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Windows 11 Home vs. Windows 11 Pro: I compared both versions, and here's my upgrade advice
Winsage
January 18, 2026

Windows 11 Home vs. Windows 11 Pro: I compared both versions, and here’s my upgrade advice

Windows 11 is nearing its fifth anniversary and features enhancements in visual design, system performance, and support for Android applications. Microsoft offers a Pro version for power users, which includes advanced functionalities not available in the Home version, such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, Hyper-V, and enhanced remote access capabilities. Windows 11 Home is suitable for average users who prefer simplicity, offering essential features for everyday tasks and automatic updates. It is free for users upgrading from compatible Windows 10 devices and comes preinstalled on new PCs. Windows 11 Pro, priced around 0 for a full license, is ideal for users seeking greater control over system settings and those who rely on virtualization tools. Key specifications include: - Both editions share core features like the full Windows 11 UI, Snap Layouts, and Copilot. - Windows 11 Home includes basic security features, while Pro adds advanced options like BitLocker and Credential Guard. - Pro supports virtualization with Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox, while Home does not. - Processor support differs, with Home supporting 1 CPU and 64 cores, and Pro supporting 2 CPUs and 128 cores.
Windows 11 shutdown bug: Microsoft confirms KB5073455 issue
Winsage
January 17, 2026

Windows 11 shutdown bug: Microsoft confirms KB5073455 issue

Microsoft has acknowledged a shutdown issue affecting Windows 11 Enterprise and IoT editions after the January 13, 2026 security update (KB5073455) for version 23H2, which prevents affected systems from shutting down properly, causing them to either hibernate or restart instead. The problem is linked to the System Guard Secure Launch feature and does not affect Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. A temporary workaround involves using the command "shutdown /s /t 0" in an elevated Command Prompt to force a shutdown, but there is no workaround for hibernation functionality. Microsoft is working on a resolution and suggests that enterprise IT administrators consider pausing the deployment of the update on unaffected devices.
‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning
Winsage
January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.
Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.
Microsoft Fixes 114 Windows Flaws in January 2026 Patch, One Actively Exploited
Winsage
January 14, 2026

Microsoft Fixes 114 Windows Flaws in January 2026 Patch, One Actively Exploited

On Tuesday, Microsoft released its first security update for 2026, addressing 114 vulnerabilities, including eight classified as Critical and 106 as Important. The vulnerabilities include 58 related to privilege escalation, 22 concerning information disclosure, 21 linked to remote code execution, and five categorized as spoofing flaws. A notable vulnerability, CVE-2026-20805, involves information disclosure within the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) and has a CVSS score of 5.5. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to implement fixes by February 3, 2026. Additionally, Microsoft announced the expiration of three Windows Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011, effective June 2026, urging customers to transition to newer certificates to avoid disruptions. The update also removed vulnerable Agere Soft Modem drivers due to a local privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2023-31096) and addressed another critical privilege escalation flaw in Windows Virtualization-Based Security (CVE-2026-20876) with a CVSS score of 6.7. Other vendors, including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco, have also released security patches for various vulnerabilities.
Windows 10 Users Are Being Targeted With New Upgrade Offer
Winsage
January 11, 2026

Windows 10 Users Are Being Targeted With New Upgrade Offer

A surge of attacks targeting Windows 10 machines highlights the need for users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is currently available at a discount of approximately 94% off its standard price. Windows 10 is becoming increasingly vulnerable as it approaches its end of support, leaving users exposed to cyber threats. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns that unsupported systems are often exploited by cybercriminals. Windows 10 remains widely used, making it a significant target for attackers, as evidenced by over billion in reported cybercrime losses in 2023. Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced security features, including BitLocker drive encryption, Credential Guard, and Smart App Control, along with a security-first design that requires compatible hardware. Current promotions allow users to purchase a Windows 11 Pro license for under 0, providing a one-time purchase option that includes updates until Microsoft ends support for Windows 11. Users are advised to check compatibility before upgrading and to back up important files. For those unable to upgrade, alternatives include purchasing Extended Security Updates or investing in new hardware that meets Windows 11 specifications.
Windows can never be an immutable OS, and that might be a problem
Winsage
January 8, 2026

Windows can never be an immutable OS, and that might be a problem

"Immutable" operating systems are designed with a read-only core that is updated comprehensively, allowing user data and applications to exist independently from the base system, reducing risks of corruption and configuration drift. While macOS is largely immutable, Windows cannot transition to an immutable model due to its design based on mutability, which allows for continuous modification and backward compatibility. Windows 11's flexibility leads to a cumulative change model, making it increasingly difficult to troubleshoot and maintain. Microsoft has made some improvements within the mutable framework, but challenges remain, such as dependency control and application integration. Users expect seamless updates, but Windows is perceived as high-maintenance, leading to performance issues. A truly immutable version of Windows would conflict with user expectations and require significant software rewrites. Consequently, Windows is likely to remain in a hybrid state, adopting some immutable features while still facing issues related to its mutable architecture.
Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests
Winsage
January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.
Microsoft's Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows AI Features Lack Official Disable Options, Forcing Users To Third-Party Tools

Microsoft's latest Windows 25H2 builds have introduced AI features, but users cannot easily disable them through the interface, leading many to use third-party tools like the RemoveWindowsAI PowerShell script to eliminate components such as Copilot, Recall, and Input Insights. Windows Recall captures screenshots for AI-driven searches, raising privacy concerns due to the creation of a local database of full screenshots. Microsoft has also disabled phone activation for Windows 11, requiring internet connectivity for activation. The RemoveWindowsAI tool removes appx packages associated with AI, ensuring they cannot be reinstalled. Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of support for Windows 11 SE by October 13, 2026, impacting schools that rely on this version. Virtualization, such as using Proxmox, is recommended for users wary of telemetry practices. The RemoveWindowsAI project is evolving to enhance its capabilities in response to Microsoft's AI feature additions. Enterprise deployments are advised to test removal strategies in controlled environments, though some antivirus programs may flag the tool as malicious. Privacy advocates are concerned about the implications of Microsoft's changes on user control and data collection.
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