upgrading Archives

Winsage

March 3, 2026

This third‑party Windows 11 app fixes one of its most annoying UX problems

The Files app has been updated to version 4.0.28, featuring an improved right-click context menu, bug fixes, support for the Microsoft Store version of Dropbox, icon customization for URL and shortcut files, and an option to disable smooth scrolling. The update resolves several issues, including problems with the 'Open With' menu, tab switching, and tag searches. The development team is focused on performance improvements, particularly for thumbnail loading times. Microsoft has plans to enhance Windows 11 and address user pain points related to File Explorer.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Now $12.97 in Rare Deal

A Windows 11 Pro license is available for .97, representing a 93% discount from the standard retail price of 9. This license activates on one machine and includes features such as BitLocker full-disk encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V virtualization, Remote Desktop host, Group Policy, and Domain join support. Windows 11 Pro also integrates Microsoft’s Copilot for AI-assisted tasks and offers workflow enhancements like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops. To qualify for Windows 11, a PC must have a compatible 64-bit CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Users upgrading from Windows 11 Home typically retain their files and applications. Caution is advised regarding the purchase source to avoid gray-market or region-locked keys. Key differences between Windows 11 Pro and Home include enhanced security and management features, making Pro suitable for users handling sensitive data or requiring remote access.

Winsage

March 1, 2026

Windows 11 continues gaining traction, nears 75% market share — Windows 10 finally on the way out, some five months after Microsoft axes support

Windows 11 has an installation rate of nearly 75% on desktop PCs globally, with a market share of 72.78%, up from just over 50% in late 2025. Windows 10's installations have decreased to 26.27% from around 45% during the same period. Launched in October 2021, Windows 11 gained popularity after Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10, although its adoption faced challenges due to hardware requirements and the need for a Microsoft account. Users have sought workarounds for these limitations, but Microsoft has tightened restrictions. Some former Windows 10 users are switching to alternatives like macOS or Linux instead of upgrading to new Microsoft-promoted PCs. Windows 11 has also encountered technical issues, including a missing sign-in password icon, reduced gaming performance on certain Nvidia GPUs, and data loss due to BitLocker recovery. Microsoft has committed to addressing these issues in the near future.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Balatro meets Scrabble in this new roguelike from the creators of TimeSplitters—and I’m just thrilled to finally find a word game that lets me score with swear words

Renowned game developers Steve Ellis and David Doak have created a spelling game called Beyond Words, which features innovative gameplay mechanics that differentiate it from other word game roguelikes. Players navigate a Scrabble-like board aiming for a target score within a limited number of moves, with progressively challenging rounds and a boss round introducing unique gameplay modifiers. Between rounds, players can acquire cards that activate bonuses to enhance scoring potential. The game boasts an expansive dictionary that includes a wide array of terms, adding humor and enjoyment. It includes wildcard tiles for creative word formation and features uniquely shaped maps for each run, enhancing strategic depth. However, the visual presentation has been criticized for lacking a cohesive style. The demo is currently available for free during Steam NextFest.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Betty Bingo is the new Balatro-like to top my Steam Library with its wacky items and mesmerising Mega Bingo chains

The author has a strong enthusiasm for bingo, which they attribute to the game's repetitive nature, pattern recognition, and vibrant colors. They tried a demo of Bingo Betty, a bingo roguelike game that consists of seven stages with four rounds each, culminating in a final boss challenge. Players draw three balls at a time and must strategically place one ball to create a straight line. Special draws, like the Meat Ball and Shuffle Ball, add complexity to the gameplay. The game features a shop with items to enhance gameplay, and the author scored 10,884 in their first round and a highest score of 170,646 in a single round. They emphasize the game's engaging nature but advise moderation in gameplay.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

After getting Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on PC Game Pass, unlocking its ‘Unobtanium’ max graphics mode, and then upgrading those stunning visuals even more with mods, I’m convinced this is the ‘But can it run Crysis?’ FPS PC gamers should install today

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is available for PC Game Pass subscribers and is considered Ubisoft's best open-world game in years. It features impressive graphics, enhanced by Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine, and includes a mode called 'Unobtanium' that challenges current hardware capabilities. To achieve 4K at 60fps with this mode, a powerful system is necessary. The game has undergone improvements and now includes a third-person mode, along with expansions like From the Ashes, which adds new characters and gameplay refinements. Despite initial technical issues, it is regarded as a solid first-person shooter and a benchmark for PC gaming setups.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

My new indie darling is this crafting game stuffed with hand-sculpted creatures made by a husband and wife dev team

OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast is a sandbox crafting game where players assume the role of an Astor, a critter living on a legged whale called a Terrabeast. Players can chop down trees to craft materials, build a cottage, cultivate a garden, and befriend various creatures. The demo lasts five in-game days, taking about 90 minutes to complete, and is set in a single biome. The game features hand-crafted assets and intuitive controls. It emphasizes environmental choices that affect the game's fauna. OddFauna is scheduled for early access in spring 2026, with a demo available during the Steam Next Fest until March 2.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

This new clicker game dares ask: What if Bongo Cat picked up a sword and started killing everything he saw?

Tap Tap Loot is a clicker game featuring a cat protagonist named Double Tap, inspired by the Bongo Cat meme. Players engage in battles against enemies while managing daily tasks, earning experience points to level up and unlock weapons. Double Tap can quickly respawn after defeat without losing equipment. The game includes over 300 unique items across five biomes and supports co-op multiplayer for up to four players. While the demo showcases multiplayer features, some elements like a statistics page are not yet available, and minor interface issues exist. The game incorporates an RPG-style inventory system for upgrading items.

Winsage

February 25, 2026

Microsoft gives Windows laggards the ‘gift of time’ wrapped in licensing fees

Microsoft is offering up to three years of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for older Windows installations, with the expectation of compensation. Most major versions of Windows 10 will reach end of support by 2025, while Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB and Windows IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end support on October 13, 2026, and Windows Server 2016 will conclude support on January 12, 2027. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 for Windows Server 2016 users. The pricing for ESU for Windows 10 2016 LTSB starts at a specified amount per device for the first year, with expected increases in subsequent years. Customers using Intune or Windows Autopatch may receive a reduced rate. There is no official pricing for Windows Server 2016 ESU, creating uncertainty for administrators. Historically, Microsoft has charged a premium for extended support, with previous ESU costs for Windows Server 2012 being 100 percent of the full license price for the first year. The final cost of ESU will depend on each organization’s licensing agreement.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to migrate applications to Windows 11

Organizations are transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 following the end-of-support date for Windows 10. Windows 11 is designed to support most applications that ran on Windows 10, but challenges may arise due to undocumented legacy applications and configurations. A thorough evaluation of devices, including installed applications and data locations, is essential to minimize disruptions during the upgrade. Migrations can be categorized as clean installations or in-place upgrades. A clean installation erases the previous OS and data, while an in-place upgrade retains existing settings and applications. In-place upgrades are not allowed for certain transitions, such as from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Pro without first upgrading to Windows 10 Pro. IT professionals often prefer clean installations to avoid carrying over issues from the previous OS. During an in-place upgrade, data in library folders is retained, but data in the Windows folder may be at risk. Compatibility issues may arise with poorly designed applications or drivers post-upgrade, particularly with legacy applications reliant on outdated frameworks. Preparation for migration includes creating an inventory of applications, identifying potential incompatibilities, and ensuring backups of data. IT must also confirm hardware meets Windows 11 requirements. If a clean installation is chosen, strategies for application installation must be developed, utilizing tools like System Center Configuration Manager or Microsoft Intune. Validation and testing of migration tools should occur in a lab environment, followed by a pilot deployment on a small percentage of machines. After successful pilot testing, the final deployment can proceed, followed by an audit to address any issues. Careful planning and testing are crucial for a smooth migration process.