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upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft Issues Four Insider Builds Across Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels
Winsage
April 11, 2026

Microsoft Issues Four Insider Builds Across Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels

Microsoft has released four new preview builds of Windows 11 for the Windows Insider Program across its Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. In the Canary channel, the latest update KB5083824 upgrades systems to Windows 11 build 28020.1812, introducing improvements such as customizable touchpad right-click zone sizes, a smaller peek view for the Drag tray, visibility into Secure Boot certificate status in Windows Security, and design updates in the Feedback Hub. For those in the Canary channel who opted for the 29xxx build series, build 29565.1000 includes underlying platform changes, enhancements to the bubble screensaver for high refresh rate displays, and the same Drag tray, Windows Security, and Feedback Hub improvements. In the Dev channel, users can upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 build 26300.8170 with update KB5083632, while the Beta channel receives update KB5083635, upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 build 26220.8165. Both updates feature storage improvements allowing FAT32 drive formatting up to 2 TB from the command line, corrected Data usage views in Network settings, and the same Windows Security and Feedback Hub enhancements.
Google offers free ChromeOS Flex upgrade for Windows 10 users
Winsage
April 7, 2026

Google offers free ChromeOS Flex upgrade for Windows 10 users

Over 500 million Windows 10 PC owners are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 and may face security vulnerabilities. Google is offering a complimentary upgrade to ChromeOS Flex for these users, along with a reusable USB Kit priced at approximately €3 to facilitate the transition. Support for Windows 10 ended in October 2022, prompting users to either invest in new devices or continue using an outdated system. Microsoft is providing a free extended support update for Windows 10 users until October 2023, but many remain on the unsupported operating system due to slow adoption of Windows 11. Transitioning to ChromeOS Flex can reduce energy consumption by an average of 19% compared to other operating systems, promoting device longevity and reducing electronic waste.
Microsoft now force upgrades unmanaged Windows 11 24H2 PCs
Winsage
April 3, 2026

Microsoft now force upgrades unmanaged Windows 11 24H2 PCs

Microsoft has begun upgrading unmanaged devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions to the latest Windows 11 25H2 version. Support for Windows 11 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026. The 25H2 version rollout started in September and is delivered through compact enablement packages. The update is now available for all unmanaged devices running Windows 11 24H2, and those devices will stop receiving critical updates. Users can manually check for the update or pause it through the settings menu. Microsoft has provided a support document and guide for the upgrade process.
Windows 11 Pro was $199, but now it’s only $10
Winsage
March 20, 2026

Windows 11 Pro was $199, but now it’s only $10

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, leaving users vulnerable to cybersecurity threats due to the lack of security updates. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for .97, a significant discount from its usual price of 9. Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security features such as TPM 2.0, UEFI, BitLocker encryption, and Smart App Control. It includes tools for virtual machines and business networks like Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. The interface has been redesigned with a new Start menu and enhanced snap tools, along with virtual desktops. A built-in AI assistant is included, allowing users to access AI tools without additional fees. The .97 offer is available for a limited time. Prices on StackSocial are subject to change.
Windows 11 keeps forcing unwanted updates with "too many coincidences" — Microsoft's plan or just user error?
Winsage
March 11, 2026

Windows 11 keeps forcing unwanted updates with “too many coincidences” — Microsoft’s plan or just user error?

Windows updates in Windows 11 can be rolled out automatically or manually through the Settings app. Users have reported an increase in unsolicited upgrades to the latest version of Windows, prompting concerns and frustrations directed towards Microsoft. IT expert Günther Born noted "too many coincidences" regarding these updates. Microsoft plans to automatically install the latest feature update (25H2) on older versions that have reached their end of service. Speculation suggests that unwanted upgrades may be linked to Microsoft's enablement packages, which facilitate version transitions. A user reported an automatic upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 while they were away. Disabling TPM 2.0 should theoretically prevent automatic upgrades, but this has proven complex. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 version 24H2 on October 13, 2026, after which users will need to upgrade to version 25H2 for continued security updates.
Did Windows 10 automatically update itself on this user's PC with curiously perfect timing — or was this mid-shower surprise just an honest mistake?
Winsage
March 4, 2026

Did Windows 10 automatically update itself on this user’s PC with curiously perfect timing — or was this mid-shower surprise just an honest mistake?

Microsoft has been encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 since its launch in October 2021, employing tactics such as full-screen pop-up ads. Some users prefer Windows 10 due to its hardware requirements and design issues. A user named 'djseifer' reported that their Windows 10 PC automatically upgraded to Windows 11 while they were away, despite declining previous upgrade prompts. Upon returning, they expressed dissatisfaction with the new interface, particularly the Start menu and centralized taskbar. It is generally understood that Microsoft should not forcibly upgrade a user's operating system without consent, although the user may have inadvertently consented through prior agreements. Users can disable automatic updates to maintain their Windows 10 experience, but this may expose them to security vulnerabilities. Microsoft requires TPM 2.0 for Windows 11, complicating upgrades for unsupported hardware. Windows 10 will still be usable after Microsoft ends support on October 14, 2025, but users will face increased risks from cyber threats. Extended Security Updates (ESU) will provide limited security updates for a time.
Limited-time offer: Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for just $12.97
Winsage
February 27, 2026

Limited-time offer: Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for just $12.97

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. It offers a lifetime license. The operating system features a modern interface, advanced multitasking capabilities, enhanced security features (TPM 2.0, BitLocker, Smart App Control), support for DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming, and a built-in AI assistant called Copilot. Windows 10 is being phased out, making the upgrade timely. It also supports Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and touch-enabled devices.
Don't Buy a Refurbished or Used Windows 10 Computer
Winsage
February 23, 2026

Don’t Buy a Refurbished or Used Windows 10 Computer

The author explored used and refurbished laptops for a testing lab, focusing on budget-friendly options, particularly those running Windows 10. Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, leaving users vulnerable to security risks compared to those using Windows 11. Many Windows 10 devices may not support an upgrade to Windows 11, making them less desirable despite their lower prices. Users are advised to consider the importance of security and check compatibility with Windows 11 before purchasing. Devices manufactured in the last five years are more likely to support the upgrade. Indicators that a computer may not support Windows 11 include being manufactured before 2019, having an older processor, running a version of Windows earlier than 10, or lacking support for Secure Boot, TPM, or UEFI. If a computer is kept offline, the operating system's importance is reduced, but this scenario is rare. The author recommends against purchasing Windows 10 devices, as refurbished Windows 11 models are only slightly more expensive and offer better security.
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