upgrade to Windows 11 Archives

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

Start Menu Improvements Are Available for Testing on the Experimental Channel

The Start Menu enhancements have entered the Insider testing phase with build 26300.8533, introducing a revamped settings page and options to hide personal information. Insiders can choose between small or large Start menu sizes and toggle the visibility of the ‘All’, ‘Pinned’, and ‘Recent’ sections. Microsoft has released new Windows 11 preview builds across various channels, advising Insiders testing 26H1 to consider reverting to version 25H2 before June 5, 2026. Windows 11 version 26H1 will only support devices with new silicon, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 2 chips, and an upgrade to version 26H2 will not be possible. Reverting to 25H2 requires a clean installation, complicating the testing process for users.

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 28, 2026

Windows 11 can now share audio to two Bluetooth headsets at once

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called "Shared Audio" for Windows 11, allowing two Bluetooth headsets to share audio simultaneously. This feature utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio technology, enabling two users to connect their Bluetooth audio devices to a single Windows PC and enjoy the same audio stream while independently adjusting the volume. The rollout of this feature is gradual, and users may not see it immediately after installing the optional update KB5089573. Compatibility requires both the PC and connected audio devices to support audio broadcasting. Additionally, the update includes an enhancement known as the Low Latency Profile to improve performance on Windows 11 devices.

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 25, 2026

Use Tiny11 to Rescue a Computer Running Windows 10

Microsoft has ended official updates and security patches for Windows 10, raising security concerns for users. Tiny11, an unofficial and streamlined version of Windows 11, serves as an alternative for those unable to upgrade due to hardware limitations. Tiny11 reduces bloat by removing preinstalled applications but lacks regular updates and robust security protections. A valid Windows 11 license key is required to use Tiny11. Users can obtain a Tiny11 ISO by downloading it from the Internet Archive or creating their own using a script from the Tiny11 GitHub page alongside an official Windows 11 ISO. To create a bootable USB drive for installation, users need at least an 8 GB USB drive and a program like Rufus.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Give your PC a second life with this $35 Microsoft bundle

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .97, reduced from 9.99, until May 31. The bundle includes Microsoft Office Professional 2021 with eight applications, and users can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which offers enhanced search functionality, improved voice typing, snap layouts for multitasking, and advanced cybersecurity features. The savings amount to over 0, making it a cost-effective option for upgrading an aging computer.

Winsage

May 18, 2026

Switcher 2026: Minimizing the Microsoft in Windows 11 ⭐

Many users of Windows 11 seek to minimize reliance on Microsoft products while still utilizing the operating system's capabilities. This can be achieved through a thoughtful configuration of the system. Two laptops, the Surface Laptop 7 (Windows 11 Pro) and the HP OmniBook 5 (Windows 11 Home), were reset using the "Reset this PC" feature for a clean setup. A local account can be created during the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) by bypassing the online requirement. After connecting to Wi-Fi, updates were installed, and account security was enhanced by adding a password, PIN, and facial recognition. For Windows 11 Pro users, BitLocker can be enabled for disk encryption, while Windows 11 Home users may need to upgrade to Pro for this feature. Unnecessary Microsoft applications, such as OneDrive, OneNote, and Microsoft 365, were uninstalled, and the Start menu was cleaned up. Preferred applications were installed using web-based methods and the Windows Package Manager (winget). A preferred web browser was set as the default, and measures were taken to prevent Microsoft Edge from launching unexpectedly. OneDrive was uninstalled in favor of an alternative cloud storage client, and File Explorer was configured to improve usability. The Copilot key was repurposed to avoid accidental activation, and optional diagnostic data transmission was disabled to enhance privacy. Additional configurations included removing unnecessary taskbar items and adjusting power settings for a more personalized experience.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Switch to Windows 11 Pro for $10 and get serious security, speed, and focus tools

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for a limited time at a promotional price of .97, reduced from the standard retail price of 9, until May 31. The operating system features a redesigned interface for enhanced user experience, including snap layouts, virtual desktops, and rapid search tools. It offers robust security with features like BitLocker encryption, Windows Hello biometric login, and TPM 2.0 compatibility. Additionally, it includes Windows AI Copilot for task automation and idea brainstorming, making it beneficial for various users such as developers and small business owners.

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.