Windows 10 Archives

Winsage

July 8, 2026

This 3KB notepad app shows exactly why modern Windows is so bloated

Dave Plummer, known for creating the Windows Task Manager, discusses software bloat in a recent video, highlighting his compact notepad application, Tiny Retro Pad, which is only 2,686 bytes. He notes that while modern applications require higher specifications due to increased complexity, the lack of optimization in code has led to performance degradation. For example, Windows 10 required 1GB of RAM for its 32-bit version, while Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4GB. Plummer emphasizes the importance of efficient coding practices and critiques the tendency of modern software to include unnecessary components, suggesting that prioritizing efficiency could improve user experience on platforms like Windows 11.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Windows 11 rejuvenation list just got longer, with more legacy dialogs headed to WinUI 3

Marcus Ash, head of Design and Research for Windows and Devices at Microsoft, confirmed that the outdated "Switch to a local account" dialog in Windows 11, which references the obsolete Windows 8 "Search charm," is set for an update. This dialog instructs users to use the Search charm, a feature removed since Windows 8.1. Microsoft is actively working on refreshing various classic dialogs within the Windows 11 ecosystem as part of their "rejuvenation" process, which aims to modernize outdated user interface elements. The Run dialog is also being updated, with a hidden modern version prepared for rollout. Additionally, improvements have been made to file operation dialogs, and the File Explorer Properties dialog is next in line for modernization. Microsoft is also addressing other outdated UI elements, including the input method switcher on the login screen. The sound designer for Windows 11 has rejoined the team, suggesting potential updates to system sounds.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

You can install classic Windows Movie Maker on Windows 11. Here’s how

Users of Windows 11 can now download Windows Movie Maker 6.0 for free from the Internet Archive, thanks to @skylerdagirl. This version has been confirmed to work on both Windows 10 and 11 and uses 97 percent less RAM than Clipchamp, making it suitable for older PCs or those with limited resources. Windows Movie Maker was retired by Microsoft in January 2017.

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Windows 11 Pro Has Dropped to Just $10 Through July 19

Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until July 19, reduced from its standard retail price of 9. This offer is suitable for PCs that meet Microsoft's hardware requirements for Windows 11. Users should verify compatibility with Microsoft's PC Health Check tool. The operating system includes features such as BitLocker, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Azure AD Support, along with productivity enhancements like Snap Layouts, Biometric Sign-in, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and Copilot Integration. The license is perpetual and tied to a single compatible PC, delivered digitally after purchase.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft just confirmed that this Windows 11 bug is hoarding up to 500GB of your storage

Microsoft has acknowledged a storage issue related to the Capability Access Manager service in Windows 11, which can consume up to 500GB of SSD space due to a bug causing the log file, CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal, to inflate to gigabytes instead of a few megabytes. Users have reported file sizes reaching 200GB and even 513GB. The issue can be checked via Settings > Storage > System & reserved or by using a command in the Windows Command Prompt. Microsoft plans to address this in the June KB5095093 update, which will improve disk space usage for the log file, with updates expected to roll out starting July 14.

AppWizard

July 6, 2026

Who Needs a Steam Machine? I Converted My PC for Free and It Was Simple

The Steam Machine offers PC gamers a console-like experience with access to the Steam library and various PC games. The starting price is ,049 due to RAMageddon, prompting some users to consider building their own Steam Machine. Valve provides a guide for installing SteamOS, which requires compatible hardware, including a 12th-gen Intel Core processor and an NVMe solid-state drive. An 8GB or larger USB drive is needed to create installation media. Users should disconnect other drives to avoid data loss during installation. The installation process involves selecting "Wipe Device & Install SteamOS," which erases the system. After installation, users must configure settings like language, time zone, and audio output. SteamOS operates in a Big Picture Mode, allowing easy navigation with a controller. Benefits of SteamOS include avoiding Windows-related frustrations and potential performance improvements in some games, although results may vary.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 10 grasps for life as Playstation drops discs, Sony takes away movies, and Microsoft ends two Surface PCs

Sony has ceased production of physical discs. Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 and retired the Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go, with no plans for restocking or successors. A leaked video revealed Microsoft's development of a Copilot operating system based on a streamlined Windows codebase. Xbox is considering canceling Marvel's Blade as part of a restructuring effort. Microsoft is contemplating a disc-to-digital program to allow users to convert physical game discs into digital licenses. The Dell XPS 13 and HP OmniBook Ultra 14 are currently available at significant discounts.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Windows 10 lives on while Sony cuts discs and Surface Go hardware ends

Sony has announced the cessation of physical media production and revoked access to previously purchased movies. Microsoft is extending support for Windows 10 and has not finalized a disc-to-digital program for Xbox, which could allow the conversion of physical discs into digital licenses. The Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go have been retired. The Dell XPS 13 and HP OmniBook Ultra 14 are currently available at significant discounts.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

Perekhod s Windows Xnumx on Windows 11 Fixes AMD Adrenalin Driver Issues

Owners of Radeon video cards are experiencing software challenges on Windows 10, including screen flickering, video game crashes, and system reboots. Attempts to resolve these issues through clean installations of AMD drivers have often been unsuccessful, particularly for users of high-end models like the Radeon RX 7900 XT. Some community members recommend transitioning to Windows 11, which reportedly offers better stability and performance with AMD drivers, though concerns exist about potential performance declines on older CPUs and the costs of upgrading RAM. For users wishing to stay on Windows 10, experts suggest disabling fast startup, disconnecting from the internet, booting in safe mode, using the DDU utility to uninstall old drivers, and then reinstalling the driver package while disabling core isolation in security settings.

Winsage

July 5, 2026

The Curious Case of Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, Essentially Windows 11 “Pro Max”

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, available since 2021, is a successor to Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. It focuses on performance and efficiency, lacking consumer bloat such as sponsored shortcuts. Key features include support for the Resilient File System (ReFS), which enhances fault-tolerant storage, and the ability to support up to four CPU sockets and a maximum memory capacity of 6 TB. Networking capabilities include support for SMB Direct client and RDMA, which improve performance for clustered AI inferencing setups. It also supports NVDIMM-N for enhanced workstation applications. Unlike Windows Server, it does not include a native NVMe SSD driver. Windows 11 Pro for Workstations is not available for direct purchase by end-users; it can only be obtained through OEM channels or the Windows for Business channel.