Windows 10 expires today. These options can keep your PC safe

Windows 10 expires today. These options can keep your PC safe

Windows 10’s end of support date finally lands today. Microsoft is making sure the still-large number of active Windows 10 users are aware of their options to keep their PC secure. Last month, the company published a “30-day reminder” that Windows 10 version 22H2 (including Enterprise and Education Editions) will reach the end of its support period on October 14th, 2025: 30-Day Reminder: Windows 10, version 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025 On October 14, 2025, Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions) will reach end of servicing. October 14, 2025 will also mark the end of support for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. The October 2025 monthly security update will be the last update available for these versions. After this date, devices running these versions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats. However, Microsoft also wants Windows home users to know that there’s the opportunity to receive extended support for another 12 months with Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program . All in all, if you’re still actively using Windows 10, the deadline is almost here. What should you do? Here are all your options: Extend Windows 10’s support period Windows 10 users have three ways to continue receiving security updates for their operating system for another year: Method #1: Activate Windows backup (free). This will synchronize your Windows settings to the cloud, with OneDrive serving as the cloud storage service. You’ll need a Microsoft account for this. Free OneDrive accounts get 5GB of storage space. Method #2: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (“free”). After enrolling in Microsoft’s free Rewards program, you can earn points for things like using Bing Search, shopping on the Microsoft Store, using the Edge browser, and completing quests on the Xbox platform. You’ll need a Microsoft account for this. Method #3: Pay $30 to extend the support period. This option is available in non-US countries, but pricing may vary. Separate from these methods is another unofficial method that involves using a free tool called UpDownTool to put yourself on a special version of Windows 10 that’ll keep getting security updates until 2032. The only catch is that it’s Windows 10 LTSC 2021. Upgrade to Windows 11 Microsoft’s favored solution is, of course, for you to start using Windows 11 either by upgrading your existing Windows 10 PC or buying a new PC with Windows 11 already loaded on it. If you choose this route, there are some caveats to note. For instance, some PCs just aren’t eligible for Windows 11 . There are also lots of differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 , which may or may not be deal-breakers for you. Fortunately, while upgrading to Windows 11 is a big step, it might be a lot easier than you think . If you end up going with Windows 11, make sure to read our articles on Windows 11 settings that should always be changed and free apps that make Windows 11 feel like Windows 10 . Switch to Linux or Chromebook If you absolutely love Windows 10 and can’t stomach the idea of migrating to Windows 11, you might take this opportunity to switch out of the Windows ecosystem altogether. To switch to Linux, you can try something like Plasma KDE , which is trying to cater to Windows 10 switchers. There are other Linux distros for Windows users as well, including the popular ones Linux Mint, Zorin OS, and Wubuntu. If you’re going this route, see our guide on how to switch from Windows 10 to Linux smoothly and our favorite Linux apps for Windows switchers . Alternatively, if your Windows 10 needs are simple and straightforward, you might opt for using Chromebooks instead . If you’re reluctant, make sure you read our breakdown of common Chromebook myths and misconceptions that aren’t true . To get started, check out our roundup of the best Chromebooks worth getting .

11 things I love (and loathe) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10

11 things I love (and loathe) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10

It’s easy to get nostalgic when things change. When a new version of Windows comes out, for example, many people declare how much better its predecessor was, and now that Windows 10 is going the way of the dodo, a wave of nostalgia is washing over the tech world. The question is: Is Windows 10 really better than 11? I myself switched to Windows 11 when it launched back in 2021. So to find out the difference, I pulled out my old Windows 10 computer and ran it for a week. The test made me realize how much better Windows has actually become—and going back to Windows 10 was unexpectedly painful. Here are my key lessons learned. Also read: Windows 10 is coming to an end – here are your options Things you’ll love Windows Explorer Microsoft The tool we use to manage files and folders on the computer is much better in Windows 11. In particular, I appreciate that Explorer now has tabs, just like in the browser. The overview is clearer and it’s easier to copy and move files. Going back to the old Explorer is driving me crazy. The settings menu The settings menu in Windows 11 is also much faster and smoother than in 10. It’s both easier to find and navigate. Windows screen recorder As a journalist, I often take screenshots, and the Screen Capture tool is much better in Windows 11. In particular, it’s handy to be able to film what’s on the screen. Doing the same thing in Windows 10 is much more complicated. OCR get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro Price When Reviewed: 69,99 Euro Best Prices Today: 49,99 € at PC-WELT Software-Shop – Windows 11 Home | 69,99 € at PC-WELT Software-Shop – Windows 11 Pro Sometimes the text displayed on the screen cannot be selected and copied. In Windows 11 this is not a problem, just open the Snipping Tool and press Text Actions and the text becomes editable—without any complicated extra programs. OCR (Optical Character Recognition), the feature that automatically converts images to text, is built into Windows 11 in much better way than Windows 10. The apps Windows 11 includes powerful free tools like Clipchamp (video), Copilot (AI) and Photos (pictures). While you can currently install them on your own on Windows 10, as the apps continue to evolve for Windows 11, we’ll see more differences between versions. The speed You can’t blame Windows 10 for my old computer feeling very slow, but if Microsoft’s own figures are to be believed, Windows 11 is up to 2.3 times faster than 10. Windows Security I didn’t notice the biggest advantage of Windows 11 during my test, but it’s still an important reason to switch. The system is much more secure and better protects both your private information and the computer system. Ed Hardie / Unsplash Things you’ll hate Of course, there are things that have become worse too. This also became clear during my test. Fortunately, PCWorld has guides available that fix our worst Windows 11 gripes. Surveillance The big downside is that Microsoft is getting more and more aggressive about surveillance and personalized advertising—right in Windows. It has also become increasingly difficult to run Windows without logging in with your Microsoft account. Further reading: Stop Windows 11’s most intrusive ads with these 9 easy tweaks The Start menu Microsoft’s move of the Start button from the bottom left corner to floating around definitely doesn’t sit well with me—but fortunately it’s easy to change . The right-click context menu That tiny “show more options” button hides a lot more contextual info — and this is a fairly streamlined version of Windows 11’s new right-click menu. It’s much worse in many circumstances. Microsoft Even Explorer’s right-click menu has become extremely cluttered since Microsoft split it into two parts in Windows 11, with power options nestled deep into sub-menus within the sub-menu. Ugh. Unlike much else in the interface, this feels anything but well thought out. The death of Windows 10 There is also reason to criticize the move to Windows 11 itself. It’s simply outrageous that Microsoft is removing security updates to Windows 10 when it’s still used on almost half of all computers. However, after a week with Windows 10, it feels clear that Windows 11 is both smoother to use and more powerful than its predecessors. Now I’m looking forward to putting my old computer in the closet where it belongs and switching back to a modern operating system. Further reading: I’m sticking with Windows 10 even after it dies in October. Here’s how

The Next Dissidia Final Fantasy Game Is Set In Modern-Day Tokyo

The Next Dissidia Final Fantasy Game Is Set In Modern-Day Tokyo

Square Enix has announced a new entry in its Dissidia Final Fantasy series, and it has a surprising premise. The game, which is coming to mobile devices next year, still features a who's who of Final Fantasy protagonists but unfolds in the modern day. Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy is set in current-day Tokyo, albeit a version that has a giant crystal at its center. This crystal appeared in the city some time ago, but by the time the game begins, the population has already adapted to its strange presence. That is, a negative energy pollutes the crystal, causing monsters to pour out of it and invade the city. These creatures aren’t the only things to emerge; warriors hailing from various Final Fantasy games also arrive to save the day. But when they’re not fighting monsters, characters like Cloud and Lightning have assimilated into society and live ordinary lives (which includes wearing contemporary clothing) until they’re needed again, almost like they’re superheroes. In addition to a main story, which is fully voiced in Japanese, players will witness the daily lives of these FF heroes in short episodes. That includes text chats featuring characters such as Terra sharing their new outfits for other characters, like Warrior of Light, to comment on. Gameplay-wise, Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy features 3v3 team boss battles as two teams race to defeat a giant boss the fastest, all while battling e roaming monsters along the way. As a mobile game, Dissidia's third-person action is designed to be played using only one hand. While the trailer teases that a much larger roster will be revealed over time, the currently confirmed characters are: Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy) Kain Highwind (Final Fantasy IV) Krile Mayer Baldesion (Final Fantasy V) Terra Branford (Final Fantasy VI) Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII) Rinoa Heartilly (Final Fantasy VIII) Zidane Tribal (Final Fantasy IX) Lightning (Final Fantasy XIII) Gaia (Final Fantasy XIV) Prompto Argentum (Final Fantasy XV) Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy is certainly intriguing, and its contemporary setting is not unlike what we've seen of the upcoming Kingdom Hearts IV . Dissidia is launching in 2026 for iOS and Android. Players can sign up to participate in a closed beta test that begins on November 6 and ends on November 14. Meanwhile, be sure to check out our reviews of the original Dissidia Final Fantasy , its sequel Dissidia 012 , and Dissidia Final Fantasy NT .

Apple Seeds Third Public Betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1

Apple Seeds Third Public Betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1

Apple today provided public beta testers with the third releases of upcoming iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1 and watchOS 26.1 updates for testing purposes. Apple seeded the betas to developers earlier this week. After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device. iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 expand Apple Intelligence to new languages, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese. AirPods Live Translation is also available in Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese (both Mandarin Traditional and Simplified) in iOS 26 . There are a few other minor changes to apps like Photos , Music, the Apple TV app, and Phone, with details available in our iOS 26.1 features guide . Related Roundups: iOS 26 , iPadOS 26 Related Forum: iOS 26 This article, " Apple Seeds Third Public Betas of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Nexperia says China banned it from exporting China-made products, as Beijing hits back at the Dutch government for taking over the Wingtech-owned chipmaker (Sarah Jacob/Bloomberg)

Nexperia says China banned it from exporting China-made products, as Beijing hits back at the Dutch government for taking over the Wingtech-owned chipmaker (Sarah Jacob/Bloomberg)

Sarah Jacob / Bloomberg : Nexperia says China banned it from exporting China-made products, as Beijing hits back at the Dutch government for taking over the Wingtech-owned chipmaker —  Chipmaker Nexperia says it's been banned from exporting products it makes in China as Beijing hits back at the Dutch government for taking over the management of the company.

Google plans to invest $9B in South Carolina through 2027 to scale up its Berkeley County data center campus and support building two sites in Dorchester County (Kimberley Kao/Wall Street Journal)

Google plans to invest $9B in South Carolina through 2027 to scale up its Berkeley County data center campus and support building two sites in Dorchester County (Kimberley Kao/Wall Street Journal)

Kimberley Kao / Wall Street Journal : Google plans to invest $9B in South Carolina through 2027 to scale up its Berkeley County data center campus and support building two sites in Dorchester County —  Investment will also go toward supporting construction, energy affordability, workforce training programs in South Carolina

Apple @ Work Podcast: Apple now makes up 63% of enterprise endpoints

Apple @ Work Podcast: Apple now makes up 63% of enterprise endpoints

Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle , the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple . In this episode of Apple @ Work, Chris Chapman from MacStadium joins the show to discuss their recent CIO survey , which reveals that Apple now accounts for 63% of enterprise endpoints. more…