Surface Pro Archives

Winsage

August 20, 2026

Windows 11 KB5121003 update breaks Teams and Outlook on ARM devices

Following the KB5121003 Patch Tuesday update, users on ARM64 devices like Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 are facing startup failures with Microsoft Teams and New Outlook, while traditional Win32 applications remain unaffected. Reverting to the previous update restores functionality, but recovery options have not resolved the issue. The root cause appears to be broken AppModel Runtime package states, leading to dependency issues and 0x80073CFC errors. This problem is similar to one caused by update KB5094126 earlier this year. Creating new Windows profiles offers only temporary relief, and administrators are advised to pause the deployment of KB5121003 on ARM devices until the issue is addressed.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

Microsoft quietly removes 32GB RAM recommendation for Windows 11, while it continues to sell 8GB laptops

Microsoft has changed its guidance on RAM configuration for Windows 11 users, removing articles from its Windows Learning Center that previously recommended 32GB of RAM as ideal for gamers and power users. These articles have been replaced with redirects to the homepage, and there has been no official explanation for this change. The last archived version of the deleted content was captured on March 12, 2026, with the transition to redirects noted on May 2, 2026. Despite the removal of these recommendations, Microsoft has not changed the official minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, which remains at 4GB of RAM. The company continues to release devices with only 8GB of RAM as the base configuration.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

Windows 11 will run better because of the Apple effect, says IDC

Apple's launch of the MacBook Neo has prompted Microsoft to reassess and improve Windows 11 due to user complaints about the operating system's performance and resource demands. Global PC shipments are projected to decline by 11.3% in 2026, with a significant drop of 20% expected in the fourth quarter, attributed to a memory shortage. Microsoft announced plans to reduce RAM usage in Windows 11, targeting completion by the end of 2026, which will benefit PCs with 8GB and above. Following the MacBook Neo's release, a benchmark showed that Windows machines had more RAM and storage than Apple's model, but performance issues persist, with Microsoft Word launching slower on Windows 11 compared to MacBooks. Microsoft is addressing these performance issues by replacing legacy components with the WinUI framework to reduce memory usage and enhance overall performance.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Microsoft Is Quietly Deleting 32 GB RAM Recommendation for Windows 11

Microsoft has revised its guidance on RAM specifications for new PC builds, now recommending devices with 8 GB of RAM as sufficient for running Windows 11 efficiently. The company has removed references to the previous recommendation of 32 GB of RAM from its Windows Learning Center, which had been suggested for optimal performance and gaming experiences. This change follows backlash from gamers regarding the high costs of additional memory during a DRAM shortage. Microsoft is also enhancing the memory efficiency of Windows 11, focusing on optimizing the operating system for devices with 8 GB of RAM and above.

Winsage

July 29, 2026

Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 drops by $450 for back‑to‑school

Microsoft's Surface Pro is currently available with discounts at various retailers, including a notable 21% off the model featuring the Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. The device is equipped with advanced Snapdragon X2 Plus and Snapdragon X2 Elite processors, offering over a 50% improvement in graphics performance compared to previous generations. The Surface Pro features a built-in kickstand for easy positioning and is complemented by the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, which is also on sale and compatible with the new model. The Surface Pro has seen a price increase over the past year, but current promotions provide an opportunity for buyers.

AppWizard

July 28, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: PARANORMASIGHT, Klocki, Maneater, more

Android users can find a variety of app deals today, including price drops on titles such as PARANORMASIGHT: TMC, Hexologic, Klocki, Roundguard, Ailment: Dead Standoff Premium, Maneater, and Can You Escape: The Collection. There are also ongoing pre-order promotions for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8, offering bonuses like FREE 0 credits and discounts up to 0 with trade-ins. Additionally, Microsoft’s 2026 touchscreen Surface Pro 2-in-1s are available at savings of up to 0, and there is a deal on the ASUS 16GB/256GB ExpertBook.

Winsage

July 24, 2026

“We’ve got a few more surprises coming” Microsoft talks what’s next for Surface and the people’s desire for a Surface Studio monitor in new video

Microsoft executives Pavan Davuluri and Brett Ostrum discussed the future of the Surface lineup, highlighting the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8, which feature advanced Intel and Snapdragon SoCs. They mentioned the recent unveilings of the Surface Laptop Ultra and RTX Spark, and hinted at upcoming surprises, including a potential Surface Studio monitor and Surface Mini, indicating responsiveness to consumer interest.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 is now available with a noticeable graphics bump

Microsoft has launched the Surface Pro 13-inch, integrating Snapdragon X2 processors with a 2-in-1 design, starting at 9.99. It is available in black, platinum, and dune colors. The design resembles its predecessor, the Surface Pro 11, and features enhanced performance with up to a 53% increase in graphics performance. The device offers options for LCD and OLED displays, with the OLED variant favored by creators. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is recommended for optimal use and is currently available at a discount. Early feedback indicates improved performance and battery life compared to the Surface Pro 11.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Windows 11 bloat proves too much for Microsoft’s new 8GB Surface Laptop

Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8, starting at 9, with lower-end specifications including an older Snapdragon chipset and 8GB of RAM. Reviews indicate that while these devices perform adequately for basic tasks, they struggle with more demanding activities, such as video calls on Microsoft Teams, leading to freezing and hanging issues. The device utilized approximately 6.7GB of its available 7.6GB of memory during typical usage, and even a reboot reduced memory consumption to around 4.2GB, which quickly increased with just a few Chrome tabs open. Users have expressed that 8GB of RAM is insufficient for reliable performance, despite Windows 11 having a minimum requirement of 4GB. Historically, Microsoft recommended 16GB of RAM for a seamless experience, but this recommendation has been omitted for the new 8GB devices, which are now described as suitable for everyday use. An additional 8GB is required to access Copilot+ AI features.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot certificates have expired, and Microsoft says what to do next

Microsoft held its OEM Secure Boot Office Hours event on July 15, where engineers collaborated with OEM representatives from companies like Acer, Asus, Cisco, Dell, and HP. IT administrators were able to ask live questions about the Secure Boot 2023 rollout. The discussion thread became a detailed technical record, especially following the expiration of the first certificates three weeks prior. Concerns raised by IT admins included BitLocker recovery loops, stuck confidence ratings, and unhelpful Intune error codes. Key facts include: - Devices offline for long periods will still receive the 2023 certificates upon reconnecting to Windows Update. - Devices with existing 2023 certificates in firmware will switch to the new boot manager after the latest Windows patches are installed. - A new script, Detect-SecureBootCertUpdateStatus.ps1, is available in Windows for checking certificate status. - BIOS updates may reset a device’s confidence rating to unrated, which is normal and does not indicate certificate failure. - Admins should edit the AvailableUpdates registry key, not the AvailableUpdatesPolicy, which is managed by Intune and Group Policy. - A licensing bug affecting AvailableUpdatesPolicy on devices upgraded from Pro to Enterprise was resolved by Microsoft in 2026. - BitLocker recovery is not typically linked to the certificate update process but may relate to firmware or PCR issues. - Dell and HP provided guidance on which BIOS versions include the 2023 certificates for their newer models. - Older HP EliteBook 840 G5 units require a manual update package for the new certificates. - Eligible devices can still receive the 2023 certificates in the future, and Surface devices released from 2024 onward come pre-equipped with them. - Microsoft confirmed that devices running 2011 certificates will not lose the ability to receive the 2023 chain. - The Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 and Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 certificates have expired, with the Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 set to expire on October 19, 2026.