options and direct links to relevant settings. Users can adjust sleep and display settings according to their preferences. The Shutdown command can be executed from Command Prompt or the Run dialog box for transitioning between power states. The Battery Saver feature, now called Energy Saver in version 24H2, conserves battery life by disabling non-essential activities and can be manually activated.
Winsage
May 6, 2025
AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.
Winsage
November 14, 2024
Microsoft has released Windows 11 ISO media for Arm64 PCs, enabling clean installations on devices with Arm64 processors, including Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs. The ISOs, around 5GB in size, can be downloaded from Microsoft's website and are intended for use in virtual machines as well as direct installation on compatible hardware. Users with Snapdragon X chips can install without modifications, while those with older Snapdragon systems, like the Microsoft SQ3, must integrate drivers into the ISO before installation. This process involves obtaining drivers from the OEM, extracting and modifying the ISO using the DISM tool, and repackaging it. The release signifies a shift in Windows on Arm, enhancing performance and expanding Arm-based hardware availability.
AppWizard
November 8, 2024
Microsoft has announced the deprecation of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), initially introduced with Windows 11 in 2021 and released in 2022. The Amazon Appstore and all associated apps and games will cease to function by March 5, 2025. Users can continue to use the Amazon Appstore and Android applications until the deprecation date of March 5, 2024. The decision has led to significant backlash from users, with many expressing concerns about the lack of alternatives for popular applications on Windows and the importance of WSA for testing Android applications. Some users have chosen devices like the Surface Pro specifically for the ability to run Android apps. Microsoft has indicated that it does not derive significant revenue from WSA, making it unlikely to reverse its decision.
Winsage
November 8, 2024
Microsoft will discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) in 2025, along with the removal of the Amazon Appstore from the Microsoft Store. Many users rely on WSA for accessing Android applications not available on Windows, leading to significant disappointment among them. A post on the Feedback Hub advocating for WSA has received nearly 700 upvotes, indicating user frustration. WSA is seen as essential for both daily tasks and for developers testing Android applications. The decision to discontinue WSA is linked to the financial performance of the Microsoft Store and a lack of support from Google. Initially, WSA was only available in the United States, which limited its user base.
Winsage
October 12, 2024
Microsoft announced Windows 11 version 24H2 at its recent event, introducing new AI features for Copilot+ PCs and expanded native application support, including the Arc browser. The Browser Company confirmed that Arc is now available for installation on any ARM devices, allowing users to download it from arc.net. The latest Arc version supports ARM processors on Windows, includes fixes for tab management, and has an open beta for Arc Search on Android 12 or later. Arc is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, and optimizations for ARM devices are expected to improve performance on both new and older models, including the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 5G.
Winsage
September 18, 2024
The Windows PC landscape has been dominated by incremental updates focused on Intel CPUs, but the introduction of Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series ARM processors marks a significant change. The Surface Pro 11, which I tested in its most economical configuration, shows improved battery life and performance compared to its Intel-based predecessors. It retains a familiar design similar to the Surface Pro 9 and operates on Windows 11, providing a consistent user experience across ARM and Intel platforms. The device remains cool and quiet during intensive tasks, with a battery life exceeding 10 hours, effectively doubling that of the Intel-based Surface Pro 9. Compatibility with software is generally good, though some older applications may face challenges. The Surface Pro 11 features advanced AI capabilities, including a front-facing camera with automatic framing and eye tracking, while some anticipated AI features are still pending. The testing methodology includes both quantitative benchmarks and qualitative assessments to evaluate performance, portability, and battery life comprehensively.
Winsage
August 29, 2024
Vivaldi has released version 6.9 of its browser, optimized for Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor, making it an ARM-native browser for Windows alongside Chrome and Edge. Key improvements include optimized performance with faster load times and smoother scrolling, a full feature set including tab management and integrated tools like Vivaldi Mail and Calendar, and seamless syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and settings across devices. These enhancements are available not only on the latest Copilot+ PCs but also on older Windows on ARM devices like the Surface Pro 9 5G and Surface Pro X. Vivaldi for Windows on ARM can be downloaded from the official website.
Winsage
July 31, 2024
Adobe Illustrator has been added as a native application for Windows on ARM devices, specifically for users of Copilot+ PCs like the Surface Pro 11 or Laptop 7. This version is currently in beta and is the third native app from Adobe's Creative Cloud for Windows on ARM, following Photoshop and Lightroom. Premiere Pro is expected to be released soon. Additionally, Davinci Resolve 19 has also launched beta support for Windows on ARM. Users of older ARM devices, such as the Surface Pro 9 5G, will also experience improved performance with the new Adobe Illustrator Beta. To check if applications are running natively or through emulation, users can use the Task Manager and look at the Architecture column in the Details tab.
Winsage
July 29, 2024
The Windows PC landscape has seen little innovation recently, but the introduction of Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series of Arm-based processors marks a significant shift. The Surface Pro 11, tested in its most economical configuration, exceeded performance expectations after a week of use. It maintains a familiar design and weight similar to the Surface Pro 9, with compatibility for the Type Cover from earlier models. The device features effective thermal management, remaining cool and quiet during extended use. Battery life is a standout feature, reportedly averaging over 10 hours of active use, which is more than double that of the Intel-based Surface Pro 9. Compatibility with mainstream software is generally good, especially for web browsers and Microsoft Office, though older applications and hardware requiring specialized drivers may face challenges. Most preinstalled Microsoft applications run natively on Arm64, and many x86 applications work through the Windows on Arm emulation layer, but users may need to find Arm64 versions of certain third-party applications. Each Copilot+ PC includes a neural processing unit for enhanced AI capabilities, though some features, like the Recall function, have been postponed. The Surface Pro 11's front-facing camera offers AI-powered effects such as automatic framing and eye tracking, enhancing video calls and presentations.
Search