computers Archives

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Microsoft’s Urgent New Windows 10 Update Brings Free Feature For All Users

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14. To assist users in transitioning to Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a free tool that allows data transfer. Users with compatible hardware are encouraged to upgrade, while those without can use either the paid OneDrive service for cloud backup or the new Windows Migration feature for direct PC-to-PC data transfer. The Windows Migration feature will be included in the upcoming Windows 10 update, KB5061087, and allows users to transfer information directly to a new PC over the same network. This feature is currently in testing and aims to facilitate the migration to Windows 11.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Goverments are ditching Windows and Microsoft Office — new letter reveals the “real costs of switching to Windows 11”

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, which has higher hardware requirements that may render many existing PCs obsolete. The Document Foundation criticizes Microsoft's push for Windows 11, suggesting it increases reliance on Microsoft services and raises costs due to subscription models. Users express frustration over the mandatory Microsoft account for Windows 11, and a petition warns that the end of Windows 10 support could lead to many discarded computers. Alternatives like Linux and LibreOffice are presented as viable options, with Linux being compatible with older PCs that ran Windows 10. Users are advised to test Linux on a secondary partition to evaluate compatibility and workflow needs.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

‘End of 10’ offers hope and support to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade their PCs

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft encourages users to purchase new hardware, while the End of 10 campaign proposes transitioning to Linux as an alternative. The campaign provides resources for users, including links to local PC shops and user groups, a guide on installing Linux, and a calendar of events for assistance. The initiative emphasizes cost-effective solutions, lack of intrusive ads or data tracking, environmental friendliness, community support, and user control. It is supported by a collaborative group dedicated to helping Windows 10 users navigate their options.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows 11’s hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn’t messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10

Microsoft is preparing a new feature for Windows 10 that will facilitate PC-to-PC migration, expected to debut alongside Windows 11. This feature, tentatively named “Transfer information to a new PC,” is integrated into the existing Backup app and has been observed in a preview build, although it is currently hidden and not enabled for testing. Some Windows Insiders have managed to activate the migration feature with limited functionality. To transfer data and settings from a Windows 10 device to a new Windows 11 machine, both computers must be connected to the same network, and a confirmation code will be required to establish the link. The urgency for this feature is heightened by the approaching end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, as Microsoft aims to streamline the transition for users unable to upgrade their machines.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft is trying a new way to get you to ditch Windows 10

Windows 10 will be retired on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive software and security updates. Currently, 53.2 percent of Windows computers worldwide run on Windows 10, while 43.2 percent use Windows 11. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free or by purchasing a new PC, but many older machines may not meet the minimum system requirements. Microsoft has reached out to Windows 10 users via email to remind them of the end of support and has introduced a new feature in Windows Backup to help transfer data to a new PC. This feature, labeled “Transfer information to a new PC,” is expected to be rolled out across all Windows 10 builds. Microsoft has also announced that Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates for an additional three years after the retirement date.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft has a new tool to get you off Windows 10 and onto a Windows 11 PC

Microsoft has introduced two options for users of unsupported PCs to transition to Windows 11: a paid OneDrive service for cloud storage and a new Windows Migration feature for free PC-to-PC transfers. The Windows Backup functionality is being enhanced with a dedicated Migration tool, currently in testing, which includes a hidden option for transferring information to a new PC. The "Transfer" tool is similar to the Windows Easy Transfer utility from Windows 7, allowing users to move files and settings between computers via wired or wireless connections. Users will need to confirm their PC's name during the transfer process, which requires both computers to be on the same network. The transfer process involves generating a code on one PC for pairing with the other. Microsoft has confirmed the testing of the new Windows Migration feature for Windows 11, and there are suggestions for users unable to upgrade to replace their old Windows 10 PCs and use the Migration feature. The PC Health app prompts users to run the Windows Backup app to save essential data before upgrading to Windows 11.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade workarounds might not be safe

Microsoft will cease providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can consider several options: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if their PCs meet compatibility criteria. 2. Replace their computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, though this carries risks. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily aimed at business customers.

Winsage

June 14, 2025

LibreOffice backs campaign to help users move from Windows 10 to Linux – and ditch Office, too

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives like Linux. The End of 10 initiative aims to guide users toward affordable options, particularly Linux and LibreOffice, as many existing Windows 10 devices may not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements. The transition to Windows 11 may also lead to increased costs and reduced user autonomy due to its cloud-centric design. LibreOffice, an open-source productivity suite, offers essential tools without licensing fees and promotes open standards, though compatibility with Microsoft Office documents may vary. The Document Foundation suggests three steps for transitioning to Linux and LibreOffice: testing the new platform, assessing software compatibility, and providing training for users.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Steam beta gets native Apple Silicon support — the only public Arm version of Steam

Valve has released an update to its Steam Client Beta, optimized for Apple Silicon, eliminating the need for Rosetta 2. This update enhances performance for both the Steam Client and Steam Helper on Apple computers. The transition to a native version is timely as Apple is ending support for Rosetta 2 with the upcoming macOS 27. Valve confirmed that macOS Tahoe will be the last update for Intel Macs. Users can upgrade to the new Steam version (1749753892 or higher) by navigating to Steam > Preferences and selecting the Steam Beta Update option. The update can be verified in the Activity Monitor, where it should indicate Apple in the Kind column.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Data Doctors: How to work safely in a Windows 10 environment when security updates stop

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing all security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Users have several options for transitioning to Windows 11: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 if the PC meets compatibility criteria (TPM 2.0 chip and newer processor). 2. Replace the computer with a new one that comes pre-installed with Windows 11. 3. Use an unofficial workaround to install Windows 11 on noncompliant systems, which carries risks such as lack of future updates and system instability. 4. Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after the deadline, primarily for business customers but potentially available for individuals. Running an unsupported operating system after 2025 is not advisable.