upgrade path

Winsage
July 15, 2025
Microsoft will stop delivering new features for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 starting in August 2026, while continuing to provide security updates until October 2028. Users on the Current Channel will be the first affected, followed by those on the Monthly and Semi-Annual Enterprise Channels in October 2026 and January 2027, respectively. After these dates, all Windows 10 devices will only receive essential security patches. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which will have exclusive new features, while Windows 10 will remain secure but stagnant. Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, after which users will need to pay for Extended Security Updates.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in user adoption, with a market share of 52 percent compared to Windows 10's 44.59 percent, according to Stat Counter data. Windows 11 is currently in use on over 400 million devices, taking two years to reach this milestone, while Windows 10 achieved it in one year. The slower adoption of Windows 11 is attributed to its stringent hardware requirements. Microsoft will offer a complimentary year of security updates for users who enable Windows Backup and sync their Documents folder to OneDrive, while others can pay a fee or use Microsoft Reward points for the same benefit. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14th.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
Microsoft has a long-standing support policy for its Windows operating systems, committing to a ten-year lifecycle for each new commercial release, which includes five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. The introduction of Windows 11 in 2021 disrupted this tradition by imposing stringent hardware requirements, rendering many relatively new PCs incompatible with the new operating system. Approximately 50% of Windows 10 users may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, affecting hundreds of millions of PCs. Microsoft has opted to profit from Extended Security Updates for corporate environments while individual consumers and small businesses face limited support options. The company's decision to impose these hardware requirements has raised concerns about its commitment to customer satisfaction and the value placed on individual users compared to enterprise customers.
Winsage
June 26, 2025
Organizations must transition to Windows 11 Pro by October 14, 2025, as Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. The upgrade is complimentary for eligible Windows 10 devices, but compatible hardware is necessary to utilize enhanced security and performance features. Windows 11 Pro PCs include built-in security tools like Windows Hello, BitLocker encryption, and TPM 2.0. Windows AI PCs feature intelligent tools like Windows Copilot for improved efficiency, while Copilot+ PCs, launching in mid-2024, will have dedicated AI processors for advanced capabilities. Security features such as Secure Boot, Virtualization-Based Security, and BitLocker encryption are integral to Windows 11 Pro devices, mitigating risks of malware and unauthorized access. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro enhances device stability and aligns with sustainability goals through energy-efficient designs.
Winsage
June 13, 2025
The Document Foundation (TDF) is advocating for users to transition from Windows 10 to Linux, emphasizing its benefits as a free and open operating system. The deadline for Windows 10 support is October 14, 2025. TDF argues that users are not required to upgrade to Windows 11, which has new hardware requirements that may make many existing PCs obsolete. TDF promotes Linux and LibreOffice as a privacy-centric alternative that allows users to maintain their current hardware while accessing a suite of applications. Other Linux advocates, including KDE, have criticized Microsoft for its subscription model. Transitioning to Linux may be challenging for less tech-savvy users due to the learning curve and potential software compatibility issues. TDF suggests testing Linux on secondary partitions, but acknowledges that this may be difficult for some users.
AppWizard
June 7, 2025
Sega has released a trailer for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds during the Summer Game Fest 2025, featuring guest characters like Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5, Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza, and Steve and Alex from Minecraft. The game will have a higher price for PC and current-gen console versions, but a paid upgrade path will be available for Nintendo Switch owners. The Steam page confirms that Minecraft characters will be included in the Season Pass, with each DLC pack introducing two new characters and one special pack featuring four characters. A Sonic Prime pack will launch with variants of Knuckles, Tails, and Amy. The Digital Deluxe version will be priced at a premium for dedicated fans. Sega has not confirmed characters from SpongeBob SquarePants or other Nickelodeon franchises, although rumors suggest they may be included in future DLC.
Winsage
May 8, 2025
Raymond Chen discussed the moricons.dll file on his blog, highlighting its significance in the Windows operating system. The file, sized at 12,288 bytes, contains icons from the Windows 3.1 era, including those for Turbo Pascal, Quattro Pro, WordPerfect, Lotus 123, and cc:Mail. Originally, icons were stored in progman.exe, but as their collection grew, they were moved to moricons.dll for better organization. This library has persisted through various Windows upgrades, evolving from Program Manager icons to shortcut files in Windows 95. Despite the transition to 64-bit Windows, which no longer supports MS-DOS programs, moricons.dll has survived, suggesting that some users may still find value in these nostalgic icons.
Winsage
May 7, 2025
Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users whose hardware does not meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11 have alternatives, such as transitioning to Linux. The End of 10 initiative encourages Windows 10 users to consider Linux as a way to rejuvenate their existing hardware, especially for those with machines not primarily used for gaming. To upgrade to Windows 11, users need a processor from Intel's 8th generation or AMD's Ryzen 2000 series at a minimum. The End of 10 website provides resources for users hesitant about installing Linux and addresses concerns about electronic waste, highlighting that 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2022, with projections of 82 million tonnes by 2030.
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