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end of support for Windows 10

Valve's monthly survey reveals that almost 45% of Steam users on PC are still using Windows 10 even with the sword of Damocles hanging over them
Winsage
February 19, 2025

Valve’s monthly survey reveals that almost 45% of Steam users on PC are still using Windows 10 even with the sword of Damocles hanging over them

As of January 2025, 44.41% of PC users are still operating on Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025. Windows 11, released in 2021, has demanding system requirements that deter users with older hardware from upgrading. Many Steam users on Windows 10 may include internet cafes, where maintaining hardware is challenging. The end of support for Windows 10 means users will no longer receive updates or security patches, increasing risks associated with continued use. Resources are available to assist users in transitioning from Windows 10.
Nearly half of Steam's users are still using Windows 10, with end of life fast approaching
Winsage
February 14, 2025

Nearly half of Steam’s users are still using Windows 10, with end of life fast approaching

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Over 40% of users are still on Windows 10, according to Steam’s January 2025 Hardware & Software Survey. The hardware requirements for Windows 11 have deterred many users from upgrading, particularly those with older processors. Operating on an unsupported OS increases risks from malware and viruses due to the lack of security updates. Discussions among gamers suggest a potential interest in alternatives like SteamOS, which Valve plans to expand to more devices, although challenges remain for desktop users.
Windows 10 users get surprise free upgrade Windows 11 has enjoyed for months
Winsage
February 13, 2025

Windows 10 users get surprise free upgrade Windows 11 has enjoyed for months

Windows 10, launched in 2015, is nearing the end of its lifecycle, with Microsoft announcing that support will conclude after October 2023. Users will no longer receive complimentary software updates for security and functionality. Microsoft has released the new Outlook app for Windows 10 users through the KB5051974 cumulative update, which includes essential security patches. This new version will coexist with the classic Outlook, providing users with two icons on their desktops. The update also addresses bugs affecting the Snipping Tool and audio and camera performance. After October 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates. Upgrading to Windows 11 is an option, but users must meet minimum system requirements to avoid performance issues. Microsoft advises users on underpowered devices to revert to Windows 10 if they experience problems after upgrading.
Microsoft is cracking down on unsupported Windows 11 installs
Winsage
February 5, 2025

Microsoft is cracking down on unsupported Windows 11 installs

A support document on installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs has been removed from Microsoft's website. This document previously provided a method for users to bypass the mandatory TPM 2.0 requirement by modifying registry key values, but its removal indicates a shift in Microsoft's stance against this workaround. The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching, leaving many users on older PCs vulnerable to security risks. The original support article can still be accessed via the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
Microsoft removes guide for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs - but this hack still works
Winsage
February 4, 2025

Microsoft removes guide for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs – but this hack still works

Microsoft is pushing users to transition to Windows 11, which requires devices to have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. The company has removed instructions for a Registry hack that allowed users to bypass this requirement from its support page. The current installation guidelines include legitimate methods such as Windows Update and the Installation Assistant, while warnings against installing on unsupported devices remain. Despite the Registry hack still functioning, Microsoft prefers users not to publicize it, and alternative third-party tools exist for navigating hardware restrictions. The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October, increasing the urgency to upgrade, although many older PCs do not meet the upgrade criteria. Microsoft has reiterated the risks of installing Windows 11 on incompatible hardware, including potential compatibility issues and loss of support.
Why users still couldn't care less about Windows 11
Winsage
February 4, 2025

Why users still couldn’t care less about Windows 11

Users are hesitant to adopt Windows 11, with some comparing its promotion to selling sand at a beach. Although there was a slight increase in Windows 11's market share last month, the transition is not smooth. Windows 11 has strict hardware compatibility requirements, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2 and modern CPU, which frustrated many users at launch. Microsoft added the Surface Studio 2’s Intel Core i7-7820HQ to the compatibility list to address some concerns. As older computers become less common, finding incompatible PCs is becoming rare, yet Windows 10 still dominates the market. The impending end of support for Windows 10 is one of the few reasons users might consider upgrading, but many features in Windows 11 are already available in Windows 10. Organizations question the need to upgrade due to missing features and functionality complaints in Windows 11. Microsoft announced that support for most versions of Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The lack of standout features in Windows 11 makes users reluctant to upgrade, despite hardware vendors shifting focus to AI PCs. Historical transitions between Windows versions were driven by compelling reasons, but the case for Windows 11 lacks persuasive incentives. IT departments may feel pressured to upgrade due to support expiration, but motivation must go beyond compliance. Microsoft needs to offer more than basic features to encourage adoption of Windows 11 and future AI PCs.
Microsoft wants you to understand why "deprecation" of Windows features is good for you
Winsage
February 4, 2025

Microsoft wants you to understand why “deprecation” of Windows features is good for you

Microsoft periodically announces the deprecation of certain features, functionalities, or services within its Windows operating system, which are detailed on the official Microsoft Learn feature deprecation web page. Deprecation indicates that a feature or service is no longer under active development and is planned for removal in future releases, but it does not signify the end of a product's lifecycle. During the deprecation period, deprecated products continue to receive support, although they will not be developed further. The timeline for this can span several years, allowing users to adapt. The end of support for Windows 10 is scheduled for later this year, and Microsoft has revised its offer for a "limited-time free upgrade" to Windows 11.
Microsoft quietly removes official Windows 11 CPU/TPM bypass for unsupported PCs
Winsage
February 4, 2025

Microsoft quietly removes official Windows 11 CPU/TPM bypass for unsupported PCs

In October 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11, version 21H2, and provided a workaround for users with unsupported PCs to upgrade. This workaround involved modifying the Registry to bypass CPU and TPM compatibility checks. However, Microsoft has since removed this workaround from its support documentation after the release of Windows 11 24H2, indicating a shift in its approach. The company now recommends purchasing new hardware for compatibility with Windows 11 and does not endorse upgrades on unsupported devices.
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