operating systems Archives

Winsage

June 27, 2026

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

An old PC's motherboard has recently marked a decade of service, and while it performs well for web browsing and media streaming, the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to a new Copilot+ PC. The user contemplates several options: continuing to use the PC after the end-of-life date, switching to a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows, or attempting to install Windows 11. The user expresses dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks essential features and customization options. They also find staying with Windows 10 impractical due to the eventual phasing out of support. The user identifies Linux Mint as a compelling alternative, having found it compatible and customizable, and expresses hope that other Windows 10 users will consider transitioning to Linux Mint as well.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

CMA probes Microsoft business software over browser choice

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking comments on Microsoft's business software ecosystem, with responses from various stakeholders, including the Browser Choice Alliance (BCA). The BCA expresses concerns that Microsoft uses its dominance in operating systems and productivity software to promote its own browser, hindering competition. They argue that Microsoft's distribution strategies and design decisions limit user choice and innovation. The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is highlighted as a critical factor, as it allows Microsoft to influence browser choices during upgrades. The BCA links browser competition to the adoption of AI tools, warning that competitive issues in the browser space could affect the AI domain if Microsoft employs similar tactics. They advocate for independent selection of AI tools to prevent distortion of competition and user choice. The BCA concludes that Microsoft's practices negatively impact user experience and productivity for businesses in the UK, damaging innovative browser developers.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft adds another year to Windows 10 extended update program

Windows 11 introduced new hardware requirements, including specific CPU technologies and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), leading to criticism from users and concerns as 2026 approaches. An AI-driven shortage of storage and memory has increased upgrade costs, complicating the transition to newer operating systems. Approximately 26 percent of PCs are still running Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a 72 percent market share. Windows 10 will remain up to date for at least another year. Users can join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support, with enrollment available through the Windows Update menu. The ESU program allows coverage for up to 10 devices for personal use and will be available until 2028, with the possibility of updates continuing beyond that timeframe.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates

Microsoft has extended the support timeline for Windows 10 by initiating the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides an additional year of essential security updates until October 12, 2027. Users can enroll in the ESU program until it ends, and those already enrolled will have their coverage automatically continue through that date. The ESU program, previously a paid feature for businesses, is now available to regular consumers at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft Quietly Extends Windows 10 ESU For One More Year

Microsoft is expected to extend the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by an additional year, with the new end date set for October 12, 2027, instead of the previously stated October 2026. This change is reflected on the Microsoft website, which confirms the new timeline.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot update released to all, hours ahead of expiry

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update to eligible Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs ahead of the expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 on June 24, 2026. This update enhances device targeting data for automatic Secure Boot certificate updates. Secure Boot is a firmware-level security feature that verifies digital signatures of boot components to prevent rootkits and bootkits. The certificates for Secure Boot were first issued in 2011, with subsequent expirations for related certificates occurring in June and October 2026. Users can check their Secure Boot certificate status through the Windows Security app or System Information. If a PC does not receive the update, it will still boot normally but will lose the ability to receive future boot-level security updates. Multiple restarts after updates are expected due to the Secure Boot certificate process. A new folder, C:WindowsSecureBoot, is not malware but is used for staging cryptographic certificate files. Windows 10 users enrolled in the Extended Security Updates program will also receive the Secure Boot update, while those not enrolled will not. The expiration of the KEK CA 2011 means Microsoft will not be able to sign new Secure Boot revocation payloads using the old key, but existing signed payloads will remain functional.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot update released to all, hours ahead of expiry

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update for eligible Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs ahead of the expiration of the original certificates on June 24, 2026. The update includes additional device targeting data to increase coverage for automatic updates. Devices receive the new certificates after demonstrating successful update signals. The original Secure Boot certificates were issued in 2011, with expiration dates set for June 24, 2026, June 27, 2026, and October 19, 2026. Microsoft has been distributing replacement 2023 certificates since 2024, with the June 2026 update expanding eligible devices significantly. Users can check their Secure Boot status through the Windows Security app or System Information. If a PC did not receive the update, it will still function normally but may not receive future boot-level security updates. Multiple restarts after updates are expected behavior, and the SecureBoot folder in Windows is not malware. Windows 10 users in the Extended Security Updates program are also receiving the Secure Boot update. The expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 on June 24 means no new Secure Boot revocation payloads can be signed with the old key, but existing signed payloads will continue to function.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows Secure Boot security deadline arrives today

Microsoft has announced enhancements to its Secure Boot certificate management to improve the security of Windows operating systems. Key features include improved certificate management for easier handling, automated updates for Secure Boot certificates to reduce manual intervention, and enhanced user guidance through resources on Microsoft Learn.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

‘Going to make myself stick with SteamOS instead of slithering back to Windows’: gamers get ready to abandon Windows 11, as Valve focuses on boosting SteamOS on the desktop

Valve is enhancing SteamOS to improve compatibility with desktop hardware and collaborating with Nvidia for better GPU support. The recent release of SteamOS 3.8 includes enhancements for Intel CPUs and Nvidia GPUs, as well as improvements in video memory management for discrete graphics cards. The update features KDE Plasma version 6.4.3 with Wayland support, improving external display and variable refresh rate support. Discussions on platforms like Reddit show growing interest in switching from Windows 11 to SteamOS, with users reporting positive gaming experiences on the latter. Some gamers have noted better performance on Linux-based systems compared to Windows 11, indicating Valve's efforts to promote gaming on Linux. Despite SteamOS being a niche option, its advancements may make it a more appealing alternative for gamers, potentially influencing competition with Windows 11.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

Why is Windows 11 so disliked by programmers – and can Microsoft do anything to change things?

Windows is experiencing a decline in favor among developers, with many preferring macOS and Linux for coding. Although nearly half of developers (49.5%) primarily work on Windows, this is often due to organizational mandates rather than personal preference. Developers interviewed did not select Windows as their preferred environment, citing concerns about Microsoft's developer experience, cumbersome tools, and security issues. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows developers to run Linux environments on Windows 11, addressing some compatibility issues. However, there is a consensus that Microsoft should enhance WSL and align Windows more closely with Linux to attract more developers. Critics also point to the intrusive nature of ads and upselling in Windows 11 as detracting from the developer experience.