extended support Archives

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.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Windows 11 should have been an easy upgrade – Microsoft chose to unleash chaos on us instead

Microsoft has a long-standing support policy for its Windows operating systems, committing to a ten-year lifecycle for each new commercial release, which includes five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. The introduction of Windows 11 in 2021 disrupted this tradition by imposing stringent hardware requirements, rendering many relatively new PCs incompatible with the new operating system. Approximately 50% of Windows 10 users may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, affecting hundreds of millions of PCs. Microsoft has opted to profit from Extended Security Updates for corporate environments while individual consumers and small businesses face limited support options. The company's decision to impose these hardware requirements has raised concerns about its commitment to customer satisfaction and the value placed on individual users compared to enterprise customers.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Microsoft Confirms 2 Free Offers—Windows Users Must Now Choose

Microsoft has abandoned its October deadline for Windows 10, affecting approximately 700 million users who can choose to remain on Windows 10 or upgrade to Windows 11. About 400 million users are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, while around 240 million cannot upgrade due to hardware requirements. Users can extend support for Windows 10 until October 2026 through cloud backup, redeeming rewards points, or paying a nominal fee. Windows 10 will receive security updates for the next 12 months, but Windows 11 offers enhanced security features. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of upgrading to Windows 11 for better security. Concerns exist about user inertia and the potential slowdown in upgrade momentum. The extended support tool will soon be available to all users, and those unable to upgrade are advised to utilize it.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

An old PC with a decade-old motherboard continues to perform basic tasks but struggles with gaming and faces the end of support for Windows 10 in October. The user is not upgrading to Windows 11 due to dissatisfaction with its features and customization limitations. They are considering alternatives, including sticking with Windows 10, which feels temporary, or trying Linux Mint. After a trial run with Linux Mint, the user found the transition seamless and appreciated its customizability and community support. As the end of Windows 10 approaches, the user sees Linux Mint as a stable and personalized computing option.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

With 114 days left until Windows 10 support is ditched, Windows 11 enjoys a last-minute surge in upgrades

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

LibreOffice adds voice to ‘ditch Windows for Linux’ campaign

The LibreOffice project is encouraging users to transition from Windows to Linux as Windows 10 approaches its end. The Document Foundation is developing LibreOffice version 25.8, which will remove support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, as well as deprecate x86 (32-bit) Windows builds. The latest version is 25.2, released in February, with version 25.8 expected in August. Users on Windows 7 can access both "fresh" and "stable" releases, with the current stable version being 24.8.7, which will still support Windows 7 after the release of version 25.8.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Windows 10 might be at death’s door, but Microsoft hasn’t finished trying to force Bing and Edge on its users

The June update for Windows 10, identified as KB5060533 for version 22H2, introduces a feature where the taskbar clock displays seconds in the calendar panel. However, it also includes a new feature that promotes Microsoft services, specifically Bing and Edge, by showcasing popular public events instead of personal reminders in the calendar panel. This change directs users to information from Bing displayed in Microsoft Edge, potentially impacting user experience negatively. The update notes referred to the changes as providing a "rich calendar experience," which may not align with user preferences. Windows 10 is approaching its End of Life in October 2025, and Microsoft may be trying to maintain user engagement despite the upcoming transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows 10 users: Upgrade to Windows 11 or risk your security

Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, leaving users without free security updates, new features, or technical assistance. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which offers enhanced security features, through advertising campaigns. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which has frustrated some users with older PCs. Microsoft has introduced an extended support program for Windows 10, with costs starting at over ₹5,000 for the first year and increasing to over ₹20,000 by the third year per device.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Microsoft threatens Windows 10 users to upgrade to be on the “right side of risk”

Microsoft is intensifying its campaign to encourage users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 ahead of the October 2025 end of support deadline. A recent advertisement emphasizes the urgency of upgrading, particularly for systems with Intel processors. Windows 11 has been available for nearly five years, but its transition has faced challenges due to Microsoft's requirement for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware, which many existing PCs do not meet. While Microsoft offers an extended support program for Windows 10, it is costly, leading to concerns among users. Experts warn that the end of Windows 10 support could make 240 million PCs obsolete, increasing electronic waste. Additionally, Qualcomm has launched ads promoting its Snapdragon X processors, highlighting performance advantages over Intel chips, particularly when devices are not plugged in. The new Windows ad positions Intel vPro as a strong option for consumers considering new PCs amidst this competitive landscape.