Windows PCs Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac

Windows is the primary target for malware attacks, leading to a focus on antivirus applications for the platform, while macOS users have fewer options. Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac offers robust cross-platform protection and has received perfect scores from independent testing labs, excelling in phishing protection. It is priced at approximately .99 annually for a single license and .99 for a five-license subscription. Norton supports the latest three macOS versions: Sequoia (15), Sonoma (14), and Ventura (13). The Gen stack, a new antivirus engine, consolidates technology from Norton, Avast, and AVG, ensuring consistent performance. Norton achieved a perfect score of 18 points in independent testing, with a 100% detection rate for Mac malware and Windows-specific threats. It offers flexible scanning options, with quick scans completing in 30 seconds and full scans in 27 minutes. Norton has a 100% detection rate for phishing sites and includes a smart firewall and intrusion prevention system. Its password manager offers basic functions but lacks advanced features. Norton Genie is an AI-based scam detection tool integrated into the ecosystem. The software includes performance improvement tools like File Cleanup and Startup Manager, but privacy components require separate purchases.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

Microsoft’s Xbox PC launcher gets going with Steam, Epic, and other games showing up

Microsoft is testing a new aggregated gaming library within the Xbox app, which consolidates titles from various platforms like Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft, Epic Games Store, and Riot Games. The Xbox app automatically identifies installed games on the PC, presenting them in an organized library with thumbnails and launcher names. Users can launch games directly or navigate to the original launcher, and there is an option to hide titles from various stores. This integration catalogs games without providing Xbox achievements or enhanced functionalities. Additionally, there are reports of "Xbox full-screen experience" settings appearing on existing ROG Ally devices, which are currently non-functional as Microsoft is testing this feature. Existing devices will eventually receive the full-screen Xbox experience. Users can access the new library by installing the Xbox test app through the Xbox Insider Hub and updating the Xbox app via the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

Windows has been the most widely used operating system globally since its launch in 1985, currently powering over a billion active devices each month. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop providing security and feature updates, as well as technical support for Windows 10 PCs. Users can check their eligibility for upgrading to Windows 11 through the Settings menu or the PC Health Check app. Windows 11 features enhanced security, improved performance, and a modern user interface, with built-in accessibility tools and AI capabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide critical security updates for personal devices from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Organizations can subscribe to ESU for continued security updates for a year, with the option to renew annually. Windows 365 offers a cloud-based solution for transitioning to Windows 11 without needing to replace all devices immediately. Various Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are available from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft Brings Steam Games to Xbox PC App for a Unified Gaming Library

Microsoft is testing a new version of its Xbox app for Windows, which will feature a combined library that includes games from various storefronts like Steam and Battle.net. Users will be able to view and launch these games directly within the Xbox app, eliminating the need to switch between different launchers. Games installed from supported storefronts will automatically appear in the "My library" section and the "Most recent" list in the sidebar. Users can join the gaming preview by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on their Windows PCs, with the feature expected to roll out later this year.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

How to turn off AI in Windows and bring yourself some peace

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its product suite, including Microsoft Edge, Office, Notepad, and Paint. Users can disable or hide AI features, such as Copilot, by right-clicking its icon on the taskbar to unpin it, adjusting settings in the Copilot app, or uninstalling it through the Settings panel. Other AI features like Windows Recall and Click to Do can also be turned off in the Privacy & security section of Windows Settings. Notepad allows users to toggle off Copilot, but Paint currently does not have an option to remove the Copilot button. Users are advised to regularly check for options to disable unwanted AI functionalities.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

With 114 days left until Windows 10 support is ditched, Windows 11 enjoys a last-minute surge in upgrades

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft boosts default security of Windows 365 Cloud PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Windows 365 Cloud PCs with new security features starting in May 2025. All newly provisioned and reprovisioned Cloud PCs using a Windows 11 gallery image will have Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), Credential Guard, and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) enabled by default. VBS creates a secure environment to protect system processes, Credential Guard secures authentication credentials, and HVCI ensures only verified code runs at the kernel level. Additionally, beginning in the latter half of 2025, clipboard, drive, USB, and printer redirections will be disabled by default on newly provisioned and reprovisioned Cloud PCs to mitigate security risks, although IT administrators can re-enable these features if needed.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft’s Family Safety app is blocking Chrome on Windows PCs

Mark has over 30 years of experience in technology journalism, with the last 10 years at PCWorld where he has written more than 3,500 articles on topics like PC microprocessors and Microsoft Windows. He has also contributed to publications such as PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science, and Electronic Buyers' News. Mark received the Jesse H. Neal Award for breaking news. Recently, he had to part with several dozen Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs due to his office reaching capacity.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Steam’s new in-game overlay offers some useful upgrades – and I’m particularly happy about one that exposes a controversial AI trick

Valve is enhancing Steam's in-game frame rate counter by transforming it into a comprehensive overlay that displays frames per second (FPS) and provides insights into CPU and GPU status, including utilization levels, clock speeds, and temperatures. The new beta version of the Steam app introduces this performance monitor, currently available only to beta testers on Windows PCs, with plans to extend similar capabilities to other platforms like SteamOS in the future. The overlay can be customized to show only the FPS counter and allows users to adjust its transparency and positioning on the screen. It will help players identify if frame generation technologies, such as Nvidia's DLSS, AMD's FSR, and Intel's XeSS, are active and highlight instances of micro-stutter. This update aims to simplify the process of understanding game performance metrics for gamers, reducing reliance on third-party tools.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft’s new AI agent can change Windows settings for you

Microsoft has introduced an AI agent to assist users in navigating Windows PCs, allowing requests for guidance and task execution. This feature is currently available only to Windows 11 Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs with English as the primary display language. Support for compatible AMD and Intel PCs will be available soon. The AI agent is part of the latest Insider build, which also includes enhancements to the Recall feature, allowing users to reset collected data and automatically expiring snapshots after 90 days. Additional features in the update include Click to Do support for email addresses and improved sharing options for OneDrive files, along with bug fixes.