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Microsoft said my PC can't run Windows 11, but I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway
Winsage
January 30, 2026

Microsoft said my PC can’t run Windows 11, but I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway

Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10 in October 2022, prompting users to consider their next steps, especially those with PCs that do not meet the requirements for Windows 11. A desktop built in 2020 with an Intel Core i9-9900 CPU lacks a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, which is necessary for Windows 11 eligibility. Microsoft encouraged users to invest in new hardware rather than upgrade existing systems. However, there are workarounds available for users with compatible machines. One method involves using the third-party program Rufus to install Windows 11, which requires an empty USB thumb drive with at least 8GB of storage. The installation process includes downloading Rufus, obtaining the Windows 11 ISO, and following specific steps to bypass TPM and other requirements.
Microsoft’s 2026 end-of-support wave includes Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021, and more
Winsage
January 1, 2026

Microsoft’s 2026 end-of-support wave includes Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021, and more

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 24H2 on October 4, 2026. Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise support ends on November 10, 2026. Office 2021 support will conclude on October 13, 2026. Upgrading from Office 2021 to Office 2024 will require purchasing a new license. The following products will also lose support in 2026: .NET 9 (November 10), .NET 8 (November 10), PowerShell 7.4 (November 10), and Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 (October 13).
"Emergency Windows Update Declared a ‘Total Disaster’—Is Your PC at Risk?"
Winsage
October 26, 2025

“Emergency Windows Update Declared a ‘Total Disaster’—Is Your PC at Risk?”

A new Windows 11 update, KB5066835, is causing significant issues by breaking localhost connections, preventing locally hosted apps from communicating with the network. Users are experiencing installation failures and problems with peripherals and accessories. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is rolling out an emergency patch, which may take over 48 hours to reach affected PCs. The update disrupts the kernel-mode HTTP server (HTTP.sys), leading to connection failures for apps trying to access localhost. Additionally, the update renders the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) unusable, as mice and keyboards do not function within it. Users attempting to reinstall the patch or upgrade to newer builds have reported inconsistent results, with fresh installs of Windows 11 24H2 not experiencing the same issues. Caution is advised against attempting unofficial fixes, as they may destabilize the system. Windows 10 users should ensure their systems are updated with the final security patches or consider purchasing Extended Security Updates for continued support.
Windows 11 bug that stopped some Intel PCs from getting the 24H2 update is fixed – but it took a whole year
Winsage
September 29, 2025

Windows 11 bug that stopped some Intel PCs from getting the 24H2 update is fixed – but it took a whole year

A bug related to Intel audio drivers affecting Windows 11 users has been resolved after nearly a year. The issue impacted PCs with Intel's 11th-generation processors, specifically those using Intel's Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake chips, preventing upgrades to Windows 11 version 24H2. The problem stemmed from a compatibility hold due to issues with the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver. The resolution was marked complete on September 26, 2025. Affected users are advised to download and install Intel SST driver version 10.30.00.5714 or later, or version 10.29.00.5714 if unsure of their Windows version. The driver should be available in Windows Update. If not, users may need to contact their PC manufacturer for assistance. Intel's Rocket Lake processors are estimated to power about 10% to 15% of Windows PCs.
PostgreSQL 18 adds asynchronous I/O to improve performance
Tech Optimizer
September 25, 2025

PostgreSQL 18 adds asynchronous I/O to improve performance

PostgreSQL 18 introduces several enhancements, including: - Asynchronous I/O for concurrent processing of multiple I/O requests, improving throughput by up to 3x. - Retention of planner statistics through major version upgrades for smoother transitions and quicker performance optimization. - PG_UNICODE_FAST collation for improved text processing and accuracy in case transformations, along with support for LIKE comparisons using nondeterministic collations. - New developer features such as virtual generated columns, temporal constraints for PRIMARY KEY and UNIQUE constraints, and the ability to create foreign table schemas mirroring local table definitions. - Performance optimizations including skip scan lookups on multicolumn B-tree indexes, indexing improvements for OR conditions in WHERE clauses, and better planning and execution of table joins. - Support for hardware acceleration with ARM NEON and SVE CPU intrinsics for the popcount function. - Additional updates include support for OAuth 2.0, enhanced logging for logical replication write conflicts, and proactive freezing of pages during vacuum processes.
Looming end of Windows 10 support a challenge to stragglers
Winsage
September 15, 2025

Looming end of Windows 10 support a challenge to stragglers

Microsoft will conclude most support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ending software updates, technical assistance, and security patches. An Extended Security Updates program was introduced in July, allowing select users to extend security updates for an additional year at a cost. A December 2023 report indicated that 47% of accountants still rely on Windows 10. Many CPA firms have not upgraded their systems, with some operating on machines over five years old. Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, including a neural processing unit (NPU) and a trusted platform module (TPM), which older devices may not meet. Delayed upgrades could lead to rising hardware costs due to supply chain disruptions and tariffs. Firms face uncertainty regarding the potential release of Windows 12, which may influence their decision to upgrade now or wait. Some firms have successfully transitioned to Windows 11, while others are advised to seek external assistance for the upgrade process.
Still stuck on Windows 10? Microsoft reveals the reasons why you can’t upgrade to Windows 11, and how to fix them
Winsage
August 5, 2025

Still stuck on Windows 10? Microsoft reveals the reasons why you can’t upgrade to Windows 11, and how to fix them

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been challenging for many users due to Microsoft's strict requirements, including the necessity of a TPM 2.0 chip and other high system specifications. Microsoft has introduced a pop-up notification and a support article to assist users with the upgrade process. Steps for upgrading include checking for updates in Settings, using laptop companion applications for BIOS updates, and searching for driver updates from manufacturers' websites. It is technically possible to install Windows 11 on systems that do not meet the official requirements, but users are advised to proceed with caution due to potential compatibility issues. Microsoft has acknowledged the lack of clear guidance regarding end-of-life notifications and is now providing support initiatives to help users transition to Windows 11.
Flyby11 Lets You Install Windows 11 on Older Windows 10 PCs
Winsage
July 25, 2025

Flyby11 Lets You Install Windows 11 on Older Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.
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