older PCs Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2025

3 reasons Windows 11 is the best advertisement Linux ever had

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 support for installation, creating compatibility issues for users with older hardware, even if the hardware is otherwise capable of running the OS. Many users are still on Windows 10 as the support deadline approaches, with some considering Linux as an alternative since it does not impose TPM 2.0 restrictions. Linux distributions can be installed on machines lacking TPM 2.0, allowing users to retain their existing hardware. Older CPUs, typically from Intel's 7th generation or earlier, are often incompatible with Windows 11 but can run Linux efficiently, sometimes improving application performance. Linux offers more customization and less bloat compared to Windows, appealing to users frustrated with Windows 11's limitations. The shift to Windows 11 has prompted some users to explore Linux as a viable alternative.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be difficult for PCs older than five or six years due to strict compatibility requirements, including a CPU on the approved list and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users may encounter error messages if their hardware does not meet these criteria. There are workarounds for some users, particularly those with PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially with AMD processors, may face significant challenges. To upgrade, users must ensure their PC is configured to start with UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has an enabled TPM. A registry edit can allow bypassing CPU checks and accepting older TPM versions. Alternatively, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using installation media, which bypasses CPU compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, requiring CPUs to support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt). For those opting to use the Rufus utility to create installation media, it is essential to use version 4.6 or later to bypass compatibility checks. Users must download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB drive, and follow specific steps to initiate the upgrade process.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends

As Windows 10 approaches its End of Life in October 2025, the ‘End of 10’ project advocates for transitioning to Linux for users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The initiative emphasizes the environmental benefits of extending the lifespan of existing devices, highlighting that computer production accounts for over 75% of carbon emissions during its lifecycle. It also points out that Linux offers greater privacy and control compared to Windows 11, as well as cost efficiency since it is free and future updates remain free if the chosen distribution is supported. While there are concerns about the learning curve and potential software compatibility issues, the project encourages users to seek support from online forums or local repair shops. The Linux community is noted for its willingness to assist newcomers, making it a viable alternative for older PCs that cannot support Windows 11.

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

May 7, 2025

Windows 10 support is ending — but End of 10 wants you to switch to Linux

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive feature updates or security patches. A grassroots movement called "End of 10" is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading to Windows 11, which has stringent hardware requirements that many older PCs do not meet. The movement highlights the benefits of Linux, such as operating without ads or telemetry, reducing e-waste, and being a free, open-source alternative. There are 240 million PCs that may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The End of 10 movement provides resources and support for users interested in transitioning to Linux, with a directory of shops and tech collectives primarily located in Germany.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

The “End of 10” project wants to save aging PCs with Linux instead of Windows 11

As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life status in October, approximately 240 million PCs will become obsolete, prompting Microsoft to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, particularly on devices with Copilot+ technology. The "End of 10" initiative aims to introduce users to Linux, providing a website with instructions for installation and highlighting the benefits of Linux over Windows. Windows 11 requires Intel's 8th-generation processors or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series or newer, leaving many functional PCs, especially those made before 2017, unable to upgrade. The "End of 10" campaign promotes Linux as a viable alternative, emphasizing its compatibility with older hardware, cost-effectiveness, reduced emissions, privacy advantages, and lower susceptibility to malware. The website includes a directory of repair shops for support and offers a DIY installation guide. Despite over half of Windows devices still running Windows 10, the adoption rate of Windows 11 is increasing, indicating a potential shift in user migration.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft gives all Windows 10 users two new reasons to switch to Windows 11 now

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats and software bugs. Microsoft has launched two new devices, the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, to encourage users to upgrade. The Surface Pro features a 12-inch screen, a Snapdragon X Plus processor, and a 2-in-1 form factor, while the Surface Laptop has a 13-inch screen and offers a 23-hour battery life. Both devices include access to Copilot+ PC experiences and are available for purchase starting at £799.

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

April 18, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC isn’t dead yet – this OS from Google can revive it

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of life, affecting users with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. ChromeOS Flex is a free operating system by Google designed to modernize older Windows PCs and Macs, offering a fast and secure alternative built on Chromium OS. It does not support standalone Windows applications but allows access to Microsoft 365 and other SaaS applications via web portals. ChromeOS Flex focuses on security with features like automatic updates and data encryption, and it has never experienced a reported ransomware attack. The minimum system requirements include an Intel or AMD x86-64-bit compatible device, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, and the ability to boot from a USB drive. To install ChromeOS Flex, users must back up their files, create a USB installation drive using the Chromebook Recovery Utility, and boot from the USB drive to test compatibility before proceeding with a full installation.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft still has a massive Windows 10 problem – and there’s no easy way out

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after a standard 10-year support lifecycle. Most editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise, will stop receiving updates, although PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function without updates. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions have different end dates, with some extending support until 2029. Current data indicates that approximately 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs are replaced by Windows 11 each month, suggesting that around 35% of the 1.4 billion Windows devices will still be using Windows 10 by the end-of-support date, equating to over 500 million PCs potentially vulnerable to cyber threats. As of April 2025, about 54% of PCs globally are still running Windows 10. Users likely to remain on Windows 10 include those with incompatible hardware, corporate environments that have standardized on Windows 10, and users resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Microsoft faces challenges related to a significant number of unsupported PCs, and while extended support options exist for enterprise customers, consumer adoption is expected to be low. Users unable or unwilling to upgrade may consider non-Microsoft operating systems or continue using Windows 10 without official support, which poses security risks.