Windows 10: Microsoft suggests to trade your PC or recycle it in "end of support for Windows 10" emails

Microsoft is sending out emails to customers who still run the Windows 10 operating system to inform them that support for Windows 10 is ending later this year.

The email begins harmlessly enough: "End of support for Windows 10 is approaching" is displayed in big letters at the top of the email. Below is a button to check the eligibility for an upgrade to Windows 10 and an ad to explore new computers.

A short frequently asked questions section is displayed next. Microsoft answers some questions that customers may have, but as you will see later, omits vital information.

What does this mean for me


Windows 10 end of support email. Source: Bob Pony

First, Microsoft offers an answer to the question that most customers may have on their mind after receiving the email: "What does this mean for me". According to Microsoft, it means that "after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10".

This is technically correct. Note the use of the word "free" in the answer. What Microsoft does not reveal is that customers may extend support by a year through extended security updates, short ESU. Microsoft confirmed that these are available for consumers and businesses this time. The previous extension for Windows 7 was only available for businesses. Consumers may extend support by a year for 30 Dollars, while businesses may extend support by up to three years.

There is also a way to enable ESU on systems for longer and without paying, and an option to subscribe to 0Patch security updates for Windows 10. The latter is also available for around 30 Dollar per year, but 0Patch guarantees support until at least 2030.

What can I do with my old computer


The next question, "What can I do with my old computer", suggests two things: trade it in or recycle it. Both lead to the purchase of a new PC, likely with Windows. Windows 10 users do have more options. Staying on Windows 10 without updates is one of them, but not suggested. There is the option to upgrade to Windows 11, even if the computer's hardware is not compatible. This should work for most PCs that were assembled in the past decade.

Another option is to switch to Linux, a free operating system that is available even for older systems. While that means a bit of work, as data needs to be migrated and Linux installed, it is a viable option for some users who do not want to buy a new PC or can't afford it.

The remaining questions


The third question confirms that Microsoft won't block users from using their Windows 10 PCs, even after support ended. That is reassuring. The final question claims that Windows 11 is more secure than Windows 10.

Closing Words


Microsoft wants customers to buy new PCs with Windows 11, preferably Copilot+ PCs. The next best thing in the eyes of Microsoft is an upgraded PC. All other options are not mentioned by Microsoft, but that does not mean that they do not exist.

Now it is your turn. Did you receive an email by Microsoft about Windows 10's end of support? Or do you run Windows 11 or another operating system already?

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft suggests to trade your PC or recycle it in "end of support for Windows 10" emails appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

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Microsoft Botches Up UEFI Support for Windows 7 on ASUS Motherboards



Microsoft suggests updating to Windows 10 to patch Windows 7

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• Chris Merriman
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  @ChrisTheDJ
• 05 May 2016

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MICROSOFT HAS confirmed a potentially lappy-borking problem that it won't be fixing, because Windows 7.

Woody Leonhard, the respected Windows columnist, points to a problem involving Asus motherboards, which also appear rebadged in a variety of other manufacturers' machines, and the activation of UEFI Secure Boot for Windows 7 in a patch KB3133977.

Short version: install update, welcome to Borksville, population you.

Both Asus and Microsoft acknowledged the problem. Microsoft entitled the article "BitLocker can't encrypt drives because of service crashes in svchost.exe process in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2", but we prefer to just call it "Trevor for brevity."

The firm's advice was that it's an optional update, leave well alone, you'll be fine, or alternatively turn secure boot off.

Then Microsoft did a silly, silly thing.

It moved the update from 'optional' to 'recommended' and anyone who reads this site regularly will know what happens when Microsoft does this. That's right boys and girls - it makes it automatically install, unless you've specifically told your machine not to.

So now, if you have one of the affected motherboard and you keep your security updates automatic like wot Microsoft recommends, then your machine will stop working properly.

We should add it's not permanently bricked, but it will take some mucking about in the BIOS to fix and that's a pain even for an experienced computer user.

Microsoft has, by offering a workaround, suggested heavily that it won't be fixing the problem, though we have asked the question, so expect a response in about a fortnight.

But the real kicker is this piece of advice: "Note The Secure Boot feature is supported in Windows 10. To learn more about the security advantages of this feature and about the upgrade path from Windows 7 to Windows 10, go to the following Windows website"

Holy toledo, this company really knows how to rub people up the wrong way.

After all - if the advice is to manually avoid the update or move to a version of the operating system where there's virtually no control over updates, then Microsoft is dealing in massive contradictions.

A more cynical site would suggest that it's yet another example of Microsoft running Windows 7 into the ground and adding built in obsolescence to encourage quicker updates. But we're not that sort of site.

Its the patching to force secure boot that is the problem win 7 does not support secure boot
hence it borks systems and well microsofts answer is Cactus >your Asshole > insert

from the inquirer

 

Microsoft signals end of Paint program

Microsoft has confirmed that it will continue to offer its graphics program Paint.

In a recent update, it had listed Paint as a feature that would be either removed or no longer developed.

Paint, renowned for its simplicity, has been part of the Windows operating system since its launch in 1985.

Microsoft suggested it would not remain on Windows 10 by default but did say it would be available for free on the Windows Store.

BBC news Report here
Microsoft Paint avoids brush with death

 

How to delete suggested email addresses in Windows 10 APP 2023

There are tons of suggested email addresses that show up in a drop down menu when I am starting to type an email address into the "To:" field, when composing a new email, in Windows 10 app. They are not listed on my contacts. How can I delete these so that only the ones I use often show up? Redirecting.
This thread is obsolete, and the steps DO NOT apply.

When following step 1) you begin typing the email address to have the suggested emails pop up - and you cannot right click, select, open contact properties at all.

When following step 2) This step is entirely ignorant of the fact that these "suggested" emails that pop up - are NOT in the contacts list.

Can someone please explain how to remove this woefully annoying "Suggested" contact, with a current method, please?