transition period Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

Using Windows 10? Do This Now to Lower Your Risk of Being Hacked

Support for Windows 10 officially ended last year, and Microsoft recommends users transition to Windows 11 or buy new computers. Users will no longer receive security updates, and any issues encountered will not be supported by Microsoft. Windows Update will indicate that devices are no longer receiving updates, leaving users to manage security vulnerabilities themselves. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive updates until October 2028, and users can enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026, under certain conditions. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 at 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. Users opting to stay on Windows 10 should implement third-party security solutions to mitigate risks from the lack of official updates.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

Steam client under Windows fully converted to 64-bit, support for 32-bit ends in 2026

Valve has transitioned the Steam client on Windows 10 and Windows 11 to a fully native 64-bit architecture, ending support for 32-bit Windows installations. Users on 32-bit systems will receive security updates and bug fixes until January 1, 2026, after which the Steam client will be considered insecure. Less than one percent of active Steam users are affected by this change. The shift to 64-bit allows for better RAM access, improved stability, and eliminates the need for the WoW64 compatibility layer. The update also includes technical enhancements such as a fix for H.265 game recording on Nvidia 50 series graphics cards, support for Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and improved chat moderation features. Valve has ceased support for Windows 7 and Windows 8 as of the end of 2024.

Winsage

December 21, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels continue to receive the same updates based on Windows 11, version 25H2. New features include Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial users, which allows voice or text engagement with contextual information, and enhancements to the taskbar for monitoring AI agents. The update also introduces Agent Launchers for AI agents across apps, improved customization for Narrator announcements, a refined voice typing experience, and a new Discover Windows widget for tips on Windows features. Language support for the Settings Agent has expanded to include additional languages. Fixes have been made for various issues in the taskbar, File Explorer, login screens, and more. Known issues include unresponsiveness of Researcher on the taskbar and problems with Bluetooth device battery levels. The Paint app has been updated with a collapsible toolbar feature.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307) has been released for both the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders can switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel while both channels have the same updates. The Xbox full screen experience is now available for additional Windows 11 PC form factors, accessible through Task View, Game Bar settings, or the Win + F11 hotkey. Point-in-time restore is introduced for both channels, allowing users to revert their devices to a previous state. Fluid dictation is now available for voice typing users on NPU devices, enhancing the dictation experience. Vivo Android phone users can resume browsing activity from their phone to their PC, and users of Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and Vivo can continue working on M365 Copilot app files across devices. The context menu in File Explorer is being refined, and users can now uninstall Store-managed apps directly from the Microsoft Store. Fixes include resolving taskbar issues, internet connectivity problems, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include the virtual keyboard not being visible for controller users and some applications exhibiting unexpected behavior with the Xbox full screen experience.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Crystal Dynamics makes third round of layoffs this year

Developer Crystal Dynamics has reduced its workforce by "under 30" employees across various departments. This decision is part of a series of job cuts made throughout the year, with previous reductions occurring in August and March. The company is reorganizing its studios and teams to optimize the development of its flagship title, Tomb Raider, and to prepare for future projects. Crystal Dynamics expressed gratitude to the affected employees for their contributions and committed to providing support during the transition.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Windows Update—You Have 48 Hours To Act

Microsoft is transitioning away from Windows 10, which will reach its end-of-life on October 14. Users have 48 hours to take action regarding potential vulnerabilities. Windows 10 users will receive their last general security updates in October, but ongoing protection will only be available through enrollment in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which is free until October 13, 2026. Approximately 40% of Windows users, or around 560 million, are still on Windows 10. Failing to enroll in the ESU could leave devices vulnerable to security threats. Enrollment requires a licensed Windows 10 PC, a Microsoft Account, and saving settings to OneDrive. Users can also upgrade to Windows 11 for enhanced security if their hardware qualifies. The ESU is a temporary measure, and enterprise users have alternative, potentially more costly options for long-term solutions.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7070 (KB5070300) has been released to both the Dev and Beta Channels, offering the same builds for Windows 11, version 25H2. Users in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels are on the same build. The update includes new features such as customizable default dashboards in Widgets, numbered badges on the Widget Board navigation bar, enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery, updates to Smart App Control allowing toggling without a clean install, reintroduction of people icons in File Explorer, and temporary disabling of certain features in File Explorer. Fixes include addressing issues with desktop interactions, File Explorer functionality, taskbar settings, and Settings navigation. Known issues involve problems with the Start menu and system tray visibility, as well as flickering in the copy progress dialog in dark mode. Updates are based on Windows 11, version 25H2 and may not be released beyond Windows Insiders.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Office sandbox file security to disappear from enterprise Windows by late 2027, Microsoft confirms

A phased removal schedule for Office version 2612 has been established, with the Current Channel's full removal by December 2026, the Monthly Enterprise Channel by February 2027, and the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel by July 2027. A final removal date is set for December 2027 for customers with extended support licenses. Additionally, MDAG (Malware Detection and Guard) has been introduced to enhance security by using a Hyper-V sandbox for file execution, isolating potential malware from the operating system. However, this may result in slower document load times, impacting productivity.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

Windows 10 end of life has passed – here’s your business guide to Windows 11

Organizations are transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with major companies addressing potential deployment issues. Windows 10 mainstream support ended in October 2025, but users can access the Extended Security Update program for an additional 12 months of coverage. Windows 11 features a refined user interface with a centered taskbar, enhanced visual elements, and productivity tools like snap layouts and Cloud Clipboard. The Start menu has been simplified, and the File Explorer sidebar has been reorganized. Focus Assist is improved with direct settings and integrates with the Windows Clock app. Windows 11 includes Copilot for natural language queries and task automation, with enhanced features for devices with neural processing units. Security is strengthened with Windows Hello and optional integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and TPM version 2.0. All editions of Windows 11 support encryption and biometric security, with Pro and Enterprise editions offering additional features. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is typically free if the device meets the requirements, with prices for new purchases starting at around £119 for Windows 11 Home and £219 for Windows 11 Pro.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Arc Raiders’ preload isn’t working on the Epic Games store due to ‘an unforeseen issue’

Living in a Wi-Fi bowl leads to slow internet speeds, exemplified by a personal experience of downloading Stalker 2 over three weeks. Preloading has become essential for gamers. The preload for the game Arc Raiders launched recently, but preloading is not available on the Epic Games store due to an issue. Arc Raiders will be available for download on the Epic Games store starting at 10:30 am CET on October 30th. The download size for Arc Raiders is 26.8 GB, and one user reported downloading it in just over an hour.