security chip Archives

Winsage

December 20, 2025

Over Half A Million Windows Users Are Switching To Linux – Here’s Why

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, offering free Extended Security Updates until October 13, 2026, and paid options until 2028. The requirement for the TPM 2.0 security chip has prevented many users from upgrading to Windows 11, leading to increased adoption of Linux distributions like Zorin, which has surpassed a million downloads, with 78% from Windows users. Valve's Steam Deck has improved gaming on Linux, with major titles now supporting Linux compatibility, and the development of Proton has enhanced the ability to run Windows games on Linux. Zorin allows users to install Windows applications and progressive web apps, providing alternatives to traditional software.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Did you upgrade to Windows 11? If not then its just not you

Microsoft is facing challenges in transitioning users to Windows 11, with a slower adoption rate compared to the shift from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Approximately 500 million PCs are capable of running Windows 11 but remain on Windows 10, while an additional 500 million computers are too old to upgrade due to hardware requirements. Microsoft executive Pavan Davuluri stated that "nearly a billion people rely on Windows 11," but this claim lacks clarity. The market is divided between users with non-upgradeable hardware and those with capable hardware who choose not to transition. This reluctance poses cybersecurity risks as mainstream support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025. Users have three options: invest in a new PC, opt for Extended Security Updates, or continue using an unsupported operating system. Microsoft is under pressure to either ease hardware restrictions or improve Windows 11's appeal to encourage upgrades.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

What should I do with my older PC that can’t run Windows 11?

Windows 10 reached its end of life on October 14, 2025, leaving many computers vulnerable due to the lack of security updates. Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing essential security patches until October 13, 2026, but without new features or comprehensive support. The ESU license can cover up to 10 eligible home PCs linked to a single Microsoft account. Enrollment options include a free sync option, a rewards points redemption, or a paid option. Alternatively, users can install ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight operating system suitable for older hardware, but this will erase all data on the hard drive. For very old PCs, it may be best to retire the machine, ensuring secure data erasure before recycling or donating. It is critical to avoid leaving unsupported Windows 10 PCs connected to the internet due to increased vulnerability to cyber threats.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Data Doctors: Is my old Windows 10 computer useless now?

Windows 10 has officially reached its retirement phase as of October 14, and Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates, leaving many PCs vulnerable, especially those without the TPM 2.0 security chip needed for Windows 11. Users can consider three options for continued safety: 1. Extended Security Updates (ESU): This program offers critical security patches for an additional year until October 13, 2026. It covers up to 10 eligible home PCs linked to a single Microsoft account, with enrollment options including a free sync option, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or a paid option. 2. Install ChromeOS Flex: This free, lightweight operating system can replace Windows 10, making older PCs function like Chromebooks, which is beneficial for web-based tasks. However, it will erase all data on the hard drive, so backing up is necessary. 3. Retire the PC: For older machines (pre-2010) or those not switching operating systems, securely erasing the hard drive before recycling or donating is recommended. Organizations like Data Doctors collaborate with programs to repurpose or recycle devices. Leaving an unsupported Windows 10 PC connected to the internet poses a significant risk of cyberattacks, making it essential to take action.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Where Google Wallet state IDs are available on Android

States in the U.S. are integrating driver's licenses and state IDs into the Google Wallet app for Android users. To add a state ID, users must open the Google Wallet app, tap “Add to Wallet,” select “ID,” choose “Driver’s license or state ID,” pick their state, and follow the instructions, which include capturing images of the ID and a verification video. Approved digital IDs will appear in the app and can be rearranged or removed remotely. Supported states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, and North Dakota, with upcoming support for Arkansas, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia. Digital IDs can be used at TSA checkpoints in select airports and for identity verification with car rental services. Google is implementing Zero-Knowledge Proof technology for secure identity verification. Users can also create an ID pass from a U.S. passport for TSA security at supported airports, which involves taking a picture of the passport, scanning its security chip, and recording a verification video. This digital passport ID can also be used via NFC or QR code, but users must carry the physical passport while traveling.

Winsage

October 5, 2025

Google offers lifeline to Windows 10 users who want to avoid paying Microsoft subscription this month

Windows 10 support will officially end in October 2025, with no further updates or security patches provided after that date. Microsoft estimates that up to three-quarters of the 1.4 billion Windows PCs worldwide still use Windows 10. Users can opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2028 for an annual fee, which has previously ranged from £10 to £159. Google’s ChromeOS Flex is a free alternative that allows users to run a modern operating system on existing hardware, potentially prolonging device lifespan and reducing electronic waste. ChromeOS Flex provides essential security updates but lacks some features of dedicated Chromebooks.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $12.97 Before Support for Its Predecessor Ends

Operating on an unsupported operating system can hinder business performance, leading to issues like diminished productivity and increased vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, making the upgrade to a newer operating system urgent. Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a promotional price of just .97 for a digital copy. It features Snap Layouts for better multitasking, enhanced security measures including biometric logins and a TPM 2.0 security chip, and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot that helps with administrative tasks. Windows 11 Pro can be downloaded immediately on compatible devices, bypassing shipping delays. The regular price for Windows 11 Pro is 9.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

How Pixel and Android are bringing a new level of trust to your images with C2PA Content Credentials

The Google Pixel 10 phones incorporate C2PA Content Credentials in their camera and Google Photos, marking them as the first to attach these credentials to every photograph taken. The Pixel Camera app has achieved Assurance Level 2, the highest security rating from the C2PA Conformance Program, ensuring a secure environment for digital content. The integration employs a private-by-design strategy for certificate management, preventing traceability back to the creator. On-device trusted time-stamps allow users to trust images even after the certificate expires. The technology is supported by the Google Tensor G5 and Titan M2 security chip, enhancing hardware-backed security features. Content Credentials provide detailed information about the creation and protection of media files, helping users identify AI-generated or altered content. Google is a steering committee member of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), which aims to establish industry standards for digital content verification. The Pixel 10 categorizes digital content based on verifiable proof of its creation process. Each JPEG photo captured includes Content Credentials, and Google Photos validates these credentials for edited images. The implementation architecture is designed to be secure, verifiable, and usable offline. Google employs a unique certificate management strategy to enhance user privacy, ensuring that each key and certificate is used for only one image. An on-device offline time-stamping authority allows for the generation of trusted time-stamps without requiring internet connectivity.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Windows: Everything you need to know

Windows is the dominant operating system globally, developed by Microsoft, and serves over a billion users. The latest version is Windows 11, which debuted in October 2021, featuring significant visual and functional enhancements. Microsoft began rolling out the 24H2 update in mid-2024, introducing AI hardware support, enhanced security, and new features like Copilot and Recall. The upcoming 25H2 update is expected in late 2025, utilizing a lightweight enablement package for a swift upgrade process. Development on Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, is ongoing, with a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027, focusing on AI-first computing and modular architecture. Users can check their current Windows version by pressing the Windows key + R and typing winver. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for eligible systems, while Windows 11 Home costs 9 and Windows 11 Pro costs 9. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, making an upgrade advisable for continued security and access to new features.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft to Freeze Microsoft 365 Features on Windows 10 in 2026, Pushing Users to Windows 11 Upgrade

Microsoft will stop delivering new features for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 starting in August 2026, while continuing to provide security updates until October 2028. Users on the Current Channel will be the first affected, followed by those on the Monthly and Semi-Annual Enterprise Channels in October 2026 and January 2027, respectively. After these dates, all Windows 10 devices will only receive essential security patches. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which will have exclusive new features, while Windows 10 will remain secure but stagnant. Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, after which users will need to pay for Extended Security Updates.