virtual machine Archives

Winsage

March 5, 2026

I tested Windows 11 LTSC in 2026, and it’s the best version of Windows 11 without Copilot, AI and other bloat

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized edition of Windows 11 designed for organizations that prioritize stability over the latest features. It allows users to defer feature updates for up to ten years, receiving only monthly quality updates and optional feature updates every three years. LTSC includes only Microsoft Edge as a modern app, with classic versions of Calculator, Notepad, and Paint, and lacks Copilot integration, the Microsoft Store, and Widgets. Users can operate LTSC without signing into a Microsoft account. The version was officially announced in April 2023, with Enterprise and IoT editions set to launch in late 2024. It is suitable for large organizations, industrial systems, IT departments, and IoT devices needing long-term support. General users can download a 90-day trial of LTSC, but a clean installation is required for transitioning from Windows 11 Pro or Home. The minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. LTSC offers advantages such as no bloatware, a stable environment, and a lower storage footprint, but it does not receive new Windows features and lacks access to the Microsoft Store by default.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Ambitious developer showcases slick triple-level Quake-like game stored in tiny 64KB executable — every game asset tucked inside what could be a ‘rounding error’ in modern app payload terms

Developer Daivuk has released QUOD, a 64KB 'boomer shooter' similar to Quake, featuring 3 levels, 1 boss fight, 4 unique enemies, 4 weapons, and power-ups. The entire game, including textures, sounds, music, and animations, is compressed into the 64KB file. Daivuk demonstrates the game's development in a video, discussing optimizations that reduced the file size by an additional 2KB. The game requires modern hardware, with minimum specs of an Intel i5 or equivalent, GTX 770 or equivalent, and 8GB RAM. QUOD can be downloaded and launched quickly. Today marks the 30th anniversary of id Software's Qtest demo of Quake, which was released on June 22, 1996.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Facebook ads spread fake Windows 11 downloads that steal passwords and crypto wallets

Attackers are using social media advertising, specifically paid Facebook ads, to promote a malware campaign disguised as legitimate Microsoft promotions. They create near-exact replicas of the official Windows 11 download page to lure users into downloading malicious software. The deceptive domains used include ms-25h2-download[.]pro and ms-25h2-update[.]pro. The malware campaign employs geofencing to selectively target victims, redirecting security researchers to benign sites while delivering malware to unsuspecting users. The malicious file, named ms-update32.exe, is hosted on GitHub and mimics the size of a legitimate Windows installer. Once executed, it checks for monitoring tools and, if none are detected, installs an application named "Lunar" that collects sensitive data, including cryptocurrency wallet information. The malware maintains persistence by writing data to the Windows registry and employs various obfuscation techniques to evade detection. The attackers run parallel ad campaigns with different Facebook Pixel IDs to ensure continued operation even if one is suspended. Indicators of compromise include specific file hashes, domains, file system artifacts, and registry keys associated with the malware.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

Hands on with Windows 11 26H1 and why this update is not meant for your PC

Microsoft has announced Windows 11 26H1, a release intended exclusively for new ARM devices launching in 2026, specifically those powered by the Snapdragon X2 series. This version is not a feature update for existing PCs and will not appear in Windows Update notifications for users on Intel or AMD hardware. Windows 11 26H1 is based on a new internal core designed for ARM silicon, referred to as a "hardware-optimized release," and may carry the codename Bromine. The OS Build number for 26H1 is 28020.1611, distinguishing it from previous updates. Key enhancements include full integration of semantic natural-language search within Settings, an increase in the FAT32 format limit from 32 GB to 2 TB, and UI refinements. Notable omissions include the removal of .NET Framework 3.5 as an optional feature and a safeguard preventing the System Preparation Tool from running in Safe Mode. Windows 11 26H2 is expected later in 2026 for existing PCs.

Winsage

February 17, 2026

I’m stuck with Windows for gaming in 2026, but here’s how I’m optimizing it

In early 2026, Windows 11 posed challenges for users, leading to multiple reinstallations. To optimize gaming performance, users can create a restore point, activate Game Mode, adjust power settings to High Performance or Ultimate Performance, enable "Optimizations for windowed games," and activate Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling. Managing startup apps through Windows Settings or Task Manager, disabling the Virtual Machine Platform and Hyper-V, and using the Win11Debloat PowerShell script can improve system performance. Adjustments in the NVIDIA Control Panel, such as setting the Shader Cache Size to 10 GB and Power management mode to "Prefer maximum performance," enhance gaming experience. Registry edits like changing Scheduling Category to High and modifying NetworkThrottlingIndex can further optimize performance.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Contain your Windows apps inside Linux Windows

WinApps and WinBoat are two solutions for running Windows applications on Linux. WinApps, developed since 2020 by Ben Curtis, allows users to run a genuine copy of Windows in a virtual machine (VM) and export individual applications to the Linux desktop using Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It supports various methods, including Docker, Podman, and KVM virtualization, with KVM offering extensive customization but requiring a more complex setup. WinBoat, a newer application at version 0.9.0, simplifies the user experience by automating much of the setup process and requires only Docker and FreeRDP to be installed. WinBoat is designed for ease of use, making it accessible for users less comfortable with technical configurations. Both tools allow users to run Windows software that may not work well under WINE, but running a full Windows OS in a VM involves licensing, maintenance, and resource considerations.

Winsage

February 11, 2026

The Windows 98 Toaster is Here

YouTuber Throaty Mumbo successfully ran Windows 98 on a smart toaster by disassembling the Revolution Cooking High-Speed Smart Toaster and using a Raspberry Pi 5 to emulate a late-1990s Pentium II PC. He created a custom program called “toast.exe” to facilitate communication between the Windows 98 interface and the toaster's hardware. The project resulted in a functional system that allows users to operate the toaster through a retro Windows 98 environment, complete with a 7-inch HDMI monitor and a 3D-printed shell designed to resemble a classic PC.

Winsage

January 29, 2026

Microsoft’s Quiet Exodus: Why Enterprise Developers Are Abandoning Windows for Linux Workstations

Microsoft developers and enterprise technology leaders are increasingly choosing Linux over Windows for development tasks, driven by performance concerns, workflow inefficiencies, and the rise of cloud-native development. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has facilitated this shift by allowing developers to work in a Linux environment while still using Windows. Tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, which are primarily designed for Linux, have led to a reevaluation of desktop strategies across various industries. Linux provides direct access to the same kernel and toolchain used in production, reducing discrepancies that can lead to bugs. It typically requires less memory at idle compared to Windows, making it more efficient for developers managing multiple containers or virtual machines. Microsoft has responded by investing in platform-agnostic tools like Visual Studio Code and embracing Linux on its Azure cloud platform, where over 50% of virtual machines run Linux. The introduction of WSL2 has improved compatibility and performance, but it has also highlighted Windows' limitations, leading to frustrations among developers. Security considerations favor Linux due to its open-source nature, allowing for greater customization and auditing. Financially, Linux can be more economical for enterprises due to lower licensing costs and reduced hardware requirements. Organizations that have switched to Linux report significant improvements in build times and overall developer experience. Hybrid strategies are emerging to accommodate developer preferences while ensuring security, with cloud-based development environments gaining traction. The trend toward Linux workstations reflects broader industry movements toward open source and platform independence, as companies adapt to attract and retain technical talent.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.

Expressions of affection for Windows are common, and while the author acknowledges some shortcomings in Windows 11, it remains an essential tool for productivity, creativity, and communication. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus platform is expected to indicate a significant transition toward Arm-based Windows devices. The Microsoft Store has become a reliable platform for discovering and downloading applications on Windows. Recent enhancements in Windows 11 have improved the experience for handheld gaming PCs. The Windows Package Manager, or winget, is highly regarded, and PowerToys is recommended as essential for Windows 11 users. The Command Palette allows users to launch applications using the keyboard and execute commands. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provides a genuine Linux experience within Windows 11. Phone Link facilitates effortless photo transfers. The 12-inch Surface LCD is slightly thinner than the Surface Pro 11. The Windows Central community is engaged in discussions about the standout features of Windows 11.

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.