Windows Archives

BetaBeacon

June 22, 2025

This simple Android app lets you run Steam games without having to stream

GameNative is an open source application that allows users to play games from their Steam library on their Android devices with minimal adjustments and modifications. The app is based on the Pluvia platform and uses the Winlator app for emulation. It supports titles with DRM protection and offers features such as on-screen keyboard, controller overlay, and saving. However, the app is still in development and may have bugs and crashes.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Denmark is switching to Linux

Denmark's Ministry of Digital Affairs has decided to transition from Microsoft Office to the open-source alternative, LibreOffice, aiming to enhance the nation's digital sovereignty. The Ministry plans to migrate approximately half of its operations away from Microsoft Office this summer. While there were initial reports of a complete departure from the Windows operating system, it has been clarified that Windows will remain in use for the time being.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Give an old PC a total upgrade for just $15

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, but this offer is valid only until July 20. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as a sleek interface, snap layouts, improved voice typing, advanced security features (biometric logins, encrypted authentication, enhanced antivirus), tools for professionals (Microsoft Teams, Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox), touchscreen capability, an AI-powered assistant (Copilot), and support for DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming. The minimum system requirements to run Windows 11 Pro are 4GB of RAM and 40GB of hard drive space.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

I used Winaero to customize Windows, and here’s how it went

Winaero Tweaker is a free application that offers a suite of tools for customizing Windows 11, organized into sections for appearance, behavior, and more. It allows users to enable or disable features such as the Copilot and automatic updates, modify Windows Explorer options, and enhance visual settings. Users can enable the classic full context menu, modify the Windows Explorer Window, resize scroll bars, and prevent Windows themes from changing mouse pointers and desktop icons. The Context Menu Tweaker allows customization of right-click options, adding shortcuts for functions like the Control Panel and Snipping Tool. Winaero also provides tools for modifying support and maintenance settings, including automatic registry backups and creating multiple System Restore points. It offers features to restore classic Windows functionalities and install legacy applications. While Winaero presents many options to enhance the user experience, users should be cautious as some features may pose security risks or performance issues. The application includes a Recent Changes feature for reviewing modifications and reverting to default settings if necessary.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Get all the power of MS Office for life—and for less than $30

Microsoft Office 2019 is available for a one-time payment of .97, representing an 86% discount off the regular price of 9.99. This package includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, which features Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, and OneNote, but does not include Microsoft Teams. The purchase grants lifetime access, future updates, and customer support, and is valid for installation on one Windows PC. Upon purchase, users receive links and software license keys via email for downloading within seven days.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Windows Snipping Tool now lets you create animated GIF recordings

Microsoft has updated its Snipping Tool to include the ability to export animated GIF recordings. This feature is being rolled out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels with version 11.2505.21.0. Users can create GIFs from screen recordings, but videos longer than 30 seconds will be truncated to the first 30 seconds for GIF export. To create a GIF, users can access the screen recorder with Win + Shift + R, and after recording, they can click the 'Export GIF' button. They can choose between low and high GIF quality and copy the GIF to the clipboard or save it. Additionally, Microsoft has tested an AI-powered 'perfect screenshot' tool and introduced a Text Extractor feature, along with a draw & hold feature and a trim capability for screen recordings.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Your Windows 11 System Restore points may vanish 30 days earlier than you’d expect

Recent updates from Microsoft indicate that the lifespan of System Restore points on Windows 11 has been reduced to 60 days. Following the June 2025 Windows security update, restore points older than 60 days will no longer be accessible. This change will also apply to future versions of Windows 11, specifically version 24H2. Previously, System Restore points were designed to last around 90 days, but their actual duration varied, with some expiring as quickly as 10 days after creation.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Deadline For 400 Million Windows Users

Microsoft may soon mandate upgrades from Windows 10, potentially ending the current free upgrade offer. Recent updates to Windows 10 include warnings about automatic feature updates for devices nearing the end of support. Microsoft auto-installed the KB5001716 patch last year, affecting around 400 million Windows 10 users. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, with an option to extend it for a fee. Analysts estimate at least 240 million PCs are ineligible for the free upgrade and will need to pay for security updates or risk vulnerabilities. Microsoft and PC manufacturers are encouraging users to invest in new PCs as the deadline approaches.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

With 114 days left until Windows 10 support is ditched, Windows 11 enjoys a last-minute surge in upgrades

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Upgrade your operating system to Windows 11 Pro for $15

Microsoft has initiated the countdown for Windows 10, encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which is currently priced at .97, down from .9. This offer allows upgrades for two compatible PCs and includes features such as Snap layouts, seamless redocking, enhanced voice typing, Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, BitLocker device encryption, and improved gaming performance with DirectX12 Ultimate. Windows 11 Pro also supports remote desktop access and includes professional tools like Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox.