Windows games Archives

Winsage

April 26, 2025

How to Get Minesweeper and Seven Other Classic Games Back in Windows 11

Classic Windows games like Spider, Minesweeper, and Hearts have been missed since Windows 8 was introduced in 2012. A simple installer from Winaero allows users to run these games on Windows 8, 10, or 11, with enhancements for higher resolution screens while maintaining original gameplay. The collection includes Chess, FreeCell, Hearts, Mahjong, Minesweeper, Purble Place, Solitaire, and Spider Solitaire. Users can also install the Internet Games collection from the 2000s, though it may be less useful due to a shut-down server. After installation, games can be accessed via the start menu without ads or prompts. However, the games may stop working after major Windows updates, requiring users to rerun the installer to restore access.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

5 awesome Linux features that will blow the mind of a Windows user

In 2025, Linux is becoming a viable alternative for desktop and laptop users, previously overshadowed by Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. Recent advancements in user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint have made Linux more accessible, allowing users to operate without needing to engage with the command-line interface (CLI). Proton, a tool developed by Valve, enables users to play a wide range of games on Linux without the need for dual-boot setups. Modern Linux distributions have become stable and customizable, providing a reliable user experience. Linux powers a significant portion of the world's servers, showcasing its versatility and reliability. It is completely free and open-source, allowing users to explore different distributions without cost. Many distributions offer a live environment for users to test the OS without altering their existing systems.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

I tried gaming on Linux — and it’s better (and worse) than you think

The gaming experience on Linux, particularly with Ubuntu, has been positive, with many single-player and co-op games performing well due to compatibility tools like Wine and Steam's Proton. While most Windows games can be played on Linux, limitations exist, particularly for MMORPGs and competitive multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat systems, rendering titles like Fortnite and Valorant unplayable. Some competitive games do offer Linux support, but this is not guaranteed. Additionally, accessory applications for gaming peripherals often lack support on Linux, although open-source alternatives exist. As of 2025, while Linux gaming has improved, significant gaps remain, particularly in compatibility with anti-cheat systems, making it less appealing than Windows for many gamers.

BetaBeacon

March 26, 2025

My favorite mobile gaming controller has never been cheaper — but you’re running out of time

The GameSir G8 Plus controller is available at its lowest price ever as part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. It offers a more comfortable and immersive gaming experience for mobile gamers.

Winsage

March 21, 2025

How I made Arch Linux look and run better than Windows

Arch Linux operates on a rolling release model, providing continuous updates without major version changes. It is lightweight, enhancing performance for applications like gaming, and features an easy installation process. KDE Plasma is recommended as a desktop environment, offering a familiar interface and extensive customization options. Essential applications for productivity include Obsidian, GIMP, LibreOffice, Krita, and Kdenlive, along with popular web browsers and communication tools. Installing Steam on Arch Linux allows access to a wide range of games, with Proton enabling many Windows games to run smoothly. Transitioning from Windows to Arch Linux is facilitated by a modern user interface, though it may require some command-line interaction.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

5 reasons why Linux Mint is the best distro for Windows converts

Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be overwhelming due to concerns about software compatibility, gaming capabilities, and the learning curve. Recent advancements in Linux distributions, particularly Linux Mint, have made this shift more accessible. Linux Mint features a start menu for easy navigation, is built on Ubuntu with Debian foundations, and offers a graphical user interface for installing applications through an integrated software store. It is compatible with a wide range of hardware, requiring only 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of disk space, making it suitable for older PCs. Gaming on Linux has improved significantly with Valve's Proton, allowing many Windows games to run smoothly on Linux, sometimes even better than on Windows.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CrossOver 25 improves DirectX 11 support, works with Epic Games Store

CodeWeavers has released CrossOver 25, enhancing the gaming experience for Mac users by expanding support for games from digital storefronts like GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games Store. The update includes Wine 10.0, Wine Mono 9.4.0, vkd3d 1.14, MoltenVK 1.2.10, and D3DMetal 2.1, improving compatibility and performance. D3DMetal 2.1 enhances performance for major titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and adds support for The Last of Us: Part 1, along with other DirectX 11 games. The introduction of DXMT allows for running DirectX 11 titles on macOS, with reported performance improvements for lower-spec Macs. CrossOver 25 launches Steam faster and simplifies the setup process, featuring a new configuration system that optimizes graphics settings automatically. It can also enable AVX for titles requiring specific settings to run on Apple Silicon. CrossOver 25 is available for purchase, including a 12-month support option, while CrossOver Life offers a long-term solution for gamers.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

CrossOver 25 makes gaming on macOS and Linux even better — could it help gamers ditch Windows 11?

CodeWeavers has released CrossOver 25 for macOS and Linux, featuring Wine 10.0 with over 5,000 changes to improve the gaming experience on non-Windows systems. The update includes a new configuration system that automatically selects optimal graphics settings and introduces DXMT, a Metal-based DirectX 11 implementation for macOS, enhancing performance for lower-spec Macs. D3DMetal 2.1 improves compatibility with Apple Silicon, allowing games like Street Fighter 6 and The Last of Us Part 1 to run more efficiently. CrossOver 25 also enhances startup times for Steam games and fully supports GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games Store on macOS. Notably, it allows Red Dead Redemption 2 to run on Mac without additional configuration and improves multiplayer functionality for games like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Tekken 8. Other games such as Fallout 76 and Monster Hunter Rise have also received various improvements.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

5 reasons you should use Bazzite instead of Windows on your gaming PC

Windows has dominated the PC gaming landscape for decades, but the Steam Deck's introduction by Valve, which runs on Linux, has prompted a shift. Bazzite is a solution that replicates the Steam OS experience on any PC, offering an alternative to Windows for gamers. It provides better privacy by eliminating mandatory Microsoft accounts and intrusive ads. Bazzite supports most modern PC games through Proton, allowing many titles to run effectively, and some games may even perform better on Bazzite, especially those using Vulkan. It also facilitates retro gaming through EmuDeck, simplifying setup for various platforms. Bazzite is designed for controller-based gaming, allowing users to navigate games comfortably without needing a keyboard and mouse.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

How to Get Windows Games Working on a Mac

Modern Apple Silicon computers have impressive power, but the gaming landscape on macOS faces challenges, primarily due to the limited availability of popular games that run natively on Macs. Apple phases out support for older applications, such as 32-bit applications, making many older Steam titles inaccessible on newer Macs. For running Windows games on a Mac, three primary tools are recommended: CrossOver, WINE, and Parallels. CrossOver is user-friendly and provides a 14-day free trial, while WINE is free but harder to set up. Parallels creates a virtual Windows environment but comes at a higher cost. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific game and user preferences.