software transition Archives

Winsage

October 14, 2025

PC shipments rise nearly 10% in Q3 2025 ahead of Windows 10 end-of-support

Global PC shipments increased nearly 10% year-on-year in Q3 2025, totaling 75.8 million units, according to IDC, while Omdia reported 72 million units and a 6.8% growth. The transition to Windows 11, driven by the end of Windows 10 support on October 14, has prompted users to upgrade their hardware. However, many users still operate on Windows 10 or outdated hardware, with only 39% of PC channel partners reporting that most customers have upgraded. Japan and China are leading in growth due to large-scale refresh initiatives, while North America is experiencing subdued momentum due to economic uncertainty. Lenovo shipped 19.4 million units, HP 15 million, and Apple saw a 13.7% increase in shipments. The introduction of new chipsets is fueling competition in the high-performance market, leading to the emergence of the "AI PC" phase, which aims to integrate AI capabilities directly into devices.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Windows Offer—You Have 72 Hours To Act

Users operating on Windows 10 must enroll in Microsoft's free Extended Security Updates (ESU) program before October 14, 2025, to ensure uninterrupted security updates. Enrollment in the ESU program remains available until it expires on October 14, 2026, but delaying enrollment will result in a gap in security updates. Missing the October 14 deadline does not prevent enrollment in the ESU program, but devices will be more vulnerable during any non-enrollment period. Enrolling in the ESU program does not hinder upgrading to Windows 11 if the PC meets eligibility criteria. Kaspersky experts have raised concerns about privacy implications of requiring a Microsoft account for Windows 11 setup. Nearly 40% of Windows computers still run on Windows 10, with many being fully functional but not compatible with Windows 11. Users have a year to navigate these changes before the next deadline approaches.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Upgrading Your Laptop to Windows 11 Pro Is Basically Free With This July 4th Deal

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 in October 2025. StackSocial is offering Windows 11 Pro for a low cost, significantly less than its standard retail price of 9. This promotion also applies to Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 Pro includes features like BitLocker device encryption, Azure-AD integration, and Hyper-V for virtualization. Users must ensure their devices meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, and the download code must be redeemed within 30 days of purchase. The offer represents a saving of 9.

Winsage

October 6, 2024

Microsoft Update Warning—50 Million Windows Users Now At Risk

Microsoft Windows users are facing an impending end to security updates, particularly affecting approximately 900 million Windows 10 users, who have a one-year grace period before support concludes. In contrast, 50 million users on older versions like Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8.1 have already lost support. Unsupported versions will continue to function but will not receive technical or security updates. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, emphasizing its advantages, but many older PCs do not meet the hardware requirements for this upgrade. The situation is urgent, especially for users on outdated systems, as remaining unsupported poses significant security risks. The deadline for Windows 10 support is set for October 2025, and Microsoft has not indicated plans to relax hardware requirements for Windows 11.

Winsage

September 25, 2024

Microsoft to end support for older Windows operating systems in October 2025 – Marketing Stockport

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 by October 2025. Users will no longer receive updates, including security patches and technical assistance, making systems vulnerable to cyber threats. Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 as a more modern and secure alternative. Organizations are advised to evaluate their IT infrastructure and consider upgrading to supported operating systems to mitigate security risks and access new functionalities. Users are encouraged to plan their upgrades before the October 2025 deadline.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2024

Kaspersky Rolls Back for US Customers, Makes Way for UltraAV

Kaspersky has withdrawn its anti-malware software from US customers due to a ban by the US Department of Commerce and has partnered with UltraAV to provide automatic replacements. Following its addition to the Entity List in June, Kaspersky ceased US operations and laid off its workforce. The Biden administration's ban was based on national security concerns. In September, Kaspersky informed customers about the transition to UltraAV, but communication was unclear, leading to user confusion. Some users expressed dissatisfaction with UltraAV, citing trust issues and difficulties with system scans. The transition took effect on September 19, with Kaspersky assuring customers of maintained security standards. Users have shared instructions for removing UltraAV, but the effectiveness of these solutions is uncertain.