Windows 11 Home Archives

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Windows 11 Pro is now only $10

Windows 11 Pro includes advanced features such as BitLocker for full disk encryption, Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox for running virtual machines, and integration with Azure Active Directory for business connectivity. It also offers Snap layouts for multitasking, DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming, biometric login options with TPM 2.0 for enhanced security, and a Copilot feature for productivity assistance. A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 until October 4.

Winsage

September 20, 2026

How Windows turned months of inactivity into a 7-hour update hostage situation

Microsoft is working to reduce the memory footprint of Windows, aiming for acceptable performance with 8 GB of RAM. However, users face challenges with lengthy update processes, as demonstrated by a recent experience where a laptop took approximately seven hours to boot due to numerous updates. This includes patches for Windows components, firmware, and drivers, leading to multiple restarts and frustrating progress bar behavior. The tech industry is recognizing the need for greater efficiencies, but Microsoft must also address the overwhelming frequency of updates that hinder user experience.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

Microsoft Surface Pro 13″ (12th Edition) Review: Is ARM Windows Finally Good?

The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro 12th Edition is the first model to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2. The review unit has an X2 Plus processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. It runs Windows 11 Home in its ARM variant, allowing for the installation of applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, which now run natively. However, some limitations exist, such as missing features in Premiere Pro and longer export times. The device is available in two configurations, with the higher-end variant featuring the X2 Elite processor. Benchmark results show improved performance over its predecessor, particularly in Geekbench 6. The easily swappable SSD is a notable feature, and the device can become warm during intensive tasks. The gaming performance is mixed, with some titles running well while others struggle. The display is a 13-inch PixelSense LCD with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,920 pixels and a brightness level of 600 nits. The audio features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. The build quality is premium, with a weight of 895 grams and a thickness of 9.3 millimeters. Connectivity includes two USB-C ports with USB4 and DisplayPort capabilities, but lacks USB-A and a headphone jack. The device has an IR scanner for face recognition and a front camera that captures 1440p video. It offers three keyboard options and includes the Slim Pen 2 in some bundles. Battery life is approximately 7.15 hours while looping an HD YouTube video at maximum brightness, with efficient charging options available.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

These 4 built-in Windows tools helped me build a self-healing PC

Windows operating systems include built-in tools for maintaining PCs, allowing users to monitor system health, repair corrupted files, and recover from boot failures with minimal intervention. Task Scheduler automates maintenance tasks by triggering them based on schedules or events, accessible via the Start menu or taskschd.msc. It can activate tasks at fixed intervals, on startup, during idle periods, or in response to Event Viewer entries. Tasks should run with the highest privileges and can be configured to execute regardless of user sign-in status. The Settings tab allows missed tasks to run as soon as possible. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility that repairs the component store, essential for installing updates and restoring system files. It offers three inspection levels: CheckHealth, ScanHealth, and RestoreHealth, with the latter requiring an internet connection for downloading replacement files. DISM logs operations in C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log. SFC (System File Checker) verifies and repairs core operating system files using Windows Resource Protection. The command sfc /scannow checks all protected files, while /verifyonly provides a report without changes. SFC's effectiveness depends on the integrity of the component store, making it essential to run DISM first. Results are logged in C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced in Windows 11, addresses boot failures by connecting to the internet to find solutions when repeated boot failures are detected. QMR is enabled by default on unmanaged devices and can continuously check for fixes. It is designed to respond to widespread issues rather than unique problems and may not work effectively on older hardware or without a network connection. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive approach to system maintenance in Windows 11, ensuring the operating system remains healthy and efficient without additional software.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in October

Devices operating on Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving updates starting October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive mainstream support until October 2027. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Systems running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro that are not managed by IT will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. Users can check for eligibility for the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update. Windows Server 2022 will transition to extended support on October 13, 2026, lasting until October 14, 2031. Microsoft has extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for home users until October 2027 and will halt security updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro 23H2 in November 2025.

Tech Optimizer

September 15, 2026

Best Free Antivirus: 11 Steps, 18/18 Score [2026]

Microsoft Defender scored 17.5 out of 18 in the June 2026 evaluations by AV-Test, while Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free both achieved a perfect score of 18 out of 18. Avira Internet Security scored 16.5. The evaluations assessed 16 consumer antivirus products based on protection, performance, and usability. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 11 and is free, while Avast and AVG are true free offerings. AV-Test uses a scoring system where each category is scored out of 6.0, leading to a maximum total of 18.0. Users should ensure they have the latest versions of antivirus products and only run one real-time antivirus engine at a time. Common pitfalls include running two real-time engines and downloading from unofficial sources. For low-risk users, Microsoft Defender is sufficient, while those seeking higher protection may consider Avast or AVG.

Winsage

September 15, 2026

Microsoft account refuseniks have another way of installing Windows

A workaround has been discovered for Windows 11 Home Edition users that allows them to bypass the requirement for a Microsoft account during setup. Users can click the "Learn more" hyperlink during the account prompt in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) to proceed without signing in. This method has been demonstrated by a user named "Bob Pony" and is currently functional, although it may not last long as Microsoft typically addresses such loopholes. The workaround is exclusive to the Home Edition, and users of Windows 11 Pro have different options available.

Winsage

September 13, 2026

Microsoft blocked every Windows 11 account bypass except the most boring link on its own page

Microsoft has streamlined the Windows 11 setup process by encouraging the creation of a Microsoft account (MSA) during installation. A new workaround allows users to create a local account without needing complex tools or disconnecting from the internet. To use this method, users should start a fresh installation of Windows 11 Home, connect to the internet, and look for the small “Learn more” link under “Sign-in options” when prompted for MSA details. If successful, users can enter a local username and continue the setup process, including creating a password and answering security questions. This method is not officially sanctioned by Microsoft and may be an unintended bug. Microsoft has previously eliminated other methods for bypassing the MSA requirement, citing the need for fully configured devices. Internally, opinions at Microsoft about the MSA requirement vary, with some executives expressing frustration. The overall Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) still requires improvement, with reports indicating lengthy setup times due to advertisements and web-based components.

Winsage

September 9, 2026

Normally $199, it’s only $10 to get Windows 11 Pro right now

Windows 11 Pro is currently on sale for .97, down from its regular price of 9. It includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox for virtual machines, and Azure AD for business connectivity. Additional enhancements include Snap layouts, DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming, TPM 2.0 for secure logins, and Copilot for assistance. The license is only compatible with PCs that meet Windows 11's minimum specifications, which can be checked using Microsoft's free PC Health Check app.

Winsage

September 8, 2026

Msckey Cuts 25% Off Windows 11 & Office 2024 for Back to Work/School

Msckey has launched a Back to Work/School sale from August 27 to September 15, offering a 25% discount on all Microsoft software licenses with the code BTS25. The sale includes various products such as Windows operating systems, Office 2024 suite, and professional tools like Microsoft Project and SQL Server. Current prices during the sale include Windows 11 Education for .99, Windows 11 Home for .74, and Office 2024 Professional Plus for .99. Msckey ensures that all licenses are genuine, clearly labeled, and delivered via email within minutes. Customers can pay using multiple options and receive personalized support.