extended 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 22, 2025

Saying no to Windows 11 just got easier – Operese automatically transfers your Windows 10 files and settings to Linux

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting over 200 million devices. A student developer, TechnoPorg, has created a free migration tool called Operese to facilitate the transition from Windows 10 to Linux. Operese translates a Windows 10 installation into a Linux setup, preserving data, settings, and applications as much as possible. It uses a customized version of Kubuntu to provide a user-friendly experience. While the tool is still in development and may not support all applications, it aims to offer a smooth migration process. Linux distributions, such as Kubuntu, are compatible with older hardware and provide enhanced privacy and security compared to Windows. TechnoPorg plans to open-source Operese once it is more stable and documented.

Winsage

July 19, 2025

Linux breaks a new record for US market share as people presumably flee Windows for its open-source rival

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as the end-of-life deadline for Windows 10 approaches. Despite this, many users remain loyal to Windows 10, leading Microsoft to offer extended support options for a fee. This situation has prompted some Windows 10 users to explore alternative operating systems, contributing to Linux achieving over 5% market share in the US for the first time, according to StatCounter. Linux's market share has increased by approximately 1.30% over the past year, coinciding with a decline of over 2% for Windows.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Microsoft ending Windows 10 support for MS Office in August 2026

Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 applications and services until August 2026, allowing users an additional year to transition to Windows 11. Support was originally set to end in October 2025. During this extension, Microsoft will stop new feature updates for MS Office applications on Windows 10, but critical security updates will continue until October 2028. Windows 10 will cease receiving software updates, including security patches, on October 14, 2025. Microsoft is offering free extended security updates for users who activate Windows Backup or choose a paid service. Windows 11 features a new interface, improved window organization tools, enhanced multi-monitor support, and integrates Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot. It also includes gaming enhancements like DirectStorage and Auto HDR, and supports Android apps through the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Upgrade Deadlines—‘Move To Windows 11’

Approximately 700 million PC users are currently using Windows 10, which is set to end support in October. Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 by 12 months but warns that using an unsupported operating system may lead to performance issues. Microsoft 365 users can continue to use applications like Word after the end of support, but they are encouraged to transition to Windows 11. Security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will be provided for three years after support ends, until October 2028. Feature updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 will cease by specific deadlines: August 2026 for Current Channel, October 13, 2026 for Monthly Enterprise Channel, and January 12, 2027 for Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. Between 240 and 400 million PCs are not eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11, necessitating solutions for maintaining security for these users.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Microsoft 365 might’ve just given you a reason to finally leave Windows 10

Microsoft has extended support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 by an additional three years, allowing security updates until October 10, 2028. However, new feature updates will cease in August 2026 for the Current Channel, on October 13, 2026, for the Monthly Enterprise Channel, and on January 12, 2027, for the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. Users will receive feature updates until Version 2608, after which only security updates will be available.

Winsage

July 7, 2025

It only took four years, but Windows 11 is now the most popular desktop OS – and time is running out for Windows 10

As of July, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in global market share, claiming 52% compared to Windows 10's 44.59%. Microsoft has changed the extended support program for Windows 10, allowing users to sync their PC settings to the cloud using the Windows Backup app to receive an additional year of security updates at no cost. This option provides users more time to decide on upgrading to Windows 11, particularly for those with PCs that do not meet its system requirements. Users are cautioned against remaining on Windows 10 without security updates due to potential vulnerabilities. There is speculation that Microsoft may extend support options further in response to concerns about older PCs.

Winsage

July 6, 2025

Windows 11 Finally Overtakes Windows 10 as the Most Dominant Operating System

As of July 2025, Windows 11 has a market share of 51.77%, surpassing Windows 10's 45.02%. Windows 11 was launched in October 2021 and initially captured less than 10% of installations by the end of its first year. Its market share increased to 28% in 2023 and 36% by late 2024. Factors contributing to this growth include the impending end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, hardware upgrades by users, and attractive features of Windows 11. Over 700 million devices are currently running Windows 11.

Winsage

July 5, 2025

Windows 11 is now the most popular desktop OS in the world — finally surpasses Windows 10 after 4 years

As of July 2025, Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 with a market share of 50.88%, while Windows 10's share has declined to 46.2%. Windows 11 was launched in 2021 and initially struggled to gain market traction, but the impending end of support for Windows 10 has accelerated its adoption. Microsoft is providing an additional year of security updates for Windows 10 users who sign into a Microsoft Account and back up their settings to the cloud, but is encouraging migration to Windows 11. Windows 11 has also become the most utilized Windows operating system among Steam users. The upcoming version 25H2 will maintain the same platform as version 24H2, ensuring compatibility. However, Windows 11 has faced criticism for increased system requirements, making many Windows 10 devices ineligible for the upgrade, and for requiring a Microsoft account and internet connection during setup. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs, while those with incompatible devices are encouraged to consider new Copilot+ PCs with AI features.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

‘It’s obvious that users are frustrated’: consumer rights group accuses Microsoft of not providing a ‘viable solution’ for Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced alternatives to the fee for extended support for Windows 10, including the option to pay for an additional year of security updates and using the Windows Backup app to sync settings to OneDrive. However, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) argues that these measures are insufficient to address the e-waste crisis, as the hardware requirements for Windows 11 may render millions of functional PCs obsolete by October 2025. PIRG's Lucas Rockett Gutterman stated that Microsoft's options are unlikely to help the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. He called for longer-term support for Windows 10 or relaxed hardware requirements for Windows 11. Currently, businesses have access to a three-year extended security update program, while consumers only have one year. The disparity raises concerns about the environmental impact of discarding usable devices. Gutterman suggested that one additional year of support, even if fee-based, could help consumers, and proposed exploring a non-paying option like ad-supported Windows 10 to fund continued security updates.