Windows setup Archives

Winsage

January 5, 2026

New laptop? How to wipe your old Windows PC clean before getting rid of it

Many individuals and businesses upgrade their PCs as the new year approaches and face decisions about their old devices. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, or selling. Essential steps for transitioning include migrating applications and files, securely erasing personal data, and resetting the operating system. To migrate apps and files, use the Windows Backup app to back up settings and installed apps, and transfer personal folders to OneDrive. For legacy software, ensure you have activation codes and installation files. Back up important files using cloud storage or create a full image backup to a removable hard drive. To wipe old data, enable BitLocker Disk Encryption on Windows 11 Pro or delete sensitive files and wipe disk space on Windows 11 Home using the command cipher /w:c:. To prepare the old PC for a new owner, options for installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 include resetting the PC, reinstalling a factory image, or performing a clean install using bootable media. Resetting involves navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Remove everything." Reimaging uses a manufacturer-provided recovery image, while a clean install requires bootable media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

- Before upgrading to Windows 11, it is essential to update Windows 10 to ensure a smoother migration process. - A USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB is needed if using the Media Creation Tool method for the upgrade. - A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading the upgrade, especially in Malaysia, where the download size is substantial. - The upgrade can be performed through three methods: Windows Update Automatic Upgrade, Media Creation Tool Installation, and Clean Installation Process. - A clean installation will erase all files on the device, so backing up important data is necessary before proceeding. - Users should complete their Windows 11 upgrade before October 14, 2025, to avoid potential issues after support ends. - Businesses can utilize Microsoft Endpoint Manager for remote upgrades and should verify device compatibility with Windows 11. - The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with a valid Windows 10 license. - If a device does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, transitioning to a compatible PC or laptop is recommended. - Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, but after that, a clean installation is required to revert. - The upgrade process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on hardware and internet speed. - Most applications that work on Windows 10 will continue to function on Windows 11, but testing critical applications is advised. - Backing up files before the upgrade is essential, with recommendations for both cloud and physical storage solutions. - Upgrading to Windows 11 provides enhanced security features, such as improved virus protection, biometric authentication, and encrypted storage. - The end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, impacts compliance, insurance coverage, productivity tools, remote work capabilities, and vendor support for businesses. - HP Malaysia offers a range of devices for users needing to transition to Windows 11-compatible PCs or laptops.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ending: Complete Windows 11 Upgrade Guide

Upgrading to Windows 11 involves careful planning and preparation. Start by updating Windows 10 to ensure recent updates are applied. Acquire a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) for the installation process, and document current software licenses as some applications may require reactivation. Check for driver updates to ensure hardware compatibility with Windows 11. There are three main upgrade methods: 1. Windows Update Automatic Upgrade: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, check for updates, and if compatible, download and install Windows 11. This method retains files and applications and typically takes 20 to 40 minutes. 2. Media Creation Tool Installation: Download the Media Creation Tool, run it, and follow prompts to create installation media on a USB drive. This method is useful for upgrading multiple devices. 3. Clean Installation Process: Insert the USB drive with setup files, restart the device, boot from the USB, and follow the instructions for a custom installation. This method erases all existing data, so comprehensive backups are necessary. Effective planning is crucial, and it is advisable to start the upgrade process well before the deadline of October 14, 2025. This allows time for testing applications, training staff, and addressing hardware requirements. Ensure all devices are compatible to avoid security issues, and consider a robust data protection strategy, such as a 3-2-1 backup approach. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for users with genuine Windows 10 licenses. If a device does not meet the requirements, it cannot be upgraded. Users can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of the upgrade, retaining previous files. The upgrade process typically takes around 20 minutes, depending on various factors. Planning the upgrade early helps mitigate operational disruptions, allowing for staggered upgrades and reduced risks of security vulnerabilities as Windows 10 support ends.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

5 Essential Windows Apps Everyone Should Be Using In 2025

Everything is a free application from Voidtools that indexes file and folder names quickly, allowing searches of up to a million files in a minute. It can index mapped network drives and supports Boolean operators and wildcards for advanced search needs. Flow Launcher is an open-source application that serves as a quick launcher and search utility, integrating with Everything for fast file searches and allowing users to open applications, search for files, and perform calculations from a single interface. NanaZip is an open-source archive manager derived from 7-Zip, supporting various archive formats and offering faster processing times, improved encryption, dark mode, and context menu integration. Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities for power users that includes tools like Command Palette, PowerRename, and FancyZones, available for free from the Microsoft Store. Ferdium is an open-source tool that consolidates web applications into a single platform, allowing users to manage multiple web apps within one window, supporting multiple instances of the same app and offering workspace management and a built-in To-do list panel.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5068861 & KB5068865 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5068861 and KB5068865 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, addressing critical security vulnerabilities, bugs, and introducing new features. The updates are mandatory and include the November 2025 Patch Tuesday security patches. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or download them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build number for Windows 11 25H2 will change to Build 26200.7019, and 23H2 will update to 226x1.6050. New features include: - A revamped Start menu UI allowing removal of the Recommended feed. - Updated lock screen battery icons with color indicators and battery percentage. - A dedicated Microsoft 365 Copilot page for commercial devices. - Rebranding of the “Email & accounts” section to “Your accounts.” - Refreshed taskbar battery icons with clearer visual cues. - New Administrator Protection Preview feature for safeguarding admin rights. - API support for NIST post-quantum cryptography algorithms. Fixed issues include: - Taskbar app icon hover behavior. - Display issues in apps and browsers. - Context menu behavior in File Explorer. - Pen and handwriting input responsiveness. - Narrator launch issues during Windows setup. - Performance improvements in taskbar loading after sleep. This update is the final release for Windows 11 23H2, as support for this version ends today, and no optional updates will be released in December.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

How I turned a cheap mini PC into a AAA gaming machine — tips for inexpensive and reliable cloud gaming with NVIDIA and Xbox

A mini PC is an effective budget gaming option that allows gamers to play high-performance AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur's Gate 3, and Elden Ring using modest hardware by leveraging cloud gaming services such as NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass. To set up GeForce NOW on a mini PC, users need to connect the device to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, complete the Windows setup, download and install the GeForce NOW app, log in, connect digital stores, and select games to play. Key considerations for cloud gaming on mini PCs include the need for a stable internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed), potential subscription costs for enhanced experiences, the lack of a game library with GeForce NOW, and the importance of researching trusted brands to avoid malware in budget mini PCs. Additionally, dedicated gaming mini PCs exist but are often more expensive.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

How Windows 11 Users Are Bypassing Microsoft’s Local Account Rules

Microsoft has eliminated all known methods for creating a local account during the installation of Windows 11 in the latest Insider Preview Build, affecting users in the Dev channel. The company confirmed this change, stating it is removing mechanisms for local account creation, following a previous update that blocked the "bypassnro" command. A workaround still exists where users can disconnect from the internet and use "Shift + F10" during setup to access Command Prompt and enter specific commands to create a local account. The tool Rufus also offers a bypass option. Microsoft enforces this policy to ensure proper device setup and to integrate users into its ecosystem. This change is currently being tested in the Insider Dev channel and is likely to roll out to all Windows 11 users in a future update. The commands to bypass the Microsoft account requirement are: PLACEHOLDER36d30521e7796d3a followed by PLACEHOLDERacce964ca94c456e.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Microsoft is ‘removing known mechanisms for creating a local account’ from Windows 11 setup – get ready to use a Microsoft account

Microsoft is eliminating the option to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account in the latest preview build (26220.6772), actively removing mechanisms for creating a local account during setup. The company believes that linking a Microsoft account is essential for proper device setup, aiming to prevent issues like lack of internet connectivity. This change has raised skepticism among users, who suspect it may be motivated by a desire to promote Microsoft services during installation.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

The Party’s Over: Windows 11 Installation Will Require the Internet

Microsoft is tightening control over the installation process for Windows 11 by eliminating workarounds that allowed installations without an internet connection or a Microsoft account. This change is being rolled out in a test build and includes disabling the "bypassnro command" and the "start ms-cxh:localonly" command. Amanda Langowski, lead of the Windows Insider Program, explained that these changes aim to ensure users do not skip critical setup screens, which are essential for a fully configured device. Community reactions are mixed, with some users expressing frustration and concerns about data privacy, while others support the changes, suggesting initial resistance may lead to eventual acceptance.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft removes even more Microsoft account workarounds from Windows 11 build

The necessity of signing in with a Microsoft account during the setup of Windows 11 has been identified as a significant inconvenience. Microsoft is reportedly tightening restrictions on bypassing this requirement, as indicated by a recent update to the Windows Insider Preview program (build number 26220.6772), which aims to remove known methods for creating a local account during setup. Specifically, the "OOBEBYPASSNRO" workaround and the "start ms-cxh:localonly" command have been eliminated. Users previously could access a command prompt during setup to bypass the Microsoft account requirement, but the status of an alternative workaround for Windows 11 Pro that allows users to create a local account by indicating a corporate domain is uncertain. While some screens can be skipped using workarounds, users still face essential prompts for account creation and privacy settings. Signing in with a Microsoft account introduces additional promotional screens for services and features that may not be considered critical by users.