Microsoft’s latest “Make windows better” brief in Computeractive — published on 27 August 2025 — lands at a difficult moment for Windows users: the countdown to Windows 10 end-of-support is counting down, Windows 11’s AI-driven features are rolling out at scale, and a fresh set of recovery and privacy tools are being added to the platform. The Computeractive piece highlights quick, expert tips for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users and flags new safety nets such as Quick machine recovery that can automatically hunt for fixes in the cloud when a PC fails to boot. These practical suggestions are designed for everyday users, but they sit against a larger backdrop of upgrade choices, known update faults, and a shifting Microsoft roadmap that now emphasises AI-first hardware like Copilot+ PCs. (gb.readly.com)
Windows remains the world’s dominant desktop OS, but 2024–2025 has been a bumpy transition year. Microsoft pushed major feature updates and introduced a new class of AI-ready hardware (Copilot+ PCs), while simultaneously asking many users to decide whether to migrate from Windows 10 before its support ends. That change forces real decisions: upgrade now, enroll in extended security updates, or rely on third-party measures.
Security improvements — TPM, Pluton protections, Smart App Control — make the platform safer on modern hardware, but they raise compatibility and complexity that require active IT governance. The 24H2 rollout has shown Microsoft is willing to ship ambitious changes, but also that platform-level changes produce platform-level regressions; the Release Health dashboard and phased rollouts are now essential reading before any mass upgrade. (learn.microsoft.com)
For everyday users who want the fastest path to a better Windows experience:
Microsoft’s Windows is now both more capable and more complex. The Computeractive “Make windows better” brief is a concise, useful primer for users who want to reclaim control, speed, and privacy today — and it correctly points to the major structural changes coming through QMR, Copilot+, and the Windows 10 support deadline. Applied carefully, the advice will make machines snappier and less noisy. Applied without preparation, some of the larger platform changes could introduce new headaches. The safest path combines the quick wins in Computeractive’s checklist with conservative upgrade planning: backup first, test second, upgrade third. (gb.readly.com, learn.microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)
Source: Readly | All magazines - one magazine app subscription Make windows better - 27 Aug 2025 - Computeractive Magazine - Readly
Background / Overview
Windows remains the world’s dominant desktop OS, but 2024–2025 has been a bumpy transition year. Microsoft pushed major feature updates and introduced a new class of AI-ready hardware (Copilot+ PCs), while simultaneously asking many users to decide whether to migrate from Windows 10 before its support ends. That change forces real decisions: upgrade now, enroll in extended security updates, or rely on third-party measures.- Microsoft officially lists October 14, 2025 as the end of support for Windows 10; after that date Windows 10 will no longer receive technical assistance, feature updates, or security updates from Microsoft. For many readers, that is the immovable deadline guiding upgrade planning. (support.microsoft.com)
- Microsoft has also formalized a recovery feature dubbed Quick machine recovery (QMR) in Windows 11 version 24H2, which can attempt cloud-based remediation when a device repeatedly fails to boot. That capability is notable because it changes how distributed or home devices can recover from severe boot faults without manual repair. (learn.microsoft.com, theverge.com)
- The rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 introduced both performance and stability work — plus notable compatibility holds and bug fixes — so the upgrade landscape is complex: there are improvements, but also documented issues to be aware of. (learn.microsoft.com)
What Computeractive recommends — the essentials
Computeractive’s short guide is a compact toolkit aimed at everyday users. It covers:- Quick diagnostic and recovery tools, with emphasis on Quick machine recovery for Windows 11 devices that cannot boot. (gb.readly.com)
- Practical privacy and performance tweaks (stop intrusive suggestions, remove File Explorer adverts, disable background apps) to reclaim resources and reduce telemetry noise.
- Pointers for maintaining older machines, and when to consider upgrading ahead of the Windows 10 end-of-support milestone. (gb.readly.com)
Quick machine recovery: what it is, and why it matters
How QMR works
Quick machine recovery is Microsoft’s cloud-assisted extension of the classic Windows Recovery Environment. When enabled, it:- Boots the device into a secure recovery environment and attempts to establish a network connection.
- Searches Windows Update (and Microsoft-hosted remediations) for fixes that apply to the device’s failure mode.
- Optionally applies an automated remediation and reboots the PC if a solution is found. (learn.microsoft.com)
Strengths
- Lower mean time to repair for mass incidents. When a defective update or driver causes many machines to fail, cloud remediation reduces the need for manual intervention.
- Better for consumers. Home users who lack local IT support get a higher chance of recovering without a service call.
- Configurable for enterprises. IT admins can control cloud remediation behavior via Windows Update for Business policies.
Risks and caveats
- Telemetry and privacy trade-offs. QMR necessarily sends diagnostic metadata to Microsoft so the service can identify remediations. The Computeractive brief highlights the difference between local-only recovery and cloud-assisted recovery; users who prioritize absolute isolation should be conscious that QMR can connect to Microsoft servers in recovery scenarios. (gb.readly.com, techradar.com)
- Not a panacea. QMR won’t repair hardware faults or every driver mismatch. It’s supplemental, not a replacement for sound backups and imaging practices. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Default settings matter. QMR may be enabled by default on many consumer devices; users and admins should review configuration to match their privacy and security posture. Independent reporting confirms Microsoft is testing and gradually enabling the feature in Insider builds and mainstream channels. (theverge.com, techradar.com)
Security, AI, and Copilot+ PCs: promises and marketing claims
Microsoft is positioning Windows 11 as an AI-native platform, and Copilot+ PCs are the linchpin of that strategy: devices ship with an on-device neural processing unit (NPU) designed to accelerate AI features and offload workloads from CPU/GPU. Microsoft’s marketing and product documentation make several performance and capability claims:- Copilot+ PCs include an NPU capable of 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second), enabling faster on-device features such as Recall, improved Windows Search, and real-time language capabilities. (microsoft.com)
- Microsoft’s public materials say Copilot+ PCs can be “up to 5x faster than a 5-year-old Windows device” and provide comparative performance gains versus some competitors in select benchmarks. These are manufacturer claims supported by internal benchmarking and should be treated as marketing-led benchmarks unless independently verified in your own environment. Independent press coverage echoes and critiques these claims. (blogs.windows.com, windowscentral.com)
Analysis
- Genuine potential: NPUs can significantly speed AI-related tasks and free CPU cycles for other work. For users who rely on AI-assisted features (real-time transcriptions, image generation, “describe this” search), Copilot+ hardware is a meaningful upgrade.
- Marketing vs. reality: The “5x faster” and percentage comparisons are useful heuristics but not universal. Gains depend heavily on workload, local model access vs. cloud calls, and the exact hardware configuration.
- Security plus complexity: Copilot+ PCs include modern security modules (e.g., Pluton), but new hardware layers increase the attack surface and driver complexity. Organizations must balance the security benefits of modern hardware against management and compatibility overhead.
Practical steps the Computeractive guide and forum experts endorse
Computeractive’s short checklist is useful; community evidence complements it with step-by-step actions you can take now to make Windows feel better, safer, and faster.Immediate privacy & performance tweaks (apply these first)
- Disable “Show suggestions” and Suggested apps in Start to stop Microsoft’s push-notifications and store prompts. This reclaims attention and reduces background activity.
- Stop non-essential background apps: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Advanced options > Background apps. Fewer background processes translate into less idle RAM/CPU usage.
- Use Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup to remove old Windows installations and temp files — users report reclaiming several gigabytes and noticeable responsiveness improvements.
- Turn off heavy visual effects if you run an older machine: Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects. Disabling animations can produce snappier UI responsiveness.
Fixing annoying UI and ads
- Block File Explorer sync/provider notifications and the “suggested apps” prompts through Personalization settings or File Explorer options to remove ad-like elements from core UI. This reclaims both visual space and reduces telemetry triggers.
Maintenance & health checks
- Run “Windows PC Health Check” (built-in diagnostics) to verify upgrade eligibility and spot hardware issues.
- Keep drivers up to date — especially GPU drivers — but treat major vendor driver updates like firmware: test before wide deployment on production machines.
- If you suspect update-induced issues, use sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then consider uninstalling the recent update if problems persist.
Windows 11 version 24H2: real issues and Microsoft’s response
The 24H2 wave included high-profile changes and some painful regressions. Microsoft’s Release Health page documents a number of confirmed issues (camera apps freezing, audio issues with certain Dirac drivers, Auto HDR affecting game behavior) and shows Microsoft applying compatibility holds while it resolves problems. That means Microsoft proactively blocks updates on known-affected device models to prevent mass failures. (learn.microsoft.com)What that means for users
- Insider builds first: Many fixes land in Insider builds and trickle to Release Preview before broad rollouts. If you depend on stability for work, avoid early adopter channels unless you have rollback procedures ready. Community archives and reporting confirm repeated patterns: features appear, users report regressions, and Microsoft iterates.
- Patience pays: If you aren’t chasing features like Copilot enhancements, wait for the mainstream release and check the Release Health page for open mitigations before upgrading. (learn.microsoft.com)
Upgrading from Windows 10: timing, options, and computed trade-offs
With Windows 10 support ending on October 14, 2025, homeowners and small businesses face three practical choices: upgrade to Windows 11, enroll in the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU), or replace the device.- Microsoft’s official recommendation is to upgrade to Windows 11 if the device is eligible; otherwise enroll in ESU or replace the device. ESU is a short-term bridge for devices that cannot meet Windows 11 hardware requirements. (support.microsoft.com)
- The Computeractive article and community guides both stress data backups, testing of critical business apps on Windows 11, and the use of Windows Backup/transfer tools to make migrations smoother. (gb.readly.com)
A pragmatic migration checklist (ranked)
- Inventory apps and peripherals: confirm compatibility with Windows 11 drivers and enterprise policies.
- Back up everything: use Windows Backup or a full disk image to external media/cloud.
- Test migration on one machine first: verify essential workflows (printing, line-of-business apps).
- Consider ESU for a short runway if hardware is non-upgradeable, but plan replacement within the contracted support window. (support.microsoft.com)
Enterprise and IT implications
For administrators, the evolving Windows model changes priorities:- Driver and feature blocks. Microsoft’s safeguard holds are helpful but require careful monitoring with Windows Update for Business reports.
- BYOVD and driver blocklists are being reinforced to limit malicious or vulnerable drivers that could be exploited; patching and driver validation remain indispensable. Community archives note specific policy files and mitigations rolled into preview builds.
- Copilot+ adoption will be uneven. Enterprises must evaluate whether Copilot+ features justify new device procurement and verify compliance, privacy, and on-premises model restrictions before widespread rollout. Microsoft’s Copilot+ literature emphasises on-device NPUs and encryption protections, but migration carries costs beyond raw performance numbers. (microsoft.com, blogs.windows.com)
Where Computeractive and community advice falls short — cautionary points
- Computeractive’s tips are excellent for users who want immediate wins, but they don’t replace robust backup and patch strategies for critical systems. Relying on QMR alone for disaster recovery is risky.
- Some claims you’ll encounter (marketing numbers such as “5x faster”) are vendor-provided and require context and independent testing. Cross-check benchmark claims against neutral reviews and, where possible, run your own benchmarks. (blogs.windows.com, windowscentral.com)
- If you run specialised hardware (audio DSPs, certain camera stacks), validate compatibility before upgrading: Microsoft’s Release Health lists explicit device-specific incompatibilities that could block an upgrade path. (learn.microsoft.com)
A 10-step actionable plan to “Make Windows Better” (for most users)
- Back up now — full image + cloud sync of critical documents.
- Check Windows 11 eligibility with PC Health Check. If eligible, test an upgrade on a spare system. (support.microsoft.com)
- Disable Start menu suggestions and File Explorer sync prompts to remove ad-like elements.
- Disable non-essential background apps and remove unused startup entries to speed boot and reduce idle memory.
- Run Disk Cleanup / Storage Sense to purge old Windows packages and free space.
- If you use Windows 11, review Quick machine recovery settings in Settings/Recovery and decide whether auto remediation aligns with your privacy posture. (learn.microsoft.com)
- For gamers and creatives, verify Auto HDR and driver compatibility on 24H2/25H2 releases before upgrading en masse. Check Microsoft’s release health page for active mitigations. (learn.microsoft.com)
- Consider Copilot+ PC benefits only if you’ll use on-device AI features extensively; otherwise, a modern non-Copilot Windows 11 laptop still provides a good experience. (microsoft.com)
- Keep a restore point or system image before installing major feature updates; know how to use the rollback path. Community troubleshooting notes show that rolling back a problematic update is often the fastest recovery.
- Maintain a simple incident log: if you experience update-induced faults, file feedback through Feedback Hub — Microsoft is increasingly tying logs to engineering triage.
Final appraisal — strengths, threats, and practical guidance
Microsoft’s recent moves have strengths and trade-offs. The addition of Quick machine recovery is a pragmatic improvement that can save many users from a service call and reduce widespread incident impact for IT teams. The AI push (Copilot+ PCs) genuinely enhances some workflows, especially those that depend on fast, local inference; but the marketing framing around “5x faster” should be read as a best-case, marketing-driven comparison, not a universal guarantee. (learn.microsoft.com, blogs.windows.com, windowscentral.com)Security improvements — TPM, Pluton protections, Smart App Control — make the platform safer on modern hardware, but they raise compatibility and complexity that require active IT governance. The 24H2 rollout has shown Microsoft is willing to ship ambitious changes, but also that platform-level changes produce platform-level regressions; the Release Health dashboard and phased rollouts are now essential reading before any mass upgrade. (learn.microsoft.com)
For everyday users who want the fastest path to a better Windows experience:
- Apply the privacy and performance tweaks Computeractive recommends and the community validates.
- Back up and test before you upgrade.
- If your device can run Windows 11 comfortably, plan the migration before October 14, 2025, or enroll in ESU for a short-term runway. (gb.readly.com, support.microsoft.com)
Microsoft’s Windows is now both more capable and more complex. The Computeractive “Make windows better” brief is a concise, useful primer for users who want to reclaim control, speed, and privacy today — and it correctly points to the major structural changes coming through QMR, Copilot+, and the Windows 10 support deadline. Applied carefully, the advice will make machines snappier and less noisy. Applied without preparation, some of the larger platform changes could introduce new headaches. The safest path combines the quick wins in Computeractive’s checklist with conservative upgrade planning: backup first, test second, upgrade third. (gb.readly.com, learn.microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)
Source: Readly | All magazines - one magazine app subscription Make windows better - 27 Aug 2025 - Computeractive Magazine - Readly
