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Top 10 end user computing stories of 2025
Winsage
December 23, 2025

Top 10 end user computing stories of 2025

The PC market is experiencing a significant shift in 2025 due to the end of support for Windows 10, which is set for October 5, 2025. Windows 11, launched in 2021, requires a TPM 2 for Secure Boot, limiting compatibility to newer devices. Microsoft is phasing out support for older devices due to security concerns, and while older peripherals may still work, they won't receive updates. Microsoft offers extended support options for Windows 10 users, including continued security updates for home users until October 2026 and an Extended Security Updates subscription for corporate users. The transition has led to increased interest in new PCs with neural processing units (NPU) for AI workloads, with support expanding to Intel and AMD systems. The integration of AI capabilities into PCs is being promoted, although current offerings may not incentivize IT departments to invest in NPU-enabled devices. The end of support for Windows 10 has influenced PC purchasing behaviors, resulting in increased shipments as manufacturers prepare for US tariffs. IT leaders must manage their device ecosystems carefully, as unsupported Windows 10 machines could become targets for cyber threats.
Patch Tuesday: Windows 10 end of life pain for IT departments
Winsage
October 16, 2025

Patch Tuesday: Windows 10 end of life pain for IT departments

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10 and released a significant Patch Tuesday update addressing several zero-day vulnerabilities, including CVE-2025-24990, which involves a legacy device driver that has been completely removed from Windows. This driver, the Agere Modem driver (ltmdm64.sys), supports hardware from the late 1990s and early 2000s and has not kept pace with modern security practices. The removal of the driver is a strategic decision to reduce security risks associated with outdated components, as patching such legacy code can lead to instability and may not effectively resolve vulnerabilities. Another vulnerability addressed in the update is CVE-2025-2884, related to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 reference implementation. Additionally, CVE-2025-49708, a critical vulnerability in the Microsoft Graphics Component with a CVSS score of 9.9, poses severe risks by allowing a full virtual machine escape, enabling attackers to gain system privileges on the host server from a low-privilege guest VM. Security experts recommend prioritizing patches for this vulnerability to maintain the integrity of virtualization security.
Microsoft will start removing legacy drivers from Windows Update
Winsage
June 24, 2025

Microsoft will start removing legacy drivers from Windows Update

Microsoft is shifting its approach to driver management in Windows to improve the quality and security of drivers available through Windows Update. The initiative will phase out legacy drivers and focus on providing only fresh, tested, and compatible drivers. Expired drivers will no longer be available through Windows Update, streamlining the user experience and enhancing system integrity. Manufacturers and developers can republish expired drivers with justification. After an initial cleanup targeting legacy drivers, Microsoft will allow a six-month period for feedback before permanently removing drivers. This process will continue with subsequent batches of drivers. Concerns have been raised about the impact on users of older devices and the potential loss of a valuable resource for reliable drivers.
Microsoft to stop pushing older Windows 11 drivers through Windows Update
Winsage
June 22, 2025

Microsoft to stop pushing older Windows 11 drivers through Windows Update

Microsoft is implementing a policy change in Windows Update that will no longer display older legacy drivers when a newer version is available. This update is being rolled out but does not affect the replacement of newer drivers manually installed from Intel, AMD, or Nvidia. The initiative is described as a “periodic cleanup of drivers from Windows Update,” primarily targeting OEMs. When a driver expires and a newer version exists, the older driver will be removed from Windows Update listings. This cleanup focuses on legacy drivers, and while users may not notice significant changes, it aims to streamline the update process. Future expansions may include expired drivers without replacements, but currently, the focus is on legacy drivers with available updates. OEMs can republish expired drivers with justification. The policy will not resolve issues where manually installed drivers are replaced by older versions via Windows Update, as Windows Update drivers may have higher version numbers despite being older. The policy does not affect users on unsupported hardware, as a driver is only marked as “expired” when a new replacement is available.
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