end-of-support date Archives

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

How to get free Windows 10 security patches on your PC – from now to October 2026

Windows updates will roll out automatically on November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has ended, meaning PCs with default settings will no longer receive monthly security updates. Microsoft has introduced Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, allowing users to receive security updates until October 2026. Any personal Windows 10 PC running version 22H2 can access free ESU subscriptions, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Enrollment requires a Microsoft account and is available for up to 10 PCs. In Europe, customers in the EEA qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enterprise customers will incur higher costs for commercial ESU subscriptions. Users must ensure they meet eligibility requirements to see the ESU offer.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

You can still get free Windows 10 security patches – here’s how until October 2026

This month's Windows updates will roll out automatically on Patch Tuesday, November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has concluded, meaning PCs running this operating system with default settings will no longer receive essential monthly security updates from Microsoft. Microsoft has introduced options for users to continue receiving critical security updates until October 2026. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumer PCs are available for free enrollment, particularly for those who do not qualify for a free Windows 11 upgrade. ESU coverage begins immediately and extends through October 13, 2026, for personal devices. Users must sign in with a Microsoft account to activate the subscription, which can be applied to up to ten PCs. The ESU subscription is available for personal Windows 10 PCs running version 22H2, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Users in Europe qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be initiated through the Settings menu under Windows Update. Enterprise customers are not eligible for free ESU options and must pay a fee starting at per device per year. If the ESU offer does not appear, users should ensure all requirements are met, including the installation of the latest updates for Windows 10, version 22H2. Users should be cautious of the default 5GB storage limit on OneDrive when syncing settings to the cloud.

Winsage

November 14, 2025

Microsoft begins force upgrading some PCs to Windows 11 25H2, as the roll out expands

Microsoft has expanded the rollout of Windows 11 25H2, making it available to all users who actively seek the upgrade. For users on Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, or 21H1, the upgrade to 25H2 will be auto-installed, especially as version 23H2 has reached its end-of-life on November 11. Windows 10 users will not be forced to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2; they can choose to upgrade when prompted. Windows 11 25H2 is available as an optional upgrade for Windows 10 users, marking a change from previous practices.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Windows 10 support has ended: Here’s what you need to do going forward

As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, affecting all editions including Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to enroll for an additional year of security updates until October 2026. The ESU program is free for users who sign in with a Microsoft account and sync their settings to the cloud, while residents of the European Economic Area can access it at no cost without cloud synchronization, although they must sign in every 60 days. Alternatives to consider include upgrading to Windows 11, which has hardware requirements like a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, or switching to other operating systems such as Linux distributions or ChromeOS. WINUX is a Linux-based distribution resembling Windows 11. Users can also purchase new PCs like the ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025) or Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 to avoid disruptions when Windows 10 support ends.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options – and must act now

Windows 10 reached its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, concluding monthly security updates for over 1 billion PCs. Users with incompatible devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update and are advised to purchase new hardware. Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 on a subscription basis for three years post end-of-support, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users can also consider buying new PCs, renting a virtual PC through Windows 365, upgrading incompatible hardware to Windows 11 using specific methods, switching to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, or continuing to use Windows 10 without support, which poses security risks.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 support “ends” today, but it’s just the first of many deaths

Microsoft has officially concluded support for Windows 10, ending regular security patches and technical assistance. Approximately 40 percent of all Windows PCs globally run on Windows 10, with about one-third of those in the United States. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for home users to extend support for an additional year, while institutions can opt for up to three years. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, which has more stringent system requirements, and it is possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices, though challenges may arise with major updates.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 days left

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, with no extensions or changes to hardware requirements. Users have several options: 1. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 on a subscription basis for up to three years, with varying costs based on user type. 2. Users can purchase new PCs or rent a virtual PC through Windows 365, which includes extended security updates. 3. There are methods to bypass compatibility restrictions to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11, though this may carry risks. 4. Users can switch to alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, which may be suitable for older hardware but may not support specific Windows software. 5. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses security risks, and while some may use third-party antivirus solutions, this approach is not advisable for business-critical systems.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 1 week left

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. Microsoft will not extend support or change hardware requirements. Users can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for an additional year after the end-of-support date, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users are encouraged to buy new PCs or rent virtual PCs through Windows 365. There are methods to bypass compatibility checks for Windows 11 on existing machines, but this may void warranties. Users can also switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex, though this requires technical expertise. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses security risks, and while third-party solutions exist, they are not recommended for critical systems. After the end-of-support date, all editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive technical support or security updates.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

I tried Zorin OS 18 as a Microsoft escapee to test if it’s truly a good Windows alternative

Zorin OS 18 was released to facilitate the transition from Windows 10 to Linux, highlighting the end-of-support date for Windows 10. It includes OneDrive capabilities for data transfer. The operating system is built on Debian, which simplifies the installation of Linux versions of popular applications. Zorin Appearance allows users to switch between four desktop styles easily, catering to those transitioning from Windows. Zorin OS Pro offers additional features for a one-time fee, which may deter some users due to the cost. The base version of Zorin OS 18 remains usable indefinitely and is user-friendly for ex-Windows users.