system performance Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

I played 5 games on an RTX 5070 vs RTX 5070 Ti gaming PC — is it worth paying extra

Both the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti GPUs are being tested across five demanding PC games to evaluate their performance. The RTX 5070 is priced at £529, while the RTX 5070 Ti is priced at £729. In Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5070 achieved 17 FPS and the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 25 FPS at 4K Ultra settings without DLSS. With DLSS 4 enabled, both GPUs exceeded 100 FPS. In Forza Horizon 5, both GPUs showed similar 1% low performance. In Call of Duty Black Ops 6, the RTX 5070 showed limitations compared to the RTX 5070 Ti. Black Myth: Wukong revealed a noticeable performance gap between the two GPUs, while both performed well in Alan Wake II. The RTX 5070 Ti is recommended for multiplayer gaming, while the RTX 5070 may suffice for single-player experiences. Both GPUs offer enhanced performance for users with older hardware.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

How to restore a more classic Start menu to Windows 11

The Open-Shell-Menu utility allows users to restore the classic Start menu in Windows 11, reminiscent of Windows 7. It is lightweight and free to use, but may trigger browser warnings during installation. To install, users can run the command winget install --id Open-Shell.Open-Shell-Menu in an elevated Command Prompt. After installation, users can configure the Start menu by accessing Open-Shell Menu Settings, where they can choose from different styles, including Classic, Classic with two columns, and Windows 7 style. Users can also customize the Start button and select a skin, with the Windows Aero option recommended for a cohesive desktop experience. The utility includes features for modifying the Start menu items and reintroduces the classic bar for File Explorer. Users can disable the Classic Explorer Bar if desired.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster

Microsoft is launching a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office applications, scheduled for rollout in mid-May. This feature aims to improve loading times by introducing a background task that activates upon user logon, integrated into the Windows Task Scheduler. Users will see new tasks labeled Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon in their task scheduler. The feature requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space and will deactivate when Energy Saver mode is activated. Users can disable Startup Boost through the Office app settings, but it will reactivate with each new Office update. Additionally, Microsoft is testing ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Download BleachBit (free) for Windows, macOS and Linux

BleachBit is an open-source system cleaning tool that helps users enhance disk capacity by removing unnecessary files and improving privacy. It permanently deletes files to prevent recovery, making it suitable for users handling sensitive information. The tool offers features such as shredding unused disk space, clearing browser histories, and removing software logs. BleachBit is free to use, lightweight, and compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS (with limited functionality). It supports cleaning for multiple applications and provides command-line functionality for advanced users. Additionally, BleachBit can be run from a USB drive without installation. Alternatives to BleachBit include CCleaner, Advanced SystemCare, and DaisyDisk, each offering different functionalities and features.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Windows Update KB5053606 makes a mess!

Microsoft has released a Windows Update for Windows 10, designated as KB5053606, which has caused various issues for users. Problems reported during installation include long wait times and error messages like 0x80070020, with some users experiencing the update being installed despite disabling automatic updates. After installation, users face issues such as missing taskbar icons, reset customizations, typing lag, printer connectivity problems, compatibility issues with third-party software like Citrix, and overall reduced system performance. Some users are using Microsoft's Show and Hide Update tool to block the update, while others consider system restore as a potential fix.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Microsoft’s DirectX update could double ray tracing performance in PC games

DirectX Raytracing 1.2 is a rendering API developed by Microsoft that aims to improve ray tracing efficiency in gaming. It introduces enhancements such as opacity micromaps, which can increase performance by up to 2.3 times in path-based gaming, and shader execution reordering, which could double performance in certain scenarios. Nvidia has committed to providing driver support for this API across its GeForce RTX GPU lineup, and Microsoft is also working with AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm for compatibility. Additionally, techniques like neural block texture compression and neural supersampling are being explored to enhance real-time path tracing. A preview software development kit for DirectX Raytracing 1.2 is set to be released in April.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 10 users struggle with several problems after March update

Many Windows 10 users are experiencing issues with the KB5053606 update, including installation failures with error code 0x80070020, prolonged update processes, and automatic installations despite disabled settings. Users who successfully install the update report problems such as disappearing taskbar icons, reverted desktop customizations, and slowed system performance. In corporate settings, issues include broken user profiles and problems with the print spooler, leading to program crashes and difficulties with Citrix. Microsoft has acknowledged some issues related to Citrix and USB printers but has not provided solutions for the other problems users are facing.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

Windows 10 KB5053606 issues, install fails, printer spooler buggy and more

Windows 10 KB5053606 update, released on March 11, has caused installation issues for users, including failure to install and bypassing user-set upgrade blocks. Reports indicate that the update attempts to install automatically, leading to frustration among users. Common error messages, such as 0x80070020, have been reported, with some systems stuck on the logo screen. The update has also resulted in disappearing taskbar icons, reverted desktop personalization settings, and sluggish system performance. Additionally, printer spooler problems have been noted by system administrators after the update, causing slow loading and program crashes. There are speculations that Microsoft may be destabilizing Windows 10 to encourage users to switch to Windows 11, which has its own issues.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

New Windows 11 feature aims to help more users understand their PC’s performance

Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Windows 11 that provides users with insights into how their hardware affects overall performance. This feature, found in the 'About' section of the 'System' settings, includes a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to a user's PC specifications, such as the impact of GPU and RAM on system capabilities. While the FAQs offer basic information, they lack depth and could benefit from additional resources about hardware upgrades. The feature is currently part of an Insider Build and may evolve before its official release. Despite these efforts, many users still prefer Windows 10, as indicated by recent statistics from the Steam Hardware Survey.