Word Archives

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Get Microsoft Office 2024 for Windows without another yearly subscription

Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is available for a lifetime license at a price of .97 until October 4, down from the standard retail price of 9.99. This license allows access to applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access on a single Windows PC. The version operates on a device-linked license, not tied to a Microsoft account. Office 2024 includes a Dark Mode feature and is optimized for various hardware configurations, eliminating the need for a subscription model.

BetaBeacon

September 28, 2026

PS5 emulation is already making major progress

A new open-source PS5 emulator for PC called KytyPS5 has made waves by going in-game with various titles including Astro’s Playroom, Crash Bandicoot 4, Hitman: World of Assassination, Uncharted 4, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Silent Hill f, Silent Hill 2 Remake, and Tekken 8. Marvel's Wolverine has also been booted up on the emulator, although gameplay is not shown in a video posted online. Other modified versions of KytyPS5 have shown impressive results with Demon's Souls Remake running at 40-50fps and Silent Hill 2 Remake running on a PC with an integrated Radeon 840M GPU. The developers are making significant strides with the emulator, but it may still be several years before PS5 games can be emulated on Android devices.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Give your Windows PC a subscription-free Microsoft Office setup for only $17

A lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is available for .97, granting access to applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access on a single Windows PC. This version does not include features of Microsoft 365, such as cloud storage, but offers a cost-effective alternative without recurring fees. The software does not require a Microsoft account and can be used offline. It has a streamlined interface focused on functionality rather than the latest AI enhancements. Prices may change, so prompt action is recommended for potential buyers.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

Is Windows 11 good enough yet?

A viewer on The Full Nerd asked if perceptions of Windows 11 might change after five years. The author, who initially embraced Windows 11 but became disillusioned due to ads and performance issues, has recently had a positive experience with the Dell XPS 13 laptop. Despite having only 8GB of RAM, the laptop performs well with multitasking, maintaining responsiveness even with multiple applications open. However, the Task Manager shows that memory usage starts at 6GB even when idle, indicating that Windows 11 consumes significant resources. The author speculates that ongoing critiques may have led to optimizations in software from companies like Google and Microsoft.

Winsage

September 26, 2026

“We’re building Copilot as a new OS,” says Satya Nadella, even as Microsoft strips it from Windows 11

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a unified Copilot experience that integrates Home, Code, and Autopilot into a single application, transforming the Microsoft 365 suite into a “super app.” Copilot is described as a “new OS for work,” serving as a central hub for productivity across various tasks and devices. The Home section features Chat and Cowork functionalities, while the Office section includes full integration of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Code feature allows users to create applications using natural language, democratizing app development. Autopilot, previously known as Scout, functions as a virtual colleague that manages tasks and projects. Microsoft has revised its pricing model to include a standard per-user subscription for basic functionalities and a usage-based billing model for advanced features. The announcement on September 25 met the timeline set during the Build 2026 conference, although features are still being rolled out incrementally. The new Copilot experience aims to enhance user interaction with AI without introducing a new operating system.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

It’s tough to stand out in today’s games industry, but ‘sorta like Helldivers 2 except dog people’ worked on me

Gravhounds is a co-op wave shooter currently in early access on Steam, available for free during its open playtest. The game features polished gameplay, allowing players to team up against waves of enemies. It includes unique movement mechanics, enabling players to glide across buildable cables, and introduces light resource mining and tower defense elements using a gravity gun. The characters are designed as dogs with human bodies, adding a whimsical touch, and players respawn with a humorous cone of shame. Gravhounds distinguishes itself from traditional military-themed shooters through its creative design and engaging mechanics.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

These three Microsoft 365 apps lasted just one year before getting axed

Microsoft will retire the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps from its Microsoft 365 suite on December 16, 2026. These apps were launched a year ago to enhance productivity by providing quick access to information via the Windows 11 taskbar. However, their role has shifted from essential tools to supplementary resources, as users can access the same information through existing Microsoft services. Microsoft recommends alternatives such as Outlook, Teams, Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for users to utilize after the retirement of these apps.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft 365 Companion Apps Are Being Retired

Microsoft will retire its Microsoft 365 companion apps for Windows 11, including the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps, by December 16, 2026. These apps were introduced at no additional cost to users with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses, with the Files and People apps debuting in March 2025 and the Calendar app in May 2025. Microsoft integrated its Copilot feature into these applications last October. Users are advised not to wait until the retirement date, as the apps will become non-functional prior to December 16. Administrators can remove these apps as needed, and Microsoft has provided a template for notifying users. Alternatives for functionality include Outlook, Teams, Windows Search Box, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Office applications.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

One $32.97 purchase gets you Windows 11 Pro and the full Office suite for life

The bundle includes a Microsoft Office Pro license for permanent installation of applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access on a single PC, with Publisher support ending after October 2026. It also features Windows 11 Pro, which includes tools like BitLocker for data security, Remote Desktop for remote access, Hyper-V for running virtual machines, Snap Layouts for multitasking, and the Copilot feature for managing quick actions from the taskbar.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft tried to ban “Microslop,” and six months later it has given up

Microsoft has lifted its ban on the term "Microslop" in its official Copilot Discord server, which was initially blocked due to its use as a critical nickname for the company in response to its AI features. The term gained popularity around late 2025, leading to significant user frustration and the development of a browser extension to replace "Microsoft" with "Microslop." By March 2026, messages containing the term were being filtered in the Discord, prompting users to find ways around the restrictions. Microsoft later clarified that the filtering was a temporary anti-spam measure. Discontent with Copilot had been growing prior to this, with backlash against Windows chief Pavan Davuluri's comments about AI integration. In March, Davuluri announced a more intentional integration of Copilot, leading to changes such as the removal of the Copilot button from the Snipping Tool and the rebranding of features in Notepad. Microsoft also ceased the auto-installation of the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and promised a less cluttered user interface. The Copilot key has become customizable, although some users are frustrated by changes to the Copilot logo. Despite improvements, user backlash persists, with some expressing a desire for the "old Copilot." Microsoft is shifting from overt branding of AI features to a more integrated approach in user experience.