Transitioning Archives

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Google Play Store is making the move to your Pixel 10 a bit less chaotic

The Google Play Store has introduced a new feature that organizes app downloads by categorizing restored applications into a section labeled “From previous device.” This allows users to distinguish between restored apps and those requiring updates, improving the setup experience when transitioning to a new device. The feature is part of a broader update to the Play Store interface and is designed to benefit all Android users.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Windows 11 is finally fixing poor sound quality with Bluetooth headphones – and PC gamers will be particularly happy

Microsoft is transitioning from Bluetooth Classic Audio to Bluetooth LE Audio for Bluetooth headphone users on Windows 11, enhancing sound quality and microphone use, particularly for gamers. Both the PC and headphones must support the specific LE Audio standard, and users can check compatibility through a Microsoft support document. Users need to run the latest Windows 11 version (24H2 update) and have a compatible Bluetooth audio driver. Many existing PC models will receive driver updates later this year. Most new laptops launched by late 2025 are expected to have this Bluetooth sound capability integrated.

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.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

PC Gamers Rejoice, Windows 11 Gets Super Wideband Stereo For High-Quality Bluetooth Audio

Microsoft is transitioning from Bluetooth Classic Audio profiles to Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio profiles in Windows 11, enhancing the wireless audio experience for gamers and users of video and voice calls. The new profiles will improve audio compression, fidelity, and sample rates, preserving treble frequencies and eliminating issues with audio quality during gameplay. Spatial audio will also be integrated into videoconferencing applications, allowing users to perceive voices as coming from their respective video positions. This upgraded audio experience is available for users on the latest version of Windows 11 (24H2), provided their PC and Bluetooth headset support LE Audio.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Windows 10 support shutdown offers window of opportunity for a Linux OS developed in Dublin

Windows 10 support will end in October, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats, and many older laptops may not meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, prompting the need for new laptops. Zorin OS, created by the Zorin brothers, is a user-friendly Linux-based operating system that has garnered over 10 million downloads and is preparing for its 18th release. The Zorin brothers emphasize their commitment to user feedback and community collaboration, contrasting their approach with that of major tech companies. The "End of 10" campaign promotes Linux as a viable alternative to costly Windows upgrades, encouraging users to retain existing hardware while adopting new software for cost savings and enhanced privacy. Zorin OS is noted for its intuitive interface and compatibility with popular applications accessible via web browsers, making it a practical choice for users seeking to maintain security and performance on older laptops.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows Backup for Organizations

Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool aimed at IT administrators to manage device resets and migrations from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool focuses on preserving Windows settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps, rather than serving as a comprehensive backup solution. Backups can be initiated from supported versions of Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (22H2 and later), with restoration limited to Windows 11 (22H2 and beyond). Only fully Entra-joined devices can restore settings and apps directly to the Start Menu. The backup policy can be enabled through mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy and is opt-in by default. A scheduled task runs every eight days for backups. The Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) will be used for system restoration, but alternative restoration methods are not supported. The tool does not back up user files, and backup data is stored within the enterprise's tenant without support for cross-tenant migration or Cloud PCs.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Microsoft warns OneNote for Windows 10 support is ending soon – so plan your upgrade now

Microsoft will end support for OneNote for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, transitioning it to read-only status. Users will be able to view notes but not edit or sync them. Microsoft is introducing a new OneNote app designed for Windows, which includes modern features and will receive ongoing updates. Users can migrate their notes to the new app using an in-app migration tool. The new OneNote app is available for free from the Microsoft Store, requiring a login with a work, school, or personal account. Microsoft has specific migration procedures for Enterprise and Education customers and plans to enhance OneNote with features powered by Copilot technology. Windows 11 adoption has surpassed Windows 10, prompting users to migrate to the new OneNote app to avoid disruptions.

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 25, 2025

Windows 10’s latest update adds big nag screens for Windows 11 for some people

Users of Windows 10 must decide whether to extend support, switch to an alternative operating system, or upgrade to Windows 11, as support for Windows 10 ends on October 14th. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through a full-screen prompt introduced in the August update, which continues to appear even if users choose to stay on Windows 10. The company aims to create urgency for upgrading as the deadline approaches.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

Microsoft slowly rolls out a button allowing Windows 10 users to refuse Windows 11

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that allows individual users to pay for continued security updates. A new feature will soon appear in the Windows Update section of the Settings menu to facilitate enrollment in the ESU program, which will be accessible to all users before the end-of-life date. Users can still enroll in the ESU program for a year after the support ends, even if they see the enrollment button after the deadline. Standard users will need to pay annually for these updates, but there are alternatives to access ESU, such as syncing settings to OneDrive or using Microsoft Rewards points.