Articles about Windows 10

While making much of the end of support for Windows 10, practically begging users to move on to Windows 11, Microsoft is sending out some confusing signals. The company has announced that the new Outlook for Windows will be forcibly installed on the aging operating system.

Somewhat unusually, the app will be pushed out as part of February’s security updates. This is likely to lead to mixed reactions; some people will be unhappy at having software installed against their will, while others will be pleased to get something new and more secure.

Continue reading →

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

Windows 10 users will mass-migrate to Windows 11 this year according to Microsoft. The older version of Windows will run out of support in ten months. Users may extend support for a year officially though.

Continue reading →

Every so often, we get hints about Windows 12 -- usually in the form of accidental slips from Microsoft partners, like Intel. So far, though, that future OS has yet to be confirmed. Instead, what we get are continuous updates for Windows 11, typically with new AI features hastily jammed in.

But it’s 2025, and a new year is when we look forward to fresh beginnings and groundbreaking innovations. It’s time for a new Microsoft operating system. Let me introduce you to Windows 25.

Continue reading →

Every time January rolls around there are declarations that this will be the year of Linux on the desktop -- and of course, it never is. This year is no different, and Microsoft would much rather you consider 2025 to be the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh”.

The company is using CES as a platform to encourage people who are still hanging on to Windows 10 to loosen their grip and move to Windows 11. The end of support for Windows 10 is being used as a stick, but the carrot is the new breed of AI-powered Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft is hoping that the artificial intelligence driven capabilities of this recently launched range of PCs will also encourage existing Windows 11 users to invest in new hardware.

Continue reading →

Windows 11, despite being marketed as a modern operating system, often feels visually uninspired and inconsistent. The rounded corners and glass-like transparency effects attempt a minimalist look but come across as bland rather than innovative.

Microsoft stepped out of its comfort zone with a centered taskbar and Start Menu, but that’s about as bold as the tech giant was prepared to go. Key UI elements, like the Start Menu, feel oddly sterile, with a basic grid of icons and limited customization, making it look more like a placeholder design than a refined final product.

Continue reading →

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

The last week of December has been a slow news week, as usual. Reports suggest that some Path of Exile 2 players experience high CPU loads on Windows 11, but the issue has not been added to the official known issues list yet by Microsoft.

Continue reading →

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

Microsoft confirmed a new Windows 11 issue this week that prevents future installations of security updates. The issue affects Windows 11 devices that were installed using installation media, but only if the October or November 2024 security updates were included. No workaround at the time for affected users.

Continue reading →

The start of a new year is always a chance to reassess priorities, try to break old habits, and make lifestyle changes that bring us closer to the life we want to live. New Year’s resolutions typically center around health, career, or relationships, but there’s another area worth considering -- the software and tools we rely on daily.

If you’ve been thinking about leaving Microsoft Windows 11 behind and diving into the world of Linux, this could be the perfect time to do so. (Like all resolutions there’s no guarantee you’ll stick to it of course, but like that well-meaning health kick, it’s worth giving it a go.)

Continue reading →

Jealous of macOS’s Spotlight feature? Want a more accessible -- never mind powerful and customizable -- alternative to Windows’ own dated search and app launching tools? Then Flow Launcher could be just the tool you’re looking for.

Flow Launcher, or “Flow” for short, lets you search for and open apps, files, system settings, and web pages from a single, easily accessible search bar. Triggered by a custom hotkey of your choice, it provides a seamless way to navigate your system. However, its modular design is what truly sets it apart.

Continue reading →

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

Microsoft confirmed new issues this week, some of which are blockers that prevent the upgrade to version 24H2 of Windows 11. Notable is an Auto HDR issue, that can cause game freezes and color distortions. You can check out the full list here as usual.

Continue reading →

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

Microsoft lifted several blockers that prevented earlier Windows 11 systems from upgrading to version 24h2. The company announced that the update will be offered to more devices going forward.

Continue reading →

For many users, Windows 10 and 11 feel like missed opportunities in design evolution. The look is functional but unremarkable, dominated by flat icons and muted colors that lack character or charm. While simplicity can be effective, the current design comes across as a bit sterile, offering little of the warmth or personality that once defined Windows. The result is an OS that sadly feels more clinical than engaging.

Seelen UI is a free tool that reimagines what a Windows desktop can be, giving users the tools to break free from this monotony. With an array of customization features designed to prioritize both style and practicality, it allows users to craft a unique workspace.

Continue reading →

For many computer users, the thought of moving away from Windows 10 or 11 can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. While frustrations with Microsoft's operating system -- whether it's updates at inconvenient times, performance slowdowns, or privacy concerns -- may drive them to consider alternatives, the leap to a Linux-based system often feels daunting.

It’s understandable. Linux has a reputation for being complex, requiring command-line knowledge, and catering to tech-savvy users. For those accustomed to the familiar Windows interface, the steep learning curve and potential compatibility issues with software and peripherals can be enough to deter them from making the switch. However, the gorgeous Oreon 10 could be about to change all that.

Continue reading →

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

Microsoft reaffirmed its position on the TPM 2.0 requirement of its Windows 11 operating system. The company called it non-negotiable. That is bad news for Windows 10 customers whose devices do not support it.

Continue reading →

With official support for Windows 10 coming to an end next year, those who are still using the operating system are faced with a difficult choice. They can stick with using Windows 10 as an unsupported OS, perhaps turning to a third-party patching service to plug security holes.

Or they can look to upgrade to Windows 11. But this presents a problem. A lot of computers that run Windows 10 are not able to run Windows 11 because of the TPM 2.0 requirement of the newer OS. For anyone hoping Microsoft might finally relent and ease up on this requirement, Microsoft has restated its position, making it clear that it will not be backing down.

Continue reading →