retirement Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft to remove legacy drivers from Windows Update for security boost

Microsoft is removing legacy drivers from the Windows Update catalog to enhance security and compatibility within its Windows ecosystem. The initiative aims to provide users with the most optimal drivers for various hardware devices. The cleanup process will begin with expiring drivers that have newer replacements, making them unavailable for any Windows system. Partners can republish removed drivers if they present a valid business rationale. Microsoft plans to expand the cleanup to include additional categories that may pose security risks. The company is also implementing changes to pre-production driver signing and has introduced new security defaults for Windows 365 Cloud PCs and updated security protocols for Microsoft 365 tenants.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft is trying a new way to get you to ditch Windows 10

Windows 10 will be retired on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive software and security updates. Currently, 53.2 percent of Windows computers worldwide run on Windows 10, while 43.2 percent use Windows 11. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free or by purchasing a new PC, but many older machines may not meet the minimum system requirements. Microsoft has reached out to Windows 10 users via email to remind them of the end of support and has introduced a new feature in Windows Backup to help transfer data to a new PC. This feature, labeled “Transfer information to a new PC,” is expected to be rolled out across all Windows 10 builds. Microsoft has also announced that Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates for an additional three years after the retirement date.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Google is shutting down Android Instant Apps over ‘low’ usage

Google will retire its Instant Apps feature in December 2025 due to low usage rates. Instant Apps, launched in 2017, allowed users to access streamlined versions of applications without full installation. A warning in Android Studio confirmed the discontinuation, stating that Instant Apps support will be removed and related APIs will no longer function. Google spokesperson Nia Carter mentioned that developers are turning to other tools for app discovery, prompting this decision to focus on more effective solutions.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

SAG-AFTRA board approves new contract

The SAG-AFTRA performers union has approved a tentative agreement with leading game companies, encouraging members to vote positively for ratification on June 18th. The new contract includes a 15.17% increase in compensation, annual raises of 3% from November 2025 through 2027, and an increase in health and retirement contributions from 16.5% to 17%, rising to 17.5% by October 2026. It provides protections against exploitation related to artificial intelligence, requiring consent for the use of digital likenesses and mandating their withdrawal during strikes. Safety provisions include the presence of a qualified medical professional during hazardous rehearsals and performances, as well as mandated rest periods for on-camera principal performers. Employers are prohibited from asking performers to undertake stunts during virtual auditions. The tentative agreement led to the suspension of strike action on June 11th.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Improve Your Productivity with Windows 11 Pro for Just $15

Over 50% of entrepreneurs use their retirement savings to fund their ventures, while 20% use personal savings. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 and offers features designed to enhance productivity and security for professionals. It includes advanced security features, tools for productivity, gaming capabilities, collaboration tools, touchscreen functionality, and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot. The offer is available through StackSocial, with prices subject to change.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Forget Windows 11, this version of Windows 10 is officially supported until 2032

Microsoft will retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive technical support, feature updates, or security patches. Users can upgrade to Windows 11, but not all devices meet its requirements. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security support for a fee. Another option is the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC edition, which provides a streamlined experience but is not intended for general consumer use and comes with complex licensing requirements. Windows 10 LTSC will receive official support for several years, but as mainstream Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date, software and driver support may decline. Users with older hardware may consider acquiring a Windows 10 LTSC key to extend device functionality, but should weigh the associated challenges.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

WordPad is dead in Windows 11, but Notepad is absorbing its skills

Microsoft has announced updates to Notepad, integrating "lightweight formatting" capabilities that include support for markdown input and file formats, bold and italic fonts, and hyperlinks, accessible via a new toolbar. These features are not in testing and will be available on Windows PCs soon. This shift follows the retirement of WordPad in late 2023, leaving a gap for basic text editing. The enhancements position Notepad as a viable replacement for WordPad. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing the Edit app, an open-source command-line interface, to complement Notepad's new features and improve user experience.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

This essential setting is leaving Control Panel soon, marking the latest nail in the legacy tool’s coffin

Microsoft is planning to deprecate the Control Panel in favor of the Settings app, as stated in an August 2024 support document. The transition includes moving the time server setting, which allows users to synchronize their PC’s clock with an internet time server, from the Control Panel to the Settings app. Currently, accessing this setting involves multiple steps in the Control Panel, but soon users will be able to adjust their time server directly through the Settings app by navigating to Time & language > Date & time and clicking the Change button next to Additional settings. This feature is still in development, with the Change button present but not yet functional, indicating that full functionality will be available soon.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

I Just Murdered A Very Rare, Near-Worthless Keyboard And I Might Have To Stop Playing PC Games Forever

The author has been using a Microsoft MultiMedia Keyboard 1.0A since its introduction in 1997 and prefers it over modern mechanical keyboards. They have purchased six of these keyboards after learning they would cease production and are now down to their last one. The keyboard has been a constant in their computing experience, providing comfort and a reliable typing experience. The author has faced compatibility issues with newer operating systems and is contemplating the purchase of a new version, which they recently found for £32. They also experienced an issue with their PayPal account being flagged during the purchase process.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft accelerates Control Panel’s inevitable demise as even more settings migrate

Microsoft is transitioning features from the Control Panel to the Settings interface in Windows 11, with recent changes including the migration of certain language options to the Settings panel. This update is currently limited to users on the Dev or Beta builds of Windows 11 and requires manual activation. The feature is not yet available to the general public as Microsoft addresses bugs related to its implementation.