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Windows 11 has 1 billion users
Winsage
February 1, 2026

Windows 11 has 1 billion users

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Windows 11 has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, following the end of support for Windows 10. Despite this milestone, there is significant customer dissatisfaction. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri acknowledged the need for improvements in system performance, reliability, and overall user experience. Recent updates have been problematic, with glitches reported during the first Patch Tuesday update of 2026. The integration of AI features has left some users feeling overwhelmed, while the constant upsell prompts for services like Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft 365 have been criticized as bloatware. Users have also expressed frustration over forced migrations to OneDrive, where files have been deleted without consent. Additionally, there is a notable disparity in support for home users compared to corporate users, raising concerns about Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the consumer experience.
Windows 8 had a 30-second ad with more creativity than all of Microsoft’s Copilot-heavy Windows 11 marketing
Winsage
January 30, 2026

Windows 8 had a 30-second ad with more creativity than all of Microsoft’s Copilot-heavy Windows 11 marketing

In 2025, users reported over 20 issues with Windows 11, leading to dissatisfaction reminiscent of past criticisms of Windows Vista and Windows 8. The original Windows 8 promotional campaign effectively highlighted its features through engaging marketing, contrasting with recent Copilot ads that faced backlash for showcasing the AI's limitations. Microsoft has shifted its focus towards AI integration, particularly with Copilot, despite negative feedback from users and developers regarding its effectiveness. Historically, Microsoft responded to Windows 8's challenges by releasing Windows 8.1, which addressed user concerns and improved functionality. A similar update, Windows 11.1, could help restore user confidence and improve the overall experience with Windows 11.
Windows 7 and Vista just made a shocking return in 2026 — but your PC might not survive the comeback
Winsage
January 26, 2026

Windows 7 and Vista just made a shocking return in 2026 — but your PC might not survive the comeback

Windows 7 and Vista are set to make a comeback in 2026, with modder Bob Pony creating ready-to-install ISO files for both operating systems. The Windows 7 x86 ISO includes updates until October 2024 and requires a CPU that supports SSE2 instructions. Microsoft has a program called Premium Assurance that provides security updates for legacy systems like Windows Vista for up to six years. However, Microsoft has officially ceased support for both Windows 7 and Vista, raising security concerns for users. Running these operating systems in a virtual machine is suggested as a safer alternative. The renewed interest in older systems is partly due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11, which has faced issues like unbootable PCs and stringent hardware requirements.
Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.
Windows Server 2008 is finally gone, after Microsoft pulls support at last
Winsage
January 15, 2026

Windows Server 2008 is finally gone, after Microsoft pulls support at last

Microsoft concluded all support for Windows Vista and Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026. Most customers lost support in January 2020, but Extended Security Updates were available until January 2023 for most users and until January 2024 for Azure customers. Free security updates, non-security updates, and support options are no longer accessible for the retired codebase. Organizations are encouraged to migrate to Azure for additional security updates. Windows Server 2012 will also reach the end of its ESU on October 13, 2026.
Nothing to declare at border control except a Windows 7 certificate error
Winsage
January 9, 2026

Nothing to declare at border control except a Windows 7 certificate error

A glitch in the border control wait-time display at Birmingham Airport showed a security certificate error, leaving passengers unaware of their wait times. The display is running on Windows 7, which reached its end of life in 2020, and the error message resembles outdated technology from Windows Vista. Despite this, a traveler reported a quick passage through border control, taking only ten minutes. The ongoing certificate issue raises concerns about the reliability of the information provided to passengers.
Speed test pits six generations of Windows against each other — Windows 11 placed dead last across most benchmarks, 8.1 emerges as unexpected winner in this unscientific comparison
Winsage
January 4, 2026

Speed test pits six generations of Windows against each other — Windows 11 placed dead last across most benchmarks, 8.1 emerges as unexpected winner in this unscientific comparison

Windows 11 has been criticized for its high system requirements, increased overhead, and user interface regressions. A test by TrigrZolt compared six generations of Windows operating systems using six Lenovo ThinkPad X220 laptops, which were not officially supported for Windows 11. In startup time tests, Windows 11 was the slowest, while Windows 8.1 was the fastest. In audio file processing, Windows 11 ranked fifth, and in video rendering, it again placed last. It secured second place in file transfer speeds but was fourth in a malware scan test. Benchmark tests showed Windows 11 in fourth place for both single-threaded and multi-threaded CPU performance. In CrystalDiskMark, it tied for third place, and in Cinebench R10, it was fourth in single-core tests. The outdated hardware used for testing and the absence of an SSD may have skewed the results, which were deemed more historical than practical. A more suitable test would involve contemporary laptops to provide a fairer comparison.
How to Get Moving Wallpapers on Windows 11: Guide to Animated Desktops
Winsage
December 24, 2025

How to Get Moving Wallpapers on Windows 11: Guide to Animated Desktops

Windows 11 is set to introduce native video wallpaper support in late 2025, currently available in testing builds for Windows Insiders, supporting formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM. Users can access animated wallpapers through third-party applications, with Lively Wallpaper being a recommended free option that supports various formats and features. Wallpaper Engine is a paid alternative known for its extensive library and interactive wallpapers. VLC Media Player can also set videos as wallpapers, but it has limitations such as requiring constant operation and higher resource usage. Animated wallpapers generally consume more battery and system resources, but modern applications include features to mitigate these impacts. Users are advised to download wallpapers from trusted sources to ensure safety.
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