system requirements Archives

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft’s “last-minute snooze button” for Windows 10 is here —sort of

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring Windows 10 over Windows 11 due to design flaws and strict system requirements. The public interest group PIRG has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider, warning of increased electronic waste. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support, with a cost structure that has changed to a flat fee for up to 10 devices and requires a Microsoft Account for payment. Users can also use Microsoft Reward points to cover costs or synchronize settings with the cloud for free updates. The enrollment process for the ESU program began in July, but many users have not yet accessed it. The 'Enroll' button for the program is gradually rolling out, with speculation that it may be widely available around September 9, 2025. Organizations have criticized the ESU program as inadequate for the over 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project argues that Microsoft's approach is a temporary fix that undermines sustainability efforts. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux as an alternative. Microsoft is encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through notifications.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Windows 95 XNUMXth Anniversary: The Start Menu That Changed the World | mashdigi – Technology, New Products, Fun Facts, Trends

In August 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, which sold over one million units within four days. It introduced a user-friendly interface with the Start Menu, long file names, plug-and-play capabilities, and a 32-bit multitasking architecture. The minimum hardware requirements were an Intel 386 DX processor, 4MB of RAM, and a VGA graphics card, with a launch price of approximately . Windows 95 significantly impacted gaming and internet access, leading many developers to release compatible titles. Its design principles, such as the Start Menu and multitasking, continue to influence modern operating systems like Windows 11.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 10 Hit by Severe Lag After Microsoft’s August 2025 Update

Windows 11 Version 24H2, also known as the 2024 Update, is being rolled out to users via Windows Update. Eligible devices can check for the update in Settings > Windows Update. Devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 will receive the update automatically, with options to schedule or postpone restarts. Copilot+ PCs will receive new AI features through the Windows Insider program, with availability varying by hardware and region. Users can seek help with update issues via the Get Help app or Microsoft support website. Known issues include: 1. NDI streaming performance degradation with OBS and NDI Tools (Confirmed). 2. WSUS installation failure for the August 2025 security update (Resolved). 3. WUSA installs failing from shared folders (Mitigated). 4. CertificateServicesClient error events (Confirmed). 5. Missing parental consent prompt for non-Edge browsers (Mitigated). 6. Easy Anti-Cheat causing blue screens (Resolved). 7. Incompatibility with sprotect.sys driver (Confirmed). 8. Dirac Audio devices losing audio output (Confirmed). 9. Camera use hanging apps on select devices (Confirmed). 10. Intel Smart Sound Technology driver causing blue screens (Confirmed). Workarounds and fixes are suggested for several issues, including switching NDI Receive Mode and copying .msu files locally for installation. Devices with certain drivers are blocked from receiving the update until compatibility issues are resolved.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 95 release was 30 years ago today, the first time software was a pop culture smash

Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the public three decades ago, marking a significant moment in tech history with a midnight launch event that attracted large crowds. The operating system combined Microsoft’s DOS and Windows products, introducing a new user interface featuring the Start Button. The official system requirements included an Intel 386DX processor, 4MB of RAM, a VGA display, and 55MB of hard drive space, with recommended specifications for enhanced features being a 486 or better CPU and 8MB of RAM. Windows 95 was packaged in a box with 13 to 15 floppy disks, and consumers could purchase a full installation or an upgrade from Windows 3.1, with a CD version also available. The launch price was , which is approximately 0 today, and on its first day, it generated million in sales, with one million copies shipped by the fourth day. By its one-year anniversary, Microsoft had shipped 40 million units globally. Windows 95 also influenced gaming, with 10 of the 11 top PC game publishers adopting it, and it coincided with the rise of web browsers optimized for the platform.

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.

BetaBeacon

August 21, 2025

Google’s silence on the Pixel 10 GPU is concerning for gamers

Google has not provided much information about the graphics processing unit (GPU) of the Pixel 10, raising concerns that it may not have an improved GPU or that its graphics hardware could be worse than the Pixel 9. This lack of transparency is worrying for consumers, especially for mobile gamers who may face compatibility issues with demanding games.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

You Don’t Need Much to Play Ninja Gaiden 4 on PC

Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to launch on October 21, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series S|X, and PS5. The minimum system requirements include a resolution of 1080p at 30 FPS, with an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3400G CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 590 GPU. The recommended requirements also target 1080p but at 60 FPS, with an Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU. Both configurations require Windows 10/11 (64-Bit) and 100 GB of storage. The game will include FSR and is expected to support DLSS. Pre-orders are available on all platforms.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Microsoft customer calls out company policy that will render thousands of devices useless: ‘Disgusting’

A computer user expressed concern on Reddit about Microsoft's Windows 11 system requirements, which may render many operational computers ineligible for security updates. The user highlighted their mother's eight-year-old Dell laptop, which, despite functioning well for basic tasks, will not meet the criteria for Windows 11 after Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that updating operating systems and hardware is essential to combat increasing security threats, as outdated software can lead to cyberattacks. The issue of forced obsolescence raises concerns about e-waste, as functional computers may be discarded due to incompatibility with new software, leading to environmental pollution and financial burdens for seniors and small businesses. Microsoft has defended its Windows 11 requirements as necessary for security, while also offering Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 at an additional cost. Communities are resisting forced obsolescence by using Linux on older machines and promoting responsible recycling initiatives. Refurbished computers are also being highlighted as a cost-effective alternative to reduce waste.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Battlefield 6 Open Beta: How to Play This Weekend and What’s New

EA and DICE are set to launch Battlefield 6 on October 10, featuring a storyline involving NATO and a private military organization called Pax Armata. An open beta weekend runs through August 17, available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. To participate, players must link their EA account to their platform account and download the beta client. Minimum System Requirements for PC: - OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) - CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i5-8400 - Memory: 16GB RAM - GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6GB or Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 - Storage: 55GB available space Recommended System Requirements for PC: - OS: Windows 11 (64-bit) - CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or Intel Core i7-10700 - Memory: 16GB RAM - GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT or Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti - Storage: 80GB available space During the first beta weekend, players experienced maps including central Cairo, Tajikistan, and Gibraltar. The second weekend will introduce a new map, Empire State, set in Brooklyn, and feature at least seven game modes: Conquest, Closed Weapon Conquest, Breakthrough, Domination, King of the Hill, Rush, and Squad Deathmatch. Additional modes may be revealed, and players can earn rewards through challenges to redeem upon the game's full release.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Still Running Windows 10 and Can’t Upgrade? Here Are Your Top Options

Beginning October 14, Microsoft will stop broad support for Windows 10, meaning users will lose access to free updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, though not all devices may support it. Microsoft will offer a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing users to access critical security updates for a fee. Alternatives to Windows include various Linux distributions and Google ChromeOS Flex. Users can also consider cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for access to Windows 11. Some users are opting for third-party security software to mitigate risks associated with using Windows 10 after the support deadline. There are methods to bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker, allowing installation on unsupported devices.