end-of-support Archives

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft Unveils PC-to-PC Migration Tool for Local Transfers as Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new devices. To address concerns about cloud dependency, Microsoft has introduced a PC-to-PC migration tool that allows users to transfer files, settings, and applications directly from a Windows 10 machine to a Windows 11 device over a local network, without using OneDrive. This tool requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network and powered on simultaneously. However, it necessitates a Microsoft account for authentication and lacks full support for Arm-based devices. The introduction of this tool appears to be a strategic response to competition and user demand for alternatives to cloud-based solutions.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Hate Windows 11 and don’t want to upgrade? You can now extend the life of Windows 10 until October 2026

Windows 10 users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides security patches after Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. An enrollment wizard will be available through notifications and the Settings menu, allowing users to sign up directly from their PCs. Users can find an 'enroll now' link in the Windows Update section, but the rollout is gradual, so not all users will see it immediately. Enrollment requires a Microsoft account, and users can access a year of free updates by syncing their settings with the Windows Backup app. Some users have reported being able to switch back to a local account after enrollment while still receiving updates through 2026.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Windows 10 will stop getting new Office features in August of 2026

Microsoft's official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. The company will begin phasing out support over the next three years, with new features for Windows 10 PCs ceasing for most home users in August 2026, and for business users in October 2026 or January 2027, depending on the product. Support for Office apps will continue through October 2028, focusing on security and bug-fixing updates without new features. Users may not receive fixes for bugs specific to Windows 10, and are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 if issues arise that do not occur on the newer operating system. Support for Windows 10 will be limited to troubleshooting assistance.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Have Windows 11 upgrade questions? Here’s everything you need to know – before you make the leap

Windows 11, launched in 2021, is the operating system for hundreds of millions of PCs worldwide and is built on the same architecture as Windows 10 but has stricter hardware compatibility requirements. Users must upgrade due to the end-of-support date for Windows 10. The user interface features a redesigned Start menu, taskbar, and Settings app, along with new functionalities like a Widgets pane and enhanced window management. Hardware-assisted security is mandatory, with features like Secure Boot enabled by default. Windows 11 can be acquired with new PCs or through free upgrades for valid Windows 10 license holders, while retail licenses are available at similar prices to Windows 10. As of January 31, 2023, Microsoft stopped retail sales of Windows 10 licenses. The compatibility requirements for Windows 11 include a 64-bit processor, a minimum of 4GB RAM, and at least 64GB of storage. User feedback indicates a mix of satisfaction and dissatisfaction regarding the interface changes. Windows 11 is reported to be more reliable and secure than Windows 10, with support for Windows 10 ending on October 14, 2025. Installation options include the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and USB media creation, with version 24H2 currently available and version 25H2 forthcoming.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options and 3 months to act

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, security, or reliability fixes. Users can continue using Windows 10 without updates at their own risk, buy new PCs or rent virtual PCs through Windows 365, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates, or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 through specific methods.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Can’t quit Windows 10? Here’s how to keep getting security updates after October 2025

Microsoft has introduced a one-year Extended Security Update (ESU) subscription for consumers, available for a fee. Additionally, two free enrollment options have been made available: syncing settings to the cloud using Windows Backup and redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. The ESU subscription is limited to personal use and cannot be renewed after the initial year, with security updates ending on October 13, 2026. The enrollment wizard for consumers will start rolling out in July, with full availability by the end of August.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 usage is surging? Not so fast – here’s the real story

Numerous tech publications are reporting on a chart from Statcounter Global Stats that shows a decline in Windows 10 usage and an increase in Windows 11 usage as of June 30, 2025. Some articles claim that Windows 11 has caught up to Windows 10 in market share, but the difference is so small it may fall within statistical error. Statcounter's data reflects pageviews rather than actual market share, which can misrepresent the popularity of the operating systems. The firm, established in 1999, has seen a decline in its customer base from 3 million in 2009 to 1.5 million by 2022. Statcounter's data comes from small to medium-sized websites and does not include major sites like Google and Facebook, leading to potential inaccuracies in interpreting market share. Trends indicate a gradual decline in traffic from Windows 10 devices and a rise from Windows 11 devices, particularly as Windows 10's end-of-support date approaches, but these trends do not necessarily reflect the overall Windows PC population.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows Update Revamp Gives Users More Control Over Security Alerts

Microsoft has rolled out update KB5001716, targeting Windows 10 (versions 21H2, 22H2) and Windows 11 (version 21H2) systems. This update refreshes the Windows Update Service components without introducing new features or security patches. It provides notifications about potential issues that may prevent devices from staying up-to-date, particularly regarding the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The update is automatically distributed via Windows Update and is designed to enhance user experience by not disrupting full-screen activities. Users may encounter installation failures associated with error code 0x80070643, which can be resolved by uninstalling the previous version and reinstalling the latest one. The update aims to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 or consider alternatives before support ends.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Windows 11 has finally overtaken Windows 10 as the most used desktop OS

Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in user adoption, with a market share of 52 percent compared to Windows 10's 44.59 percent, according to Stat Counter data. Windows 11 is currently in use on over 400 million devices, taking two years to reach this milestone, while Windows 10 achieved it in one year. The slower adoption of Windows 11 is attributed to its stringent hardware requirements. Microsoft will offer a complimentary year of security updates for users who enable Windows Backup and sync their Documents folder to OneDrive, while others can pay a fee or use Microsoft Reward points for the same benefit. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14th.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

Biggest Windows 11 update offers the worst news yet for Windows 10 users

Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in market share, with Windows 11 at 51 percent and Windows 10 at 45 percent, according to Statcounter. At the beginning of the year, Windows 11 had only 34 percent adoption. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting users to upgrade to Windows 11 for ongoing updates and security. Microsoft will no longer provide technical assistance or security updates for Windows 10 after this date. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 will be available for a fee of £24 per year for three years, but users can obtain one year of ESUs for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.