extended support Archives

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Where has Windows 11 gone wrong? Windows 10 users are stalling or defecting – so Microsoft needs to fix this one glaring issue

Windows 11 has faced user dissatisfaction due to perceived similarities with Windows 10, bugs, missing features, and a sluggish interface. Complaints have intensified regarding Microsoft's focus on integrating artificial intelligence rather than addressing fundamental issues within the OS. Despite the end of support for Windows 10, many users are choosing to remain on it or switch to alternatives like Linux due to Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements and ongoing support for Windows 10 until October 2026. Users have expressed concerns about the performance of basic applications, particularly File Explorer. Microsoft has started addressing some performance issues but needs to prioritize user feedback and resolve existing problems to improve perceptions of Windows 11.

Winsage

November 28, 2025

Is Windows 11 fighting a losing battle? Dell underlines how unpopular the OS is after support ended compared to Windows 10

Dell's Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Clarke, reported a 10% to 12% lag in the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 compared to previous adoption rates. Approximately 500 million PCs are incompatible with Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. Dell has seen an increase in PC sales for 2025 but anticipates flat sales in 2026 due to rising component costs and supply chain issues. The slow uptake of Windows 11 may lead consumers to retain their Windows 10 machines or consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. Microsoft is providing extended support for Windows 10 until October 2026, allowing users more time to decide on upgrades. The future pace of migration to Windows 11 may be influenced by Microsoft's integration of AI functionalities.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

This Linux OS has got a million downloads since Windows 10 support ended – should Microsoft start worrying now?

Zorin OS achieved one million downloads within the past month, coinciding with the release of Zorin OS 18 and the end of support for Windows 10. The new version received 100,000 downloads in the first two days after its launch. The surge in interest may be attributed to users seeking alternatives to Windows 11, especially those with hardware that does not meet its requirements. The 'Lite' version of Zorin OS is particularly suited for older PCs. Despite the end of support for Windows 10, Microsoft will continue offering extended support until October 2026.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft’s New Update Deadline—550 Million Windows Users Must Act

Microsoft has phased out Windows 10, with a deadline of October 14 now passed, leaving approximately 550 million users navigating the transition to Windows 11 amidst rising cyber threats. Windows 10 usage has declined from 880 million in January. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) option for users needing more time to migrate, which provides security updates until October 13, 2026, for enrolled users. Business users have a three-year extended support period, while consumers have a 12-month grace period post-October if enrolled in ESU. The November update addressing zero-day threats is only available to ESU enrollees. There are no contingency plans for users who remain on Windows 10, and uncertainty exists regarding how many users have enrolled in ESU or have eligible devices for Windows 11 upgrades. Users must act before next October to purchase new PCs if needed.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Still on Windows 11 23H2? Microsoft will soon force you to upgrade to 25H2 – for your own good

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 11 version 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025, meaning that Home and Pro editions will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 25H2 to maintain security and access new features. Devices running version 23H2 that are not managed by IT departments will receive the 25H2 update automatically, although users can postpone the update temporarily. However, users with older hardware may be unable to upgrade due to lack of support for essential instructions required for newer versions. Alternatives for those unable to upgrade include reverting to Windows 10, which has extended support until October 2026, or transitioning to Linux.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

UK’s £312M Windows 10 Fiasco: Upgrading to Obsolescence on EOL’s Doorstep

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has allocated £312 million to upgrade its IT systems to Windows 10, just months before Microsoft ends support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. Defra faces challenges in migrating thousands of devices, with 24,000 outdated machines incompatible with newer systems. A survey indicates that 90% of UK finance firms also struggle with outdated IT infrastructure, increasing cybersecurity risks. The National Cyber Security Centre has warned organizations to prepare for migrations to Windows 11. Defra's £312 million expenditure includes software licenses, consulting fees, and hardware refreshes, but additional risks such as increased downtime and regulatory fines could lead to significant consequences. The department's outdated devices do not meet Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 requirements, complicating the upgrade process. Experts advocate for an upgrade to Windows 11, but extensive compatibility testing and user training are necessary. Government oversight bodies are scrutinizing Defra’s expenditures, and discussions suggest alternatives like Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which offers updates until 2032. The financial implications of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates pricing add strain, as costs double in subsequent years. The urgency for upgrades is emphasized by the potential cybersecurity risks, with experts warning of vulnerabilities affecting national food security and environmental initiatives.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Can’t sign up for Windows 10’s extended updates? Here’s why that might be – and what you can do about it

Users of Windows 10 are facing challenges with Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which is not functioning properly for some due to regional limitations and technical glitches. These issues prevent certain users from enrolling in the program, which is intended to provide critical security updates. Some users report that the ESU rollout is unavailable in their area, while others are blocked from signing up due to bugs misidentifying their Windows 10 PCs. While some have attempted to resolve these issues using the Media Creation Tool for an in-place upgrade, caution is advised, and backing up data is recommended. Users are also considering waiting for Microsoft to address these enrollment challenges, although the first security update under the ESU program is set to roll out soon, leaving those unable to enroll feeling vulnerable. A suggestion circulating on platforms like Reddit involves accessing the ESU enrollment via a specific link in Microsoft's end-of-support portal, which has reportedly helped some users bypass standard enrollment issues. However, many users express frustration as the October 14 End of Life deadline for Windows 10 approaches, and some may consider upgrading to Windows 11 if ESU issues persist. Additionally, even users who have successfully enrolled in the ESU program sometimes receive incorrect notifications indicating they are not supported.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

9 data-driven ways to finalize your post‑Windows 10 strategy

Approximately 17% of Windows devices within enterprises are still utilizing Windows 10. Organizations can use hardware and firmware data to assess upgrade readiness, map application usage to target extended support investment, assess device health and digital experience, track performance degradation over time, analyze software dependencies, validate pilots with comparable data, investigate post-upgrade failures with diagnostics, automate fixes for common migration blockers, and weigh Windows 11 performance trade-offs. Upgrading to Windows 11 resulted in approximately 7% better disk throughput and lower latency, but also led to a 5% increase in CPU usage and a 7% rise in memory demand.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

UK government spends millions shifting to the outdated Windows 10

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is upgrading tens of thousands of outdated devices to Windows 10 due to Microsoft ending support for Windows 7 in October 2025. Defra has phased out over 31,000 legacy laptops and closed one data center, with plans to decommission more. Approximately 24,000 devices are still classified as end-of-life, along with 26,000 smartphones and network components needing replacement. The next phase will focus on migrating essential applications to cloud environments to reduce technical debt and enhance productivity. Defra aims to realize the benefits of these upgrades in the next spending review cycle, but historical challenges in government technology projects may hinder progress.

Tech Optimizer

November 7, 2025

If you’re still on Windows 10, switching to a new antivirus won’t be enough

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, which raises significant security concerns due to the lack of security patches. Microsoft Defender Antivirus (MSDA) will continue to provide protection for Windows 10 during the Extended Security Updates (ESU) period, which lasts until October 2028, but users without ESU will remain vulnerable. Upgrading to Windows 11 is a free option for legitimate Windows 10 license holders, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. Alternatively, users can consider transitioning to Linux, with distributions like Linux Mint, Fedora, and Pop!_OS offering various advantages.