Windows 12 Archives

Winsage

May 1, 2025

4 Windows versions Windows 12 should shamelessly imitate

Windows 12 is speculated to potentially launch in two to three years, following the end of support for Windows 10. It may draw inspiration from previous successful versions like Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 10, focusing on user customization, performance, and reducing bloatware. Windows 11, launched six years after Windows 10, introduced a new visual style and features but faced criticism over hardware requirements. Windows 12 is expected to build on Windows 11's foundation with incremental improvements and enhanced support for ARM processors.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

New Windows 11 beta brings more changes to Control Panel settings

Microsoft is transitioning away from the traditional Windows Control Panel, moving settings to the Windows 11 "Settings" app. Recent updates have relocated keyboard character repeat delay and repeat rate options to the Accessibility > Keyboard section in the Settings app, although these changes are currently hidden and require manual activation by users. Additionally, all remaining options from the mouse properties dialog box have also been transferred to the Settings app. Despite these updates, keyboard options still exist in the traditional Control Panel. Microsoft began this transition in 2020 and plans to retire the Control Panel entirely, but the process is progressing slowly, with remnants of the Control Panel still present in Windows 10 and 11.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

Windows isn’t an OS, it’s a bad habit bordering on addiction

Microsoft's Windows operating system has approximately 1.5 billion users globally, but faces stagnation as many users find Windows 10 satisfactory and are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 aggressively, incorporating AI features and nudging users toward paid services, which raises concerns about user experience. The company is uncertain about its future direction, with Project Hudson Valley fading away and the potential for a subscription-based licensing model. In corporate environments, IT departments often prioritize compliance over user needs, leaving employees with limited choices. Some users are exploring alternatives like macOS or Linux, seeking better alignment with their values. Resources are available to help users transition gradually from Windows 10 to alternatives, and maintaining a dual-system approach can ease this process.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 shows signs of life: what can we expect?

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 25 is a mod for Windows 11 that makes everything so much better

Users have modified operating systems, particularly Windows, for a personalized experience, leading to a community that shares tweaks and cosmetic changes. The Windows 25 mod enhances Windows 11 by addressing user criticisms, such as the design of the Start menu and context menu accessibility. Created by modder AR 4789, it utilizes the Windhawk customization tool and involves a multi-step installation process. The mod offers a futuristic interface that combines elements of Windows 11 and macOS, featuring simplified icons, transparent elements, and a movable Start menu. It also restores the classic context menu for easier access to options. Users can further customize their experience and can revert to their original setup if needed.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

From pixels to pinot: The Windows XP ‘Bliss’ wallpaper hill was real and this is what it looks like now

Windows XP is celebrated for its user-friendly interface and vibrant aesthetics, particularly the "Bliss" wallpaper, which features a real location in Sonoma County, California. The photograph was taken by Charles O’Rear in 1996 and sold to Microsoft before the operating system's launch in 2001. The original image has a resolution of 4,510 by 3,627 pixels, compared to the 800 by 600 pixel version included with Windows XP. Over time, the depicted hill transformed into a vineyard, reflecting Sonoma County's role in California's wine production, which contributed approximately 6% of the state's output in 2021. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in 2014, with the last version ceasing in 2019. Windows XP was a significant advancement over its predecessors and was used on the International Space Station until it was replaced by Linux in 2013. Windows 11 was released in 2021, with indications that 2025 will focus on a "Windows 11 PC refresh."

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Windows 25 solves Windows 11’s biggest problem — download it now

Windows 25 has been released, bringing back the traditional left-aligned taskbar and Start menu for users who prefer this layout over the centered design of Windows 11. The Windows 25 theme, created by AR 4789, can be applied to Windows 11 to enhance the user experience and can be uninstalled if desired. A video by Link Vegas provides a detailed guide on how to implement the theme, which involves a lengthy installation process requiring file renaming and copying. To apply the theme, users need three specific files.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Windows 12 won’t be the savior Windows 10 users are hoping for

Windows 10 will be retired on October 12, 2025, and will no longer receive security updates, fixes, or technical support. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which currently holds a 36.6% share of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 has a 60.3% share. Microsoft has invested nearly a billion dollars into OpenAI since 2019, integrating AI features into the Windows ecosystem. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, including the need for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chips, leading to concerns about obsolescence and potential future requirements for Windows 12 that may demand AI-capable PCs. Despite its flaws, Windows 11 may be seen as a more manageable option compared to the anticipated challenges of Windows 12.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

CdkeySales March Madness Sale: Score Windows 10 or 11 cheap

CdkeySales.com is offering deals on Windows 11 CD keys and Microsoft productivity software during their March Madness Sale. Windows 10 Pro is available for .05, which includes a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Customers can use the promo code CULT for an additional 30% discount. The site also offers competitive prices on Microsoft Office and bundles that include Windows 10 CD keys. The activation process for purchased software involves receiving an email with a product key and following specific steps to activate the software on a PC. CdkeySales.com also sells keys for games and other products, with customer service available via email for assistance.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

AR OS 2 is everything we want Windows 12 to be — and more

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with new AI functionalities but it still has a lower market share than Windows 10. There are no formal announcements about Windows 12, which is expected after Windows 10's retirement. AR OS 2 is a conceptual operating system designed by AR 4789, featuring an elegant design, extensive customization options, superior drag-and-drop capabilities, and an AI assistant called AR Interact. A video showcasing AR OS 2 is available for viewing.