Windows platform Archives

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Microsoft set to make huge Windows change — and it’s hoping you won’t notice

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (27842) will replace the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) with a new error screen featuring a Medium Forest Green backdrop. This change is part of an effort to create a more streamlined user interface for unexpected restarts, although it may provide less context for troubleshooting. The new design is currently being tested in Microsoft's Canary Channel and is expected to become standard with the Windows 11 25H2 update later this year.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Microsoft begins testing next phase of Windows 11 — Dev Channel to flight new platform changes

Microsoft is testing platform changes in Windows 11 for Insiders in the Dev Channel, introducing new builds in the 26200 range as a precursor to version 25H2, expected later this year. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC requires platform modifications previously exclusive to the Windows Canary Channel, which Microsoft is backporting to the Dev Channel to support devices with the X2 chip on Germanium-based Windows 11. Germanium is the platform for version 24H2, and while it is unclear if version 25H2 will use the same platform, the backporting suggests a strong possibility. This initiative aims to enhance performance, security, and user experience while streamlining servicing processes for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft is working to minimize fragmentation among its Windows platforms, currently supporting Vibranium, Nickel, and Germanium. With Windows 10 support ending in October, Microsoft may consolidate users onto a single platform, likely Germanium, as version 25H2 is anticipated in the latter half of the year, coinciding with the expiration of support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

3 times Microsoft has tried (and failed) to reinvent PC gaming

Microsoft has faced criticism from the PC gaming community due to frequent Windows updates causing crashes and altering features. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP), introduced in the mid-2010s to unify operating systems, faced backlash from gamers for restricting access to game files and complicating third-party software use. Many developers bypassed UWP, leading Microsoft to reintroduce Win32 games by 2019. DirectX 10 was exclusive to Windows Vista, resulting in only 87 games being developed for it due to the unpopularity of Vista and lack of backward compatibility. Games for Windows Live (GFWL) aimed to bring Xbox Live to PC but became frustrating due to its closed ecosystem, leading to accessibility issues and unplayable titles after server shutdowns. Microsoft has since improved the gaming experience on Windows, focusing on user choice and compatibility, with features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage integrated into Windows 11.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

What Is Runtime Broker On Your PC, And Is It Safe To Disable It?

The Runtime Broker is a core process in Windows that manages permissions for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. It typically uses minimal CPU resources but can spike to around 30% when a UWP app is launched to verify permissions. High CPU usage may persist even after closing an app, which can often be resolved by ending the process in Task Manager. If issues recur with a specific app, users can either uninstall it or check for updates. Disabling the Runtime Broker is not recommended, as it may destabilize the system and compromise security. Users can verify the legitimacy of the Runtime Broker process by checking its file location in the C:WindowsSystem32 directory. If the location differs, it may indicate malware.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Microsoft will intentionally slow OneNote for Windows 10, so you ditch it faster

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of "OneNote for Windows 10," encouraging users to transition to the new OneNote app designed for Windows 11. The legacy app will have its sync speed throttled starting in June 2025, with end of support set for October 2025. Microsoft has removed the older app from the Microsoft Store and advised enterprise customers to switch to the new version available through the Microsoft Store or a Microsoft 365 subscription. Users of the legacy app will receive prompts to migrate to the modern OneNote by July 2025. The new version offers enhanced security, AI capabilities, and improved performance but lacks some features of the legacy app.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft’s slow, piecemeal killing of the Control Panel in Windows 11 continues

The Control Panel in Windows is gradually being phased out as Microsoft shifts its functionalities to the Settings app. Critical settings still remain in the Control Panel, but indications suggest that more features, including mouse-related settings, are moving to the Settings app, as revealed by a source named PhantomOfEarth. These updates are currently found in Windows Server builds, with expectations that they will also be implemented in Windows 11. The timeline for the complete retirement of the Control Panel is currently uncertain.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

As Epic Games continue ignoring Linux / Steam Deck for Fortnite they’re putting it on Windows Arm

Epic Games announced on March 13th that they are expanding Fortnite and their Epic Online Services Anti-Cheat to support Windows Arm devices in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for Fortnite on Windows on Snapdragon devices later this year. While Epic's Easy Anti-Cheat supports Linux, it lacks full kernel-level functionality, leading to some games withdrawing support for Linux. CEO Tim Sweeney has expressed skepticism about supporting Fortnite on the Steam Deck until it has a substantial user base. Despite challenges with the Epic Games Store, Epic remains focused on platforms that can deliver significant revenue, particularly as the Windows on Arm segment grows. The future of Fortnite on Linux is uncertain, but there is optimism regarding the Steam Deck's expanding user base, which logged 330 million hours in 2024, a 64% increase from the previous year.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

The latest Windows 11 dev build gives you the ability to snap together commonly paired apps for access in a single click, and I’m already sold

A new feature in the developer build of the latest Windows update allows users to pair applications for simultaneous use, enhancing multitasking. The update includes a 'frequently snapped apps' section in the Start menu, quicker access to emojis on the Taskbar, improved search functionality, a prompt for adding a recovery email, and tools for web developers. It also addresses various bugs for a smoother user experience. Users can switch between developer and beta access, with the developer build offering early access to features but potentially increased instability.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

AMD May Bring ROCm Support On Windows Operating System As AMD’s Vice President Nods For It

AMD is working to expand its ROCm software stack support from Linux to Windows, with confirmation from Vice President of AI Software, Anush Elangovan, that the company is looking to broaden support for additional GPUs on Windows. Currently, ROCm support on Windows is limited to select AMD Instinct GPUs and a few Radeon GPUs, including the RX 7900 XT and XTX, leaving many users with newer RX 9000 series GPUs unsupported. The latest version for Windows is 6.2.4, but users have reported issues such as crashes and driver timeouts. AMD's potential support for RDNA 4 GPUs could benefit deep-learning tasks for Windows users. Additionally, tinygrad will receive two MI300X boxes from AMD to enhance its AI solutions.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Popular messenger closes forever after 20 years of operation

Skype will be shut down in May. Microsoft Teams is being promoted as the alternative platform for calls and chats. Skype was launched in 2003, acquired by Microsoft in 2011, and has undergone various changes, including the discontinuation of Skype for Business. Despite updates, Skype struggled to achieve significant success compared to competitors. Microsoft Teams, introduced in 2017, combines various communication features and is integrated with Microsoft 365 services, targeting both business and educational users.