Windows version Archives

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

35 years of Microsoft Solitaire: An illustrated history of the game’s evolution

Microsoft Solitaire has been played by over 500 million players worldwide since its launch in 1990 as part of Windows 3.0. It was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019. The game has been localized into 65 languages and is available on various devices, despite no longer being pre-installed on Windows computers. Originally designed to help users learn mouse functionality, Solitaire became a popular choice for players seeking a break from daily life. With the release of Windows XP in 2001, online competition emerged, but traditional Solitaire remained popular. In 2015, Microsoft released Solitaire as a downloadable app within the Windows Store, including classic modes and new challenges. The game has inspired various adaptations and alternatives, while some players, like Ariana Torrey, continue to appreciate its nostalgic simplicity.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

I replaced my Windows PC with Lenovo’s SteamOS handheld – and didn’t regret it

Lenovo has launched the Legion Go S, a handheld gaming device running on SteamOS, priced at 9. It features an 8-inch display, ergonomic design with textured grips, and hall-effect analog sticks. The device is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, AMD Radeon GPU, and 16GB of RAM, performing well with lightweight games but struggling with demanding AAA titles. Battery life lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes for intensive gameplay and about two hours for lighter games. The Legion Go S competes with the Steam Deck, offering a touchscreen and 120Hz refresh rate, while the Steam Deck has a 7.4-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and is lighter at 1.4 pounds compared to the Legion Go S at 1.62 pounds.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 updates failing with 0x80240069 error

Microsoft resolved an issue affecting the delivery of the August 2025 Windows 11 24H2 cumulative update (KB5063878) via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which resulted in error code 0x80240069 during installation. This problem was acknowledged by Microsoft after reports from Windows administrators about the update service terminating unexpectedly. The company indicated that the issue primarily impacts enterprise environments using WSUS, while home users are unlikely to experience it. An automatic solution through Known Issue Rollback (KIR) has been initiated for affected enterprise-managed devices, requiring administrators to install the KIR Group Policy and restart the devices. Users can also manually install the update through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. Similar issues had been reported previously, with a comparable problem addressed in May for Windows 11 22H2/23H2 systems.

Winsage

August 11, 2025

OneNote finally gets “paste text only” feature on Windows and Mac

Microsoft is testing a new 'Paste as text only' feature in OneNote, allowing users to paste text without retaining original formatting. This feature will strip away unwanted colors, fonts, or text styles, providing a cleaner look for notes. To use it, users can right-click and select Paste Options > Keep Text Only or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + V on Windows or Command + Shift + V on Mac. It is available in OneNote for Windows version 2508 (Build 19101.10000) or later, and Mac Build 16.100 (25080335) or later.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Why Windows switched seasons for letters and numbers

Microsoft has shifted from whimsical naming conventions for Windows 10 releases, such as "Spring" and "Fall," to more straightforward designations like H1 and H2 due to global applicability concerns. This change was influenced by feedback highlighting Northern Hemisphere bias in naming. The new alphanumeric system aims for clearer communication, although it may not appeal as much to marketing. Additionally, Microsoft announced a change in its update strategy in February 2021, moving from two major feature updates per year to one update in the latter half of the year. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 is expected to be released in September or October.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Move over Windows Ugly sweaters, Microsoft is about to drop custom Windows XP Crocs with an all-important Clippy Jibbitz

Microsoft is releasing Windows XP Crocs, called the '50th Anniversary Exclusive,' marking the first time a Windows version is featured in footwear. These Crocs are currently available for internal order by Microsoft employees, with a planned worldwide launch to follow. The design is inspired by the classic Windows XP wallpaper and includes six Jibbitz shoe charms: Clippy, MSN Butterfly, Internet Explorer Logo, Recycling Bin, and Folder. Each pair also comes with a drawstring tote featuring the Windows XP wallpaper design. Further updates on pricing and availability are anticipated.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Windows: Everything you need to know

Windows is the dominant operating system globally, developed by Microsoft, and serves over a billion users. The latest version is Windows 11, which debuted in October 2021, featuring significant visual and functional enhancements. Microsoft began rolling out the 24H2 update in mid-2024, introducing AI hardware support, enhanced security, and new features like Copilot and Recall. The upcoming 25H2 update is expected in late 2025, utilizing a lightweight enablement package for a swift upgrade process. Development on Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, is ongoing, with a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027, focusing on AI-first computing and modular architecture. Users can check their current Windows version by pressing the Windows key + R and typing winver. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for eligible systems, while Windows 11 Home costs 9 and Windows 11 Pro costs 9. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, making an upgrade advisable for continued security and access to new features.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

It wasn’t supposed to work, but someone made a forgotten Windows version boot from an NVMe

Windows 2000 can run on modern hardware using a setup that includes a Gigabyte H410 H V2 motherboard, a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and a Super GPU from 2006. The Universal NT Installer, a Linux-based tool, allows for the installation of Windows NT versions, including Windows 2000. The system can boot from an NVMe SSD and recognizes all 12 CPU cores, achieving transfer speeds of 2500MB/s. However, there are challenges such as inconsistent HDMI audio support and some USB 3 drives not functioning properly.

BetaBeacon

July 30, 2025

Ayaneo just announced the “world’s first flip dual-screen Android handheld” for 3DS games, and I’m more excited about it than the Windows version

Ayaneo has unveiled a new gaming handheld called the Ayaneo Pocket DS, which is the world's first Android clamshell portable for 3DS games.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Microsoft claims Windows 11 24H2 is the most reliable Windows version ever

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 is now recognized as the most reliable version of Windows, with a 24% reduction in unexpected restarts compared to Windows 10 22H2. The update includes improvements in crash dump collection, reducing recovery time from 40 seconds to two seconds. A new feature in Windows 11 automatically detects boot issues and applies fixes without user intervention, enabled by default in Windows 11 Home. The crash page has been redesigned for a more user-friendly interface. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 for enhanced performance and security.