[TriLUG] End Of 10...

[David Burton via TriLUG]

Microsoft blinked... twice.

For years Microsoft has been insisting that they will discontinue support
for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and insisting that they will not allow
people to install Windows 11 on computers which lack the recommended modern
hardware. But in December they "blinked" in their game of chicken, and
posted instructions for how to install Windows 11 on such computers (while
continuing to recommend against do so):
https://web.archive.org/web/20241212193416/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ways-to-install-windows-11-e0edbbfb-cfc5-4011-868b-2ce77ac7c70e

However, in Win11 24H2 they imposed a hard requirement that CPUs
support SSE 4.2 and the POPCNT instruction. Some quite capable older chips,
like the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 (Passmark 2497) which runs my server, do
not support SSE 4.2 and POPCNT.

However, they "blinked" again, a month ago, and offered a free one year
Win10 support extension:
https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/hate-windows-11-and-dont-want-to-upgrade-you-can-now-extend-the-life-of-windows-10-until-october-2026-heres-how
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-windows-10-extended-security-updates-available-using-reward-points/

The downside is that you apparently have to switch your WIndows login from
a local account to a Microsoft account, and use it to sync your data with
OneDrive.

And they also offer a $30/year paid extended support option for up to three
years:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates

There's also apparently the option to install Windows Enterprise 10 LTSC /
LTSB, which has reduced functionality, but extended support for several
additional years:
https://massgrave.dev/windows10_eol

I asked CoPilot how its functionality differs from regular Win10 and it
replied that it lacks Cortana or bundled games (who cares?), and the
Microsoft Store. It also said, "LTSC is not recommended for general desktop
use, according to Microsoft, because it lacks compatibility with evolving
app ecosystems."
It also requires a paid license, which lists for $100, but these guys are
selling licenses for $16:
https://keysexperts.com/product/windows-10-enterprise-iot-ltsc-2021/
Support for the IoT version ends Jan 13, 2032. CoPilot says that long
support time is "IoT only," so don't get the non-IoT version.

Dave



On Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 4:28 PM James Toebes via TriLUG <trilug at trilug.org>
wrote:

> I setup a web page (Minimalist) that can be shared.  There is a link on
> the bottom for a PDF flyer if you want to print/share
>
> https://james.toebesacademy.com/EndOf10/EndOf10.html
>
> I am going to try using my Nextcloud serverto organize plans.  Never
> tried doing something like this on there before so will see how it goes.
>
> https://nextcloud.toebesacademy.com/index.php/call/9wbxf7gv
>
> Password: TriLug
>
> On 2025-08-20 2:48 am, Greg Brown wrote:
>
> > I am interested in volunteering.
> >
> > Greg Brown
> > Cary, NC (technically Raleigh, right on the imaginary line)
> >
> > On Sun, Jun 22, 2025, 7:52 PM James Toebes via TriLUG
> > <trilug at trilug.org> wrote:
> >
> >> I have had people asking about what machine they should buy to replace
> >> their Windows 10 machine that is not supported.
> >>
> >> I do not like seeing perfectly good machines go to waste.
> >>
> >> Seeing things like https://endof10.org/ has inspired me to see if I
> >> can
> >> get an option together.
> >>
> >> I am talking with my Church about hosting an event in the Wake Forest
> >> area.   The basic plan is to provide a brief intro to linux.  After
> >> that I would like to help people either load Linux on their machine or
> >> on a thumb drive to take with them.
> >>
> >> Looking at several distros,  I am thinking of using Linux Mint since
> >> it
> >> supports a large variety of hardware,  not snap/flatpack heavy.  And
> >> easy for them to find support for.
> >>
> >> I would like to advertise it a bit.  Request they bring either their
> >> computer or laptop so it can be configured.  Hoping to have something
> >> either Aug or Sept.   I do not think I can handle a large response on
> >> my own.
> >>
> >> If this is to happen,  I am looking for a few volunteers to help.
> >> 1. Someone to help with planning/organizing the event.
> >> 2. People to help with install
> >> 3. Recommended support options to help people post install.
> >>
> >> If anyone is interested in helping,  please let me know.
> >> --
> >> This message was sent to: Greg Brown <gwbrown1 at gmail.com>
> >> To unsubscribe, send a blank message to trilug-leave at trilug.org from
> >> that address.
> >> TriLUG mailing list : https://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/trilug
> >> Unsubscribe or edit options on the web  :
> >> https://www.trilug.org/mailman/options/trilug/gwbrown1%40gmail.com
> >> Welcome to TriLUG: https://trilug.org/welcome
> --
> This message was sent to: Dave Burton <ncdave4life at gmail.com>
> To unsubscribe, send a blank message to trilug-leave at trilug.org from that
> address.
> TriLUG mailing list : https://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/trilug
> Unsubscribe or edit options on the web  :
> https://www.trilug.org/mailman/options/trilug/ncdave4life%40gmail.com
> Welcome to TriLUG: https://trilug.org/welcome