hardware upgrades Archives

Winsage

January 10, 2026

Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 11, Office 2021 in 2026: Upgrade Now

Microsoft will conclude support for several key products on October 14, 2026, including Windows 11 version 24H2 and Office 2021. This end-of-support wave also affects various Azure services, Exchange Server versions, and certain .NET frameworks. Organizations must evaluate migration costs and risks associated with operating unsupported products, as the lack of updates could lead to security vulnerabilities. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available for select products but at a premium cost. Migration challenges include potential hardware incompatibilities and the need for custom solutions for legacy applications. Proactive planning, inventory assessments, and prioritizing critical systems for migration are recommended strategies. The transition aligns with Microsoft's vision of promoting cloud-based and AI-enhanced technologies. Economic implications include increased IT spending, particularly affecting small and medium enterprises.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

Windows 11 Pro is down to $9.97 (if you’re still running Windows 10)

As of October 2025, Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, meaning users will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes. Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from .99, offering users an opportunity to upgrade without new hardware. The new operating system features a refined interface, enhanced voice typing, advanced desktop management, and robust security measures such as TPM 2.0 and biometric sign-in options. Windows 11 Pro also supports DirectX 12 Ultimate for improved gaming performance and includes features like BitLocker encryption and Windows Sandbox for professionals. Transitioning to Windows 11 Pro is essential for maintaining system integrity and security after the end of Windows 10 support.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

I skipped the expensive RAM upgrade with this free Windows 11 trick — here’s how to do it

Experiencing a slowdown on a computer while using demanding software or multiple browser tabs may indicate RAM limitations. Currently, RAM prices are high, making upgrades difficult for many users. Simple tasks, like having five browser tabs open, can use around 4GB of RAM, negatively affecting budget-friendly PCs' performance. Insufficient RAM impacts productivity as software becomes more resource-intensive, particularly for users with older or budget systems. Users can explore alternative solutions such as optimizing system settings, managing applications, and using lightweight software to improve performance without expensive upgrades. Staying informed about RAM market trends and pricing is crucial for those considering hardware upgrades.

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Windows 10 Market Share Dips Below 30% as Gamers Migrate to Windows 11

Windows 10 reached its end of life on October 14, leading to a migration towards Windows 11, which gained 2.02% market share, while Windows 10's share fell below 30%, a decrease of 2.08%. Linux also increased its market share by 0.15% to 3.20%. Approximately 500 million PCs were unable to upgrade to Windows 11 by the end of Windows 10's life, and users face hardware upgrade challenges. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates as a temporary measure, and Dell's COO indicated that around 500 million additional PCs could transition to Windows 11 without hardware updates.

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Make your PC feel new again with Windows 11 Pro for $10

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, making the upgrade to Windows 11 Pro essential for security updates and performance enhancements. The upgrade is currently priced at .97, down from 9. Windows 11 Pro offers a streamlined user experience with features like Snap Layouts and enhanced virtual desktops for multitasking. It includes advanced security features such as TPM 2.0, biometric login, Smart App Control, and BitLocker encryption. The operating system is optimized for modern hardware, improving performance and gaming experiences through DirectX 12 Ultimate. It also features an AI-powered assistant, Copilot, for productivity enhancements. The upgrade comes with a lifetime license.

Winsage

November 28, 2025

Give your computer a major boost with this Windows 11 Pro deal

Windows 11 Pro offers an upgrade that enhances speed, security, and productivity for Windows users without requiring new hardware. It features a seamless interface, advanced security with biometrics login and enhanced malware defenses, upgraded gaming capabilities with DirectX 12 Ultimate, improved productivity tools like Snap layouts and multiple desktops, and pro-grade tools such as Hyper-V and BitLocker. The upgrade includes Microsoft Teams and Widgets, and is touchscreen optimized. The license is currently priced at .97, down from the typical retail price of 9, until December 7.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

PC Sales Remain Flat Despite Windows 10 End of Life, Claims Dell

Microsoft's Windows 10 reached its end-of-life on October 14, leading to the introduction of Windows 11. Dell's COO, Jeffrey Clarke, indicated that the transition to Windows 11 is slower than expected, with a 10-12 point lag compared to the previous OS transition. Approximately 500 million PCs are unable to upgrade to Windows 11, and Microsoft has implemented Extended Security Updates (ESU) to support these devices temporarily. Dell noted that around 500 million additional PCs could transition to Windows 11 without hardware upgrades. Despite this, Dell reported record Q3 results of billion, primarily driven by AI servers and infrastructure rather than PC sales, which have shown mid-to-high single-digit growth in a flat overall market.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

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

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.