upgrade options Archives

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft’s New Update Deadline—550 Million Windows Users Must Act

Microsoft has phased out Windows 10, with a deadline of October 14 now passed, leaving approximately 550 million users navigating the transition to Windows 11 amidst rising cyber threats. Windows 10 usage has declined from 880 million in January. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) option for users needing more time to migrate, which provides security updates until October 13, 2026, for enrolled users. Business users have a three-year extended support period, while consumers have a 12-month grace period post-October if enrolled in ESU. The November update addressing zero-day threats is only available to ESU enrollees. There are no contingency plans for users who remain on Windows 10, and uncertainty exists regarding how many users have enrolled in ESU or have eligible devices for Windows 11 upgrades. Users must act before next October to purchase new PCs if needed.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 support “ends” today, but it’s just the first of many deaths

Microsoft has officially concluded support for Windows 10, ending regular security patches and technical assistance. Approximately 40 percent of all Windows PCs globally run on Windows 10, with about one-third of those in the United States. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for home users to extend support for an additional year, while institutions can opt for up to three years. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, which has more stringent system requirements, and it is possible to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices, though challenges may arise with major updates.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends Today: Here Are 7 Great Upgrade Options

Microsoft has officially ceased support for Windows 10, meaning existing systems will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users are encouraged to consider upgrading to Windows 11, which is available as a complimentary upgrade. If current laptops are outdated and incompatible with Windows 11, investing in a new device may be advisable. Recommended laptops include: - Surface Laptop 7: Offers nearly 20 hours of battery life and a polished design. - Zenbook A14: Weighs less than 2.2 pounds with over 24 hours of battery life. - Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10: A gaming laptop with a 2.5K OLED display, but limited battery life. - HP EliteBook Ultra G1i: Features a 14-inch, 2.8K OLED display and compact design. An alternative to Windows laptops is the 15-inch MacBook Air with Apple’s M4 chip, which offers a spacious display and competitive pricing.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Windows 10 support ends October 14, but here’s how to get an extra year for free

Windows 10 will reach "end of life" status on October 14, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates by default. Users can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their device is compatible, purchase a new PC with Windows 11, or enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security support. To enroll in ESU, users must ensure their PC is up to date, confirm they are using an administrator account, check eligibility for Windows 11, and then navigate to Update & Security in Settings to enroll. Free enrollment requires linking to Microsoft’s cloud services and is limited to the first 5 GB of backup storage. Once enrolled, users will have an additional 12 months to consider upgrading to Windows 11.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Your laptop might be obsolete – but a Wollongong expert says there are solutions

On October 14, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10, leaving devices vulnerable to cyber threats. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their devices are compatible, but many may have limited options. Alternatives for those unable to upgrade include paying for an additional year of support, switching to a different operating system like Linux, or repurposing the old device for non-internet use. Responsible recycling is crucial, with the Community Recycling Centre at Whytes Gully and local retailers like Officeworks offering e-waste recycling programs. Cr. Anthony emphasizes the importance of maximizing the lifespan of existing technology and advocates for policies that reduce e-waste and promote repair and reuse to foster a sustainable economy.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

How to enable TPM, Secure Boot, HVCI, and VBS for Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7

Battlefield 6 requires gamers to meet advanced security requirements to access the game, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, HVCI, and VBS. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-based security feature found on most modern motherboards, and if absent, users may need to research their motherboard for upgrade options. Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 can be checked using the Steam beta client or through the Device Manager and System Information panel. If disabled, they can typically be enabled via the BIOS/EFI system. Windows must operate in UEFI mode with the GUID partition table for these features to function correctly, and if installed in legacy mode, reinstallation may be necessary. HVCI protects against malicious code and can be checked via the memory integrity settings. VBS can be verified through the System Information panel, indicating if it is running.

Winsage

September 27, 2025

Indian PCs face security threats as Windows 10 support ends next month

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to either upgrade to Windows 11 or pay an annual fee for Extended Security Updates (ESU). Analysts predict that enterprise PC shipments in India could reach 1.2 to 1.5 million units in the coming year, coinciding with a natural refresh cycle. Demand for affordable PCs under Rs. 15,000 is increasing, leading to a rise in the refurbished PC market. Compliance-driven sectors like banking and healthcare must upgrade to Windows 11 or seek extended support, with an expected 11% growth in the Indian PC market this year. Lenovo reports a 78% adoption rate of Windows 11 among enterprises, with SMBs expected to accelerate upgrades. Environmental concerns are also significant, as the transition could lead to increased e-waste, prompting companies like Acer and Lenovo to explore recycling and waste reduction strategies.

AppWizard

September 1, 2025

Best Laptop for Minecraft

In Minecraft, laptops are favored over consoles for their flexibility, customization, and performance. The Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming features a 9th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and a 512GB NVMe SSD, making it a strong value option. The Alienware m15 R6 is equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, offering elite performance. The Acer Nitro 5 includes a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing solid performance at a budget price. The HP Pavilion Gaming 15 features an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor, NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it a reliable mid-range option. The Acer Predator Helios 300 boasts an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, designed for high performance in Minecraft and other games. The MSI GF63 Thin offers an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-11400H processor, GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, serving as a budget-friendly entry-level option.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends Soon. Here Are Your Best Options if You Can’t Upgrade

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive bug fixes, technical support, or security updates. Extended security updates (ESU) will be available for a fee, primarily aimed at businesses and educational institutions, with a consumer version available for one year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Microsoft suggests cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for those unable to upgrade their devices. Some users are opting for third-party security software, such as the 0patch agent, to address security risks associated with using Windows 10 post-support. There are methods to bypass Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checks using tools like Rufus or Registry Editor modifications.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Microsoft confirms when final ever update is coming to your Windows 10 PC — what you need to do next

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The final monthly security update will be released on that date, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10, version 22H2. Users will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, or feature updates after this date. Approximately 42.99% of all PCs currently run Windows 10, which translates to millions of unsupported devices. Users have several options: upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their device meets the requirements, purchase a new PC with Windows 11, pay for an Extended Security Update (ESU) subscription for additional security updates, utilize OneDrive for free additional security updates, or switch to a different operating system like Linux or ChromeOS.