Windows transition Archives

Winsage

November 26, 2025

How to make your ATMs Windows 11 ready

ATM operators are facing challenges in transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as support for Windows 10 ends. Many ATMs currently operate on various versions of Windows 10 IoT LTSC, including 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021, each with different support lifecycles and upgrade paths. The most urgent concern is the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC/LTSB 2015, which will lose support on October 14, 2025. The readiness of ATM manufacturers for Windows 11 varies; Diebold Nixdorf and Hyosung have announced their support, while NCR Atleos has not provided public information on its plans. Effective migration to Windows 11 requires thorough planning and testing, as manual testing processes may be inefficient. Utilizing virtualization and automation can enhance testing capabilities, allowing for concurrent testing of multiple OS versions, automated regression testing, and remote access to testing environments. Advanced tools like VirtualATM can help organizations manage the upgrade process more effectively.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

PC shipments rise nearly 10% in Q3 2025 ahead of Windows 10 end-of-support

Global PC shipments increased nearly 10% year-on-year in Q3 2025, totaling 75.8 million units, according to IDC, while Omdia reported 72 million units and a 6.8% growth. The transition to Windows 11, driven by the end of Windows 10 support on October 14, has prompted users to upgrade their hardware. However, many users still operate on Windows 10 or outdated hardware, with only 39% of PC channel partners reporting that most customers have upgraded. Japan and China are leading in growth due to large-scale refresh initiatives, while North America is experiencing subdued momentum due to economic uncertainty. Lenovo shipped 19.4 million units, HP 15 million, and Apple saw a 13.7% increase in shipments. The introduction of new chipsets is fueling competition in the high-performance market, leading to the emergence of the "AI PC" phase, which aims to integrate AI capabilities directly into devices.

Winsage

October 3, 2025

How to switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint

Windows 10 support is ending, prompting users to consider alternatives like Linux Mint, which is compatible with PCs running Windows 10 and allows exploration without altering the existing setup. To switch to Linux Mint, users need a Windows PC, internet connection, and a USB stick or DVD-RW with at least 4GB of storage, with an estimated installation time of about 2 hours. Users should back up important files before installation and may need to disable Windows Fast Startup, BitLocker, and Secure Boot for a smoother transition. Linux Mint requires 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended) and 20GB of disk space (100GB recommended), and it can run on older machines. Most modern hardware is compatible with Linux, and many cloud-based applications like Microsoft 365 work on Linux. Users can test Mint in a live session before installation to check hardware compatibility.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Can’t (or won’t) upgrade to Windows 11, but afraid to switch from Windows 10 to Linux? This app might make the transition easy

A migration tool named Operese is in development to assist users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux. It allows the transfer of files, settings, and installed applications. Currently, it supports only one Linux distribution, Kubuntu, but there are plans to expand compatibility to other distributions in the future. The developer, TechnoPorg, aims to complete the tool by October, coinciding with Windows 10's End of Life. There are uncertainties regarding the transfer of applications due to compatibility issues with Linux. The project may become open source to enhance security and community collaboration. Windows 10 users can extend support for an additional year through the Windows Backup app.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

SMEs need channel help moving off Windows 10

71% of IT decision-makers view the transition to Windows 11 as an opportunity to enhance PC infrastructure. 64% of UK decision-makers consider the ability to run AI applications as critical for their organizations. Currently, 20% of customers have not started transitioning from Windows 10, 25% have completed the migration, and 44% are working towards the October end-of-life support deadline. Small firms are particularly lagging in this transition. Analysts predict a global PC market growth of 5.8% in 2025, with total shipments expected to reach 272 million units, following a 9% growth in Q1 and a 7.4% year-on-year improvement in Q2.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

Windows 10 End of Support: Should Developers Be Concerned?

Developers using older machines may struggle as Windows 10 approaches its end of support, with many unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. Microsoft encourages upgrades but acknowledges the challenges posed by older systems. While some users can still perform daily tasks on Windows 10, workarounds exist for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. The conversation around transitioning to Linux has gained traction, with user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint offering alternatives that can run alongside Windows. Users can explore various platforms, as many services now operate seamlessly across different systems. For those sticking with Windows 10, Extended Security Updates are available but come with risks of security vulnerabilities. Users with older machines face several choices: hack the system, invest in new hardware, explore Linux, pay for updates, or ignore the warnings.