USB Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Users Solve Windows 11 Issues With Four Settings Checks

To address slowdowns and glitches in Windows 11, users should verify several settings before considering a complete reinstallation. Key actions include: 1. Check for Windows Updates: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update to install patches and update device drivers. Uninstall problematic updates if necessary. 2. Manage Startup Applications: Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) or Settings > Apps > Startup to disable unnecessary auto-starting applications to improve boot speed. 3. Pause OneDrive Syncing: Temporarily pause OneDrive syncing during resource-intensive tasks to prevent performance degradation. 4. Adjust Visual Effects: Disable Transparency effects and Animation effects in Settings > Personalization > Colors and Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects, respectively, to reduce GPU strain. 5. Limit Notifications: Turn off notifications in Settings > System > Notifications to minimize interruptions. 6. Restrict Background Activity: Set background app permissions to "Never" for infrequently used applications to conserve memory and disk usage. 7. Run Security Scans: Use Windows Security to perform a Quick scan and ensure that real-time protection features are enabled to detect malware and adware. 8. Browser Maintenance: Reset browser settings, remove unknown extensions, and enable tracking protection to improve resource management. If issues persist, further steps include running System File Checker, testing memory, checking storage health, or performing a repair install of Windows.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

Your Windows PC has a secretly useful backup tool – here’s how to access it

Windows Backup is a built-in feature in Windows that allows users to back up specific folders and files, as well as create a complete system image. Backups can be directed to various media, including CDs, DVDs, external hard drives, or network locations, and users can schedule backups to run at regular intervals. However, Windows Backup has been deprecated by Microsoft and is no longer supported or updated, which may lead to occasional issues. A newer tool also named Windows Backup exists, designed for backing up and restoring specific files and settings for PC transitions. Users should prepare their storage media, typically external drives with 16GB to 32GB of space, before using the older Windows Backup. Restoration options include returning files to their original location or a different one, depending on the situation. Despite its deprecated status, Windows Backup remains functional and is considered a valuable tool for users seeking a built-in backup solution.

Winsage

January 31, 2026

I Switched From Windows 11 to Linux Mint. Here Are 7 Things It Does Way Better

Linux Mint is a free operating system that can be downloaded without any licensing fees, in contrast to Windows 11, which costs between 9 for the Home Edition and 9 for the Pro Edition. It has minimal hardware requirements, running efficiently on traditional AMD- or Intel-based systems, with a 3GB installer and support for devices with as little as 2GB of RAM. Linux Mint features a cleaner and more organized desktop interface compared to Windows 11, with three different editions: Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, catering to various user preferences. Users can test Linux Mint risk-free via live USB drives, and it operates without AI features, unlike Windows 11. It collects minimal diagnostic data, prioritizing user privacy. However, Linux Mint does not support major software like Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft 365 desktop applications, and some hardware drivers may be lacking. Users may need some technical knowledge for optimal use.

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.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Windows 11’s Gaming Gains Overshadowed by Stability Crisis: Performance Tests Reveal a Troubled Transition

Microsoft's Windows 11 version 24H2 shows performance improvements in gaming, with frame rate enhancements ranging from 2% to 8% across various titles, particularly benefiting newer DirectX 12 games. However, users report significant stability issues, including Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, crashes during gameplay, and compatibility problems with certain hardware and software. These issues affect a wide range of systems, suggesting systemic challenges rather than isolated incidents. The operating system's hardware compatibility requirements, such as TPM 2.0 support, have also limited upgrade eligibility for many users. Microsoft has acknowledged specific issues related to Intel and AMD processors, antivirus software conflicts, and outdated drivers. Despite ongoing patch deployments, user frustration persists due to the slow pace of fixes. The stability concerns have led some businesses to delay Windows 11 24H2 deployments, prioritizing reliability over performance gains. The driver ecosystem's lag in updates from hardware manufacturers has further complicated stability. The gaming community remains divided, with many users opting to stay on Windows 10 due to these stability risks.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Your BitLocker-secured Windows PC isn’t so secure after all – unless you do this

Microsoft's BitLocker encrypts personal files on Windows hard drives to protect against unauthorized access in case of loss or theft. The BitLocker recovery key is essential for decrypting data, but Microsoft has confirmed it will comply with valid legal requests for access to these keys if they are stored in the cloud. This was highlighted during an FBI investigation in Guam, where Microsoft provided recovery keys related to a COVID unemployment fraud case. Microsoft receives about 20 requests for BitLocker keys annually, but many cannot be fulfilled if users do not store their keys in the cloud. The Guam case is the first known instance of Microsoft providing encryption keys to law enforcement, contrasting with a previous request from the FBI in 2013 that was declined. Users can choose to store their keys locally or in Microsoft's cloud, but storing them in the cloud carries risks of unauthorized access. For optimal security, it is recommended to save the recovery key on a USB stick or external drive, encrypting the file if necessary, and avoiding cloud storage. Users should check their BitLocker settings in Windows 11 or 10 to manage their recovery keys and consider removing any keys stored in the cloud.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Some PCs can’t boot after latest Windows 11 security update, no fix in sight —mostly affects 24H2 and 25H2 versions

A segment of Windows 11 users has encountered an issue with the January 2026 security update, resulting in some devices displaying an “UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME” error and becoming unresponsive. Users see a black screen with a message prompting a restart. This follows previous complications from security updates, including problems with shutdowns, hibernation, and disruptions to cloud applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Microsoft has released emergency updates, but the unbootable error persists. Affected users can only temporarily resolve the issue by accessing the Windows Recovery Environment to uninstall the problematic patch. Additionally, the August 2025 security update disrupted recovery tools, and an October update rendered USB keyboards and mice inoperable in the Recovery Environment, complicating troubleshooting efforts.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows 7 and Vista just made a shocking return in 2026 — but your PC might not survive the comeback

Windows 7 and Vista are set to make a comeback in 2026, with modder Bob Pony creating ready-to-install ISO files for both operating systems. The Windows 7 x86 ISO includes updates until October 2024 and requires a CPU that supports SSE2 instructions. Microsoft has a program called Premium Assurance that provides security updates for legacy systems like Windows Vista for up to six years. However, Microsoft has officially ceased support for both Windows 7 and Vista, raising security concerns for users. Running these operating systems in a virtual machine is suggested as a safer alternative. The renewed interest in older systems is partly due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11, which has faced issues like unbootable PCs and stringent hardware requirements.

Winsage

January 22, 2026

Someone released the Windows 7 and Vista ISOs with all their updates applied

Unofficial ISOs for Windows 7 and Vista have been released, containing all updates applied through January 2026. The Windows 7 ISO includes essential drivers like USB 3.x and NVMe support, while the Vista version has updates but lacks additional drivers. Experts caution against using these unsupported operating systems on internet-connected devices, despite their appeal to users nostalgic for older Microsoft interfaces.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

There’s a right way to wipe your Windows PC before getting rid of it – here’s how I do it

Many individuals and businesses consider acquiring a new PC at the start of the year and must decide what to do with the old device. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, selling, or trading it in. Before doing so, it's essential to migrate apps and files, securely erase personal data, and reset the operating system. To migrate apps and files, users can utilize the Windows Backup app on their old PC to back up settings and installed apps, as well as personal folders to OneDrive. Upon setting up the new PC with the same Microsoft account, users can restore their profile. It's also important to compile a list of legacy software and ensure necessary activation codes are available. For data backup, users can use cloud storage services or create an image backup on a removable hard drive. To securely wipe old data, Windows 11 Pro users can enable BitLocker Disk Encryption, while Windows 11 Home users should delete sensitive files and use the command cipher /w:c: to wipe the disk space. For preparing the old PC for a new owner, users can choose one of three options to install a new copy of Windows 11: 1. Reset - Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery and select "Reset PC," choosing "Remove everything" and either Cloud Download or Local Reinstall. 2. Reimage - If specific drivers are needed, check for a recovery image in Settings > System > Recovery or download one from the manufacturer’s website. 3. Reformat and clean install - Create bootable installation media using the Media Creation Tool, ensure Windows is activated, reformat the system disk, and install Windows 11, which will activate automatically for the new owner.