USB

Winsage
April 5, 2025
Gustave Monce, a PhD student from Bordeaux, is working on a project to run Windows on the Google Pixel Watch 3, referred to as "Windows on ARM." Initially announced on April Fools' Day, Monce clarified that the project is serious and involves UEFI on the Pixel Watch 3 with the capability to boot Windows and Linux. He has previously developed DuoWOA, enabling Windows 11 to run on Microsoft's Surface Duo, and is also working on LumiaWOA for the Nokia Lumia 950 and 950XL. The smartwatch project utilizes an Arm64 build of Windows PE, allowing the Pixel Watch 3 to boot a WinPE image via UEFI, though the final installation steps remain undocumented. Monce describes the project as real and goofy, acknowledging its current limitations while inviting others to explore the code.
Winsage
April 4, 2025
Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link, a compact device priced at £349, designed to connect users to Windows Cloud PCs hosted on Azure. Weighing 418 grams, it features HDMI, USB-C, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The device is only compatible with organizations using Windows 365 (Enterprise, Frontline, or Business), Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID, excluding government users. It promises high-performance video playback and conferencing, particularly with Teams, but functions primarily as a cloud dongle aimed at simplifying IT administration and enhancing security. The Link connects to Windows 365 in seconds and is available through select resellers like Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the U.S.
Winsage
April 4, 2025
Microsoft's Windows 365 Link is a compact device priced at £349, designed to connect users to a Windows 365 Cloud PC hosted in the Azure cloud. It measures 120 mm x 120 mm x 30 mm and weighs 418 grams. The device features an HDMI port, a USB-C port, three USB-A ports, an Ethernet socket, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support, but lacks local storage. It is aimed at organizational use for employees utilizing Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID, supporting Windows 365 Enterprise, Frontline, and Business editions, while excluding Windows 365 Government. The device is marketed towards desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces and is available through select resellers like Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the US.
Winsage
April 3, 2025
God Mode in Windows grants access to over 200 settings and functionalities, many of which are typically hidden. Users can pin the God Mode folder to the Start menu or Quick Access in File Explorer for easy access. Key features include: - BitLocker: A disk encryption tool that protects data on drives using AES encryption, accessible via password, PIN, or Windows Hello. - Network Management: Simplifies access to network settings for connecting, checking status, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. - Power Management: Allows quick adjustments to power plans, battery settings, and actions for closing the laptop lid or pressing power buttons. - Accessibility: Offers extensive settings for users with disabilities, including tools like Narrator and Magnifier. - File Type Options: Enables users to manage file type associations and visibility of files and folders. - Windows Tools: Centralizes access to built-in maintenance tools like Disk Cleanup and Task Scheduler. God Mode enhances the user experience by providing a more efficient way to navigate system features compared to the traditional Control Panel.
Winsage
April 2, 2025
Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users considering upgrading to Windows 11 may face obstacles due to hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and specific CPU models. Workarounds exist for upgrading incompatible PCs. To check compatibility: - Determine if the PC uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS via System Information (msinfo32.exe). - Ensure BIOS Mode is UEFI. - Check TPM status using the TPM Management tool (tpm.msc). - Verify CPU compatibility; most Intel CPUs from 2009 or later and AMD CPUs from 2013 or later should meet the standards. Option 1: Registry Edit Method (for PCs with TPM 1.2+ and UEFI) 1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as an administrator. 2. Navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetup; create MoSetup key if absent. 3. Create DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU, set value to 1, and restart. 4. Download Windows 11 ISO from aka.ms/DownloadWindows11. 5. Mount the ISO file and run Setup.exe. Option 2: Using Rufus (for PCs without TPM or UEFI) 1. Download Rufus version 4.6 or later and Windows 11 ISO. 2. Prepare a USB flash drive (16GB or larger). 3. Launch Rufus, select the USB drive, choose the Windows 11 ISO, and check the box to remove requirements for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. 4. Create the bootable drive and run Setup.exe from the USB drive. These methods are unofficial workarounds. Users may encounter compatibility warnings, and the registry method is preferred for its simplicity. Some very old systems, especially those with AMD processors lacking SSE4.2 support, may still be incompatible.
Winsage
April 2, 2025
PhD student Gustave Monce has successfully run Windows for Arm on the Pixel Watch 3, utilizing its quad-core Snapdragon processor and 456×456 OLED display. He modified Qualcomm’s UEFI-based XBL bootloader to boot the Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE). Despite challenges from the release of Android 15, which disrupted his code-loading process, Monce adapted the stock kernel image to restore booting into Windows PE with limited functionality. He has achieved basic USB support for mass storage, highlighting the potential of modern mobile hardware.
Winsage
April 1, 2025
Generative AI is being integrated into modern technology, with Microsoft incorporating its Copilot AI into Windows 11. Marc Andreessen revealed that a small Llama AI model from Meta operated on a Windows 98 PC with 128MB of RAM. Although the specific Meta AI model was not disclosed, it suggests older technology could have supported generative AI capabilities. Andreessen noted that running Llama AI on a 26-year-old Dell PC could have enabled human-like interactions with computers decades ago. An experiment by Exo Labs successfully ran a modified version of Meta's Llama 2 on a Pentium II-based Windows 98 PC, overcoming challenges related to sourcing compatible peripherals and transferring files. The team used Borland C++ 5.02 for compiling modern code but eventually switched to an older version of the C programming language due to compatibility issues. The project required developing a streamlined version of the AI model to function within the hardware limitations of the legacy PC. This illustrates that even older PCs had the potential to support generative AI.
Winsage
March 30, 2025
Windows has evolved through various versions, creating a strong connection among users. Bugs can arise from updates, driver issues, or upgrades, and it is often advised to avoid upgrades in favor of fresh installations. Corrupted registry files and mislabelled directories can lead to resource consumption by background programs. A dual-storage drive system is recommended, designating a fast drive for the OS and a slower drive for media and backups, facilitating easier reinstallation. This setup encourages robust backup practices and helps maintain system integrity. Windows Defender is highlighted as an effective antivirus solution, and preparation for installation, including having necessary drivers on a USB stick, is crucial. A proactive approach to system maintenance can enhance the Windows experience.
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