end-of-support Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2025

The latest Windows 10 update is reportedly causing havoc on some people’s PCs

Users are experiencing challenges following the deployment of Windows 10 update KB5058379, including unexpected requests for a BitLocker recovery key and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. The BitLocker issue has a low occurrence rate of 2-5%, with reports indicating that only 15 out of 600 devices in some organizations were affected. Adjusting certain BIOS settings may help mitigate BSOD errors. Delaying or rolling back the update could expose systems to vulnerabilities, as it addresses critical zero-day exploits. Many issues arise from the update not completing its installation effectively, and users have reported resolutions once the update is fully realized. Users are advised to contact Microsoft for assistance and consider alternatives like Linux distributions as the October end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Only one person at Microsoft is talking about Windows 12 — let’s keep it that way

Microsoft has not made any formal announcement regarding the release of Windows 12. The end-of-support date for Windows 11 is October 14, 2025. Historically, Windows releases have followed a pattern where every alternate version is perceived as inferior: Windows 95 (good), Windows 98 (bad), Windows 98 SE (good), Windows ME (bad), Windows XP (good), Windows Vista (bad), Windows 7 (good), Windows 8 (bad), Windows 10 (good), and Windows 11 (bad). If Windows 12 is released, it is expected to have increased hardware demands and may heavily rely on artificial intelligence, potentially leaving users with outdated hardware.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft might be sick of hearing “When is Windows 12 coming?” — but Windows 10’s death remains the hot topic for most users

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 over three years ago as the successor to Windows 10, which will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 43.72%, while Windows 10 has 52.94%. Users are gradually transitioning to Windows 11, influenced by the impending support deadline for Windows 10. A recent update for Windows 11 added new features, but there is speculation about Windows 12, which Microsoft has not confirmed. User sentiment reflects more concern about the end of Windows 10 support than excitement for Windows 12. In response, Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 through ads and highlighting the benefits of Copilot+ PCs, which claim to outperform older devices.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 support deadlines changed? This story just won’t die

Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to function on Windows 10 devices, but Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid potential performance issues. Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after the end of support, ending on October 10, 2028. However, Microsoft will not test new releases on Windows 10 after the end-of-support date. Support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will have limitations, including advising upgrades to Windows 11 for issues that do not occur on Windows 11, limited troubleshooting assistance for customers unable to upgrade, and no option to log bugs or request additional updates. These support options do not apply to consumers using the Personal and Family editions of Microsoft 365.

Winsage

May 12, 2025

Microsoft loosens the noose on Windows 10 users with new end-of-support timeline

The official end of Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive technical support, new features, or security patches. Windows 10's global desktop market share has decreased from nearly 70% to approximately 53% over the past year, indicating a shift towards Windows 11. Microsoft 365 apps, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneDrive, will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 2028. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers optional, paid security patches for Windows 10 after its end of support. Users may face significant hardware costs when upgrading to Windows 11, and alternatives like macOS or Linux are also options to consider.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

As Windows 10’s death looms, Linux fans still promote “no ads or telemetry” for your old laptop instead of buying a Copilot+ PC

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11, purchase an additional year of support through the Extended Security Updates program, or switch to a different operating system. Approximately 240 million PCs are not ready for Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading hardware for Windows 11, highlighting Linux's advantages such as being free, open-source, and environmentally friendly. They encourage users to explore beginner-friendly Linux distributions and assure support from the Linux community. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 42.69%, while Windows 10 has a dominant 54.2%.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro before this deadline for $15 (Reg. $199)

Windows 11 is available for an upgrade price of .97, as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support deadline in fall 2025. The upgrade includes features such as Microsoft Copilot, an intuitive user interface, enhanced security measures including biometric login, and built-in parental controls. Microsoft will cease technical support for Windows 10 after the deadline, making the upgrade to Windows 11 essential.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows 10 is fading fast – and Microsoft’s CEO just made that crystal clear

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 during the third-quarter earnings call, highlighting that Windows 10's end-of-support date is October 14, 2025. Windows 11, launched in 2021, has seen a nearly 75% increase in commercial deployment since last year. Surveys show that Windows 10's user base dropped from 70% in April 2024 to 54%. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for eligible hardware, but the system requirements are more demanding. Windows contributes only 9% to Microsoft's overall income in fiscal year 2024.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft really, really wants Windows 10 users to buy Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft is encouraging Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11, promoting its Copilot+ PCs as a solution for those whose devices do not qualify for the upgrade. Copilot+ PCs feature AI tools like Recall, which captures and indexes screenshots for easy searching, and offer performance improvements, claiming to be up to five times faster than devices that are five years old. However, there are concerns about privacy and security related to Recall. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive security updates. Options for Windows 10 users include upgrading to Windows 11 if eligible, purchasing a Copilot+ PC, paying for extended support, switching to Linux, or remaining on Windows 10 with associated risks.

Winsage

April 29, 2025

New Windows 7 And Windows Server 2008 Security Updates Confirmed

Microsoft has introduced a no-reboot patching feature for Windows 11 and announced hotpatching costs for Windows Server 2025. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have reached their end-of-support status and lack official security patches. However, users of these legacy systems can utilize a micro patching service called 0patch, which delivers micro patches to address specific vulnerabilities without requiring system reboots. On April 29, 2023, Mitja Kolsek, CEO of ACROS Security, announced that support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 would be extended until January 2027 due to high demand. These micro patches are currently the only available security updates for these legacy versions.