old computer Archives

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Play Classic Microsoft Tetris for Windows 3.11 in Your Browser

The Internet Archive hosts the full version of Microsoft’s Tetris, originally included in the Windows Entertainment Pack for Windows 3.1 in 1990. It utilizes a Windows 3.11 emulator, allowing players to experience the authentic gameplay with familiar mechanics. Tetris was created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984 in the Soviet Union and has been adapted for numerous platforms. Many players in the U.S. and Japan first encountered Tetris through the Windows version or on the Nintendo Game Boy. Players can control the game using the arrow keys on their keyboard.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

This Trick WIll Let ‘Incompatible’ Windows 10 PCs Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft officially ceased support for Windows 10 as of October, although users can still receive security updates for an additional year. Many computers do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, but some may still be compatible with adjustments to settings. Users can check compatibility using Microsoft's PC Health Check app and may need to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in the BIOS. UEFI should be enabled instead of legacy BIOS mode for compatibility. If compatibility issues persist, adding a TPM module may enhance compatibility for certain motherboards. Upgrading to Windows 11 is advisable for computers six years old or newer due to security vulnerabilities in unsupported systems.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10: What you need to know

Microsoft's security support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, potentially exposing millions of computers to cyber threats unless users upgrade to Windows 11 or implement other security measures. Users with qualifying hardware can upgrade to Windows 11 for free using the "PC Health Check" app. For computers that do not meet the upgrade criteria, Microsoft will offer paid security updates for a limited time, and users can also enable cloud backup linked to OneDrive as a free alternative. Cybersecurity expert Ken Colburn advises that investing in a new computer is the best long-term security solution, especially for older machines that may not meet current safety standards. He emphasizes the importance of taking action before the deadline to avoid becoming a target for cyber attacks.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Linux Fu: Windows Virtualization The Hard(ware) Way

The Linux community faces challenges when certain applications are only available on Windows, despite solutions like Wine and virtual machines. A new approach using hardware instead of virtualization has emerged. The author received a Surface Laptop 2 that was non-functional until the keyboard was removed, revealing it was operational. While transitioning Windows installations from VirtualBox to KVM, the author discovered WinApps, a script that allows Windows applications to run on a Linux desktop via a virtual machine. However, this setup caused performance issues due to constant disk activity. The author experimented with connecting WinApps to a physical Windows machine on the network, successfully running Windows software directly on their desktop. The setup required executing an installation script on the Windows machine and making registry changes to enable RDP applications. Minor hurdles included compatibility issues with a dual-monitor setup and user permission bugs. Ultimately, Microsoft Word ran smoothly on the author's KDE desktop, demonstrating the potential for utilizing older computers for occasional tasks.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

The End of 10 group aims to save Windows 10 PCs from landfills using Linux

Windows 10 will reach its end of support in October, prompting users to consider alternatives for their devices. Microsoft recommends transitioning to Windows 11 hardware, raising concerns about sustainability. The "End of 10" initiative encourages users to switch from Windows to Linux to extend the life of older PCs and avoid waste. The organization provides education on maintaining computers securely and offers assistance for users transitioning to Linux. Computers purchased after 2010 can continue to be used effectively with an updated Linux operating system. The initiative includes resources for installation help and has gained attention from public figures, potentially increasing interest in Linux as a long-term computing solution.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

7 things you can do with your old Windows 10 PC instead of trading it in

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and suggests trading in old PCs that cannot be upgraded. However, trading in may not provide significant discounts, and there are various ways to repurpose old hardware. 1. Install Linux: Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Pop! OS can extend the life of older PCs due to their low system requirements and long-term support. 2. Make it a retro gaming machine: Using Emulation Station, an old PC can be transformed into a retro gaming machine, allowing access to thousands of classic games. 3. Make it a media server: Old PCs can be converted into home media servers using platforms like Plex and Jellyfin, enabling offline viewing of shows and movies. 4. Use it as a game server: An old PC can host game servers for titles like Minecraft, allowing for a unique gaming experience with friends. 5. Power your smart home: Turning an old PC into a Home Assistant server can help manage smart home devices from a single interface. 6. Turn it into a NAS: An old PC can be transformed into a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for centralized data backup across multiple devices. 7. Kickstart your home lab: Setting up a home lab using dedicated operating systems or platforms like Docker can turn an old PC into a multifunctional server for various services.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft is sending this ‘reminder email’ to Windows 10 users as ‘retirement deadline’ nears – The Times of India

Microsoft is notifying Windows 10 users that support will end on October 14, 2025, meaning no more free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes will be provided. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which is described as more secure, or to trade in or recycle their old devices. While Windows 10 PCs will continue to function, they will not receive support after the deadline. Many PCs made before 2018 may not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to lacking the TPM 2.0 module, potentially leaving around 1 billion machines on Windows 10. As of February 2025, Windows 10 holds a 58% market share, while Windows 11 has 38%.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows 10 users to just trade in their PC for a newer one, because how hard can it be?

58.7% of Windows users have not transitioned to Windows 11, which has a market share of 38.13%. Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft is encouraging users to trade in their old PCs for new models. While users can continue to use their Windows 10 PCs after the support ends, many may find greater value in repurposing their old machines instead of trading them in.