Consumer Reports Archives

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Global PC Shipments Surge 9.4% in Q3 2025 on Windows 10 End

Global personal computer shipments increased by 9.4% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2025, reaching nearly 76 million units, according to IDC. This growth is attributed to the impending end of support for Microsoft’s Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting upgrades to Windows 11. Corporate refresh cycles, especially in the education and enterprise sectors, are driving this demand. Regions like Asia and Japan experienced double-digit growth, while North America reported weaker results due to trade tensions and proposed tariffs. Many devices are incompatible with Windows 11, necessitating replacements. Major manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, and Dell benefited from this trend, while smaller vendors faced challenges. The transition to Windows 11 is also influencing software development and peripheral markets, with a focus on AI-integrated features. Industry insiders anticipate continued momentum into 2026, although geopolitical factors may affect growth. Critics highlight concerns about electronic waste and the potential for functional Windows 10 machines to be discarded.

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 2, 2025

Microsoft Is Abandoning Windows 10. Hackers Are Celebrating.

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, impacting hundreds of millions of computers in the U.S. and raising concerns about increased electronic waste, estimated to exceed one billion pounds. Approximately 42 percent of Windows computers globally still use Windows 10, compared to only 4 percent for Windows 8 when support was discontinued in 2016. Users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 face limited options: pay for extended support or replace their devices, which can be financially burdensome. Nearly 43 percent of active PCs running Windows 10 are not equipped to upgrade to Windows 11, which requires a 64-bit processor, 64 GB of storage, and a high-definition display. Without ongoing updates, devices running unsupported software become more vulnerable to hacking and data breaches. The FBI estimates that internet crimes will cost U.S. consumers over billion in 2024, a 33 percent increase from the previous year. Consumer advocates emphasize the need for manufacturers to disclose support timelines, with 72 percent of Americans believing this information should be mandatory.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft Issues Upgrade Warning For 200 Million Windows Users

Microsoft has alerted approximately 200 million users about the end-of-life for Windows 10, scheduled for October 14, 2025. The company is encouraging users to upgrade their hardware, particularly to ARM-based PCs, as part of a campaign emphasizing the importance of transitioning to new technology. Estimates suggest that between 200 and 400 million of the 1.4 billion Windows PCs globally may not be eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11. For those ineligible, Microsoft offers an extended security update program until October 2026 at no cost for OneDrive and Microsoft account users.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Sunset for Windows 10 updates leaves users in a bind

On October 14, Microsoft will stop providing updates for Windows 10, which has been essential for security and functionality since its release in 2015. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, but many devices may not be compatible. Microsoft is offering a one-year extension of security updates for Windows 10 at a cost. Approximately 650 million users were still using Windows 10 as of August, with up to 400 million computers potentially unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Without updates, users will be more vulnerable to cyberattacks and may face difficulties installing new third-party software. Alternatives include using antivirus software temporarily or switching to an open-source operating system like Linux.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

Microsoft’s Last Windows Update For 600 Million Users—Act Now

The deadline for Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11 is October 14, with approximately 600 million users still on the older operating system. Between 200 and 400 million of these users lack the hardware necessary for the upgrade. Microsoft requires specific security features for Windows 11 that are non-negotiable. Users unable to upgrade are advised to recycle their devices and purchase new hardware. A 12-month extension of security updates is available for free to those who save their settings to OneDrive, but it is unclear how many users have enrolled. The last regular monthly security update for Windows 10 will occur in October for those not enrolled in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. Users are encouraged to ensure they receive this update and check for updates manually. After October, any vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, exposing PCs to cyber threats.

Winsage

September 19, 2025

Microsoft Stops Windows Updates—Turn Your PC Into A Chromebook

Microsoft's recent security developments have raised concerns for over 200 million Windows users, who may be exposed to cyber threats in 25 days and might need to pay for extended security coverage. Microsoft promotes Windows 11 for enhanced cybersecurity but restricts the upgrade to specific hardware, leaving many older devices obsolete. Back Market, a used PC distributor, is repurposing unsupported Windows 10 hardware and offers Chrome OS Flex, a free operating system suitable for online activities. Chrome OS Flex is lightweight, easy to install, and provides built-in virus protection and encryption, making it a viable option for users with older devices.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Consumer Reports asks Microsoft to keep supporting Windows 10

Consumer Reports opposes Microsoft's October 14th deadline to stop free security updates for Windows 10, arguing it will leave millions of users without support due to hardware limitations preventing upgrades to Windows 11. As of August 2025, about 46.2 percent of global users are still on Windows 10, equating to 200 to 400 million PCs unable to upgrade. The organization criticizes Microsoft for promoting Windows 11 for better cybersecurity while leaving Windows 10 devices vulnerable. They also mention a fee for a one-year extension of security support as an inadequate solution. Consumer Reports urges Microsoft to continue free support for Windows 10 until more users can transition to Windows 11, a sentiment echoed by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), which warns that many usable computers may be discarded.