planned obsolescence Archives

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.

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.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

YouTube removes Windows 11 Microsoft account bypass video citing a community guideline violation with potential to cause serious physical harm or death — “I don’t think Microsoft had anything to do with it.”

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, impacting around 400 million PCs globally, and encouraged users to upgrade to Windows 11 through full-screen notifications. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support at no cost by syncing their PC settings with a Microsoft Account or using 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, which is free in the European Economic Area. Advocacy groups criticized the ESU program, calling it ineffective and indicative of planned obsolescence. Some users are considering switching to Linux for fewer ads and less telemetry tracking. Third-party tools like Flyoobe and Tiny11 help users transition to Windows 11 by bypassing hardware requirements and streamlining the OS. YouTube removed a video from CyberCPU Tech demonstrating local account setup for Windows 11, and Microsoft is enforcing Microsoft account requirements during new installations. The creator, Rich, believes the video removal was due to YouTube's AI misinterpretation, not Microsoft.

Winsage

October 28, 2025

End of Windows 10 support could mean huge e-waste increase

Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10, raising concerns about increased electronic waste and cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Approximately 40% of Windows users may lack alternatives, as many devices do not meet the requirements for Windows 11. Research indicates that up to 240 million outdated devices could end up in landfills due to this policy change. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for one more year, but users delaying upgrades may face vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Upgrading to new devices can be costly, with prices starting around 0, while Linux Mint is suggested as a free alternative that can extend the life of current devices. Linux Mint requires only 2GB of RAM, 20GB of disk space, and a minimum resolution of 1024×768. Advocates are promoting the right to repair and legislation to combat planned obsolescence to make technology more sustainable.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Microsoft Removing Support for Windows 10 Could Increase E-Waste, Cybersecurity Threats

Microsoft announced it will discontinue support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 40 percent of its user base. Many devices do not meet the technical specifications required to upgrade to Windows 11, leading users to consider alternatives to avoid discarding their devices or risking exposure to outdated software. Critics, including environmental and cybersecurity advocates, warn that this decision could result in up to 240 million old devices ending up in landfills, exacerbating electronic waste issues and increasing cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for the next year, but users who do not transition to Windows 11 may become vulnerable to cyber threats, including phishing attacks. The financial burden of new devices can be significant, prompting suggestions to install Linux Mint, a free operating system that can extend the life of older hardware. Advocates also emphasize the importance of supporting the right to repair and legislation against planned obsolescence to promote sustainability in technology.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends: Users Switch to Linux Like Zorin OS

Microsoft ended free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting many users to explore open-source alternatives, particularly Linux distributions. Zorin OS, an Ubuntu-based distribution designed to mimic Windows interfaces, reported a significant increase in downloads and installations from former Windows 10 users seeking secure, cost-free operating systems. Industry analysts noted that many users are reluctant to pay for Microsoft's extended security updates, especially for older hardware that does not meet Windows 11's requirements. This has led to discussions about privacy concerns and dissatisfaction with Microsoft's ecosystem, contributing to what some are calling a "Windows exodus." Zorin OS has capitalized on this shift by offering a user-friendly experience with a Windows-like desktop layout and compatibility tools, attracting non-technical users. The open-source community sees this as a critical moment for mainstream Linux adoption, potentially challenging Windows' long-standing dominance. Hardware companies are also responding by offering Linux-preloaded devices. While challenges like software compatibility exist, the current momentum presents an opportunity for Linux advocates to convert new users into loyal supporters.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

The End of Windows 10 Support Is an E-Waste Disaster in the Making

Free support for Windows 10 ended at midnight on Wednesday, affecting around 400 million computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. This has raised environmental concerns about increased electronic waste, as many unsupported devices may end up in landfills. Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10, prompting concerns for businesses and institutions that rely on these systems. Over 42 percent of Windows users still use Windows 10, and the decision to discontinue support has been criticized as perplexing. Microsoft continues to offer security updates for a fee, raising questions about corporate responsibility. Consumer rights group PIRG has initiated a campaign urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision, citing a precedent where Google extended support for Chromebooks after advocacy efforts.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Your laptop might be obsolete – but a Wollongong expert says there are solutions

On October 14, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10, leaving devices vulnerable to cyber threats. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their devices are compatible, but many may have limited options. Alternatives for those unable to upgrade include paying for an additional year of support, switching to a different operating system like Linux, or repurposing the old device for non-internet use. Responsible recycling is crucial, with the Community Recycling Centre at Whytes Gully and local retailers like Officeworks offering e-waste recycling programs. Cr. Anthony emphasizes the importance of maximizing the lifespan of existing technology and advocates for policies that reduce e-waste and promote repair and reuse to foster a sustainable economy.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2025

Windows 10 Updates End in October: What It Means for Users

Microsoft will cease updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a result, Windows 10 devices will become more vulnerable to security threats due to the lack of updates and security patches. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, but many older computers may not be compatible with the new operating system. Approximately 650 million people worldwide are still using Windows 10, with an estimated 400 million devices potentially unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft offers "Extended Security Updates" for a fee for those unable to upgrade. Experts warn that the absence of updates will increase the risk of cyberattacks, and many software vendors may discontinue support for applications reliant on updated system features. Users are advised to check their PCs for Windows 11 compatibility and consider options such as extended updates, hardware upgrades, or switching to Linux.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Windows 10 extended support is now free, but only in Europe — Microsoft capitulates on controversial $30 ESU price tag which remains firmly in place for the U.S

Microsoft will offer Extended Support Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 free of charge starting this October, but only within the European Economic Area (EEA). Users must enroll in the ESU program to receive security updates for one year after the official end of support on October 14, 2025. During the ESU period, users must log in to their Microsoft account every 60 days to maintain access to updates. Outside the EEA, users will need to pay a fee or submit their settings data to continue receiving updates.