end-of-service Archives

Winsage

December 15, 2025

Repurposing an ‘Obsolete’ Windows 10 Laptop into a Thin Client, Part 2 — Virtualization Review

The article discusses the potential of extending the lifespan of aging Windows 10 hardware by repurposing it with 10ZiG's RepurpOS, particularly on a Dell Latitude E7440. It evaluates how well RepurpOS handles Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) workloads, including tests with Microsoft Office applications, high-resolution video streaming, and unified communications via Zoom. The performance during these tests was comparable to that of a Windows 11 system. RepurpOS supports dual-monitor setups and utilizes Multimedia Redirection (MMR) to optimize unified communications processing. It also allows access to SaaS applications through a local web browser, with Google Chrome functioning smoothly for tasks like streaming and using MS Office 365. Additionally, 10ZiG introduced the 10ZiG Secure Browser to enhance web security for businesses. The dual monitor support was confirmed, allowing for independent and mirrored display modes.

Winsage

December 12, 2025

Repurposing an ‘Obsolete’ Windows 10 Laptop into a Thin Client, Part 1 — Virtualization Review

42% of desktop systems were still operating on Windows 10 as of mid-October 2025, leaving millions of devices unsupported and vulnerable to security risks. Organizations are considering either investing in new Windows 11 devices or repurposing old PCs into thin clients. The RepurpOS thin-client operating system can revitalize aging hardware, such as the Dell E7440 laptop, which is available for around 0 on platforms like eBay. RepurpOS requires modest hardware specifications: an Intel or AMD x86 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 4 GB of persistent storage. It is offered through a subscription model that is more affordable than Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates for Windows 10. The installation process for RepurpOS is straightforward, and it supports various remote desktop protocols, including Citrix, Horizon, and AWS. Testing with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) shows that modern implementations provide fast and secure remote access with features like Adaptive Graphics and GPU-accelerated rendering.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Windows 10’s End Forces UK SMEs to Rethink Technology

The end of Windows 10 support in October has prompted UK small businesses to reconsider their technology and security measures. Brian Horsburgh from Dell highlights the urgency for firms to upgrade to Windows 11 and integrate AI into their operations. Statistics show that 43% of businesses experienced a cyber breach last year, with 46% of IT decision-makers citing high-profile incidents as reasons to refresh their PC fleets. Despite budget concerns, Dell is addressing hesitations by showcasing the benefits of AI technology, such as improved productivity and security. AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) enhance data security and streamline operations, allowing for tasks like automatic meeting note summarization. Dell offers flexible financing options to ease the financial burden of upgrading. The company promotes a phased approach to digital transformation, encouraging businesses to automate repetitive tasks and partner with technology providers for expert guidance. By leveraging AI, small businesses can improve customer experiences and make data-driven decisions, positioning themselves competitively in the market.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Omdia: Global PC market grew 7% in Q3 2025 as Windows 10 end-of-service deadline nears

In the third quarter of 2025, global desktop and notebook shipments reached 72 million units, a 6.8% increase from the previous year. Notebook shipments rose by 4% to 57.2 million units, while desktop shipments surged by 17% to 15.2 million units. This growth is attributed to the upcoming end-of-support deadline for Windows 10, prompting demand for upgrades. A September 2025 survey indicated that only 39% of B2B customers had upgraded their PCs, with 18% planning to continue using Windows 10 after the deadline. Key industry players like Qualcomm and Intel are launching new products, with CES 2026 expected to highlight innovations in PC technology. In terms of vendor performance for Q3 2025: - Lenovo shipped 19.4 million units (26.7% market share, 17.4% growth). - HP shipped 15.0 million units (20.7% market share, 10.7% growth). - Dell shipped 10.1 million units (14.0% market share, 2.6% growth). - Apple shipped 6.6 million units (9.0% market share, 4.3% growth). - Asus shipped 5.8 million units (8.0% market share, 7.1% growth). - Others accounted for 15.6 million units (21.6% market share, -3.8% growth).

Winsage

September 14, 2025

Microsoft reminds of Windows 10 support ending in 30 days

Microsoft announced that support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025, affecting all editions including Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes or technical assistance for Windows 10. The last monthly security update for Windows 10, version 22H2, will be released in October 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or use Windows 365 for cloud services, with an option to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will reach its Mainstream End Date on January 12, 2027, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 will have its Extended End Date on January 9, 2029. As of now, over 53% of Windows systems are running Windows 11, surpassing Windows 10, which has 42%. Additionally, 60.39% of gamers are using Windows 11 according to Steam's Hardware & Software Survey from August 2025.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 60 days

Microsoft will stop providing updates for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 on November 11, 2025. In contrast, the Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive updates until November 10, 2026. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, which became available in October 2024. Microsoft has implemented safeguard holds for the upgrade to address compatibility issues with certain drivers and software. As of July 2025, 59.9% of gamers are using Windows 11, and it has surpassed Windows 10 in market share, with over 53% of Windows systems running Windows 11. The last supported Windows 11 22H2 editions will reach their end of servicing on October 14.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

The (Microsoft) Windows Are Wide Open for Bad Actors

On October 14, Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10, impacting healthcare organizations that rely on legacy applications. Migrating to Windows 11 typically takes six to nine months and involves creating a new system image, testing applications, re-imaging devices, training staff, and rolling out the new OS. Microsoft will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for up to three years post-Windows 10 end-of-service, but many organizations struggle with maintaining a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement due to financial issues. Healthcare organizations often use 150 to 300 applications, making them vulnerable to cybercriminals, especially as the end of Windows 10 support approaches, with potential HIPAA violations looming. Cyber insurance implications arise, as claims may be denied if breaches occur due to unsupported systems, leading to increased premiums. Windows 11 includes enhanced security features like TPM 2.0 and a Diagnostic Data Viewer. Cybercriminals are expected to target Windows 10 users after support ends, emphasizing the need for organizations to plan their transition to mitigate risks.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft reminds of Windows 10 support ending in two months

Microsoft has announced that all editions of Windows 10, version 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025. On this date, Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015 will also conclude their extended support, and Microsoft will stop providing bug fixes or technical assistance for these versions. The final security update for Windows 10, version 22H2 will be released in October 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or migrate to Windows 11 in the cloud via Windows 365 to maintain security updates. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available for those who wish to delay transitioning to Windows 11. Windows 10 devices connected to Windows 11 Cloud PCs can benefit from ESU at no extra charge. Specialized devices can switch to Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases, which will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025. Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in install base, with over 53% of systems running Windows 11 compared to 42% on Windows 10. As of July 2025, 59.9% of gamers are using Windows 11, while 35.1% are on Windows 10. Microsoft provides resources for users to check end-of-service dates for various Windows releases.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in November

Microsoft announced that support for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025. The Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive support until November 10, 2026. The last supported editions of Windows 11 22H2 will reach their end of servicing on October 14. Users of Windows 11 23H2 are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, which began rolling out in May 2024 and became generally available in October 2024. Microsoft has implemented compatibility holds that may block upgrades on devices with certain incompatible software and drivers. Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in install base, achieving over 53% of all Windows systems, while 59.9% of gamers use Windows 11 as of July 2025.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 11 22H2 in October

Microsoft has announced that servicing for the last supported editions of Windows 11 22H2 (Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise) will end on October 14. The final monthly security update for this version will be in October 2025, after which devices will no longer receive updates. Microsoft is implementing an automatic feature update for Windows 11 consumer and non-managed business devices that have reached their end of servicing to ensure continued security updates. Users can choose a convenient time for their devices to reboot for the Windows 24H2 feature update. The Windows 11 24H2 update began rolling out in May 2024 for enterprise customers and became available for eligible devices in October. Microsoft has established upgrade blocks for the 24H2 update on devices with incompatible drivers and software.