support cutoff Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 7, 2025

If you’re still on Windows 10, switching to a new antivirus won’t be enough

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, which raises significant security concerns due to the lack of security patches. Microsoft Defender Antivirus (MSDA) will continue to provide protection for Windows 10 during the Extended Security Updates (ESU) period, which lasts until October 2028, but users without ESU will remain vulnerable. Upgrading to Windows 11 is a free option for legitimate Windows 10 license holders, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. Alternatively, users can consider transitioning to Linux, with distributions like Linux Mint, Fedora, and Pop!_OS offering various advantages.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

Windows 10 is dying — and Apple’s Macs are cashing in — but one Windows PC maker remains in the lead

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, leading to approximately 50% of Windows users still using the obsolete OS. This situation has resulted in a shift towards macOS, with Apple’s MacBook shipments increasing by 14.9% in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year. Lenovo saw a 17% increase in sales year over year, while ASUS reported a 14% gain and HP a 10% increase. Dell experienced a slight decline of 1%. Nearly 40% of PC users were still on Windows 10, but this figure is declining as users upgrade. The broader PC market saw a global shipment rise of 8.1% in Q3 2025. The growth in AI computing is expected to drive future increases in PC shipments, particularly after 2026, with advancements in new silicon technologies.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Can’t sign up for Windows 10 security updates? Here’s the fix

Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10, providing critical and important security patches for an additional year after support cutoff. Users can enroll in the ESU program for a flat fee or by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Alternatively, users can access the program for free by using the Windows Backup tool to back up settings to the cloud. Enrollment is done through the Settings menu under Windows Update, where users can click "Enroll Now." The option is available only to those running Windows 10 version 22H2 and requires administrative rights. If the enrollment option does not appear, users may need to execute command-line adjustments and a Registry hack to enable it. If issues persist, contacting Microsoft support is recommended.

Tech Optimizer

October 16, 2025

Windows 10 Free Support Ends in 2025: Upgrade to 11 or Pay for Updates

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing free security updates and technical support. Microsoft Defender will continue to provide signature updates post-support, but experts warn that relying solely on it may not be sufficient for security. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows users to purchase continued protection for up to three years. Many enterprises still depend on Windows 10, and abrupt migrations could disrupt operations. The costs of the ESU program vary, with small businesses potentially finding it prohibitive. Security professionals highlight the increased risk of unpatched systems, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. Microsoft is shifting towards cloud-centric security models, indicating a trend towards layered defenses that combine antivirus solutions with regular patching and user education.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

RIP Windows 10 – Winux ‘W10EOL’ is the Windows 11 clone that runs on Linux and makes your old PC feel new again

Windows 10 is reaching its end of life, and users will no longer receive security updates, making their systems vulnerable. Winux 11.25.10 “W10EOL” is a Windows-style Linux distribution based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, designed to provide a familiar interface for users unable to upgrade to Windows 11. It features a KDE Plasma 5 desktop, a new “Redsand” theme, and an upgraded system kernel 6.14 for better hardware compatibility. Winux includes PowerTools 1.8.3 to replicate popular Windows utilities, supports .exe and .msi installers via Wine, and allows access to Android apps through an integrated PlayStore. It also provides native OneDrive access, Microsoft Teams Preview, the Edge browser, Mozilla Thunderbird for email, and OnlyOffice 9 for document editing. The OS includes live wallpapers, a revamped login screen, and over 1GB of updated packages. Winux 11.25.10 is available for download.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Battlefield 6 and Windows 10 End of Life — Will the game stop working after the OS dies? Here’s what you need to know.

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ending free security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates. While PCs will continue to function normally after this date, users will be exposed to potential security vulnerabilities without ongoing updates. Options for maintaining security include enrolling in the Extended Security Update program, checking hardware compatibility for Windows 11, or forcing the Windows 11 update on unsupported hardware. Additionally, Steam plans to phase out support for 32-bit Windows 10 by January 1, 2026, but most gamers use 64-bit systems. EA has not announced plans to withdraw support for its EA app on Windows 10.

Winsage

October 7, 2025

Microsoft ‘Security Disaster’ Looms—400 Million Windows Users Must Act

Microsoft's support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14, leaving approximately 400 million users without critical security updates unless they enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program or upgrade to Windows 11. Currently, 41% of all PCs are running Windows 10, which translates to nearly 600 million devices, but many older PCs cannot upgrade due to hardware requirements. In contrast, when support for Windows 8 ended, only 3.7% of users remained on that platform. The cybersecurity community warns that the lack of updates will make many systems vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, there has been an increase in Windows 7 usage, with nearly 140 million PCs still operating on that retired OS. Reports indicate a growing demand for an extension of Windows 10 support, particularly in regions outside Europe where the ESU program is not accessible.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Drops Windows 7-8.1 Support, Adds Speed and AES-256 Encryption

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, meaning users on these operating systems will no longer receive updates or security patches. The new version requires a minimum of Windows 10 and includes performance enhancements, such as faster document loading and improved interoperability with Microsoft formats. Security upgrades include AES-256 encryption and PDF 2.0 export capabilities. The decision to discontinue support for older Windows versions reflects a broader industry trend towards modernization and innovation. Future versions will also require macOS 11 or later. Users on outdated systems are encouraged to evaluate alternatives or stick with earlier versions.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Legacy OneNote for Windows 10 app is retiring on October 14, 2025

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for "OneNote for Windows 10 (legacy)," which will then transition to read-only mode, preventing users from editing or synchronizing notes. Users are encouraged to migrate to the newer OneNote app for Windows 11 to maintain editing capabilities. To transition, users must sync their notebooks to a OneDrive account and can use an in-app migration feature. Microsoft is notifying users about this change through an in-app banner. The legacy app currently has a user rating of 4.6 in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Microsoft’s extra year of free Windows 10 security updates feels like a last-minute snooze button — while groups like “The Restart Project” still want to help users

Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are expressing dissatisfaction with Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements and design flaws. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has launched a petition against Microsoft's decision, warning it could lead to significant electronic waste and contradicts Microsoft's sustainability goals. Microsoft plans to extend security updates for Windows 10, but users must sync their settings with a Microsoft Account to receive them. Approximately 400 million Windows 10 PCs may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project highlights that nearly half of all Windows computers still run on Windows 10 and is advocating for repair and the use of free and open-source operating systems. They have developed an 'End of Windows 10' toolkit for community repair groups. The Restart Project has called for stronger durability and repairability rules, economic changes to discourage disposable products, and increased efforts for reuse and repair of electronic waste. Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in market share, with reports indicating 50.88% for Windows 11 compared to 46.2% for Windows 10. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 PCs are significantly faster than Windows 10 PCs, although this has been met with skepticism.