unsupported Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

Catch Of The Week: The ‘Security Scan’ That Wants You Defenseless

Researchers at Malwarebytes have identified a network of deceptive websites posing as a service called “SysScan,” which pretends to conduct Microsoft security checkups. Users encounter these sites through search results, browser hijacking pop-ups, or unsolicited emails. The sites use Microsoft branding and a fake progress bar to create the illusion of a scan, but they only collect harmless data like operating system and location, which are then manipulated into alarming fake alerts. The fabricated security score is predetermined and does not reflect the user's actual security status. The scam misleads users into believing that Windows no longer supports third-party antivirus software, prompting them to uninstall their protections, which increases their vulnerability. Users are then asked to provide personal and banking information through a form that sends data via a Telegram bot. Eleven fraudulent sites have been traced back to a single server. Indicators of the scam include requests to disable antivirus software, installation of remote-access software, and solicitation of sensitive information. Microsoft does not initiate cold calls or scan computers through web pages. If someone has engaged with the scam, they should disconnect from the internet, uninstall any remote-access tools, reinstall antivirus software, and report the incident to authorities.

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Linux was supposed to be temporary, but these things made me forget about Windows entirely

The author faced a dilemma with their aging Windows 10 PC, which would lose support by October 2027, and discovered Linux as an alternative that allowed them to retain their hardware without expiration dates. They initially viewed Linux as a temporary solution but grew to appreciate its flexibility, particularly the ability to choose different desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, and COSMIC. The author ultimately settled on Fedora KDE and later transitioned to openSUSE Tumbleweed with KDE, valuing the community-driven nature of Linux compared to corporate operating systems. They highlighted that Linux distributions are seen as tools for user empowerment rather than marketable products, emphasizing the community's collaborative spirit and focus on usability. The author no longer plans to return to Windows and is considering a future PC build without it, embracing the freedom and community that Linux offers.

Tech Optimizer

August 23, 2026

Antivirus software tips from Ely Computer Centre director

Antivirus software does not guarantee complete safety for computers, especially if the software is no longer supported. As software ages, it becomes vulnerable to security risks, and once support ends, new vulnerabilities are not addressed. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning users will not receive security updates, increasing the risk of exploitation. Users can identify Windows 10 by checking if the Start button has four black squares. Upgrading to Windows 11 may not be possible for older computers due to hardware limitations, and replacing outdated devices is often recommended. Seeking professional advice is advisable if there is uncertainty about the operating system or upgrade options.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 10 cutoff could push 400 million working PCs toward e-waste heap

Microsoft will end standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 400 million PCs that may not meet the new eligibility criteria for Windows 11, which include TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and modern processors. This could lead to a potential increase of 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste if these devices are discarded. Users may need to invest in new hardware or alternative operating systems, despite their current machines still functioning adequately. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program until October 12, 2027, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which will be supported until January 2032. Users can also consider transitioning to Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older computers.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II gets a brand new gameplay trailer

Minecraft Dungeons II is set to be released on September 29, 2026, featuring new gameplay elements, weapons, and enemies. It introduces a new dimension called the Sift, where players can customize their loadout and face unique challenges. Pre-ordering the game offers exclusive rewards such as the Twisted cape, a Twisted Chicken pet, and two unique hero skins. The original game has an "Unsupported" rating from Valve for the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, despite reports of compatibility, and there are hopes for a re-evaluation of these ratings for both the original and the upcoming game.

Winsage

August 18, 2026

China reportedly orders state agencies to uninstall its government-only edition of Windows 10 — Beijing accelerates planned retirement over data security concerns

China's Ministry of State Security has directed state-linked organizations to remove a tailored version of Windows 10 from their systems, expediting a planned phase-out initially set for February 2027. This directive is driven by data security concerns, although specific vulnerabilities were not disclosed. The customized version, developed by C&M Information Technologies (CMIT), is based on Windows 10 Enterprise but modified to exclude consumer features and ensure updates remain within China. Since its launch in 2017, it has been used by various central agencies. The Chinese government has also encouraged the elimination of foreign-branded computers, leading to the emergence of domestic operating systems. Despite these efforts, as of July 2026, Windows held an 87.64% share of desktop web traffic in China, with Windows 10 accounting for 43.56% of usage. Approximately two in five Chinese desktops still run an unsupported version of Microsoft's software.

Winsage

August 13, 2026

Microsoft is cutting off new Office features on Windows 10 soon

Devices using Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will experience a significant transition with the rollout of version 2608, which will end feature enhancements for applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Security updates will continue until October 10, 2028. The OneDrive desktop app on Windows 10 version 22H2 will also receive updates until October 10, 2028, while older versions will not. Microsoft recommends transitioning to Windows 11 to avoid performance and reliability issues with Microsoft 365 Apps.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

OneDrive Photos Lands on Windows 11 by Accident

A new application, OneDrive Photos, has started appearing on Windows 11 PCs since August 1, despite being incompatible with enterprise machines. Microsoft acknowledged that the rollout exceeded its intended scope and is working on a remedy. Users cannot remove the app without uninstalling OneDrive entirely. OneDrive Photos functions as a web app, scanning local photos without requiring a Microsoft account sign-in and offering features like search and albums. There is no separate uninstall option for the app; removing it necessitates uninstalling OneDrive, which also eliminates File Explorer integration. Microsoft plans to introduce separate removal controls in the future, and the app will be removed from unsupported Intune-managed PCs.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

Winsage

August 11, 2026

5 years later, Windows 10 refuses to die, and Microsoft just can’t push holdouts to Windows 11

Windows 11 was released in 2021, but Windows 10 remains a significant presence, with approximately 17% market share among enterprise PCs as of 2026. Lansweeper reports that Windows 10 has lost users, dropping from nearly 50% in early 2025 to around 40% by October 2025, and settling at 16.9% a year later. Key sectors using Windows 10 include healthcare (23%), consumer retail (22.7%), small and medium businesses (21.4%), manufacturing (18%), and enterprises (16.6%). Windows 10 has 1,903 active CVEs compared to 652 on Windows 11, indicating a 2.9 times higher vulnerability. About 14% of Windows 10 users receive Extended Security Updates, leaving 2% on unsupported versions. HP reports that 30% of its installed base still uses Windows 10, reflecting a core group resistant to upgrading. Microsoft states that Windows is active on 1.6 billion PCs globally, with a noted 7% decrease in Windows OEM revenue attributed to lower PC demand and the end-of-support effects for Windows 10.