waste Archives

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft’s big lie: Your computer is fine (and you don’t need to buy a new one)

Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, despite it being the most widely used version of the operating system, with a market share of 52.94%. Windows 11, which has stricter installation requirements, is being promoted as the necessary upgrade, leaving many users feeling pressured to transition or risk their computers becoming non-functional. The upgrade prompts lack a "Never show again" option, which has raised concerns about user trust. Microsoft’s push for new hardware contributes to the growing issue of electronic waste. Alternatives for users include Linux Mint, which is user-friendly and can run on older hardware, and methods to bypass Windows 11's installation requirements. Tools like Windows 11 Debloat and O&O ShutUp can help users regain control over their systems.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

With 114 days left until Windows 10 support is ditched, Windows 11 enjoys a last-minute surge in upgrades

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Ready to ditch Windows? ‘End of 10’ makes converting your PC to Linux easier than ever

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft's strategy encourages users to buy new computers. Linux is recognized for its speed and security. The End of 10 campaign provides resources and support for users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux, offering links to local PC shops and user groups. The campaign outlines five reasons to consider upgrading to Linux: cost-effectiveness, lack of intrusive ads or privacy concerns, environmentally friendly options, community support, and enhanced user control. End of 10 maintains a calendar of events for user support across various countries and is supported by a group of contributors. Public communication channels are available, and the initiative encourages collaboration with Free and Open Source Software communities.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

How to neutralize corrupted items in FBC: Firebreak

The Black Rock Neutralizer is a special weapon in FBC: Firebreak essential for neutralizing corrupted items that complicate gameplay. Players can typically find it at ammo collection points or in safe rooms, which require unlocking. It fires stones to destroy corrupted items, rewarding players with samples. The weapon has limited ammo that cannot be replenished, so it should not be used on regular enemies. If players run out of ammo, they will have to deal with the corrupted modifiers without the weapon's help.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

‘End of 10’ offers hope and support to Windows 10 users who can’t upgrade their PCs

Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. Microsoft encourages users to purchase new hardware, while the End of 10 campaign proposes transitioning to Linux as an alternative. The campaign provides resources for users, including links to local PC shops and user groups, a guide on installing Linux, and a calendar of events for assistance. The initiative emphasizes cost-effective solutions, lack of intrusive ads or data tracking, environmental friendliness, community support, and user control. It is supported by a collaborative group dedicated to helping Windows 10 users navigate their options.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Microsoft threatens Windows 10 users to upgrade to be on the “right side of risk”

Microsoft is intensifying its campaign to encourage users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 ahead of the October 2025 end of support deadline. A recent advertisement emphasizes the urgency of upgrading, particularly for systems with Intel processors. Windows 11 has been available for nearly five years, but its transition has faced challenges due to Microsoft's requirement for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware, which many existing PCs do not meet. While Microsoft offers an extended support program for Windows 10, it is costly, leading to concerns among users. Experts warn that the end of Windows 10 support could make 240 million PCs obsolete, increasing electronic waste. Additionally, Qualcomm has launched ads promoting its Snapdragon X processors, highlighting performance advantages over Intel chips, particularly when devices are not plugged in. The new Windows ad positions Intel vPro as a strong option for consumers considering new PCs amidst this competitive landscape.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Don’t toss your Windows 10 PC! Try switching to Plasma instead

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 at midnight on October 14th, ending new features, security updates, and app compatibility. In response, Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or recycle their devices. Many users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints or preference for their current system. KDE has launched the KDE for Windows 10 Exiles campaign, promoting Linux as an alternative for those unable to upgrade. The campaign highlights KDE Plasma, a user-friendly interface compatible with various Linux distributions like OpenSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, and Kubuntu. Users can install OpenSUSE with Plasma to revitalize their machines, and resources are available to help extend the life of Windows 10 PCs after support ends.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

One of Linux’s big hitters declares your Windows 10 PC “is toast,” and one angle needs talking about MUCH more

The end of life for Windows 10 is prompting discussions about alternatives, particularly Linux, as users consider their options. KDE, a key player in the Linux ecosystem, encourages users with obsolete Windows 10 devices not to discard them but to consider repurposing them with Linux, which can extend the lifespan of older PCs and reduce electronic waste. Many functional PCs, even those over a decade old, can run alternative systems like Linux or Chrome OS Flex efficiently. KDE's initiative highlights that Linux can revitalize old machines, promoting sustainability in the face of potential e-waste accumulation from Microsoft's push for new hardware.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

Microsoft accused of ‘tech extortion’ over Windows 10 support ending in campaign to get people to upgrade to Linux

KDE has launched a campaign called ‘KDE for Windows 10 Exiles’ to encourage Windows 10 users to switch to Linux as support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14. The campaign warns that without updates, users will face increased security risks and be pressured to buy new hardware for Windows 11, which has stringent requirements that may render older PCs incompatible. The initiative also highlights environmental concerns related to electronic waste from discarded functioning machines. While Linux can extend the life of older hardware, transitioning to it may be challenging for less tech-savvy users. Some KDE contributors are involved in the existing ‘End of 10’ initiative, indicating a shared goal to attract users dissatisfied with Microsoft’s practices.

Winsage

June 4, 2025

KDE opens its doors to “Windows 10 exiles” as it claims Microsoft wants to turn your computer “into junk”

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, leaving users vulnerable to bugs and security threats. Users have options to upgrade to Windows 11, invest in new hardware, or switch to alternative operating systems like Linux. The KDE group is promoting Linux, particularly Linux Mint, as a solution for those feeling abandoned by Microsoft, warning that users may face issues such as data breaches and inability to run new applications without updates. They also highlight the environmental impact of forced upgrades, labeling it "tech extortion." KDE advocates for the adoption of Linux to revitalize older hardware and regain control over computing experiences.