Surface Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC Will Lose Security Updates Soon — Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users of older computers without security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program to extend protection until October 2026 by installing the free update KB5063709. The ESU program offers two payment methods: 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for local accounts or a payment option for up to ten PCs under a single Microsoft account. This program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. For alternatives, various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are available for older machines, as well as ChromeOS Flex for a browser-based experience. Users can also access Windows 11 through cloud services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which requires a reliable internet connection and subscription costs. Microsoft 365 applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices for three more years. The approaching end of Windows 10 support may prompt users with aging devices to consider upgrading to new computers that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering better performance, security features, and longer battery life.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

The best way to wait for Battlefield 6 is to finally play Battlefield 5, an underappreciated gem

Last week, the author and their friends revisited previous Battlefield titles while waiting for the release of Battlefield 6, particularly enjoying Battlefield 5. Released in 2018, Battlefield 5 received a warm reception from PC Gamer but struggled to gain popularity due to competition from battle royales and the controversy surrounding loot boxes in Battlefront 2. The game features a class system with defined roles and some flexibility, allowing for varied gameplay experiences. The Support class, while less exciting in terms of gadgets, offers powerful heavy machine guns that can dominate zones when mounted. Battlefield 5's final major update in 2019 introduced new Pacific theatre maps, enhancing the gameplay experience with a mix of infantry and vehicle combat. The game also included a server browser for easy access to specific maps and game modes, which was the last in the series to feature this system. There is anticipation for the upcoming "Portal browser" in Battlefield 6 to provide a similar experience.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

The OnePlus Pad 3: The OnePlus Laptop Hiding Inside A Tablet

The OnePlus Pad 3 features a sleek design with a 13.2-inch display and eight speakers, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It includes a full-sized keyboard and a wide kickstand, enhancing its usability for productivity tasks. Users can access Google Docs through the Chrome browser, which offers a more comprehensive experience compared to the Android app. While Android has improved support for tablet apps, some applications, like Reddit, still face compatibility issues. The Pad 3's larger screen encourages web usage and facilitates multitasking. Overall, it resembles a laptop in functionality and design, despite some ergonomic challenges.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Surface Pro 12-inch vs iPad Air? Sales just tipped the scales.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 12-inch is currently available at its lowest price ever, with a discount of 0, bringing the price down to 9. The accompanying keyboard is also discounted for the first time, priced at 7.12. The Surface Pro 12-inch received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 in a review, praised for its fanless design, performance, and 90Hz display. It is designed to be compact and portable, making it suitable for students and professionals. The Surface Pro 12-inch shares design similarities with the iPad Air, featuring a boxy chassis and rounded display corners. The Surface Pro 12-inch is priced at 6.11, which is lower than the retail price of the 13-inch iPad Air with an M3 processor, while the iPad Air can be found discounted to as low as 9. The Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air costs 9, which is significantly more than the Surface Pro 12-inch keyboard.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Windows is putting all your game launchers on the Xbox app to create a central hub for PC and handheld gamers

Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox app for PC gamers by introducing a feature called “My apps,” which consolidates various launchers and gaming tools into a single interface. This feature allows gamers to manage applications like Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, Chrome, and GOG Galaxy from the Xbox app. It is particularly beneficial for handheld gaming PCs, enabling access to all launchers in full-screen mode while minimizing background activity for improved gameplay. Currently, “My apps” is in testing with a limited selection of applications, and initial tests show that the Xbox app can open installed launchers or facilitate their installation without exiting the interface. Microsoft plans to expand support for more applications over time, aiming to make the Xbox app a central hub for PC gaming. The Xbox ROG Ally and Xbox ROG Ally X are set to launch on October 16, with pre-orders expected in September.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

IGEL benefits from seismic VMware and Windows 10 shifts

IGEL Technology, founded in 2001, initially specialized in thin clients but has shifted towards software solutions that protect endpoints with a read-only operating system, reducing the attack surface by up to 95 percent. Each endpoint operates statelessly, retaining no memory of past interactions, and is managed through a unified portal that integrates with various vendors like Zscaler and CrowdStrike. IGEL's solutions allow for the integration of endpoints in operational technology environments without introducing additional security vulnerabilities, effectively replacing EDR systems with over 120 integrations. The company aims to extend the lifespan of endpoints from 3-5 years to 6-8 years, providing significant cost savings and addressing the challenges posed by the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. IGEL's approach enhances security while offering flexibility in application delivery options, although it does not eliminate all cyber threats.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Linux Fu: Windows Virtualization The Hard(ware) Way

The Linux community faces challenges when certain applications are only available on Windows, despite solutions like Wine and virtual machines. A new approach using hardware instead of virtualization has emerged. The author received a Surface Laptop 2 that was non-functional until the keyboard was removed, revealing it was operational. While transitioning Windows installations from VirtualBox to KVM, the author discovered WinApps, a script that allows Windows applications to run on a Linux desktop via a virtual machine. However, this setup caused performance issues due to constant disk activity. The author experimented with connecting WinApps to a physical Windows machine on the network, successfully running Windows software directly on their desktop. The setup required executing an installation script on the Windows machine and making registry changes to enable RDP applications. Minor hurdles included compatibility issues with a dual-monitor setup and user permission bugs. Ultimately, Microsoft Word ran smoothly on the author's KDE desktop, demonstrating the potential for utilizing older computers for occasional tasks.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

If Windows 12 is anything like this concept, I’d switch from Windows 11 (or 10) in a heartbeat

A new concept video titled 'Windows 12.2' has been created by YouTuber 'AR 4789', showcasing a refined vision for Microsoft's operating system. The video features a clean interface inspired by Apple's Liquid Glass and includes elements like the Aero transparency effect from Windows Vista. It presents nostalgic features such as a Windows 7 theme and various customizable taskbar options. However, the likelihood of Microsoft adopting these ideas is uncertain, especially given the mixed reception of Windows 11. Observers suggest that any future iteration will need to represent significant advancements rather than incremental updates. Microsoft may focus on maintaining Windows 11 with annual updates while investing in a more AI-centric operating system.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends Soon. Here Are Your Best Options if You Can’t Upgrade

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive bug fixes, technical support, or security updates. Extended security updates (ESU) will be available for a fee, primarily aimed at businesses and educational institutions, with a consumer version available for one year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Microsoft suggests cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for those unable to upgrade their devices. Some users are opting for third-party security software, such as the 0patch agent, to address security risks associated with using Windows 10 post-support. There are methods to bypass Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checks using tools like Rufus or Registry Editor modifications.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Kirsten Dunst wants to join Minecraft movie sequel after box office success

Kirsten Dunst expressed her enthusiasm for potentially participating in a sequel to 'A Minecraft Movie,' influenced by her children's interest in the original film and her desire for financial success. Director Jared Hess is also excited about the sequel, noting that the first film only explored a small part of the game's expansive universe. The original film's end credits hinted at the introduction of a character named Alex, voiced by Kate McKinnon, leading to speculation about Dunst possibly taking on that role. Dunst's recent film 'Civil War' (2024) grossed over 7 million globally, while her highest-grossing film remains 'Spider-Man 3' (2007), which earned 2 million worldwide.