watermark Archives

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft issues Windows 11 alert and says to ‘roll back to Windows 10’ now

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free updates and security patches. Users can transition to Windows 11 by purchasing a new laptop with it pre-installed, opting for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for older machines, or upgrading existing devices. Windows 11 has specific system requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware will result in a watermark and operational issues. A PC Health Check tool is available to assess device compatibility with Windows 11. The minimum requirements for running Windows 11 include a 1 GHz processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a high-definition display.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

Permanently remove “Learn more about this picture” icon in Windows 11

Windows 11 users enabling the Spotlight feature for desktop backgrounds often encounter the "Learn more about this picture" icon, which many find distracting. Microsoft has not provided an option to remove this icon through Personalization settings, leading to significant feedback on the Microsoft Feedback Hub. Users can disable Spotlight entirely to avoid the icon or modify the Registry Editor to remove it while keeping Spotlight active. The steps include navigating to a specific registry path, creating a new DWORD value, and changing its data. Alternatively, users can use third-party applications like Explorer Patcher to hide the icon easily.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Free Guide – How to Edit a PDF File on Windows 10

Editing PDF files on Windows 10 is often necessary for correcting errors, filling out forms, adding comments, or updating information. Various free PDF editors are available online, including Tenorshare PDNob, which offers a free month of premium features. To edit a PDF using Microsoft Word, open the program, select the PDF file, and make edits after it converts to an editable format. Adobe Acrobat allows for professional editing but requires a subscription for advanced features. Tenorshare PDNob provides a free solution with features like text editing, file conversion, compression, watermark removal, image extraction, and secure editing. Windows 10 does not include a built-in PDF editor, but it has Microsoft Edge for basic viewing and annotations. Editing a PDF file is possible with tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or dedicated editors like Tenorshare PDNob.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Has Microsoft given up on the System requirements not met Windows 11 watermark?

Microsoft has announced that users attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported devices would face consequences, including the introduction of an incompatibility watermark. This watermark began appearing on some users' desktops in 2022 but has not been implemented in stable builds of Windows 11 as of 2025. Despite many PCs being deemed incompatible due to the TPM 2.0 requirement, Microsoft has not enforced the watermark and even released an official registry fix to hide it. The watermark was initially spotted in preview builds but was rolled back in stable versions. Concerns were raised about its placement, as it could confuse users with other system messages. There is a growing sentiment that Microsoft should allow users to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware at their own risk, without the watermark reminder.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft warns of Windows 10 upgrade ‘malfunction’ – see if you’ll be affected

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 starting in October of next year. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11 or pay an annual fee of £24 for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) to maintain security on their Windows 10 devices. Windows 11 has minimum system requirements of a 1GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. Users with devices that do not meet these requirements are advised to purchase a new PC or opt for ESUs. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices is possible but not recommended, as it may lead to compatibility issues and will display a watermark. Users can revert to Windows 10 via Settings > System > Recovery. Windows 11 features AI-powered tools, enhanced security, and improved user experience.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

No, Microsoft has not ‘reversed course’ on Windows 11 hardware requirements

Microsoft updated a support article regarding Windows 11 hardware compatibility, leading to misunderstandings among tech enthusiasts. Claims emerged that Microsoft now allows installations of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but these were based on misinterpretations of a minor update to the article, which included light copy-editing and the removal of a section about the PC Health Check app. The original intent of the support page remains unchanged, emphasizing that Microsoft does not endorse installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices and recommends rolling back to Windows 10 if such installations occur. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 have not changed. Additionally, installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices previously resulted in a desktop watermark, but current testing indicates this is no longer the case as of 2024.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft issues new Windows 10 ‘malfunction’ alert – will your PC be affected?

Microsoft has outlined two pathways for transitioning to Windows 11: upgrading existing PCs or purchasing new hardware. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 users will only receive security updates through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates, which cost £24 annually. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a TPM 2.0 chip, and while many Windows 10 PCs may meet these criteria, Microsoft has clarified that users can still upgrade to Windows 11 even if their devices do not meet the specified requirements. However, installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware is not recommended, as it may lead to compatibility issues and lack of updates. During installation, users will see a disclaimer about potential issues and a watermark will appear on the desktop for devices that do not meet the requirements. Users can revert back to Windows 10 by going to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting the “Go back” option. Microsoft is prompting Windows 10 users with alerts to upgrade to Windows 11 and recommending the purchase of new devices.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft will officially watermark old PCs that install Windows 11

Microsoft has adjusted its eligibility criteria for Windows 11, allowing installation on machines that do not meet the hardware specifications, despite previously tightening requirements by mandating TPM 2.0. While the company does not endorse this practice, it acknowledges that some users may want to proceed, warning that such installations will not receive critical security updates and will increase vulnerability to cyber threats. A watermark will be added to the desktop, and a notification will appear in Settings to indicate non-compliance with hardware requirements. Users can revert to Windows 10 if they encounter issues after upgrading, with a straightforward recovery process available. This change comes as Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10, affecting millions of machines globally in October next year.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Windows 11 can now run on unsupported systems, but there’s a catch

Microsoft has allowed users to install Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware, moving away from its previous strict hardware requirements. Users can manually install the operating system, but devices that do not meet minimum requirements will not receive updates via Windows Update, requiring manual management of updates. A watermark will appear on the desktop, and a notification in Settings will indicate that the upgrade is not recommended. Microsoft will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, citing cybersecurity concerns. Unsupported devices will also be excluded from the Windows Insider Program. Users can revert to Windows 10 within ten days of the upgrade through the Settings menu.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft allows Windows 11 to be installed on older, unsupported hardware but specifically nixes official support — minimum requirements for full compatibility remain unchanged

Microsoft has allowed users to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware but warns of potential instabilities and lack of official support, updates, or compatibility. A new guide has been released detailing the installation process and how to revert to the previous version if issues arise. The PC Health Check app can help assess eligibility for Windows 11. Approximately 61.82% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, which will reach its end of life in October 2025. Users installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices will see a disclaimer that voids their warranty and will not receive updates, including security patches. A watermark will indicate hardware incompatibility. Users can rollback to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, and support for Windows 10 will continue with an annual fee. Users are encouraged to upgrade their systems or consider installing a TPM chip, or they can use Windows 11 at their own risk or explore Linux as an alternative.