telemetry tracking Archives

Winsage

September 8, 2025

Windows 10 is ending, so here’s the upgrade you’ll actually like

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates, which includes options for syncing settings to the cloud, redeeming Microsoft Reward points, or paying a fee for updates for up to 10 devices. Windows 11 is claimed to be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10, but user feedback shows hesitance to upgrade due to design flaws and minimum system requirements. NTDEV has developed Tiny11, a lightweight version of Windows 11 for unsupported hardware, and recently updated it to remove numerous applications. Tiny11 Core Builder has also been introduced for testing purposes. The end of Windows 10 has led to the emergence of alternatives like WINUX, a Linux distribution, while advocacy groups criticize the ESU program as unsustainable. Microsoft may generate significant revenue from the ESU program by charging enterprise clients per device.

Winsage

September 4, 2025

Is Microsoft forcing Windows 10 users to buy new PCs?

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life date on October 14, 2025, leaving many users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. An estimated 400 million PCs may become obsolete, prompting concerns about the loss of support. Microsoft has suggested users purchase new PCs for continued security updates and has introduced the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which allows up to ten devices. Users can also receive free security updates for an additional year by syncing settings with a Microsoft Account. Critics argue these measures are inadequate for those unable to upgrade. The Restart Project and PIRG express concerns about e-waste and the pressure on resource management systems due to premature disposal of functional devices. Microsoft claims Windows 11 PCs are significantly faster, but this has been met with skepticism. Some users are considering a shift to Linux as an alternative to the Microsoft ecosystem.

Winsage

September 2, 2025

Love Windows, hate the rules? Try this Linux distro instead.

Microsoft's end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Windows 11's market share has decreased by 4% to 49.08%, while Windows 10's market share has increased by 2.65% to 45.53%. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users wishing to continue using Windows 10 after support ends. Users have reported access issues but Microsoft assures enrollment will be available before the end date. Windows 11 has struggled with adoption due to strict system requirements and design flaws, prompting aggressive marketing tactics from Microsoft. An alternative, Windows Theme Over Linux (WINUX), has been updated to mimic Windows 10 and 11, requiring minimal hardware (2GB RAM and a dual-core 64-bit CPU) and offering up to five years of free updates. Advocacy groups are encouraging users to explore Linux alternatives, citing benefits like the absence of intrusive ads and telemetry tracking. Critics view Microsoft's extended support as a temporary solution rather than a sustainable fix.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft’s “last-minute snooze button” for Windows 10 is here —sort of

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring Windows 10 over Windows 11 due to design flaws and strict system requirements. The public interest group PIRG has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider, warning of increased electronic waste. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support, with a cost structure that has changed to a flat fee for up to 10 devices and requires a Microsoft Account for payment. Users can also use Microsoft Reward points to cover costs or synchronize settings with the cloud for free updates. The enrollment process for the ESU program began in July, but many users have not yet accessed it. The 'Enroll' button for the program is gradually rolling out, with speculation that it may be widely available around September 9, 2025. Organizations have criticized the ESU program as inadequate for the over 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project argues that Microsoft's approach is a temporary fix that undermines sustainability efforts. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux as an alternative. Microsoft is encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through notifications.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

With Windows 10’s fast-approaching demise, this Linux migration tool could let you ditch Microsoft’s ecosystem with your data and apps intact — but it’s limited to one distro

Microsoft's end-of-life date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support or sync their PC settings with a Microsoft Account for free security updates for another year. Many users are considering switching to Linux due to Windows 10's impending end of support. A new tool called Operese aims to facilitate the transition from Windows to Linux, currently in demo version and compatible only with Kubuntu. The Restart Project's "End of 10" toolkit helps users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 by promoting the installation of free and open-source operating systems on older devices. This initiative also addresses electronic waste and highlights the benefits of using Linux, such as the lack of ads and telemetry tracking.

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.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

Microsoft’s extra year of Windows 10 security updates isn’t a “viable solution” for the 400 million PCs that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 — “It’s obvious users are frustrated and feel yanked around.”

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life support on October 14, 2025, prompting backlash from users and a petition from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision. Microsoft will provide free security updates beyond the end-of-life date, but only under specific conditions, leading to concerns about accessibility due to stringent system requirements. PIRG argues that the updates will not sufficiently address the needs of the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Users have limited options, including syncing settings to the cloud, redeeming Microsoft Reward points, or paying for extended security updates (ESU). While Microsoft has made some concessions, such as offering ESU for individuals and affordable pricing for educational institutions, it has not committed to extending Windows 10 support or easing Windows 11's hardware requirements. Windows 11 is gaining market share, reaching 47.73% in June, while Windows 10 holds 48.92%. Microsoft is promoting Windows 11 and its AI-enhanced features, claiming significant performance improvements. Additionally, a movement called End of 10 is encouraging users to switch to Linux as Windows 10's end-of-life approaches, highlighting benefits like the absence of ads and telemetry tracking.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

As Windows 10’s death looms, Linux fans still promote “no ads or telemetry” for your old laptop instead of buying a Copilot+ PC

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11, purchase an additional year of support through the Extended Security Updates program, or switch to a different operating system. Approximately 240 million PCs are not ready for Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading hardware for Windows 11, highlighting Linux's advantages such as being free, open-source, and environmentally friendly. They encourage users to explore beginner-friendly Linux distributions and assure support from the Linux community. Windows 11 currently holds a market share of 42.69%, while Windows 10 has a dominant 54.2%.

Winsage

July 8, 2024

Leaked Windows 11 “Government Edition” that has no telemetry tracking or bloatware is actually FAKE

A fake "Government Edition" of Windows 11 has been leaked, claiming to have zero telemetry tracking and no in-box apps, but it was created by a third party using custom tools.