end of life Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Confused about why you can’t upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft has some new advice that might help… including a trick I wasn’t aware of

Microsoft has released support documents to assist users upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, particularly after hardware upgrades. A key point is that users may experience delays in receiving the Windows 11 upgrade notification after upgrading components like the CPU or adding a TPM 2.0 module, with it taking up to 24 hours for the system to refresh eligibility information. To expedite this process, users can manually refresh their eligibility through Task Scheduler or use the PC Health Check app, which quickly recognizes upgraded hardware. Another document addresses the 'What needs your attention' notification that may appear during the upgrade, indicating potential issues such as incompatible privacy settings or software problems. In some cases, users may see a message stating 'no action is needed,' suggesting the issue could be resolved in a future update. The PC Health Check app is highlighted as a crucial tool for confirming compatibility and facilitating the upgrade.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Windows 10: Six essential steps IT teams should take over the next two months

Businesses are facing a deadline for Windows 10's end-of-support in October, prompting a shift to Windows 11, which currently holds a 54.7% market share compared to Windows 10's 43.8%. Over 40% of Windows desktops are nearing their end of life, exposing organizations to operational and compliance risks. The migration to Windows 11 involves challenges, and organizations are advised to follow six steps: 1. Conduct a comprehensive audit of devices using Windows 10. 2. Secure necessary funding for the transition. 3. Recognize that smaller organizations may adapt more quickly than larger ones. 4. Communicate the importance of the transition to all levels of the organization. 5. Develop a structured plan that includes testing and user feedback. 6. Implement the migration process by the deadline, ensuring proper onboarding and training for employees.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

I found a distro that brings the best of Windows, macOS, and Linux into one system

Bluestar is an Arch-based Linux distribution that combines elements from macOS, Windows, and traditional Linux environments, featuring a customized KDE Plasma desktop. It includes a top bar similar to many Linux setups, a dock like macOS, and desktop icons reminiscent of Windows. Bluestar is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, has a dedicated repository, and offers up-to-date packages. It simplifies the installation process while maintaining Arch Linux's speed and rolling releases, with streamlined updates through a notifier icon. The distribution provides a clean design with intuitive customization options, allowing users to easily switch themes and layouts. Bluestar is stable and reliable, performing well across various hardware configurations, and comes preloaded with applications like VLC, Firefox, and Thunderbird. It supports seamless hardware integration and offers a graphical user interface for application management through Octopi.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft explains how organizations can use Intune to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, and organizations can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU), though this may not be financially viable for all. Microsoft has released a guide to assist companies in upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 via Intune. The guide is intended for domain-joined or co-joined Windows 10 PCs and emphasizes the need for hardware compatibility, specifically TPM 2.0. Organizations should use Microsoft Configuration Manager or Endpoint Analytics to verify hardware requirements and ensure devices are updated to version 22H2. IT administrators are advised to synchronize identities from Active Directory to Entra ID, configure hybrid join, and prepare the Intune environment with necessary licenses and roles. They should also streamline Group Policy Objects, establish Intune configuration profiles, and use Windows Autopatch for updates. Applications must be migrated from Configuration Manager to Intune for management, and outdated deployments should be decommissioned. The final migration step involves transitioning to an Entra ID-joined configuration. This process aims to enhance management, security, user experience, and reduce reliance on legacy infrastructure.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

PSA: Some other versions of Windows are losing support on October 14 too

Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. Windows 11, version 22H2 (Enterprise, Education, IoT) will also end support on October 14, 2025. The Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 22H2 reached their end of support on October 8, 2024. Windows 11, version 23H2 will have support until November 10, 2026, and version 24H2 until October 12, 2027. Windows 11, version 22H2 was released on September 20, 2022.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Can’t (or won’t) upgrade to Windows 11, but afraid to switch from Windows 10 to Linux? This app might make the transition easy

A migration tool named Operese is in development to assist users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux. It allows the transfer of files, settings, and installed applications. Currently, it supports only one Linux distribution, Kubuntu, but there are plans to expand compatibility to other distributions in the future. The developer, TechnoPorg, aims to complete the tool by October, coinciding with Windows 10's End of Life. There are uncertainties regarding the transfer of applications due to compatibility issues with Linux. The project may become open source to enhance security and community collaboration. Windows 10 users can extend support for an additional year through the Windows Backup app.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

5 Ways to Repurpose your Windows 10 System — Virtualization Review

As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Windows 10 update messes up emoji picker, proving that even though the OS is about to shuffle into its grave, Microsoft can still break stuff

Windows 10's July update (KB5062554) has caused the emoji picker functionality to malfunction, particularly affecting the search feature, which now returns error messages indicating no results. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix for users on Windows 10, version 22H2. Some users have reported that uninstalling the July update resolves the problem. The update has sparked discontent among users, with discussions occurring on platforms like Reddit. Speculation exists regarding Microsoft's motivations for making changes to Windows 10 as it approaches its End of Life in October 2025.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Windows 10’s end of life looms. A security pro dissects your only options

Windows 10 will reach its end of life in October, leading to concerns about security vulnerabilities for users who continue using the platform without support. Users can purchase a year of additional security updates as a temporary solution. Security expert Mike advises against forcing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware and relying on third-party patches for Windows 10. He recommends considering alternative operating systems, such as Linux or ChromeOS Flex for compatible devices. Mike shares insights on online security in a video discussion, and users are encouraged to subscribe to PCWorld’s YouTube channel for updates and tips.

Winsage

July 17, 2025

Half of Windows PCs are still yet to upgrade to Windows 11 — and are running out of time, says study

Approximately 60% of enterprise PCs have upgraded to Windows 11, while 40% are still on Windows 10, which will reach its end of life on October 14. Windows 11 has become the most widely used version of Windows, with only 55% of finance industry PCs and 39% of government PCs upgraded. In North America, 57% of PCs have not transitioned to Windows 11, compared to 30% in Europe. Microsoft will offer an extended security updates program for commercial customers from October 2025 to October 2028 for devices not eligible for Windows 11, while consumers will receive one year of updates at a lower cost. After October 2026, consumers must upgrade to Windows 11 or find alternative solutions for security. Microsoft will discontinue new features for Office on Windows 10 starting next year.