Windows version Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Mac users are obsessed with this cult-favorite, lifetime Microsoft Office deal

Many users are paying recurring fees for Microsoft 365 subscriptions for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A one-time purchase option for Microsoft Office is available for .99, which includes essential applications and eliminates ongoing costs. This version supports macOS Ventura and is optimized for Retina displays. It offers lifetime access without the need for monthly payments, making it a more economical choice compared to Microsoft 365, which costs 0 annually. A Windows version is also available. The deal provides a stable version of Office without unexpected updates or changes.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Forced E-Waste PCs And The Case Of Windows 11’s Trusted Platform

The process of upgrading Windows operating systems was straightforward until Windows 11, which introduced a new requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), potentially rendering many capable PCs obsolete. The TPM is used for boot validation and storing biometric data, but it complicates data recovery and may lock out legitimate users. Users have found ways to bypass Windows 11's TPM and CPU restrictions, allowing installation on unsupported hardware. Microsoft’s enforcement of these requirements remains uncertain, raising concerns about system reliability and user access to updates. Many users are opting to stay on Windows 10 while advocating for continued support from developers.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Sorry, Windows. Lenovo’s Legion Go S runs better with SteamOS

Lenovo's Legion Go S gaming handheld is the first device from the manufacturer to support both Windows and SteamOS. The SteamOS Edition has been recently released, allowing for performance comparisons with the Windows version. Both versions have identical specifications, including an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and an 8-inch 1200p display. The SteamOS version performs 5-15 percent faster in running games and has superior battery life, outperforming the Windows edition significantly in both low-power and demanding games. The base launch price of the SteamOS Edition is 9, influenced by import taxes, while the Windows version retails for 9. More powerful configurations are available for 9 and 9 for SteamOS and Windows versions, respectively, but the SteamOS variant is labeled as “Coming Soon” at Best Buy.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

In an embarrassment for Microsoft, SteamOS seems to destroy Windows 11 on gaming performance and battery life, as well as usability

Early comparisons between SteamOS and Windows 11 on identical hardware show that SteamOS offers significantly better gaming performance, particularly in battery life. The Lenovo Legion Go S, when running SteamOS, provides over six hours of gameplay on 2D games like Dead Cells, while the Windows version only achieves 2.75 hours. Despite Windows 11's compatibility with various gaming platforms, it has faced criticism for performance issues and unnecessary features. Windows holds a dominant market share of about 70% in desktop operating systems, but the rise of SteamOS may challenge this position.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

A YouTuber claims that Windows was actively causing handhelds to run poorly, at least versus SteamOS

Valve has expanded support for handheld consoles, including the Lenovo Legion Go S, which now offers an option for SteamOS alongside Windows. A recent analysis by YouTuber Dave2D highlights that the SteamOS version significantly outperforms the Windows version in terms of framerate and battery life. The Windows version retails for approximately 9, while the SteamOS variant is priced at 9. In performance tests, the SteamOS version achieved 10-15 FPS higher in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, and provided over six hours of gameplay compared to the Windows version's two hours and 47 minutes. The Lenovo Legion Go S also surpasses the Steam Deck in framerate, achieving 10-15 FPS more at a 15W power draw, although the Steam Deck still has an advantage in battery life and pricing. The performance gap raises questions about Microsoft's upcoming handheld device running Windows and its ability to compete with the efficiency of SteamOS.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Windows 11 starts giving custom advice based on your PC hardware

A new hardware assessment feature for Windows 11 has entered the testing phase for Windows Insiders and will soon be available to all Windows 11 24H2 users. This feature can be found in the Settings app under a dedicated FAQ section on the About page. It includes expandable questions related to system performance, such as RAM capacity and GPU requirements for gaming and video editing. Users will receive tailored answers based on their specific hardware configurations, helping them determine if their setup is adequate for various tasks.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

3 reasons Windows 11 is the best advertisement Linux ever had

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 support for installation, creating compatibility issues for users with older hardware, even if the hardware is otherwise capable of running the OS. Many users are still on Windows 10 as the support deadline approaches, with some considering Linux as an alternative since it does not impose TPM 2.0 restrictions. Linux distributions can be installed on machines lacking TPM 2.0, allowing users to retain their existing hardware. Older CPUs, typically from Intel's 7th generation or earlier, are often incompatible with Windows 11 but can run Linux efficiently, sometimes improving application performance. Linux offers more customization and less bloat compared to Windows, appealing to users frustrated with Windows 11's limitations. The shift to Windows 11 has prompted some users to explore Linux as a viable alternative.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft pushes fix for Windows 11 update 0x80240069 errors

Microsoft has resolved an issue that affected the delivery of Windows 11 24H2 feature updates via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) after the installation of the April 2025 security updates. Users reported upgrade problems, specifically encountering error code 0x80240069 during attempts to update from Windows 11 23H2 or 22H2. The update complications primarily impact enterprise environments using WSUS, while home users are less likely to experience these issues. Microsoft is rolling out a fix through Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for enterprise-managed devices, requiring IT administrators to implement the KIR Group Policy on affected endpoints. Additionally, Microsoft is addressing a separate issue where some PCs were upgraded to Windows 11 despite Intune policies preventing such upgrades.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Say ‘no thanks’ Microsoft Windows 11 and ‘yes please’ to AnduinOS 1.3

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, prompting users to consider alternatives to Windows 11, which has several challenges including strict hardware requirements and mandatory Microsoft account registration. One alternative is AnduinOS, a Linux distribution designed for users transitioning from Windows. The latest version, 1.3.0, is built on Ubuntu 25.04 and features GNOME 48, offering a familiar interface with a centered taskbar and rounded window corners. Key updates in version 1.3.0 include an integrated app store based on Flatpak, pre-installed GNOME Software, support for HDR displays, a new Super + V shortcut for clipboard history, and improved localization for Firefox. AnduinOS 1.3 is available for download with separate ISO files for each supported language.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 shows signs of life: what can we expect?

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.