obsolescence Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026

Microsoft has officially ceased all support for Windows Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026, including paid extended security updates. This end-of-life scenario poses significant security risks for organizations still using the outdated operating system, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The transition away from Windows Server 2008 requires careful planning, as many organizations face challenges in migrating legacy applications to modern systems. The lack of ongoing patches means that any new vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance failures, particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance. Microsoft has encouraged migration to Azure, offering incentives for early adopters, but the transition can be complex and costly. The end of support also affects global supply chains and compatibility with newer software applications. Organizations are advised to conduct audits of their software portfolios and consider hybrid environments to enhance flexibility and security.

Winsage

December 19, 2025

Microsoft Phases Out RC4 Encryption by 2026 to Bolster Windows Security

Microsoft has announced the phased discontinuation of the RC4 encryption cipher, with full implementation expected by mid-2026. RC4, created in 1987, has been increasingly recognized as a vulnerability, exploited in various high-profile cyberattacks. Microsoft plans to disable RC4 by default in Windows Kerberos authentication, encouraging organizations to transition to more secure alternatives like AES-256. This decision follows years of warnings from the cybersecurity community and aims to eliminate long-standing cryptographic weaknesses. The transition will require organizations to audit and upgrade their infrastructures, as many legacy applications still depend on RC4. Disabling RC4 is expected to reduce the success rates of attacks exploiting weak encryption. Microsoft has introduced tools to help administrators identify hidden RC4 usage. The change reflects a commitment to zero-trust architectures and aligns with recommendations from organizations like NIST. Experts recommend a multi-step approach for organizations to navigate this transition effectively.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

T-Life Not Working? This Might Be Why

The T-Life app, promoted as a comprehensive solution, is facing significant issues, particularly crashing upon launch for T-Mobile users who have updated their Pixel devices to the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. This problem is widespread among users of Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 devices, with reports indicating that the app briefly shows a splash screen before force closing. The crashing issue is not limited to the T-Life app, as several banking applications and other apps are also experiencing similar problems. Users are advised to log into their T-Mobile accounts via a web browser as a workaround, and if they consider rolling back the beta, it will erase all data on their phone. Issues like these are typically resolved through updates from the app developer or subsequent patches from Google.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Windows 10 retirement pushes 780,000 users to Linux as Zorin OS Hits 1M downloads — but Microsoft still wants to evolve Windows 11 into an agentic AI OS

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, leaving approximately 400 million PCs unsupported. Users can upgrade to Windows 11, enroll in the Extended Software Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support at a cost, continue using Windows 10 with potential risks, or explore alternatives like Zorin OS. Zorin OS has surpassed one million downloads, with 78% coming from Windows devices, appealing for its performance on older hardware and enhanced privacy features. The End of 10 group is advocating for a switch to Linux, highlighting benefits such as no ads and telemetry tracking.

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

UK gov’t spends £312M upgrading to Windows 10 — the OS Microsoft just buried, instead of Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft retired Windows 10. The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) completed an upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, costing over £312 million, with 31,500 laptops upgraded and 49,000 critical vulnerabilities resolved. The report, submitted on October 10, 2025, indicated that 24,000 devices and 26,000 smartphones still need replacement. The upgraded laptops will only receive support through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates until October 13, 2026. Defra's report was delayed by 17 months following a request from the Public Accounts Committee made in May 2023.

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.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Popular Windows 11 bypass tool hit by malware copycat | Flyoobe hijacked putting Windows 10 users at risk

A counterfeit version of the Flyoobe tool, which helps install Windows 11 on unsupported devices, is circulating and may contain malware. The official developer warns users to download Flyoobe only from the official GitHub page to avoid risks. Reports indicate that malicious updates have been released through a seemingly legitimate domain. Users are advised against engaging with third-party tools, as they can cause critical issues, including potentially "bricking" devices. Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available, but critics view it as a temporary solution. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 PCs are significantly faster than Windows 10 PCs, and as support for Windows 10 ends, the use of tools like Flyoobe is expected to rise, along with associated risks.

Winsage

November 5, 2025

A popular Windows 11 requirement bypass tool has a dangerous copycat targeting desperate users

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting approximately 400 million Windows PCs. Users are increasingly turning to Linux and ChromeOS due to Microsoft's strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. Flyoobe allows Windows 10 users to bypass these requirements, but there are reports of malicious updates associated with unofficial domains. The developer of Flyoobe has warned users to download the tool only from its official GitHub page to avoid malware. Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available but criticized as inadequate by some groups. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 PCs are significantly faster than Windows 10 PCs. A YouTube content creator's videos on installing Windows 11 were removed due to a violation of community guidelines but were later restored after user backlash.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Experts issue warning on harmful side effect of Windows shutdown

Microsoft has ceased support for its Windows 10 operating system as of October, leading to an estimated 14.4 million computers in the UK becoming obsolete. The potential recoverable materials from these devices include gold valued at £1.6 billion, copper worth almost £100 million, and silver amounting to £33 million, totaling nearly £1.8 billion. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, but users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for enhanced security. Alternatives for obsolete machines include installing a new operating system like Linux or responsibly recycling old devices to recover valuable metals.