Windows user experience Archives

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Change these 4 Windows settings for a more minimalist look

The text discusses ways to enhance the Windows user experience to make it more aesthetically pleasing and organized, similar to a Mac. Key modifications include: - Using the application TranslucentTB to make the taskbar transparent or hiding it in desktop mode. - Decluttering the taskbar by removing unnecessary icons through the right-click menu. - Shrinking desktop icons by selecting "Small icons" or hiding all icons for a cleaner look. - Pinning frequently used applications to the Start Menu for easier access and unpinning less essential apps to reduce clutter. - Emphasizing that a cleaner desktop can improve focus and productivity by minimizing distractions.

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

February 18, 2025

New patch for Windows 11 24H2 reportedly plays havoc with File Explorer, and some folks are claiming it’s broken their PC

Microsoft's cumulative update for Windows 11, patch KB5051987, has caused significant issues for users of the 24H2 version. Problems include File Explorer failing to open essential folders like Documents and Pictures, difficulties accessing File Explorer through search or shortcuts, and widespread installation failures. Users report the update process stalling, prolonged installation times, critical system errors, and instances of Blue Screens of Death, which can render Windows 11 inoperable. The issues persist even in clean installations of Windows 11, and there are currently no widely recognized workarounds, though disabling Windows Sandbox has been suggested for Pro edition users. Reports of installation failures and system crashes continue, leading to caution among users regarding the update.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Windows Central Tech Awards 2024 — Ranking the top PCs, tools, accessories, and software innovations of the year

This year has seen significant advancements in consumer technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, highlighted by Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative in collaboration with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor, introducing fanless, battery-efficient laptops to the Windows ecosystem. AI companies like OpenAI have expanded their offerings, prompting competitors such as Google, xAI, and Facebook to enhance their products. New brands like XREAL have emerged, while established companies like ASUS have innovated with dual-screen laptops. Accessory manufacturers have also improved their products. The Windows Central Tech Awards for 2024 recognize standout devices and features across various categories, including Tech Innovator of the Year, Best Processor, Best Overall Laptop, Best Keyboard, Best Pre-Built Gaming PC, Best Mini PC, Best Gaming Laptop, Best Gaming Headset, Best Tech Accessory, Best Monitor, Best Gaming Input, Best Gaming Hardware, Best Desktop All-in-One, Best Budget Laptop, Best Business Laptop, Best Mobile App for Windows Users, Best Windows Feature, Best Mouse, and Best Windows PC App. Looking ahead to 2025, advancements in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and potential breakthroughs in 6G and quantum computing are anticipated, with Microsoft focusing on AI server technology acquisitions and developments in PC gaming handhelds and new Xbox hardware.

Winsage

November 18, 2024

How to upgrade an ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11: Two ways

As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has implemented stricter compatibility checks for Windows 11 upgrades, affecting users with older PCs, particularly those with older AMD processors. Microsoft will stop delivering security updates for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Users attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 may receive messages indicating their CPU is not compatible, and the lack of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 complicates the upgrade process. To upgrade to Windows 11, users must ensure their PC is configured to start using UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has TPM enabled (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can verify these settings using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool. Two workarounds are available for upgrading: 1. Registry Edit: Users can bypass CPU checks by editing the registry. This involves creating a new key in Registry Editor, setting a DWORD value to allow upgrades with unsupported TPM or CPU, and then downloading the Windows 11 ISO to initiate the upgrade. 2. Rufus Utility: For PCs without TPM or Secure Boot support, the free Rufus utility can be used to bypass compatibility checks. Users need to download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB flash drive, and use Rufus to create an installer that removes hardware requirements. Both methods will present a compatibility warning during the installation process, which users can dismiss to proceed with the upgrade.

Winsage

September 29, 2024

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11: Two options

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 PCs unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program at a high cost. Upgrading to Windows 11 on older PCs may be problematic due to CPU compatibility and TPM version 2.0 requirements, which Microsoft will not change. Supported workarounds exist, but systems must boot using UEFI, have Secure Boot enabled, and have an active TPM (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can check their system specifications using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool. To bypass CPU checks and allow installation on PCs with older TPMs, users can edit the Windows registry by creating a key named MoSetup and setting a DWORD value to allow upgrades with unsupported TPM or CPU. Alternatively, the free Rufus utility can be used to create a bootable USB drive that bypasses compatibility checks entirely. Users can then initiate the upgrade process from the USB drive.

Winsage

July 6, 2024

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 Sports an ARM Processor: Windows on ARM Slowly Rising

Microsoft has been working on making Windows-on-ARM processors a reality, despite past failures. The company has shown signs of progress and dedication to the ARM initiative, with the release of the Surface Pro 11 featuring ARM processors. This slow but steady improvement indicates Microsoft's commitment to competing in a market dominated by Intel and AMD. The future of Windows-on-ARM looks promising, with potential for improved power efficiency and thinner, lighter devices.

BetaBeacon

May 20, 2024

“The most significant change to the Windows platform in decades”– Microsoft announces Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft announced plans to integrate its Copilot AI feature into the Windows ecosystem through the upcoming Copilot+ PCs, designed in collaboration with top-tier hardware partners. These devices will leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the Windows user experience and boost productivity.

Winsage

April 5, 2024

Microsoft PowerToys now lets you peek at WebP files, my most-hated type of file

- Microsoft PowerToys has been updated to version 0.80.0, bringing enhancements and rectifications. - The Peek utility now supports WebP and WebM formats, as well as audio files, allowing users to preview different media types with a shortcut. - WebP files were created by Google in 2010 for web optimization, outperforming JPEG files in compression. - PowerToys v0.80.0 introduces new features like Desired State Configuration support and adds support for WebP/WebM files and audio files to the Peek feature.