compatibility checks Archives

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 1 week left

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. Microsoft will not extend support or change hardware requirements. Users can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for an additional year after the end-of-support date, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users are encouraged to buy new PCs or rent virtual PCs through Windows 365. There are methods to bypass compatibility checks for Windows 11 on existing machines, but this may void warranties. Users can also switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex, though this requires technical expertise. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses security risks, and while third-party solutions exist, they are not recommended for critical systems. After the end-of-support date, all editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive technical support or security updates.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends 2025: Gamers Upgrade to Windows 11 or SteamOS

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive free security updates. Gamers are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for improved performance and compatibility, particularly due to features like DirectX 12, Auto HDR, and DirectStorage. However, some gamers are hesitant to switch due to interface issues and stricter hardware requirements. As an alternative, SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, is gaining traction among gamers for its streamlined environment and compatibility with Windows games through Proton. The adoption of non-Windows operating systems has increased, with Linux variants now accounting for around 2% of users on Steam. Upgrading to Windows 11 may require new hardware, while options like Tiny11 exist for those with unsupported PCs. The transition away from Windows 10 could drive innovation in gaming operating systems, prompting Microsoft to enhance Windows 11 amid competition.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 update is out now, but be warned – this is one of the strangest upgrades ever

Microsoft has rolled out the Windows 11 annual update, designated as version 25H2. This update is described as an "enablement package," allowing users on version 24H2 to access new features, including a revamped Start menu with a layout change and the option to disable Microsoft's recommendations. These enhancements are also available to users on 24H2, potentially even before those who upgrade to 25H2. The update includes improvements in security features, such as build and runtime vulnerability detection and AI-assisted secure coding. It also removes legacy features like PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation command line. Users can enable the 'Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available' setting to position themselves for the update, although compatibility checks may delay rollout for some PCs. Microsoft advises against bypassing the standard update process to avoid complications.

Winsage

September 28, 2025

Is end of service leaving your system vulnerable? The risks no IT leader can ignore

Unsupported operating systems and device software lack regular updates, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Devices running on unsupported platforms can become gateways for attackers, as they are susceptible to known exploits that can be easily weaponized. According to Microsoft’s 2024 Digital Defense Report, over 90% of successful ransomware attacks target unmanaged endpoints. Unsupported versions can bypass standard security solutions and often fail compatibility checks with modern security tools, leading to significant protection gaps. Additionally, these vulnerabilities can be exploited to steal credentials and gain unauthorized access, posing risks to overall network security.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 PCs unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 on older machines may lead to compatibility issues, particularly if the CPU is not among the supported processors, and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required and must be enabled. Users have found workarounds to upgrade PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially those with AMD processors, may face more challenges. To upgrade to Windows 11, the computer must boot using UEFI, support Secure Boot (though it doesn't need to be enabled), and have an enabled TPM (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can check these settings using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool. If transitioning from Legacy BIOS to UEFI is not possible or if the PC lacks TPM, users can bypass compatibility checks using an undocumented hack. Option 1 involves a registry edit to bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version, requiring the Setup program to run from the current Windows installation. Option 2 uses the Rufus utility to create installation media that bypasses compatibility checks, requiring the download of Rufus version 4.6 or later. Users should avoid upgrading by booting from the USB drive to prevent errors. Feedback on upgrade experiences is encouraged, and users can report their results, including PC details and error messages, to a dedicated inbox.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options – and 3 weeks to act

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, with no changes to hardware requirements. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) on a subscription basis, with educational institutions paying a low cost for the first year, escalating in subsequent years, while businesses face higher costs. Consumers can access security updates for an additional year at a list price, which can be offset using Microsoft Rewards points. Users have several options: sign up for ESUs, buy a new PC or rent a virtual PC, upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, or continue using Windows 10 unsupported. After the end-of-support date, users will no longer receive security updates or technical support, increasing vulnerability to exploits.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

The window is closing for Windows 10 users

Support for Microsoft Windows 10 will officially cease on October 14, marking a decade since its launch. Approximately 45 percent of Windows users globally still use Windows 10. Microsoft is offering an additional three years of security support for Windows 10, available at a cost per computer for businesses, with a one-year extension available for individual consumers for purchase or free through Microsoft Rewards points. Users can also receive a complimentary one-year extension by activating the Windows Backup service. Windows 11, which debuted in 2021, requires devices to have Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Secure Boot technology, introduced in 2018. Microsoft provides a program to check compatibility for Windows 11, and bypassing compatibility checks will result in a lack of official tech support.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options – and just weeks to act

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing technical support, security updates, and reliability fixes. Users will have several options, including: 1. Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Available on a subscription basis for up to three years, with varying costs for educational institutions and businesses. 2. Buying a New PC or Renting a Virtual PC: Users can opt to purchase new hardware or rent a virtual PC through Windows 365. 3. Upgrading Incompatible Hardware to Windows 11: Users can bypass compatibility checks to upgrade systems, though this carries risks. 4. Transitioning to Linux or ChromeOS Flex: Users may choose to switch to a different operating system. 5. Continuing to Use Windows 10: Some may decide to ignore the end-of-support deadline, which poses security risks.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 on older PCs may present compatibility issues, particularly if the CPU does not meet Microsoft's requirements, which include the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Microsoft will not change these specifications. However, many PCs from the last 15 years can still be upgraded to Windows 11 despite failing compatibility checks. For PCs originally sold with Windows 10, a registry edit can often facilitate the upgrade. To upgrade, the system must boot using UEFI, support Secure Boot (though it doesn't need to be enabled), and have an enabled TPM (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can verify these details using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool. Option 1 involves a registry edit to bypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version, requiring users to modify the registry and download the Windows 11 ISO. Option 2 uses the Rufus utility to create a bootable installation drive that bypasses compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft said these 400 readers couldn’t upgrade to Windows 11. They did it anyway

Microsoft is urging users with PCs older than five years to upgrade to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 nears its end. Despite this, nearly 400 users have successfully upgraded incompatible Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 using two methods: a registry edit for PCs with unsupported CPUs and the Rufus utility for creating custom installation media. User feedback indicates that the upgrade process is accessible, with many expressing gratitude for the guidance provided. Most issues encountered during the upgrade were minor and easily resolved, with users confirming that PCs upgraded through these methods continue to receive security updates. Concerns about Microsoft's strict compatibility checks have led to speculation about the reasons behind them, with some users questioning the clarity of the company's communication regarding security and reliability.