upgrade option Archives

Winsage

May 9, 2026

‘Faster, Free’—Google Offers Windows Users A PC Upgrade

Microsoft's Secure Boot certificates, in use since 2011, will begin to expire in June, potentially leaving many Windows 10 users without essential updates. As Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October 2025, Microsoft is offering a complimentary year of extended support, which includes new Secure Boot certificates, but users must enroll to receive these updates. For those who do not enroll, Google offers a free upgrade option to ChromeOS Flex, which allows users to repurpose old laptops into efficient machines. ChromeOS Flex is lightweight, requires less hardware power, and provides regular security updates, making it a safer alternative to unsupported Windows systems. Google has made ChromeOS Flex available on a reusable USB stick, although it is often in short supply.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2026

The best mobile antivirus software of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Bitdefender Mobile Security is currently regarded as the best mobile antivirus software, achieving a 100% detection rate for malware on Android devices according to AV-TEST's August 2025 report. The 2026 version introduces App Anomaly Detection and includes features like Scam Alert and anti-theft tools. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile offers a free version with a perfect score in AV-TEST's comparisons and features such as multi-factor authentication and a Privacy Advisor. Surfshark Antivirus, part of the Surfshark One package, scored six out of six in AV-TEST's evaluations and includes various security tools, but is only available for Android, macOS, and Windows. Avast Mobile Security is a popular free option with robust features and achieved perfect scores in protection and usability in AV-TEST's September-October 2025 report. AVG Antivirus, operating on the same engine as Avast, also detected 100% of malware in AV-TEST's March-April 2025 evaluations and includes anti-theft tools.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Improve your OS: Windows 11 Pro is only $10 now

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9.00, through a Microsoft-Verified Partner. The operating system has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from over 100,000 satisfied customers. It includes enhanced security features like BitLocker device encryption, TPM 2.0 support, and Smart App Control, as well as productivity tools such as Snap Layouts and integrated Copilot AI assistant. The license is for a single device, non-transferable, and requires a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage for installation.

Winsage

April 27, 2026

Avoid Security Gaps and Compatibility Issues With a $9.97 Windows 11 Pro Upgrade

Windows 11 Pro keys are currently available for .97, offering an economical upgrade option that enhances software compatibility and security. The operating system includes features like Snap Layouts, multiple desktops, BitLocker encryption, Smart App Control, biometric logins, and an integrated AI assistant called Copilot. These enhancements aim to improve workflow management and security for businesses handling sensitive information. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro can rejuvenate existing hardware performance, and the offer is significantly reduced from the MSRP of 9. Prices are subject to change.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Microsoft fixes bug behind Windows Server 2025 automatic upgrades

Microsoft has resolved an issue that caused unexpected upgrades from Windows Server 2019 and 2022 to Windows Server 2025. This problem was first reported in September 2024 when administrators found their servers upgraded without the necessary licenses. Initially, Microsoft attributed the issue to misconfigured third-party update management software, while developers claimed it was due to Microsoft's procedural errors regarding update release speed and classification. Microsoft confirmed the resolution of the issue and re-enabled the upgrade offer through the Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft released an out-of-band update to address complications from a previous non-security preview update and deployed emergency updates to fix sign-in disruptions across various applications. Other updates were issued to resolve Bluetooth visibility issues and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service management tool.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Microsoft’s Outlook Lite Android App Will Stop Working on May 25

Microsoft will retire its Outlook Lite Android app on May 25, 2026, following its removal from the Google Play Store on October 6, 2025. Launched in 2022 for users in emerging markets, Outlook Lite was designed for devices with 1GB of RAM and slower 2G and 3G networks, offering less storage use and better power efficiency. Microsoft is directing users to its primary Outlook mobile app, which will include an Upgrade option for Outlook Lite users. The primary app is ad-supported, with an ad-free experience available through a Microsoft 365 Personal or Home subscription.

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Microsoft to shut down Outlook Lite app on Android by May 25

Microsoft has announced the retirement of its Outlook Lite app for Android, effective May 25, 2026. After this date, Outlook Lite will no longer provide access to mailboxes, and users will need to transition to the Outlook Mobile app to access emails, calendars, and attachments. New downloads of Outlook Lite have been halted since October 2025. Microsoft is consolidating its mobile strategy around the Outlook Mobile app to enhance compliance and integration with Microsoft 365 services. Users are advised to upgrade to Outlook Mobile through the Play Store or manually download it, ensuring they sign in with the same account to restore access to their data. IT administrators do not need to take special actions but should update internal documentation to guide employees toward Outlook Mobile.

Winsage

March 19, 2026

Windows 11 is quietly testing 10 upgrades you’ll actually notice

Microsoft has introduced several enhancements to Windows 11 through its Windows Insider Program in March 2026. Key updates include: - Users can now customize the profile folder name during the initial setup process. - The debloat policy for Enterprise and Education editions has been improved, allowing administrators to remove additional apps using MSIX and APPX packages. - The Point-in-time restore feature has been updated to allow users to view and edit restore point settings and specify reserved storage for restore points. - A new enforcement policy in the kernel will no longer trust cross-signed drives by default, enhancing security by ensuring only verified drivers are trusted. - An upgrade option for Microsoft 365 Family subscribers has been added to the Accounts page, which can be disabled if desired. - The Drag Tray feature has been renamed to "Drop Tray" and relocated within the "Multitasking" settings, with improvements to the peek view. - Pen settings now include an option for the pen tail button to launch the same app as the "Copilot" key. - The Administrator Protection feature has been re-enabled, creating a temporary, isolated account for elevation requests to enhance security. - File Explorer now supports Voice Typing for renaming files. - The "Cameras" settings have been updated in the Canary Channel to include new controls for pan and tilt, along with performance improvements.

Winsage

March 13, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.8068 (KB 5079464) has been released to the Dev Channel. Key changes include: - Enhanced policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps for Windows ENT/EDU, allowing IT administrators to use a dynamic app removal list via Group Policy. - Users can now select a custom name for their user folder during the Windows setup process. - A new policy removes default trust for cross-signed drivers, allowing third-party drivers from the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) by default, initially operating in audit mode. - Point-in-time restore now includes a settings dialog for local administrators and displays available restore points. - Microsoft 365 Family subscribers can upgrade their plan directly from the Accounts page in Settings. - The Drag Tray feature has been rebranded to Drop Tray, with settings relocated. - Updates to Pen settings include a new option for the pen tail button. - Enhanced reliability for preferred display language settings and removal of an unexpected error from sfc/scannow. Updates are gradually rolled out to users who opt in through the Settings menu under Windows Update.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7859 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7859 (KB5077223) has been released to the Beta Channel, introducing new features and improvements. For Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, there is a new option to upgrade to a different 365 plan on the Accounts page in the Settings app, which can be disabled if a streamlined experience is preferred. Improvements include enhanced reliability for app icons in the system tray when the taskbar is set to autohide, resolution of an issue causing File Explorer windows and tabs to jump unexpectedly, improved reliability for sending larger files via nearby sharing, and increased reliability in configuring options in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Wheel. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2, and many features are being rolled out using Controlled Feature Rollout technology. Users can opt to receive features sooner by enabling the toggle in Settings > Windows Update. Some features may not be released beyond the Insider program and may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Localization for some features may still be in development.