NewApp Digest
search bot

obsolescence

Windows 11, not AI, kick-started the PC upgrade cycle
Winsage
January 20, 2026

Windows 11, not AI, kick-started the PC upgrade cycle

The global PC market saw a 9.3 percent increase in shipments in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in an annual growth of 9.1 percent, according to Gartner. This rebound is mainly due to corporate IT departments upgrading aging hardware rather than consumer demand or interest in AI devices. The transition is driven by the shift to Windows 11, as businesses must replace machines that do not meet new hardware requirements. A report from Context indicates that buyers prioritize price, battery life, and performance over AI functionalities. Lenovo led the market with approximately 19.4 million units shipped, followed by HP with around 15.4 million and Dell at 11.7 million. The upgrades are primarily motivated by compliance with Windows 11 deadlines and security mandates, rather than excitement for new technologies.
Microsoft Ends Windows Server 2008 Support on January 13, 2026
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.
Microsoft Phases Out RC4 Encryption by 2026 to Bolster Windows 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.
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
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.
UK’s £312M Windows 10 Fiasco: Upgrading to Obsolescence on EOL’s Doorstep
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.
UK gov’t spends £312M upgrading to Windows 10 — the OS Microsoft just buried, instead of Windows 11
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.
UK government spends millions shifting to the outdated Windows 10
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.
Search