Articles about Microsoft

Missing the days of Windows 95, but not the endless dial-up tones or the struggle of fitting everything on a floppy disk? Today’s tech may move faster, but there was something magical about those simpler, pixelated beginnings. Chicago95 is a nostalgic Linux theme that gives your modern desktop environment the classic look of Microsoft’s nearly three-decade-old Windows 95.

Developed by grassmunk on GitHub, this theme offers an accurate recreation of the Win95 aesthetic, complete with the familiar icons, colors, and fonts that defined the classic interface style.

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UnattendedWinstall is a simple tool for automating and customizing Windows 10 and 11 installations. It uses Microsoft’s answer files, to allow users to modify Windows settings and packages directly during setup. It's ideal for deploying Windows efficiently across multiple devices, saving time that would otherwise be spent on repetitive installations.

The tool defaults to installing Windows Pro, bypasses Windows 11 system requirements, and can disable Windows Defender and User Account Control (with options to re-enable them after installation). It also skips Microsoft account setup, removes unnecessary apps (keeping essential tools like Edge, Notepad, and Calculator), and includes privacy-focused registry tweaks to reduce telemetry. For smooth operation, UnattendedWinstall limits updates to security patches for the first year.

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If you’re ready to break free from the familiar but uninspiring confines of Windows 11, it’s time to consider a different approach. Many of us stick with Microsoft’s OS because it’s what we know, not because it’s the best option out there, but imagine an operating system that prioritizes speed, simplicity, and style, all while keeping your workflow seamless and frustration-free.

Enter Nitrux -- a sleek, modern Linux OS designed to offer exactly that. Unlike Windows, Nitrux keeps things light and nimble by being built on a minimalist foundation that ditches unnecessary extras. Its NX Desktop provides a fresh, visually polished interface that feels intuitive and responsive, ideal for anyone seeking a fast, adaptable, and aesthetically pleasing computing experience without the sluggish updates and system bloat Windows users know all too well.

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Earlier this year, Microsoft confirmed that it would be resurrecting its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. The company had good news this time for home users too, as it promised that ESU would become available for practically everyone and not just businesses and organizations.

What Microsoft did not reveal back then was the price that home users would have to pay to keep their precious Windows 10 devices secured with updates.

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Six-hundred-nineteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.

Microsoft has finally announced the price that home users have to pay to extend support for Windows 10.

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Linux Lite 7.2 has arrived, giving disillusioned Windows users the chance to explore a streamlined, user-friendly OS. Renowned for its lightweight design, Linux Lite aims to ease the transition from Windows 10 and 11, and is perfect for first time Linux users. This latest release introduces AI-powered support options and fresh customization features, offering a unique experience beyond typical Windows capabilities.

Yes, Linux Lite utilizes AI to simplify the support experience, making it easier for users to find solutions to issues quickly. It’s a massive addition to Linux Lite’s overall quest to remain accessible, particularly for those new to Linux.

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Six-hundred-eighteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.

Several new issues were added to the list of known issues of Windows 11 version 24H2 this week. Some of these have been mitigated by now, including the BlueScreen crash that plagued users of certain Western Digital storage devices.

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Image upscaling has existed as a technology for a number of years, but the results for both videos and still images have proved somewhat mixed. But with the continuous creeping development of AI, Microsoft has just added a preview of super resolution for Copilot+ PCs to its Photos app.

While there are updates and new features for both the Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions of Microsoft Photos, image upscaling is only available to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11, version 24H2 and higher in the Canary, Dev, and Release Preview Channels. A powerful new OCR feature is available to everyone, however.

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Microsoft has released the KB5044380 update for Windows 11, a preview version of the update that will roll out to everyone next Patch Tuesday. There is quite a lot to be found in this particular release including the previously announced ability to remap the Copilot key on a keyboard if you don’t like its default function.

As this is a preview update there are no security fixes, but problems with multi-function printers, Microsoft Teams, and high battery usage have all been addressed. There are numerous tweaks, fixes and additions that are available immediately to anyone installing the KB5044380 update, but there are also some that are subject to a more gradual rollout.

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Static Windows wallpapers can often feel a bit uninspiring, especially if you don’t change them regularly. Sucrose offers a solution by bringing a dynamic, customizable approach to desktop backgrounds.

The versatile wallpaper engine allows you to animate and personalize your desktops with interactive wallpapers and it supports both light and dark themes. Sucrose works across multiple screens and in a range of resolutions, making it compatible with different display configurations.

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Microsoft recently reported that tens of thousands of working professionals are using Microsoft Copilot in their everyday operations. Experts expect this number to grow significantly as the tool integrates more seamlessly into workplace environments, driving productivity and efficiency. However, many companies may not realize that to get the most benefit from Copilot, they should consolidate tenants.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of tenant consolidation and how working professionals can leverage Microsoft Copilot to the fullest. With tenant consolidation, companies can transform operations and future-proof their organization amid remote workforces, economic pressures and security concerns, among other developing industry factors.

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Subscription-based software isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some of us would prefer to pay a one-off fee upfront for a software package we know will last us years without any significant changes. Thankfully, Microsoft caters to both types of user, both with the subscription-based Microsoft 365 range of products and now with a brand new version of its flagship product, Microsoft Office 2024.

Office 2024, which starts from $149.99 for its Home edition, replaces Microsoft Office 2021 and brings the feature set bang up to date. It’s also joined by a new Office LTSC 2024 release aimed firmly at larger organizations who want an on-premises edition for a disconnected or restricted environment.

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Six-hundred-seventeen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.

Microsoft ended support for Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro this month. No more updates for the version, but updates are available to newer versions. There are bypasses available for devices that do not meet the official system requirements.

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Windows 10 and 11 have often been criticized for their lackluster and uninspired design. Despite being "modern" operating systems, both versions seem stuck in a minimalist rut, with flat, dull icons and uninspired color schemes that feel more like placeholders than a true visual upgrade. Microsoft’s attempts at a "clean" design often come across as sterile and soulless, leaving users craving the depth and personality found in older versions like Windows 7.

Seelen UI is a Windows desktop customization tool designed to boost both personalization and productivity. It's easy to use and offers users a range of features that help tailor their desktop environment and streamline workflow.

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While hard drive capacities are now large enough that most people will have no problems if they were to suddenly lose nearly 9 GB of space, that’s not to say that such a loss would not lead to questions. Indeed, questions have been raised by people installing the Windows 11 2003 Update (Windows 11 24H2) only to find 8.63 GB of undeletable data.

Microsoft has acknowledged what users have discovered for themselves, confirming that there is an issue. But the issue is not that there is a hefty chunk of data drive space that can’t be recovered. Rather, Microsoft points the finger of blame at Windows’ Disk Cleanup tool, saying that a bug is a causing a “reporting error”.  

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