Windows setup Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Your ‘unsupported’ Windows 10 PC can still run Windows 11 in 2025

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users considering upgrading to Windows 11 may face obstacles due to hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and specific CPU models. Workarounds exist for upgrading incompatible PCs. To check compatibility: - Determine if the PC uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS via System Information (msinfo32.exe). - Ensure BIOS Mode is UEFI. - Check TPM status using the TPM Management tool (tpm.msc). - Verify CPU compatibility; most Intel CPUs from 2009 or later and AMD CPUs from 2013 or later should meet the standards. Option 1: Registry Edit Method (for PCs with TPM 1.2+ and UEFI) 1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as an administrator. 2. Navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMSetup; create MoSetup key if absent. 3. Create DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU, set value to 1, and restart. 4. Download Windows 11 ISO from aka.ms/DownloadWindows11. 5. Mount the ISO file and run Setup.exe. Option 2: Using Rufus (for PCs without TPM or UEFI) 1. Download Rufus version 4.6 or later and Windows 11 ISO. 2. Prepare a USB flash drive (16GB or larger). 3. Launch Rufus, select the USB drive, choose the Windows 11 ISO, and check the box to remove requirements for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. 4. Create the bootable drive and run Setup.exe from the USB drive. These methods are unofficial workarounds. Users may encounter compatibility warnings, and the registry method is preferred for its simplicity. Some very old systems, especially those with AMD processors lacking SSE4.2 support, may still be incompatible.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Windows 11 is closing a loophole that let you skip making a Microsoft account

Microsoft has mandated that every new device running Windows 11 must be set up with an internet-connected account. The company has removed the bypass script that allowed users to circumvent this requirement during the initial setup. This change is aimed at enhancing security and user experience. While the bypass command has been disabled in the latest beta build, users can still reactivate it through a registry edit, although there is no guarantee this workaround will be allowed indefinitely. Microsoft is also tightening the upgrade process to Windows 11, restricting installations on older PCs that do not meet the TPM 2.0 requirement and eliminating the option to install Windows 11 using older product keys.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

How to transfer your Windows 11 setup to a new hard drive — no extra app required

Users of Windows 11 may need to upgrade their hard drive due to space constraints or the drive nearing the end of its lifespan, typically within three to five years. They can create a system image backup using the Backup and Restore feature in Windows 11. To create a system image, users must access the Control Panel, navigate to System and Security, and select "Create a system image." The backup can be saved on a hard disk, and users can choose to include additional drives. To create a USB bootable media for recovery, users should visit the Windows 11 download page, download the Media Creation Tool, and follow the prompts to create a USB flash drive. Replacing the hard drive involves powering down the computer, removing the cover, disconnecting cables, and installing the new drive. After installation, users can restore the previous Windows 11 installation from the system image backup by booting from the USB drive and selecting "System Image Recovery." If the new drive has unallocated space, users can create a new partition or expand the existing setup partition. To create a data partition, users can access Settings, navigate to Storage, and create a new volume from unallocated space. To expand the setup partition, users must delete the recovery partition, extend the installation drive, and recreate the recovery partition using Command Prompt and Disk Management. Finally, users should re-enable BitLocker after completing these processes.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

4 reasons PowerToys Run is the best Spotlight alternative for Windows users

PowerToys is a suite of productivity tools for Windows users, featuring PowerToys Run, which serves as an alternative to macOS's Spotlight. PowerToys Run allows users to launch applications and search for files quickly and efficiently, with built-in plug-ins for searching the Windows registry, executing terminal commands, converting units, performing calculations, creating timestamps, and conducting web searches. It offers high customization options, enabling users to adjust settings for an optimized search experience. Additionally, it supports third-party extensions for enhanced functionality, such as browser history searches and direct queries to ChatGPT. The entire PowerToys suite includes other tools like FancyZones for window management and PowerRename for file renaming, contributing to improved workflow efficiency.

Winsage

February 15, 2025

8 tools that will change how you use Windows

Windows 11 offers a variety of features and a vibrant ecosystem of third-party applications, but users often find the default experience lacking in productivity. Several tools are available to enhance the Windows experience: 1. EarTrumpet: A comprehensive volume mixer that allows users to control audio for each application and playback device seamlessly. 2. Twinkle Tray: Simplifies brightness adjustments across multiple monitors directly from the taskbar and offers automation features based on the time of day. 3. Everything: A lightweight search tool that indexes files quickly, allowing for instantaneous local file searches. 4. OneCommander: A dual-pane file management tool that enhances navigation and organization of files with features like color-coded labels and advanced previews. 5. Start11: Customizes the Start menu, allowing users to choose styles, create folders and groups, and integrate File Explorer folders for quick access. 6. Rainmeter: A platform for extensive customization of the Windows interface with community-driven skins and widgets. 7. PowerToys: Includes utilities like FancyZones for creating custom window layouts, enhancing multitasking efficiency. 8. Flow Launcher: A powerful search and app launcher that streamlines workflows by enabling users to perform tasks using just their keyboard. These applications collectively improve the Windows 11 experience by addressing common issues and enhancing productivity.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

5 tools that put the Windows 11 Start menu to shame

The Start menu in Windows 11 has limited customization options, leading users to seek alternatives. Several third-party applications can enhance or replace the Start menu experience: 1. Windhawk: A free, open-source tool that allows customization of the Start menu and taskbar, offering features reminiscent of Windows 10, such as viewing the All apps list and removing the Recommended section. 2. StartAllBack: Restores the look of earlier Windows versions, providing a nostalgic interface with customization options, including a Windows 7-style menu, while enhancing the taskbar and File Explorer. 3. Start11: A powerful customization tool from Stardock that offers seven different styles for the Start menu, allowing users to organize apps into groups and folders, enhancing productivity. 4. PowerToys: Features PowerToys Run, a search bar that allows users to launch applications and perform tasks quickly, providing an efficient alternative to the Start menu. 5. Flow Launcher: A comprehensive replacement for the Start menu, offering a wide range of functionalities through plugins, allowing users to launch applications and access various tools efficiently.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

4 ways to view a file in Windows without its application

The Preview pane in File Explorer allows users to view file contents directly in a panel on the right side of the screen, supporting various formats including Office documents, PDFs, images (JPG, PNG), audio files (WAV, MP3), and videos (MP4). Microsoft PowerToys offers a feature called Peek for rapid file previews using a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Space), supporting images, PDFs, and Microsoft Office documents. The QuickLook app for Windows enables file previews by selecting files and pressing the spacebar, supporting images, videos, and compressed files (ZIP, RAR), as well as text documents like Markdown files. WinQuickLook is a paid alternative to QuickLook that allows users to preview files in File Explorer by pressing the spacebar, displaying essential file information and enabling quick access to native applications.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

These are my 15 favorite features and changes that Microsoft added to Windows 11 in 2024

- Windows 11 introduced the Sudo command, allowing users to execute commands with elevated privileges without launching the Windows Terminal as an administrator. - An "Energy Saver" mode was added to enhance power management, combining features of the previous "Battery Saver" and "Power Mode." - Users can now modify power button actions directly from Settings without accessing the legacy Control Panel. - The date and time format in the Taskbar's System Tray has been revised to omit the AM/PM designation and the four-digit year. - Taskbar navigation has been improved, allowing users to focus on applications using their initial letters. - Users can customize mouse scrolling direction via Settings without accessing the Registry. - Windows 11 now supports Wi-Fi 7, promising speeds exceeding 40 Gbps. - A network refresh button was added to the Quick Settings flyout for easier scanning of available wireless networks. - Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR) enhances gaming visuals on Copilot+ PCs by upscaling images and improving frame rates. - Windows Studio effects enhance video and audio calls with AI-driven features, now available to all Copilot+ PC users. - The context menu in File Explorer has been updated to include labels for commonly used actions. - A new archive compression wizard allows users to create Zip, TAR, and 7zip files. - The "Link to Windows" feature enables browsing and transferring files from Android devices to Windows 11 computers without a USB connection. - The "Windows Setup" interface has been revamped with a cleaner design and simplified installation process. - A customizable Copilot key option allows users to remap this key to any application from the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

How to Run Microsoft’s New Windows CPC (NXT) OS on Your PC

Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link, a mini PC that runs on cloud-based Windows and features an undisclosed Intel processor, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It utilizes a new operating system called Windows CPC, codenamed “NXT,” which has a simplified interface primarily based on HTML and lacks traditional components like Explorer, Task Manager, and Notepad. The onboarding process is facilitated by Edge WebView2. Users must sign in with a work account, as standard Microsoft accounts are not supported. The OS version displayed is "Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.26100.2314]." The System32 folder contains files related to NXT, and only a limited number of applications can be run, such as dxdiag, Narrator, and the on-screen keyboard. Windows CPC is described as a lightweight operating system, similar to ChromeOS, and is not intended for the average consumer.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows 11 audio glitch unexpectedly cranks system volume to 100%

Users of Windows 11 24H2 are experiencing an audio issue where sound levels can unexpectedly increase to 100 percent, particularly affecting gamers with gaming hardware. Microsoft has identified the problem occurring under specific conditions: when a PC is updated to Windows 11 24H2, uses the Creative Sound BlasterX G6 external USB DAC, is manually put into sleep mode and then woken, when the DAC is connected and immediately disconnected, or when the volume on the DAC is adjusted and then quickly detached. The issue is linked to a timing problem within the AudioEndpointBuilder service, and Microsoft is working on a resolution.