Transition to Windows 11 Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Windows 11 Pro plus 10 hours of training is $20 through June 14

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from an MSRP of 9. Users can also access the Essential Windows 11 Pro Course, which includes 150 lectures and 10 hours of content covering productivity features, Microsoft 365 applications, desktop customization, cloud storage management, keyboard shortcuts, troubleshooting, and privacy settings. The offer is valid until June 14.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

Build 2026: Microsoft Optimizes Windows 11 for Developers

Microsoft unveiled a series of enhancements for developers at Build 2026, aiming to retain its existing developer base and attract new ones to Windows 11. Key offerings include: - Windows Developer Configuration: A feature that creates a distraction-free environment for software development, now generally available. - Windows Developer Skills: Introduction of WinApp CLI with AI agents for creating native Windows applications, also generally available. - Terminal Improvements: An experimental preview of an Intelligent Terminal mode that features a dual-pane display. - Enhanced Linux Capabilities: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) will support containers in public preview and has native support for Coreutils, now generally available. - Agentic Capabilities: Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) SDK in early preview, allowing resource specification for agents, with integration for security protections. - On-device AI: Introduction of Aion 1.0 Instruct and Aion 1.0 Plan for local AI tasks, with a preview available through Edge Insider channels and an open-source model expected in July. - Surface RTX Dev Box: A desk-based datacenter focused on AI capabilities set to launch later this year.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

“We are not ready to move” as HP’s Windows 10 holdouts highlight Microsoft’s upgrade struggle

30% of HP's installed user base is still operating on Windows 10, which leaves approximately 400 million PCs vulnerable as they do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. The proportion of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025. HP's revenue rose by 9% year-on-year, reaching .41 billion, with the transition to Windows 11 providing a financial advantage for the company. Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing enrollment for free or through Microsoft Reward points, with access later made free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet cloud backup requirements. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 forces functional PCs into premature retirement due to hardware requirements for Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group has raised concerns about the impact of discontinuing Windows 10 support on older devices and is promoting Linux as an alternative. Microsoft has been encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through ads highlighting performance advantages.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

HP’s Windows 10 holdouts show just how hard Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade push really is

HP reported that 30% of its installed user base is still using Windows 10, which will lose support on October 14, 2025, leaving around 400 million PCs vulnerable. Many of these PCs do not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. The percentage of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025, when nearly half of HP and Dell's PCs were still running the older system. Microsoft introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to enroll for free or through a payment option, but later made access free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet the cloud backup requirement. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 exemplifies programmed obsolescence, potentially forcing many functioning PCs into retirement. Initiatives like End of 10 are encouraging users to consider transitioning to Linux, highlighting its lack of advertisements and telemetry tracking. Microsoft has attempted to persuade users to upgrade to Windows 11 through ads and claims of improved performance. It is unclear if Windows 10 users have enrolled in the ESU program or are operating without security updates.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Microsoft admits modern Windows 11 apps actually resize worse than the old ones, fix coming this summer

Microsoft is working on a solution to address the black tearing issue during window resizing in WinUI 3 applications on Windows 11, with a rollout expected to begin this summer. March Rogers, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Design, confirmed that the Windows team is testing smooth resizing code on native inbox applications before extending the update to the Windows App SDK. The transition to WinUI 3 aims to replace inefficient web applications and improve user experience, with significant components like the Start menu and system-level dialog boxes being upgraded to WinUI 3. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Windows App SDK 2.0 to encourage third-party developers to adopt native app development, addressing previous issues such as bugs and lack of visual features.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

Microsoft admits modern Windows 11 apps actually resize worse than the old ones, fix coming this summer

Microsoft is working to improve the user experience of WinUI 3 applications by addressing the issue of black tearing during window resizing. A fix is planned to be rolled out over the summer, as confirmed by March Rogers, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Design. Currently, WinUI 3 apps exhibit noticeable tearing during resizing, unlike UWP applications that resize smoothly. The Windows team is testing the smooth resizing code on native inbox apps before its broader rollout. Additionally, Microsoft is transitioning away from web-based architectures to enhance native app development, with plans to migrate the Windows 11 Start menu and system-level dialog boxes to WinUI 3. The company aims to rebuild trust with third-party developers through the Windows App SDK 2.0, which introduces new features and simplifies the development process for native applications.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Three in ten HP customers still clinging to Windows 10

HP estimates that approximately 30% of its PC customers are still using Windows 10, which exited standard support in October. Ketan Patel, HP's president of personal systems, noted that the slow transition to Windows 11 is providing a financial tailwind for the company. HP's CFO, Karen Parkhill, mentioned that the Windows 11 refresh in EMEA and APJ markets is now on par with North America. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 for business customers on October 14, 2025, but will offer security updates for those who pay for extended support. Gartner forecasts a modest 6.1% increase in device spending in 2026. Approximately 400 million systems cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. European campaigners have called for EU intervention regarding the Windows 11 upgrade, citing vendor-imposed software cutoffs. Microsoft is offering extended support for Windows 10 in the European Economic Area without conditions after the October deadline. HP's revenue grew by 9% year-on-year, reaching .41 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, and net profit increased to million from million the previous year.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Windows in Transition: From Tool to Entry Point into the Microsoft Ecosystem

Windows 7 was launched in 2009 and was known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. Windows 8, released in October 2012, marked a significant shift in Microsoft's approach by prioritizing touch control and eliminating the classic Start menu, which alienated desktop users. Windows 7 introduced features like Libraries and Windows Media Center, many of which were removed or obscured in later versions. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Windows 10, launched in July 2015, reintroduced the Start menu and offered a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users. Windows 11 was launched on October 5, 2021, with stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, which excluded many existing PCs from upgrading. The evolution of Windows reflects a trend towards integrating Microsoft services and subscription models, diminishing user autonomy. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, pressuring users to transition to Windows 11 or consider alternatives.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Productivity nerds, Windows 11 Pro is $9.97 through May 18

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97 (regularly priced at 9) until May 18. Key features include Snap Layouts for multitasking, Virtual Desktops for organization, enhanced security with TPM 2.0 and BitLocker, a built-in AI assistant called Copilot, and professional-grade features like Hyper-V virtualization and Azure AD support.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s New Speed Boost Could Bring 70% Faster Load Times

Microsoft is developing an update for Windows 11 that includes a new high-performance mode called the Low Latency Profile, which improves startup times for tasks. Early testing shows app load times can be up to 40% faster and interface launches up to 70% quicker. The Low Latency Profile temporarily boosts the CPU to its maximum frequency for one to three seconds when a user opens an application or interface. It primarily benefits Microsoft applications like Edge and Outlook, and some third-party apps may also qualify. The feature operates automatically without manual activation and has minimal impact on battery life and thermal performance. This update is part of the Windows K2 project aimed at enhancing Windows 11's performance. As of the end of the previous year, approximately 1 billion computers were still using Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025, raising security concerns for users who do not transition to Windows 11.