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Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates: Here's What to Do

Microsoft is sunsetting Windows 10 support on Oct. 14, and stopping all updates to the OS. If you aren't able to update to Windows 11, you still have options. For $30 you can grab a year of extended-security updates. There is also a free option available, provided you're willing to enable cloud backup and connect it to your OneDrive account. The ability to get free updates on Windows 10 is a pretty big deal because it is still the most widely used Windows OS, accounting for just over 53% of ins

Microsoft’s new Xbox mode on Windows has leaked for any handheld

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Microsoft is getting ready to launch its Xbox full-screen experience on the new Xbox Ally devices next month, but it looks like you won’t need new hardware to get it. Windows enthusiasts have discovered a way to enable this new Xbox mode early in Windows 11, thanks to the latest 25H2 update

Microsoft Paint is getting its own Photoshop-like project files

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Microsoft has been steadily improving its Paint app for Windows 11 in recent years with a dark mode, transparency and layers, and even AI-powered image creation. Now, Microsoft is adding two new Photoshop-like features to Paint. You’ll soon be able to save your Paint creations as a project

Consumer Reports calls Microsoft 'hypocritical' for stranding millions of Windows 10 PCs

picture alliance/Contributor/picture alliance via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways CR says that Windows 10's end of support will strand millions of PC owners. It calls Microsoft's actions "hypocritical" and cites national security concerns. CR also calls for continued free security updates. Consumer Reports (CR), the venerable consumer rights organization known for its in-depth product testing, sent a letter to Microsoft CEO Satya N

From ClickFix to MetaStealer: Dissecting Evolving Threat Actor Techniques

By John Hammond, Alden Schmidt, Lindsey Welch During the past fifteen business days, Huntress analysts have observed increased threat activity involving several notable techniques. One case involved a malicious AnyDesk installer, which initially mimicked a standard ClickFix attack through a fake Cloudflare verification page but then utilized Windows File Explorer and an MSI package masked as a PDF to deploy MetaStealer malware. Additionally, two incidents involving the Cephalus ransomware vari

You can run a Google search directly in Windows now - no browser needed

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways You can now run a Google search directly in Windows. The new Google app for Windows works in Windows 10 and 11. Google Lens is integrated, so you can search on selected text and images. If you're like me, you probably head to Google's search engine on the web several times a day to get information on specific topics. But if you're working in Windows, that means you have to stop wha

How much RAM do you really need in 2025? I broke it down for Mac and Windows users

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways RAM allows computers run fast and optimally. 16GB is now the standard for PCs and laptops. Heavy users may need more RAM. Know when to upgrade. I used to struggle when shopping for a new computer. Over time, I learned to narrow things down to what I call the "performance trifecta" -- three main components you should be mindful of when buying a laptop or desktop: processor, storage drive, and RAM. Th

How to easily switch your PC from Windows to Linux Mint - for free

sjvn Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. The clock is ticking on Windows 10. But what about if you've looked at Windows 11 and you hate it? And what about if you're tired of an operating system that Senator Ron Wyden called guilty of "gross cybersecurity negligence?" So, why not switch from Windows to an easy-to-use Linux distro? There are many Linux desktops you could try, but I recommend Linux Mint. It's not only a great distribution, but it's the one I use every day, and

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user try - for free

LibreOffice / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways If Windows is your OS of choice, consider these open-source apps. There are tons of open-source apps for just about any task. These are all free to install and use on Windows. I've been using open-source software for a very long time. In fact, the last time I didn't use open-source software, Bill Clinton was president of the US. Open-source software is available for nearl

Google’s new app shows Microsoft how desktop search should work

Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Google has introduced a new experimental search app for Windows. You can press Alt + Space to bring up the new Google app for Windows to search your computer, Google Drive, installed apps, and the web. The app also gives you access to Google Lens and AI Mode. Google just brought its search experience to Windows with a new experimental app. The new Google app for Windows lets you search your computer, Google Drive, installed apps, and the web all from one

Consumer Reports asks Microsoft to keep supporting Windows 10

is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Consumer Reports is calling on Microsoft to extend the October 14th deadline that will cut off free security updates for Windows 10 computers. In a letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Consumer Reports says the move will “strand millions of consumers” who have

Hate Windows 11's vibe? Make it look more like Linux or MacOS - here's how

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Seelen UI is a desktop environment for Windows. With this app, you can achieve a Linux or MacOS look. Seelen UI is free to use and install on Windows 10/11. As a longtime Linux user, my opinion of the Windows UI has never really wavered: I think it's pretty dismal. Given that Linux has a cornucopia of desktop environments from which to choose, it makes perfect sense that someone wh

Microsoft: WMIC will be removed after Windows 11 25H2 upgrade

Microsoft has announced that the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool will be removed after upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 and later. WMIC is a legacy built-in Windows command-line tool that allows users to interact with the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) system using text commands. In a Microsoft 365 message center update, Microsoft now advises IT administrators to switch to Windows PowerShell for WMI, scripts, and other tools because later Windows releases will

Windows 11 upgrade failed? These are my 4 most powerful troubleshooting secrets

SvetaZi/iStock/Getty Images Plus Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. When Windows decides that it isn't interested in completing an upgrade, it can be maddeningly unhelpful, spitting out error codes and cryptic messages that can leave even experts scratching their heads. Also: How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 - for free That can happen with a routine Windows 11 feature update, but it's especially frustrating when you're trying to install Window

Windows 11 lets you run a network speed test right from the taskbar now - how to try it

Microsoft Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Windows 11 is testing a network speed test that you run from the taskbar. The speed test icon takes you to the Bing website. For now, you need a Windows 11 Insider build to use the feature. Running a network speed test is a helpful way to determine if you're getting the speed promised by your internet provider. Normally, you have to trigger such a test from a third-party web page like Ookla's Speedest or

Microsoft fixes Windows 11 audio issues confirmed in December

Microsoft has removed a safeguard hold that prevented some users from upgrading their systems to Windows 11 24H2 due to compatibility issues that were causing Bluetooth headsets and speakers to malfunction. As the company explained when it acknowledged this bug in December, the issue affected systems with Dirac audio improvement software, which also triggered problems with audio device detection and caused integrated speakers to stop functioning. "The incompatibility relates to the software co

Microsoft says Windows September updates break SMBv1 shares

​Microsoft has confirmed that the September 2025 Windows security updates are causing connection issues to Server Message Block (SMB) v1 shares. The list of platforms affected by this known issue is quite extensive, as it includes both client (Windows 11 24H2/23H2/22H2 and Windows 10 22H2/21H2) and server (Windows Server 2025 and Windows Server 2022) platforms. In a service alert seen by BleepingComputer, Microsoft said this known issue affects those connecting to SMBv1 shares over the NetBIOS

Can't upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options - and just weeks to act

wragg/E+/Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Windows 10 support ends on Oct. 14, 2025. Users have free and paid options for extended updates. Doing nothing is not a safe option. Have you decided what to do with your Windows 10 PCs when they reach their official end-of-support date in a few weeks? I can tell you with absolute certainty that Microsoft is not going to back down at the last minute and extend that deadline. But you do have o

Microsoft is changing how Xbox controllers work on Windows 11

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Microsoft has started testing a change to how Xbox controllers operate on Windows 11. The change will allow Xbox controllers to easily access the Task View on Windows 11 to tab between apps and games, using the Xbox button. “A new change we’re introducing is when you long press the Xbox bu

Microsoft reminds of Windows 10 support ending in 30 days

On Friday, Microsoft reminded customers once again that Windows 10 will reach its end of support in 30 days, on October 14. Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015 will also reach the end of extended support on the same date. After it retires Windows 10, Microsoft will stop providing bug fixes or technical assistance for issues affecting security, stability, or usability. "On October 14, 2025, Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise

Tips for installing Windows 98 in QEMU/UTM

Windows 98 runs surprisingly well in QEMU via UTM SE, but it requires some care in setting it up. It’s a great way to run old 90s Windows and DOS software on your iPad (and Mac too, though you have other options available to you, or an iPhone if you don’t mind the HID difficulties). This post provides some suggestions and tips for installing Windows and selecting the best emulated devices. The guidance is intended for UTM users on Apple platforms, but should apply to anything QEMU based (or QEM

Unauthorized Windows/386

I wanted to share something special, a friend of mine, Will, has been so busy working on this project and I wanted to share it here for everyone here first. This is pretty technical, but still interesting deep look into one of Microsoft’s early 32bit/386 based programs that would go on to revolutionize the world, Windows/386! It brought the v86 virtual machine to normal people wrapped up in a nice GUI. By Will Klees (CaptainWillStarblazer) INTRODUCTION I’m CaptainWillStarblazer, an author wh

Microsoft Offers Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for Free. You Just Need to Do One Thing

Microsoft is sunsetting Windows 10 support on Oct. 14, and with it stopping all updates to the former OS. If you aren't able to update to Windows 11, you still have options. For $30 you can grab a year of extended-security updates. There is also a free option available, provided you're willing to enable cloud backup and connect it to your OneDrive account. The ability to get free updates on Windows 10 is a pretty big deal because it is still the most widely used Windows OS, accounting for just

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 60 days

Microsoft has reminded customers today that devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 will stop receiving updates in November. Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive mainstream support for an additional year, until November 10, 2026, as stated on the Windows release health dashboard. "On November 11, 2025, Windows 11, version 23H2 (Home and Pro editions) will reach end of servicing. The November 2025 monthly security update will be the last update available f

Windows-Use: an AI agent that interacts with Windows at GUI layer

Windows-Use is a powerful automation agent that interact directly with the Windows at GUI layer. It bridges the gap between AI Agents and the Windows OS to perform tasks such as opening apps, clicking buttons, typing, executing shell commands, and capturing UI state all without relying on traditional computer vision models. Enabling any LLM to perform computer automation instead of relying on specific models for it. 🛠️Installation Guide Prerequisites Python 3.12 or higher UV (or pip ) ) Win

How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 - for free

zhihao/Moment via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways Most PCs from the last 15 years can be upgraded to Windows 11, even if they fail compatibility checks. PCs originally sold with Windows 10 can usually be upgraded after one small registry edit. On older PCs and those with unusual configurations, a third-party utility does the job. On Oct. 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop delivering security updates to your Windows 10 PC unless you enroll

Topics: 11 pc tpm upgrade windows

Microsoft gives Windows 10 its penultimate update - but saves the best for Windows 11

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways September's Patch Tuesday offers bug fixes for Windows 10 and 11. Windows 11 also received a host of new and improved features. This marks the penultimate Patch Tuesday update for Windows 10. Hey Windows users, it's time once again to install the latest monthly updates on your PC, courtesy of September's Patch Tuesday. Whether you run Windows 11 or are still on Windows 10, you'll find i

Xbox Cloud is getting a much-needed upgrade

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Over the past week, I’ve been using Nvidia’s new RTX 5080 GeForce Now tier. Nvidia’s cloud gaming service has been the best on the market for years now, and this upgrade makes it even better. I’ve been playing Cyberpunk 2077, Overwatch 2, and Silksong, and it’s genuinely comparable to my own PC. The upgrade is also a staggering reminder of just how far behind Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft waives fees for Windows devs publishing to Microsoft Store

Microsoft announced that, starting today, individual Windows developers will no longer have to pay for publishing their applications on the Microsoft Store. The company said that developers can now submit Win32 (including .NET WPF and WinForms), UWP, PWA, .NET MAUI, or Electron apps to the Microsoft Store without paying any registration fees. Redmond will also handle each app's hosting and signing, eliminating the need for developers to pay for these services. "Package your app as an MSIX and

Windows developers can now publish apps to Microsoft’s store without fees

is a senior editor and author of Notepad , who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Microsoft is allowing developers to submit apps to its Windows store without having to pay any onboarding fees. Individual developers in nearly 200 countries can now sign up to publish apps on the Microsoft Store with just a personal Microsoft account, and no more one-time fees. Microsoft