Windows 7 Archives

Winsage

September 22, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a video wallpaper feature

Microsoft is reintroducing the DreamScene feature in the latest builds of Windows 11, allowing users to set video wallpapers using video files such as MP4 or MKV. This feature was previously available in Windows Vista and has been requested by the Windows community. DreamScene will enable videos to play seamlessly on the desktop, similar to the third-party application Wallpaper Engine, which is popular among users. Microsoft initially supported video wallpapers in Windows Vista's Ultimate version but discontinued it with Windows 7. The company has been experimenting with dynamic animated wallpapers for Windows 11, although these did not launch in the final release version of the operating system. The return of DreamScene may reduce the need for third-party solutions like Wallpaper Engine.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

3 Gorgeous Games That Run on Potato PCs (One Still Looks Like a Work of Art)

Early Access titles on platforms like Steam have increased the necessity of owning a gaming PC for enthusiasts, but not all gamers can afford high-end hardware. There is a demand for well-optimized games that run well on lower-end "potato PCs." Terraria is a pixel art open-world sandbox survival game that requires only 4GB of RAM (2.5GB minimum) and can run on Windows Vista. It has an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam and has been popular for 14 years. A Short Hike features a watercolor art style and requires just 2GB of RAM and 500MB of storage, running smoothly on Windows 7. Released in 2019, it offers a beautiful experience on lower-end systems. Cuphead has a hand-drawn cartoon aesthetic and requires 3GB of RAM, running on older processors like the Intel Core2 Duo. It is a challenging platformer that can be played on modest hardware.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Steam will drop support for the last 32-bit Windows systems in January 2026

In January 2024, Valve ceased support for all versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Windows 11, released in 2021, does not have a 32-bit version. The 32-bit version of Windows 10 will lose security updates by October 2025 or October 2026. The Steam Hardware Survey from August shows that 32-bit Windows versions account for only 0.05 percent of Steam users, while the 64-bit version of Windows 10 is used by over a third of Steam users and the 64-bit version of Windows 11 by just under two-thirds. The transition in the Steam client is not expected to affect game availability or compatibility, as older 32-bit titles will continue to function on 64-bit versions of Windows.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Looming end of Windows 10 support a challenge to stragglers

Microsoft will conclude most support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ending software updates, technical assistance, and security patches. An Extended Security Updates program was introduced in July, allowing select users to extend security updates for an additional year at a cost. A December 2023 report indicated that 47% of accountants still rely on Windows 10. Many CPA firms have not upgraded their systems, with some operating on machines over five years old. Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, including a neural processing unit (NPU) and a trusted platform module (TPM), which older devices may not meet. Delayed upgrades could lead to rising hardware costs due to supply chain disruptions and tariffs. Firms face uncertainty regarding the potential release of Windows 12, which may influence their decision to upgrade now or wait. Some firms have successfully transitioned to Windows 11, while others are advised to seek external assistance for the upgrade process.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Windows 10 resists its end: usage share climbs while Windows 11’s falls

Next month, Microsoft will end support for the home editions of Windows 10, with users able to extend support for one year and business customers for three years. Windows 11 has recently surpassed Windows 10 in popularity rankings, but in August 2025, Windows 11's usage share dropped from 53% to 49%, while Windows 10's share increased by three points to 45%. Windows 7 also saw a slight increase to over 3%. The fluctuations in operating system usage may not accurately reflect true market share and could be influenced by various factors. As Windows 10's end of support approaches, a decline in its usage is expected, with some users likely to extend support, transition to Windows 11, or explore alternatives like Linux.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

If Windows 12 looked like this, Microsoft could win us over

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, and many users are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to design flaws and high system requirements. Alternatives like Tiny11, which creates a lightweight version of Windows 11 for older PCs, are emerging. Tiny11 recently updated to support Windows 11 version 25H2, removing certain Microsoft applications. Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 version 25H2 without new features. Speculation about a potential Windows 12 continues, with concept designer Abdi presenting a vision for "Brilliant Windows 12," which includes features like "Collectzone" for wallpaper organization and enhanced customization options. Microsoft’s CVP hinted at a future operating system that would leverage AI for a more integrated experience. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide continued security support for Windows 10 users post-cutoff, but critics argue it does not meet the needs of the estimated 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft is projected to earn over a billion from the ESU program in the first year after Windows 10's end-of-life.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

If Windows 12 looked like this, Microsoft could win us over

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, and many users are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to design flaws and high system requirements. Tiny11 is an alternative tool that creates a lightweight version of Windows 11 for older PCs, recently updated to support Windows 11 version 25H2. Microsoft is set to roll out Windows 11 version 25H2 from September to October without new features. Concept designer Abdi has created a concept video for "Brilliant Windows 12," which includes features like "Collectzone" for wallpaper collections, merged Control Panel and settings, Quick Interactive Settings, and enhanced customization options. Microsoft claims Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10 PCs, but some users view the end of Windows 10 support as "programmed obsolescence." A public interest research group has petitioned against discontinuing Windows 10 support, fearing it could lead to a significant increase in discarded computers. HP and Dell report that half of current PCs still run Windows 10, raising security concerns. Microsoft expects to earn over a billion from its Extended Security Updates program after Windows 10's end-of-life.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade: Can I keep using my old Windows 10 license?

Users can transfer their Windows 10 license to Windows 11 at no additional cost if their hardware meets the requirements. The upgrade process is facilitated by a digital license generated during the installation of Windows 10, which is stored on Microsoft’s servers. Minor hardware changes do not affect the digital license, but a motherboard change may require the product key. Windows can be used without a valid license for a trial period of 30 days, after which certain features are restricted, and this practice is not legally compliant. If the current hardware does not meet Windows 11 specifications, users can either install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using third-party software, upgrade their hardware, or purchase a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed. To use an existing Windows 10 license on a new computer, users must have a retail version of Windows 10. If a digital license or product key for Windows 11 is lacking, users can purchase one from the Microsoft Store, with prices varying. To transfer the Windows 10 license, users need to locate their product key, which can be found in the purchase confirmation email or extracted using tools. Linking the product key to a Microsoft account is recommended for easier identification during installation. After installation, users can check the activation status in the Settings app, which categorizes activation into four scenarios.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

The brilliant Windows 12 is everything Windows 11 isn’t – and the Microsoft OS we deserve

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as it approaches its end of life, but many users with older hardware are hesitant due to compatibility and performance concerns, leading to a decline in Windows 11's market share. Designer Abdi has created a concept for a future operating system called Brilliant Windows 12, which includes features such as Collectzone for grouping files, a Files Panel for recent and favorite files, a unified Control Panel and Settings, interactive Quick Settings, enhanced notifications, AI-integrated search, and customizable desktop widgets. A video showcasing Abdi's ideas is available for viewing.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

As Windows 10 reaches end of life, Windows 11 is LOSING market share

Windows 10 is nearing the end of its mainstream support, with its market share increasing to 45.53 percent in August 2025, while Windows 11's share has declined to 49.08 percent. In June 2025, Windows 11's share was 47.98 percent, and it peaked at 53.51 percent in July 2025. Additionally, Windows 7 has seen a resurgence, holding a market share of 3.59 percent.