retirement Archives

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Running Windows 7 in 2025

Windows 7 officially retired on January 14, 2020, but remains in use by some users due to its classic features and lack of built-in advertising. Many users continue to use Windows 7 because of outdated hardware, software compatibility issues, or financial constraints following the end of the free upgrade program in 2023. Users can maintain their Windows 7 installations by decluttering with the built-in Disk Cleanup tool, using Legacy Update for updates, and being cautious while browsing the web. The last compatible version of Google Chrome for Windows 7 is version 109, while Firefox version 115 still receives updates. Alternatives like PaleMoon and eM Client are available for users. Disabling OneDrive and exploring reliable applications like Ghostwriter and Notepad++ can enhance the Windows 7 experience.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Skype, Video Calling and Messaging App, Dead at 22

Microsoft has announced that Skype will be officially discontinued on May 5, 2025. Existing users are encouraged to transition to Microsoft Teams or export their data before the shutdown. Skype was founded in 2003 and became popular for free calls and affordable rates for calls to traditional phones. Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, but its attempts to modernize the service were unsuccessful. Microsoft has shifted its focus to Microsoft Teams, which launched in 2016, while Skype lost its popularity, especially with the rise of Zoom during the pandemic.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Windows 12 won’t be the savior Windows 10 users are hoping for

Windows 10 will be retired on October 12, 2025, and will no longer receive security updates, fixes, or technical support. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which currently holds a 36.6% share of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 has a 60.3% share. Microsoft has invested nearly a billion dollars into OpenAI since 2019, integrating AI features into the Windows ecosystem. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, including the need for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chips, leading to concerns about obsolescence and potential future requirements for Windows 12 that may demand AI-capable PCs. Despite its flaws, Windows 11 may be seen as a more manageable option compared to the anticipated challenges of Windows 12.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Windows 10 Mobile’s App Store officially dies—for real this time

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 Mobile five years ago. The Microsoft Store on Windows 10 Mobile has now shut down, with users reporting gray screens or error messages when attempting to access it. Applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint received updates until 2021, but most essential applications became incompatible with Windows 10 Mobile by the time Windows 11 was released. Developers largely abandoned the platform, leaving users with limited options for new apps, which can now only be installed through sideloading.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Valve’s monthly survey reveals that almost 45% of Steam users on PC are still using Windows 10 even with the sword of Damocles hanging over them

As of January 2025, 44.41% of PC users are still operating on Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025. Windows 11, released in 2021, has demanding system requirements that deter users with older hardware from upgrading. Many Steam users on Windows 10 may include internet cafes, where maintaining hardware is challenging. The end of support for Windows 10 means users will no longer receive updates or security patches, increasing risks associated with continued use. Resources are available to assist users in transitioning from Windows 10.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Minecraft creator Notch and his next move

Markus "Notch" Persson, the creator of Minecraft and founder of Mojang Studios, has been largely absent from game development since selling Mojang to Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014. Recently, he launched a social media poll to gauge interest in his next project, considering either a new game or a sequel to Minecraft. He expressed interest in developing a roguelike game but acknowledged the legal challenges of creating a Minecraft sequel without Microsoft's approval. Following the poll, he decided to develop a roguelike dungeon crawler titled "Levers and Chests," despite some fans' disappointment over the lack of a Minecraft sequel. Microsoft has distanced itself from Persson since the acquisition, removing references to him from Minecraft and excluding him from the game's tenth-anniversary celebration. Persson's new project will retain a voxel/pixelated art style reminiscent of Minecraft, and he aims to create a game that honors Minecraft's legacy while respecting Mojang's intellectual property.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Windows 10 KB5051974 update adds a new app without asking

Microsoft has released the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows operating systems versions 22H2 and 21H2, which includes essential security fixes and addresses a memory leak issue. This mandatory update introduces the new Outlook for Windows app, which can run alongside the classic version, allowing users to transition at their own pace. The update resolves several issues, including: - Fixing the code 10 error message stating, “This device cannot start,” after the January 2025 security update. - Removing automatic suggestions from Bing in the search box for alternative search engines like Baidu. - Restoring functionality for USB audio devices using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). - Correcting a problem where USB cameras failed to recognize when powered on. - Mitigating an issue that drained virtual memory, potentially causing applications to malfunction. The classic Outlook app is set to be retired in April 2026, prompting Microsoft's push towards the new app.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

AR OS 2 is everything we want Windows 12 to be — and more

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with new AI functionalities but it still has a lower market share than Windows 10. There are no formal announcements about Windows 12, which is expected after Windows 10's retirement. AR OS 2 is a conceptual operating system designed by AR 4789, featuring an elegant design, extensive customization options, superior drag-and-drop capabilities, and an AI assistant called AR Interact. A video showcasing AR OS 2 is available for viewing.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft wants you to understand why “deprecation” of Windows features is good for you

Microsoft periodically announces the deprecation of certain features, functionalities, or services within its Windows operating system, which are detailed on the official Microsoft Learn feature deprecation web page. Deprecation indicates that a feature or service is no longer under active development and is planned for removal in future releases, but it does not signify the end of a product's lifecycle. During the deprecation period, deprecated products continue to receive support, although they will not be developed further. The timeline for this can span several years, allowing users to adapt. The end of support for Windows 10 is scheduled for later this year, and Microsoft has revised its offer for a "limited-time free upgrade" to Windows 11.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft explains why it’s deprecating legacy features on Windows 11 like WordPad

Microsoft is evolving Windows 11 by introducing new features and deprecating certain legacy applications and tools, particularly in the Windows 11 24H2 release. The company aims to modernize the operating system and reallocate resources towards new developments. Deprecation serves as a preliminary warning to users rather than an immediate removal of features. Recently, WordPad was announced for deprecation and will be removed with the Windows 11 24H2 release on October 1, 2024, while other applications like Paint 3D have been deprecated but remain available. Deprecated products will still receive support until their official retirement, although they will not undergo active development. Other recently deprecated features include Suggested Actions and legacy DRM services associated with Windows Media Player, with uncertain timelines for their removal.