and 8.1 Archives

Winsage

November 24, 2025

You won’t believe how much the Windows Start Menu has changed in 40 years — including THAT ill-fated departure with Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. Windows XP debuted in 2001 with a redesigned Start menu featuring a two-column layout. Windows Vista, released in 2007, integrated search functionality into the Start menu. Windows 7, launched in 2009, introduced "Jump Lists" and streamlined power options. Windows 8 replaced the Start menu with a full-screen Start screen in 2012, which was optimized for touch input. Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button but not the Start menu. Windows 10, released in 2015, brought back the Start menu with a customizable two-pane design and merged classic elements with Live Tiles. Windows 11, introduced in 2021, featured a centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu layout. In November 2025, a Security Update introduced a new Start menu version that adapts to screen resolution, offering a larger layout divided into three sections: "Pinned," "Recommended," and "All," with options for user customization.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 is gone, but ChromeOS Flex can fill the void

Microsoft has officially ceased support for Windows 10, which was launched in 2015. Users with compatible hardware may transition to Windows 11, while those with incompatible devices can use ChromeOS Flex, a modified version of ChromeOS that enhances older hardware. ChromeOS Flex, developed by Neverware and rebranded after Google’s acquisition in 2020, allows users to extend the lifespan of their devices by several years and offers robust security against viruses. Transitioning to ChromeOS Flex involves backing up files, checking device compatibility, installing the Chromebook Recovery Utility, and following instructions to install ChromeOS Flex from a USB drive.

Winsage

October 5, 2025

Microsoft ‘Security Disaster’—400 Million Windows PCs Now At Risk

Microsoft is facing a security crisis affecting approximately 400 million Windows 10 users, as security updates will cease in ten days for those not enrolled in the extended support program. Windows 10 holds a 41% share of the global PC market, down from 46% in September, with nearly 600 million PCs in use. Users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements must either pay a fee or follow specific steps for a complimentary extension. Advocacy groups warn that the rapid phasing out of Windows 10 poses significant cybersecurity risks, as vulnerabilities may lead to ransomware attacks after updates stop. Additionally, there is a noted increase in Windows 7 usage, with nearly 140 million PCs still running the retired system. Users are urged to enroll in the Extended Security Update program or upgrade to Windows 11 to protect their data and system security.

Winsage

October 3, 2025

Nearly a third of all gaming PCs are still running Windows 10, even as Microsoft prepare to kill it

Microsoft has announced a significant reduction in Windows 10 security updates, effectively ending official support for the operating system. Despite this, Windows 10 remains popular, with 32% of users on Steam and over 40% of all PCs still running it, just days before its discontinuation on October 14th. In contrast, Windows 8 and 8.1 accounted for only 4% of PCs before their security updates were discontinued in January 2023. The decision to stop updates raises concerns about unpatched security vulnerabilities, such as a Secure Boot vulnerability addressed by Microsoft in June. Capcom has warned that some of its Monster Hunter titles may stop functioning on Windows 10 after the cutoff date. Microsoft is offering the Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates) program, providing an additional year of updates at no cost for residents of the European Economic Area, while other users can enroll through various options, including a payment of USD.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Microsoft removes old web components from Windows

Microsoft has deprecated a series of web components in Windows, including Legacy Web View, HTML and JavaScript apps from Windows 8 and 8.1, the first generation of Progressive Web Apps, and developer tools from the original Edge browser. These components are built on EdgeHTML, which powered the classic Edge before its transition to Chromium in 2020. While these features will not be removed immediately and will continue to receive security updates for now, they will eventually cease to receive updates and be phased out in future Windows versions. Microsoft is directing developers towards alternatives like WebView2 and modern Chromium-based Progressive Web Apps. This announcement is part of a broader clean-up initiative that also includes the removal of WordPad, Mixed Reality, NTLMv1 protocols, and tools like WMIC and PowerShell 2.0.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Firefox ESR won’t quit Windows 7 until March 2026

Mozilla has extended support for Firefox ESR 115 for Windows 7 users until March 2026. Firefox 115 is the last version compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Microsoft ended support for these operating systems, while Mozilla continues to provide security updates through the ESR channel. Initially, support was set to end in September 2024, then extended to 2025, and now to March 2026. The end of support for Windows 7 was officially marked in 2020, with security updates available until January 10, 2023. Mozilla plans to discontinue support for 32-bit Linux with Firefox 144, and Firefox 145 will not support 32-bit Linux users, who will need to revert to Firefox ESR 140 until at least September 2026.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Mozilla extends Firefox ESR 115 support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, macOS 10.12 to 10.14 until March 2026

Mozilla has extended support for Firefox ESR 115 until March 2026 for users on older systems, including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and macOS versions 10.12, 10.13, and 10.14. Initially launched in July 2023, Firefox ESR 115 was originally set to be supported until September 2024, but this timeline has been adjusted multiple times. Support was first extended to April 1, 2025, then to September 2025, and finally to March 2026. Mozilla will reassess this support in February 2026. According to the latest Firefox Public Data Report, 6.769% of Firefox users are still on Windows 7, which likely influenced the decision to maintain support for older operating systems.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Drops Windows 7-8.1 Support, Adds Speed and AES-256 Encryption

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, meaning users on these operating systems will no longer receive updates or security patches. The new version requires a minimum of Windows 10 and includes performance enhancements, such as faster document loading and improved interoperability with Microsoft formats. Security upgrades include AES-256 encryption and PDF 2.0 export capabilities. The decision to discontinue support for older Windows versions reflects a broader industry trend towards modernization and innovation. Future versions will also require macOS 11 or later. Users on outdated systems are encouraged to evaluate alternatives or stick with earlier versions.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Happy birthday and RIP Windows 10! Ten years of Windows, from successes to failures.

Support for Windows 10 is set to conclude on October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive free security updates, software enhancements, or technical assistance. Windows 10 was released in 2015 to restore user confidence following Windows 8's reception and quickly became a leader in the market. It eliminated many frustrations of its predecessor, offering a classic desktop experience and free upgrades from Windows 7 and 8.1. The Windows Insider Program was introduced for testing pre-release builds, but Microsoft faced criticism for inconsistent responsiveness to feedback and issues like unexpected reboots and the October 2018 Update that deleted user files. Windows 10 Mobile failed due to insufficient support and user interest. Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with Edge, transitioning to Chromium for better compatibility. Privacy concerns arose from extensive telemetry and tracking settings. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) initiative did not fulfill its promise. Despite nearing the end of its life cycle, Windows 10 remains dominant in the desktop market, appreciated for its stability and non-intrusiveness.