All articles tagged with #software compatibility
A Hackaday retrospective tests Windows 98 SE on a Dell Dimension 2100 in 2026, finding it workable for basic office tasks and some 2000s-era software, but modern internet use is painful due to TLS and browser support, often requiring proxies or plugins; gaming is limited to era-appropriate titles; overall, it's a nostalgic curiosity rather than a viable daily driver.
Apple announced iOS 26 will support iPhone 11 and newer models, with a developer beta available immediately and a public beta next month. The update will include new features for Messages and Phone apps, a new 'digital glass' design, and support for the latest iPhone 16 and 17 series, while dropping support for some older Macs and iPhone models.
Microsoft will block devices with incompatible software, hardware, or drivers from upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2, with apps like StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher being among those that could be blocked. While software blocks can be bypassed by updating or uninstalling the problematic app, hardware blocks, such as the requirement for processors to have the SSE4.2/4a instruction set, pose a greater challenge. Users are advised to stay updated on official documentation for major update blocks and to check their PC's hardware compatibility before the public release of Windows 11 version 24H2.
Windows 10 is not being discontinued, but will reach its "end of life" in 2025. Upgrading to Windows 11 will depend on the age of your computer, how you use it, and your plans to replace it. Check if your hardware meets Windows 11 requirements using Microsoft's PC Health Check app. Even if your hardware is compatible, check for software compatibility issues with older programs. Don't upgrade if your system is unstable or error-prone. Make sure to have a verified backup of your critical data before upgrading.