older PCs Archives

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows 10 users: Upgrade to Windows 11 or risk your security

Windows 10 support will end in October 2025, leaving users without free security updates, new features, or technical assistance. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which offers enhanced security features, through advertising campaigns. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which has frustrated some users with older PCs. Microsoft has introduced an extended support program for Windows 10, with costs starting at over ₹5,000 for the first year and increasing to over ₹20,000 by the third year per device.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft applies the thumbscrews to Windows 10 users, telling them to upgrade to be on “the right side of risk”

Microsoft is urging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 before support ends on October 14, 2025, citing security risks. Many users are reluctant to upgrade due to affordability and compatibility issues with their current hardware. The Linux community is responding by offering alternatives for users considering a switch away from Windows, with initiatives like the End of 10 project and support from KDE for maintaining older PCs.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Don’t toss your Windows 10 PC! Try switching to Plasma instead

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 at midnight on October 14th, ending new features, security updates, and app compatibility. In response, Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or recycle their devices. Many users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints or preference for their current system. KDE has launched the KDE for Windows 10 Exiles campaign, promoting Linux as an alternative for those unable to upgrade. The campaign highlights KDE Plasma, a user-friendly interface compatible with various Linux distributions like OpenSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, and Kubuntu. Users can install OpenSUSE with Plasma to revitalize their machines, and resources are available to help extend the life of Windows 10 PCs after support ends.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

One of Linux’s big hitters declares your Windows 10 PC “is toast,” and one angle needs talking about MUCH more

The end of life for Windows 10 is prompting discussions about alternatives, particularly Linux, as users consider their options. KDE, a key player in the Linux ecosystem, encourages users with obsolete Windows 10 devices not to discard them but to consider repurposing them with Linux, which can extend the lifespan of older PCs and reduce electronic waste. Many functional PCs, even those over a decade old, can run alternative systems like Linux or Chrome OS Flex efficiently. KDE's initiative highlights that Linux can revitalize old machines, promoting sustainability in the face of potential e-waste accumulation from Microsoft's push for new hardware.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft accused of ‘tech extortion’ over Windows 10 support ending in campaign to get people to upgrade to Linux

KDE has launched a campaign called ‘KDE for Windows 10 Exiles’ to encourage Windows 10 users to switch to Linux as support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14. The campaign warns that without updates, users will face increased security risks and be pressured to buy new hardware for Windows 11, which has stringent requirements that may render older PCs incompatible. The initiative also highlights environmental concerns related to electronic waste from discarded functioning machines. While Linux can extend the life of older hardware, transitioning to it may be challenging for less tech-savvy users. Some KDE contributors are involved in the existing ‘End of 10’ initiative, indicating a shared goal to attract users dissatisfied with Microsoft’s practices.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Can’t upgrade your laptop to Windows 11? Asus joins Microsoft’s campaign urging you to buy a new Copilot+ PC, and I’m not sure that’s wise

Asus is encouraging Windows 10 laptop users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 to consider transitioning to a Copilot+ PC, as support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. The Copilot+ devices feature a dedicated AI processor, promising improved user experience and security. However, this marketing strategy raises environmental concerns regarding increased electronic waste from discarded older PCs. Critics argue that many users could upgrade their existing machines if not for Microsoft's stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced an option to extend support for an additional year, but it is uncertain if this will be available to all consumers. While Copilot+ PCs offer enhanced features, the urgency to upgrade may be overstated, and there are calls for a more responsible approach to product lifecycle and sustainability in technology.

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.