Windows version Archives

Winsage

June 18, 2025

What version of Windows is on your PC? Here’s how to find out

To check your Windows version and build number, you can use the following methods: 1. Winver Tool: Type “winver” in the taskbar search bar and select the command to display your version and build number in a pop-up window. 2. Windows Settings: Go to the start menu, select “Settings,” then navigate to “System” and click on “About” to find your version and build number under “Windows specifications.” 3. Registry Database: Type “regedit” in the taskbar search field, open the Registry Editor, and navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINE->SOFTWARE->Microsoft->Windows NT->CurrentVersion to find the version number under “ReleaseId” and “DisplayVersion.”

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Xbox handheld rumoured to be ‘essentially cancelled’ but the new Asus Xbox Ally is actually a preview of all future Xbox consoles, not just handhelds

A recent report suggests that the anticipated Xbox handheld console may be "essentially canceled." The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, recently unveiled, are not true Xbox consoles but PC handhelds using existing PC chips and a new iteration of Windows optimized for gaming. Microsoft has rebranded its gaming division as 'Xbox PC' and acknowledged Steam as a competitor. None of these developments have been officially confirmed.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Microsoft Resolves Windows Server 2025 Restart Bug Disrupting Active Directory Connectivity

Microsoft released updates in June 2025 to address critical issues affecting Windows Server 2025 domain controllers, specifically authentication failures and network connectivity problems. The updates, encapsulated in KB5060842, resolved issues stemming from security update KB5055523, which altered certificate validation methods for Kerberos authentication. This change led to logging errors for self-signed certificates and affected Windows Hello for Business Key Trust deployments. Additionally, a separate issue prevented domain controllers from managing network traffic correctly after restarts, causing them to revert to standard firewall profiles. Microsoft provided a temporary workaround for administrators to manually restart network adapters until a permanent fix was implemented. The June updates addressed a total of 66 vulnerabilities, including 10 rated as Critical, and recommended immediate installation. Microsoft advised against setting the AllowNtAuthPolicyBypass registry key to ‘2’ for domain controllers using self-signed certificates until the latest updates were applied.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2025

ViperSoftX Malware Used by Threat Actors to Steal Sensitive Information

The AhnLab Security Intelligence Center (ASEC) has reported that ViperSoftX malware, first identified in 2020, continues to pose a significant threat, particularly targeting cryptocurrency-related information. It disguises itself as cracked software or eBooks on torrent sites and uses deceptive tactics to infect users globally. ViperSoftX exploits the Windows Task Scheduler to execute malicious PowerShell scripts and communicates with its command-and-control server to transmit detailed system information. The malware captures clipboard activity to steal cryptocurrency wallet addresses and employs mechanisms to avoid detection, including self-removal. It also deploys secondary payloads like Quasar RAT and ClipBanker, which hijacks wallet addresses during transactions. ASEC warns that infections can lead to total system compromise and advises users to avoid unverified downloads and maintain updated security measures. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): - MD5: - 064b1e45016e8a49eba01878e41ecc37 - 0ed2d0579b60d9e923b439d8e74b53e1 - 0efe1a5d5f4066b7e9755ad89ee9470c - 197ff9252dd5273e3e77ee07b37fd4dd - 1ec4b69f3194bd647639e6b0fa5c7bb5 - URLs: - http://136.243.132.112/ut.exe - http://136.243.132.112:881/3.exe - http://136.243.132.112:881/APPDATA.exe - http://136.243.132.112:881/a.ps1 - http://136.243.132.112:881/firefoxtemp.exe - IPs: - 136.243.132.112 - 160.191.77.89 - 185.245.183.74 - 212.56.35.232 - 89.117.79.31

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Xbox Console Games Start Appearing on PC App and Fans Believe Microsoft Is Cooking Something Up

Recent observations indicate that Xbox console game libraries are now appearing on the Windows version of the Xbox app, specifically under the "My PC Games" section for users with the same login credentials. However, users cannot install these console games on their PCs at this time. Speculation suggests that Microsoft may be planning to enhance the integration between console and PC experiences, potentially creating a unified hub for Xbox games. The Xbox PC app may evolve to serve as a central location for accessing a comprehensive library of Xbox titles, possibly including games from other platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

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.