Tag: Windows 10

Microsoft has ended Windows 10 support, but here’s how to get an extra year for free
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Are you still using Windows 10 on your desktop or laptop? If so, you need to know this: As of October 14, Microsoft moved the software to its “end of life” phase. What that means is that while Windows 10 PCs will continue to work, they’ll stop getting important security updates by default. That leaves you with three options to make sure your computer remains secure:
1. You can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your computer is compatible.
2. You can buy a new PC that already has Windows 11 pre-installed (or opt for an alternative, like a Mac or a Chromebook).
3. Forget about Windows 11 right now and sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU), which lets you kick the can down the road for a year.
The third option is easier than it sounds — and can now be done for free in many cases — so we’ll focus on that one here. We’ll walk you through the steps of keeping Windows 10 on your PC… for now, at least.

How to sign up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates on your computer

We can question Microsoft’s motives for killing off Windows 10, even though it works perfectly well on most older PCs. But without those periodic security updates, your PC will become increasingly susceptible to malware with each passing week. To that end, enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU) will give you another year of using Windows 10 securely.

At one point, Microsoft suggested the 12-month extension would require a $30 fee. While that’s still an option, there’s now a free path for Windows 10 users in the US. Here’s how to make it happen.

Step 1: Make sure your PC is up to date

You can find out if your computer is up-to-date by going into your Settings > System > About, then scroll down to see what version you’re running. If not, you’ll want to make sure you also install all the Windows 10 updates available.

Step 2: Make sure you’re using an administrator account

If you share a computer with multiple people in your household, make sure you’re signed in to the administrator account. Typically, it’s the first account created on the computer. You’ll know it’s the right one when you see “Administrator” under the name. (You can double-check under Settings > Your Info.)

Step 3: Verify if your PC is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 (or not)

If you see an option to upgrade to Windows 11, just do that. It’s free and it keeps you in the Windows loop. Otherwise, continue following the steps below so you can keep your computer safe with security updates.

Step 4: Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Sign up for ESU by selecting Update & Security from the Settings menu. Click the “Enroll Now” sign-up link, as pictured below. Again, you may see an option to download Windows 11 if your computer meets the requirements (again, definitely do that if you see it).

Find out if you need to update your computer. (Screenshot/Engadget)

If you’re not seeing the “Enroll now” link, you probably need to update and install the latest Windows 10 updates (as noted above).

By enrolling in Extended Security Updates, you’ll have another year before you need to upgrade to Windows 11. (Screenshots/Engadget)

Step 5: Choose your upgrade method

Next up is choosing how you want to enroll, and you have a few options. The easiest way is to back up your PC settings. It’s free, but it takes a little bit of time since you’ll need to back up your data. Again, you’ll need to use your administrator account to get started.

Back up your PC before you enroll in ESU. (ExplainingComputers via YouTube)

That said, the free option here comes with two catches, at least for users in the US. (European users will get the free option with no strings attached.) The first is that you’ll be linking your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based online service. Most users have likely already done this (if they’re using CoPilot, Office 365, GamePass, OneDrive or one of Microsoft’s other various online services). But if you’ve specifically opted for a local login to Windows, the price you’re paying for this “free” extension is joining the cloud-connected Microsoft universe.

The other potential issue is that the free backup only applies to the first 5 GB of storage. Anything more, and you’ll need to pay up for Microsoft’s OneDrive services. But thankfully, you can turn off anything you don’t want to back up by going to Settings > OneDrive and toggling off options like Documents, Pictures and Videos to get in under the free threshold to start.

Once you’re signed in, a window will pop up that says “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates.” Click Add Device to enroll it. Click Done.

A note: Thanks to YouTube’s Explaining Computers channel, where we grabbed the screenshot above (since our test PC was already signed up for cloud backups, and didn’t provide the splash screen to choose options). You can watch their full video if you’d like a deeper dive into the process.

That’s it, you’re done! (Until next year)

You’ve got 12 more months to figure out an alternative upgrade path to Windows 11. If anything changes next year, we’ll update this story with what your next steps are.

You did it right if you see this window. (Screenshot/Engadget)
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Katie Teague

Source link
October 20, 2025
Windows 10 support has ended, but here’s how to get an extra year for free
[ad_1]
Still running Windows 10 on your PC? Did you know that as of October 14, Microsoft moved the software to its “end of life” phase? So while Windows 10 PCs will continue to work, they’ll stop getting important security updates by default. The good news is you still have three options to make sure your computer remains secure:
1. You can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your computer is compatible.
2. You can buy a new PC that already has Windows 11 pre-installed (or opt for an alternative, like a Mac or a Chromebook).
3. Forget about Windows 11 right now and sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU), which lets you kick the can down the road for a year.
Option three is pretty easy — and can now be done for free in many cases — so we’ll focus on that one here. We’ll walk you through the steps of keeping Windows 10 on your PC… for now, at least.

How to sign up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates on your computer

We can question Microsoft’s motives for killing off Windows 10, even though it works perfectly well on most older PCs. But without those periodic security updates, your PC will become increasingly susceptible to malware with each passing week. To that end, enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU) will give you another year of using Windows 10 securely.

At one point, Microsoft suggested the 12-month extension would require a $30 fee. While that’s still an option, there’s now a free path for Windows 10 users in the US. Here’s how to make it happen.

Step 1: Make sure your PC is up to date

You can find out if your computer is up-to-date by going into your Settings > System > About, then scroll down to see what version you’re running. If not, you’ll want to make sure you also install all the Windows 10 updates available.

Step 2: Make sure you’re using an administrator account

If you share a computer with multiple people in your household, make sure you’re signed in to the administrator account. Typically, it’s the first account created on the computer. You’ll know it’s the right one when you see “Administrator” under the name. (You can double-check under Settings > Your Info.)

Step 3: Verify if your PC is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 (or not)

If you see an option to upgrade to Windows 11, just do that. It’s free and it keeps you in the Windows loop. Otherwise, continue following the steps below so you can keep your computer safe with security updates.

Step 4: Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Sign up for ESU by selecting Update & Security from the Settings menu. Click the “Enroll Now” sign-up link, as pictured below. Again, you may see an option to download Windows 11 if your computer meets the requirements (again, definitely do that if you see it).

Find out if you need to update your computer. (Screenshot/Engadget)

If you’re not seeing the “Enroll now” link, you probably need to update and install the latest Windows 10 updates (as noted above).

By enrolling in Extended Security Updates, you’ll have another year before you need to upgrade to Windows 11. (Screenshots/Engadget)

Step 5: Choose your upgrade method

Next up is choosing how you want to enroll, and you have a few options. The easiest way is to back up your PC settings. It’s free, but it takes a little bit of time since you’ll need to back up your data. Again, you’ll need to use your administrator account to get started.

Back up your PC before you enroll in ESU. (ExplainingComputers via YouTube)

That said, the free option here comes with two catches, at least for users in the US. (European users will get the free option with no strings attached.) The first is that you’ll be linking your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based online service. Most users have likely already done this (if they’re using CoPilot, Office 365, GamePass, OneDrive or one of Microsoft’s other various online services). But if you’ve specifically opted for a local login to Windows, the price you’re paying for this “free” extension is joining the cloud-connected Microsoft universe.

The other potential issue is that the free backup only applies to the first 5 GB of storage. Anything more, and you’ll need to pay up for Microsoft’s OneDrive services. But thankfully, you can turn off anything you don’t want to back up by going to Settings > OneDrive and toggling off options like Documents, Pictures and Videos to get in under the free threshold to start.

Once you’re signed in, a window will pop up that says “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates.” Click Add Device to enroll it. Click Done.

A note: Thanks to YouTube’s Explaining Computers channel, where we grabbed the screenshot above (since our test PC was already signed up for cloud backups, and didn’t provide the splash screen to choose options). You can watch their full video if you’d like a deeper dive into the process.

That’s it, you’re done! (Until next year)

You’ve got 12 more months to figure out an alternative upgrade path to Windows 11. If anything changes next year, we’ll update this story with what your next steps are.

You did it right if you see this window. (Screenshot/Engadget)
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Katie Teague

Source link
October 15, 2025
Windows 10 support ends today, but here’s how to get an extra year for free
[ad_1]
If you’re still running Windows 10 on your PC, we’ve got some news for you. As of today, Microsoft is moving the software to “end of life” status. The good news: Windows 10 PCs will still continue to work after today. The bad news: they’ll stop getting important security updates by default. That leaves you with three options if you want to make sure your computer remains secure:
1. You can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your computer is compatible.
2. You can buy a new PC that already has Windows 11 pre-installed (or opt for an alternative, like a Mac or a Chromebook).
3. Forget about Windows 11 right now and sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU), which lets you kick the can down the road for a year.
Option three is pretty easy — and can now be done for free in many cases — so we’ll focus on that one here. We’ll walk you through the steps of keeping Windows 10 on your PC… for now, at least.

How to sign up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates on your computer

We can question Microsoft’s motives for killing off Windows 10, even though it works perfectly well on most older PCs. But without those periodic security updates, your PC will become increasingly susceptible to malware with each passing week. To that end, enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU) will give you another year of using Windows 10 securely.

At one point, Microsoft suggested the 12-month extension would require a $30 fee. While that’s still an option, there’s now a free path for Windows 10 users in the US. Here’s how to make it happen.

Step 1: Make sure your PC is up to date

You can find out if your computer is up-to-date by going into your Settings > System > About, then scroll down to see what version you’re running. If not, you’ll want to make sure you also install all the Windows 10 updates available.

Step 2: Make sure you’re using an administrator account

If you share a computer with multiple people in your household, make sure you’re signed in to the administrator account. Typically, it’s the first account created on the computer. You’ll know it’s the right one when you see “Administrator” under the name. (You can double-check under Settings > Your Info.)

Step 3: Verify if your PC is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 (or not)

If you see an option to upgrade to Windows 11, just do that. It’s free and it keeps you in the Windows loop. Otherwise, continue following the steps below so you can keep your computer safe with security updates.

Step 4: Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Sign up for ESU by selecting Update & Security from the Settings menu. Click the “Enroll Now” sign-up link, as pictured below. Again, you may see an option to download Windows 11 if your computer meets the requirements (again, definitely do that if you see it).

Find out if you need to update your computer. (Screenshot/Engadget)

If you’re not seeing the “Enroll now” link, you probably need to update and install the latest Windows 10 updates (as noted above).

By enrolling in Extended Security Updates, you’ll have another year before you need to upgrade to Windows 11. (Screenshots/Engadget)

Step 5: Choose your upgrade method

Next up is choosing how you want to enroll, and you have a few options. The easiest way is to back up your PC settings. It’s free, but it takes a little bit of time since you’ll need to back up your data. Again, you’ll need to use your administrator account to get started.

Back up your PC before you enroll in ESU. (ExplainingComputers via YouTube)

That said, the free option here comes with two catches, at least for users in the US. (European users will get the free option with no strings attached.) The first is that you’ll be linking your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based online service. Most users have likely already done this (if they’re using CoPilot, Office 365, GamePass, OneDrive or one of Microsoft’s other various online services). But if you’ve specifically opted for a local login to Windows, the price you’re paying for this “free” extension is joining the cloud-connected Microsoft universe.

The other potential issue is that the free backup only applies to the first 5 GB of storage. Anything more, and you’ll need to pay up for Microsoft’s OneDrive services. But thankfully, you can turn off anything you don’t want to back up by going to Settings > OneDrive and toggling off options like Documents, Pictures and Videos to get in under the free threshold to start.

Once you’re signed in, a window will pop up that says “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates.” Click Add Device to enroll it. Click Done.

A note: Thanks to YouTube’s Explaining Computers channel, where we grabbed the screenshot above (since our test PC was already signed up for cloud backups, and didn’t provide the splash screen to choose options). You can watch their full video if you’d like a deeper dive into the process.

That’s it, you’re done! (Until next year)

You’ve got 12 more months to figure out an alternative upgrade path to Windows 11. If anything changes next year, we’ll update this story with what your next steps are.

You did it right if you see this window. (Screenshot/Engadget)
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Katie Teague

Source link
October 14, 2025
The Morning After: It’s the end for Windows 10
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After more than a decade of service, Microsoft is declaring the end of Windows 10’s usable life. If your machine still uses it, rest assured it’ll continue to work, but you won’t see any more software and security updates. If your machine is compatible, you’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, or this can provide the justification you need to buy a new machine.

But there’s also a way to keep your status quo without the additional stress, at least for the next year. It’s possible to sign up to Microsoft’s Extended Security updates program, giving you an extra year of software and security patches. It won’t cost you any money, but you will be expected to sign up to Microsoft’s cloud services.

If you’d like to keep Windows 10 running and safe, you can head over to our comprehensive guide on what to do. And, if you’re ready to upgrade, check out our guide on the best Windows laptops to choose your next purchase.

— Dan Cooper

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The news you might have missed
- Another Game Freak leak claims to show the Pokémon roadmap
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It’s comically evil, really.

The FCC has outlined a plan to once again allow ISPs to charge hidden fees, making it easier to rip off consumers. It follows a complaint from those poor carriers that believe it’s far too hard to be required to tell customers what it is they’re charging for. I bet that’s loads of fun for all of the FCC employees who went into public service in the hope of actually serving the public.

Continue Reading.

I’m in the minority, but I think that’s a good shout.

Devindra Hardawar for Engadget

Apple is dropping the + from the name of its TV subscription service. That’s a smart piece of branding, since everyone just calls it Apple TV anyway. But it does muddy the waters, given Apple’s set top box is also called Apple TV. But, as someone who reviews Apple TV shows and irritates editors by forgetting the plus sign, this will make my (and their) lives a lot easier.

Continue Reading.

The rumor mill suggests we’ll see them in a few days.

Apple is reportedly gearing up to announce a series of updated devices, each one packing its new A5 chip. Bloomberg claims the company will announce new MacBook Pros, Pad Pros and an updated Vision Pro online over a period of days. If so, it would be mirroring the release pattern from last year, when an updated product was launched online each day across a week. Rumors suggest we’ll only get the vanilla A5 versions this fall, with the higher-end versions of the silicon not arriving until the start of next year.

Continue Reading.

Clone Home was a successor to Going Mobile.

Ratchet & Clank superfans have unearthed a fairly substantial gem after a years-long search: a finished but essentially unreleased mobile title from 2006. Clone Home was the sequel to Going Mobile developed for mobile phones running Java from those halcyon pre-iPhone days. It was axed shortly before launch, but a few copies did find their way into the ether, which enabled YouTuber The Golden Bolt to show it off to the world.

Continue Reading.
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Daniel Cooper

Source link
October 14, 2025
Get up to $700 off a new Microsoft Copilot+ PC before Windows 10 support ends

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Best Buy on Microsoft Copilot+ PCs with steep discounts up to $700 off. This is fantastic timing, given that Microsoft . If you’re thinking about upgrading, now is likely the time.

One cool deal here is for a souped-up version of the . This one , 32GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. It also includes a 13.8-inch touchscreen and a battery that gets 20 hours per charge. The laptop ships with Windows 11 Home, which should be relatively futureproof for the next several years. It costs just $1,100, which is a nice discount of $700.

Microsoft

This model can be outfitted with even more bells and whistles. There’s one with a more powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor and a 15-inch touchscreen. That one costs $1,500, .

Other deals include the HP Omen gaming laptop with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti for and the MSI Codex gaming desktop with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU for . There are plenty of other discounted laptops, desktops and accessories on the main sale page.

Microsoft will officially end support of Windows 10 on October 14, but it may not be an immediate death knell. There is a way for users to get an additional 12 months of support via the company’s . Many Windows 10 computers can also easily handle Windows 11, and a software update would be much cheaper than buying a new computer.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

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Lawrence Bonk

Source link

October 13, 2025
Windows 10 support ends tomorrow, but here’s how to get an extra year for free
[ad_1]
Are you still running Windows 10 on your PC? Starting tomorrow, October 14, Microsoft is moving the software to “end of life” status. What does that mean for you? While Windows 10 PCs will continue to work after that date, they’ll stop getting important security updates by default. That leaves you with three choices if you want to make sure your computer remains secure:
1. You can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your computer is compatible.
2. You can buy a new PC that already has Windows 11 pre-installed (or opt for an alternative, like a Mac or a Chromebook).
3. Forget about Windows 11 right now and sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU), which lets you kick the can down the road for a year.
The last one is easy — and can now be done for free in many cases — so we’ll focus on that one here. We’ll walk you through the steps of keeping Windows 10 on your PC… for now, at least.

How to sign up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates on your computer

We can question Microsoft’s motives for killing off Windows 10, even though it works perfectly well on most older PCs. But without those periodic security updates, your PC will become increasingly susceptible to malware with each passing week. To that end, enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU) will give you another year of using Windows 10 securely.

At one point, Microsoft suggested the 12-month extension would require a $30 fee. While that’s still an option, there’s now a free path for Windows 10 users in the US. Here’s how to make it happen.

Step 1: Make sure your PC is up to date

You can find out if your computer is up-to-date by going into your Settings > System > About, then scroll down to see what version you’re running. If not, you’ll want to make sure you also install all the Windows 10 updates available.

Step 2: Make sure you’re using an administrator account

If you share a computer with multiple people in your household, make sure you’re signed in to the administrator account. Typically, it’s the first account created on the computer. You’ll know it’s the right one when you see “Administrator” under the name. (You can double-check under Settings > Your Info.)

Step 3: Verify if your PC is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 (or not)

If you see an option to upgrade to Windows 11, just do that. It’s free and it keeps you in the Windows loop. Otherwise, continue following the steps below so you can keep your computer safe with security updates.

Step 4: Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Sign up for ESU by selecting Update & Security from the Settings menu. Click the “Enroll Now” sign-up link, as pictured below. Again, you may see an option to download Windows 11 if your computer meets the requirements (again, definitely do that if you see it).

Find out if you need to update your computer. (Screenshot/Engadget)

If you’re not seeing the “Enroll now” link, you probably need to update and install the latest Windows 10 updates (as noted above).

By enrolling in Extended Security Updates, you’ll have another year before you need to upgrade to Windows 11. (Screenshots/Engadget)

Step 5: Choose your upgrade method

Next up is choosing how you want to enroll, and you have a few options. The easiest way is to back up your PC settings. It’s free, but it takes a little bit of time since you’ll need to back up your data. Again, you’ll need to be using your administrator account to get started.

Back up your PC before you enroll in ESU. (ExplainingComputers via YouTube)

That said, the free option here comes with two catches, at least for users in the US. (European users will get the free option with no strings attached.) The first is that you’ll be linking your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based online service. Most users have likely already done this (if they’re using CoPilot, Office 365, GamePass, OneDrive or one of Microsoft’s other various online services). But if you’ve specifically opted for a local login to Windows, the price you’re paying for this “free” extension is joining the cloud-connected Microsoft universe.

The other potential issue is that the free backup only applies to the first 5 GB of storage. Anything more, and you’ll need to pay up for Microsoft’s OneDrive services. But thankfully, you can turn off anything you don’t want to back up by going to Settings > OneDrive and toggling off options like Documents, Pictures and Videos to get in under the free threshold to start.

Once you’re signed in, a window will pop up that says “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates.” Click Add Device to enroll it. Click Done.

A note: Thanks to YouTube’s Explaining Computers channel, where we grabbed the screenshot above (since our test PC was already signed up for cloud backups, and didn’t provide the splash screen to choose options). You can watch their full video if you’d like a deeper dive into the process.

That’s it, you’re done! (Until next year)

You’ve got 12 more months to figure out an alternative upgrade path to Windows 11. If anything changes next year, we’ll update this story with what your next steps are.

You did it right if you see this window. (Screenshot/Engadget)
[ad_2]

Katie Teague

Source link
October 13, 2025
Windows 10 support ends October 14, but here’s how to get an extra year for free
[ad_1]
You’ve known it for a while: Microsoft has determined that it’s moving Windows 10 to “end of life” status starting on October 14. That means while Windows 10 PCs will continue to work after that date, they’ll stop getting important security updates by default. That leaves you with three choices if you want to make sure your computer remains secure:
1. You can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your computer is compatible.
2. You can buy a new PC that already has Windows 11 pre-installed (or opt for an alternative, like a Mac or a Chromebook).
3. Forget about Windows 11 right now and sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU), which lets you kick the can down the road for a year.
Since the last one is easy — and can now be done for free in many cases — that’s what we’re focusing on here. We’ll walk you through the steps of keeping Windows 10 on your PC… for now, at least.

How to sign up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates on your computer

We can question Microsoft’s motives for killing off Windows 10, even though it works perfectly well on most older PCs. But without those periodic security updates, your PC will become increasingly susceptible to malware with each passing week. To that end, enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU) will give you another year of using Windows 10 securely.

At one point, Microsoft suggested the 12-month extension would require a $30 fee. While that’s still an option, there’s now a free path for Windows 10 users in the US. Here’s how to make it happen.

Step 1: Make sure your PC is up to date

You can find out if your computer is up-to-date by going into your Settings > System > About, then scroll down to see what version you’re running. If not, you’ll want to make sure you also install all the Windows 10 updates available.

Step 2: Make sure you’re using an administrator account

If you share a computer with multiple people in your household, make sure you’re signed in to the administrator account. Typically, it’s the first account created on the computer. You’ll know it’s the right one when you see “Administrator” under the name. (You can double-check under Settings > Your Info.)

Step 3: Verify if your PC is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 (or not)

If you see an option to upgrade to Windows 11, just do that. It’s free and it keeps you in the Windows loop. Otherwise, continue following the steps below so you can keep your computer safe with security updates.

Step 4: Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Sign up for ESU by selecting Update & Security from the Settings menu. Click the “Enroll Now” sign-up link, as pictured below. Again, you may see an option to download Windows 11 if your computer meets the requirements (again, definitely do that if you see it).

Find out if you need to update your computer. (Screenshot/Engadget)

If you’re not seeing the “Enroll now” link, you probably need to update and install the latest Windows 10 updates (as noted above).

By enrolling in Extended Security Updates, you’ll have another year before you need to upgrade to Windows 11. (Screenshots/Engadget)

Step 5: Choose your upgrade method

Next up is choosing how you want to enroll, and you have a few options. The easiest way is to back up your PC settings. It’s free, but it takes a little bit of time since you’ll need to back up your data. Again, you’ll need to be using your administrator account to get started.

Back up your PC before you enroll in ESU. (ExplainingComputers via YouTube)

That said, the free option here comes with two catches, at least for users in the US. (European users will get the free option with no strings attached.) The first is that you’ll be linking your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based online service. Most users have likely already done this (if they’re using CoPilot, Office 365, GamePass, OneDrive or one of Microsoft’s other various online services). But if you’ve specifically opted for a local login to Windows, the price you’re paying for this “free” extension is joining the cloud-connected Microsoft universe.

The other potential issue is that the free backup only applies to the first 5 GB of storage. Anything more, and you’ll need to pay up for Microsoft’s OneDrive services. But thankfully, you can turn off anything you don’t want to back up by going to Settings > OneDrive and toggling off options like Documents, Pictures and Videos to get in under the free threshold to start.

Once you’re signed in, a window will pop up that says “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates.” Click Add Device to enroll it. Click Done.

That’s it, you’re done! (Until next year)

You’ve got 12 more months to figure out an alternative upgrade path to Windows 11. If anything changes next year, we’ll update this story with what your next steps are.

You did it right if you see this window. (Screenshot/Engadget)
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Katie Teague

Source link
October 11, 2025
Steam is ending support for Windows 32-bit next year

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Steam is officially dropping Windows 32-bit support at the end of this year, the company today. The only 32-bit version of Windows that is currently supported by Steam is Windows 10 32-bit. The company says 0.01 percent of systems reported through the Steam Hardware Survey are using that version of Windows. On any given day, Steam sees just over , so it’s safe to assume that this change will only affect a few thousand gamers.

While this doesn’t mean that your Steam client running on Windows 10 32-bit will self-destruct at midnight on January 1, it does mean that you will no longer receive updates or technical support. Microsoft is also on October 14 of this year, which will similarly mean an end to security updates.

Valve will still support Steam on Windows 10 64-bit for the time being. doesn’t offer a 32-bit version, making it the first version not to offer 32-bit since the feature was introduced with in 1993.

“Core features in Steam rely on system drivers and other libraries that are not supported on 32-bit versions of Windows,” Steam explained in the announcement. Hopefully this change frees up enough bandwidth at Valve to get over the finish line.

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Andre Revilla

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September 18, 2025
The best new computers to replace your old Windows 10 PC

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With Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, anyone with an older PC is faced with a dilemma. Sure, you can kick the can down the road by signing up for the free 12-month Extended Security Updates. But even if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for a free Windows 11 upgrade, anything older than a year won’t be able to take advantage of Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI PC features, like Windows Recall or Studio Effects for video chats. So if you’ve already been feeling that your current aging PC is on the verge of dying — slow performance, whining fans, batteries that barely keep a charge — it’s probably time to consider replacing it with a new system.

We’ve already done the legwork of researching and selecting new hardware in our best laptop and best Windows notebook guides (we’ve also covered more powerful gaming and schoolwork systems), but here are some suggestions if you’re just looking to snap up something quickly.

The best Windows 10 laptop replacements

Surface Laptop 13.8-inch

In many ways, the Snapdragon-powered Surface Laptop is emblematic of where Windows PCs are headed. It’s incredibly light, surprisingly powerful for something with a mobile chip and its battery lasted over 17-and-a-half hours in our testing. While you may run into some compatibility issues if you’re running ancient Windows programs, for most people the Surface Laptop is one of the best PC experiences they can have today. If you’re looking for something smaller and cheaper, there’s also a $700 13-inch model, and the $1,200 15-inch version is worth it if you need a bigger screen. (Check out our full review of the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch.)

Dell 14 Premium laptop

(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Dell 14 Premium

We loved last year’s XPS 14, and now that it’s been renamed as the Dell 14 Premium, it’s still a fantastic machine. It looks and feels luxurious, and it has one of the best screens around. You may just need some time getting used to its invisible trackpad (which is blended into the palm rest), and its capacitive function key row. (Check out our full Editor’s Choice review of the Dell 14 Premium.)

ASUS ZenBook S 14

The ZenBook S14 wowed us with its powerful hardware, excellent battery life (of over 16 hours) and solid construction. It’s a sign of how far ASUS has come from simply copying Apple. The S14 is also lighter than the MacBook Air, and it includes more useful ports (two USB-C, one USB-A, HDMI and a headphone jack). Its Ceraluminum case (a unique ceramic material) also feels surprisingly polished, and its OLED screen looks simply amazing. (Check out our full review of the ASUS ZenBook S 14.)

Apple MacBook Air

Don’t yell at me — Apple’s new computers are so good that Windows users should seriously consider jumping ship to Macs. While the software may take some getting used to, it’s worth the struggle for the speed and incredible battery life from Apple’s M-series chips. The MacBook Air remains one of the best computers around, with an incredibly thin and fan-less case and far more power than you’d think. And if you’re an iPhone user, you’ll also have access to features like phone mirroring that are tough to replicate on Windows. (Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.)

The best Windows 10 desktop replacements

Dell Slim desktop

If you’re just looking for a basic desktop replacement, it’s hard to go wrong with the Dell Slim. While we haven’t reviewed this specific model, the specs on even the entry-level configuration have all of the power you need for basic computing, despite housing everything in a frame that’s notably smaller than older tower PCs. And if you need a bit more performance, consider the slightly more expensive Dell Pro, which can squeeze in up to 32GB of RAM and a handful of dedicated graphics cards.

Apple Mac Mini

Apple’s Mac mini is one of the most powerful mini-desktops around, it’s adorably small and it starts at just $599 (look for the frequent sales that drop the price by as much as $100). Just as I argued above for the MacBook Air, it’s worth considering the jump to MacOS simply because Apple’s hardware is so impressive now. And don’t worry, you can connect any monitor to it, and you won’t have to replace your existing PC keyboard and mouse.

Geekom A6 Mini

While I haven’t tested the Geekom A6 Mini yet, it’s widely considered one of the best Windows mini-desktops around $400 to $500. The A6 Mini features a very capable AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor with a bit of gaming power, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. You honestly don’t need much more for basic productivity work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to upgrade to a new computer if my current Windows 10 PC still works fine for me?

Your computer will still continue to run after Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, but that’s not a wise longterm strategy. The free Extended Security Updates will buy you another year, but that’s effectively a limited life support: After that, Windows 10 PCs won’t receive security updates or any sort of improvements, so they’ll be vulnerable to hacking and malware. And if you’ve still got an old Windows 10 machine, there’s a good chance that its components may wear out soon. If you choose to continue using a Windows 10 PC, be sure to back up your important data and try not to rely on it for critical tasks.

Can a Mac run native Windows software?

Virtualization software like VMWare and Parallels can let you run Windows apps inside of macOS, but be aware that also involves buying a copy of Windows and dedicating a large chunk of disk space for it. These days, most major apps are available across both platforms, so be sure to check if there’s a Mac version of your favorite Windows app.

Can a Chromebook or iPad replace a Windows 10 PC?

Chromebooks and iPads both have very specific purposes: Chromebooks are great budget-friendly machines for accessing the web and running online apps. iPads are a handy way to upgrade your mobile internet experiences, since their large screens are better for browsing the web, running apps and watching media. But neither are ideal replacements for a Windows 10 PC, which can access the full breadth of Windows software in addition to the web. If either one works for you, great; but we think the options listed above are better full-service PC replacements.

I have a ton of PC games. What’s my best upgrade option?

It’s easy to find a decent gaming desktop from a reliable computer maker these days, just make sure you’re equipped with at least 32GB of RAM (new titles can be pretty memory intensive), and an NVIDIA RTX 40-series or AMD Radeon RX 9000-series GPU.

As for CPUs, I’d recommend sticking with Intel’s 13th-gen chips or AMD’s Ryzen 8000-series processors at a minimum. Don’t count out gaming laptops either, as they’ve come a long way over the last decade. It’s not hard to find a gaming notebook that’s powerful, portable and useful for multimedia and productivity work as well..

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September 5, 2025
How to screenshot on Windows
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Windows offers several built-in ways to take screenshots. Sure, you can just hit the Prt Scrn button on your keyboard to capture your entire screen, but if you want to screenshot a portion of your screen, a particular window, or you have multiple monitors there are other ways you can use Windows to achieve this. Whether you’re using Windows 11 or a recent update to Windows 10, the tools remain largely consistent and reliable.

This guide walks you through the most useful native screenshot methods, including the Snipping Tool, keyboard shortcuts and clipboard techniques, as well as popular third-party apps for more advanced needs. For more cross-platform tips, you can also check out Engadget’s guide on how to take a screenshot on any device.

How to use the Snipping Tool for easy screenshots

The Snipping Tool is the most versatile built-in screenshot option in Windows. It lets you capture specific regions, open windows or the entire screen and includes basic annotation tools. It’s available by default on Windows 11 devices, though Windows 10 users can still access the Snipping Tool, despite it being replaced by Snip & Sketch.
1. Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool overlay. The screen will dim slightly and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
2. Choose one of the four capture modes:
- Rectangular Snip: Click and drag to select a custom rectangle.
- Freeform Snip: Draw any shape around the area you want to capture.
- Window Snip: Click on any open window to capture it.
- Full-screen Snip: Instantly captures the entire screen.
1. Once captured, the screenshot is copied to your clipboard and a preview appears in the bottom-right corner.
2. Click the preview to open the image in the Snipping Tool app, where you can annotate, save or share it.
To open the full app manually, search for the Snipping Tool from the Start menu.

How to use Print Screen shortcuts for quick captures

If you want to take a screenshot without opening an app, the Print Screen (PrtScn) key and its combinations offer the fastest method.

Windows + Print Screen
- Press Windows + PrtScn to capture the entire screen and automatically save the screenshot.
- The image is stored as a PNG file in Pictures > Screenshots.
Print Screen (alone)
- Press PrtScn to copy the entire screen to the clipboard. Note: depending on your PC or laptop you may need to use a keyboard combination such as Windows Key + Prt Scn. See the section on other options below, like “How to take screenshots on Surface devices and laptops”.
- Paste it into an image editor like Paint or a document using Ctrl + V.
Alt + Print Screen
- Press Alt + PrtScn to copy only the active window to the clipboard.
- This is useful when working with multiple windows or monitors.
How to use the Game Bar for screenshots while gaming

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in overlay that allows you to capture gameplay footage and screenshots. It works in most PC games and some desktop applications.

How to take a screenshot with the Game Bar
1. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar overlay. This works outside of games. You can use it on Windows (on your desktop) to control music, take screenshots and record screen captures, among other things.
2. Click the camera icon in the Capture widget, or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a full-screen screenshot instantly.
3. Screenshots taken with Game Bar are saved in Videos > Captures.
If the Game Bar doesn’t appear, you may need to enable it by going to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.

Save directly to the clipboard or paste into apps

If you don’t want to save a file immediately, copying a screenshot to the clipboard lets you paste it directly into chat apps, email clients or documents.
- Windows + Shift + S: Opens Snipping Tool and copies your selection to the clipboard.
- PrtScn or Alt + PrtScn: Copies either the full screen or active window.
- Use Ctrl + V to paste the image into Paint, Word, Outlook or other apps.
How to take screenshots on Surface devices and laptops

On some laptops and Surface tablets, the Print Screen function may be combined with other keys or replaced with dedicated shortcuts.
- Fn + Prt Scn: Use this combo on laptops where PrtScn shares a key with other functions.
- Windows + Volume Down: On Surface devices, press these together to take a full-screen screenshot, similar to a phone or tablet.
How to use Windows Snip & Sketch (if available)

Windows 10 users can use Snip & Sketch, the predecessor to the current Snipping Tool. It functions similarly but has a slightly different interface. On newer builds, Snip & Sketch has been merged into the modern Snipping Tool.

However, it is possible for Windows 10 users to still use the original Snipping Tool by searching for “Snipping Tool” via the Start Menu, or by navigating to C:WindowsSystem32SnippingTool.exe.

To launch it manually, search for Snip & Sketch in the Start menu, but just note that it’s generally recommended to use the updated Snipping Tool for better compatibility.

Third-party Windows screenshot tools

For more advanced workflows or custom capture needs, several third-party tools offer extended functionality, such as auto-saving, video capture and cloud syncing.

ShareX

ShareX is a free, open-source tool with deep customization options. It supports custom keyboard shortcuts, scheduled captures, auto-upload to cloud services, scrolling window screenshots and more. It’s best suited for power users or content creators.

Greenshot

Greenshot is a lightweight, beginner-friendly alternative that adds annotation tools and direct upload to services like Imgur. It’s ideal for users who want more features than the Snipping Tool without overwhelming complexity.

Snagit (paid)

Snagit offers advanced features like panoramic scrolling capture, video recording and image templates. It’s a premium tool with a one-time purchase cost, mainly used by professionals and educators.

While most users won’t need third-party apps for screenshots, these tools can be helpful for documentation, tutorials or frequent screen capturing. They offer more features compared to Snipping Tool, like direct upload to external services, templates, annotation tools, etc. to further simplify your workflow.
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Rob Webb

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August 29, 2025
Windows 10 Pro Is Just $20 for a Limited Time | Entrepreneur

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Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

With the clock ticking down on this exclusive deal, now is the time for business professionals to secure Windows 10 Pro for just $19.97—a massive savings from its regular $199 price tag. Available through November 3 only, this deal offers unbeatable value for business users who are looking for a stable, compatible, and familiar operating system without the hassle or cost of upgrading to other versions.

Windows 10 Pro is the go-to choice for those who need extensive software and hardware compatibility. For businesses relying on legacy software, hardware, or peripherals that aren’t yet compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10 Pro is a straightforward solution that keeps you connected without disruption.

Built on a stable, mature platform, Windows 10 Pro has been optimized over years of use. It is a secure, ideal choice for businesses that need uninterrupted workflows and data protection.

If you and your team are used to the Windows 10 interface, why change? Windows 10 Pro delivers a familiar environment, saving your team time and eliminating the learning curve that comes with a new operating system.

Packed with productivity and security tools, Windows 10 Pro provides business-ready functions like remote desktop access, Cortana voice assistant for task management, integrated cloud services, and the ability to switch between desktop and tablet modes on compatible devices. Security features such as encryption and data protection are built-in, adding peace of mind for teams handling sensitive information.

To make sure your devices are ready to run Windows 10 Pro seamlessly, there are system requirements to keep in mind, including a 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor.

Save on the cost of your planned upgrade with a Windows 10 Pro OS for just 19.97 (reg. $199) through November 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro – $19.97

Get It Here!

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November 3, 2024
Give Your Business’s PCs an Internal Makeover With Windows 10 Pro, Now $20 | Entrepreneur

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Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

The average company spends 3.28% of its revenue on technology, and that doesn’t include software or hardware renewals, according to a study conducted by Deloitte. Although your company’s tech equipment budget may be costly, you don’t have to spend hundreds on new devices each year to boost productivity.

Instead, you could make those you already have more efficient. First up is your PC. If it isn’t already running on Windows 10 Pro, you’re missing out on the latest productivity tools and innovative security measures. Through September 29, this operating system is on sale for $19.97 (reg. $199) for life.

Increased productivity for your PC

If you’ve noticed slower performance on your device, this operating system (OS) upgrade is designed to enhance your PC’s performance and efficiency. Thanks to its 64-bit computing architecture, business owners and their employees can multitask while crunching numbers on Excel, designing company graphics, and leading stakeholder meetings.

Windows 10 Pro is also designed to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 (not included with your purchase). Companies using Microsoft 365 for access to Microsoft productivity apps will be able to edit Word documents, collaborate with colleagues on Teams, and more at any time.

Designed specifically for working professionals

As a solopreneur or working professional, you’ll benefit from the Pro side of Windows 10 (vs. Home, the free version).

Secure your PC’s hard drive with BitLocker device encryption, test software with Windows Sandbox, manage virtual machines with Hyper-V, and deploy specific policies for different devices, users, and groups with Group Policy management. This OS is designed to keep your data and devices protected from tampering and malware.

Entrepreneurs and their employees can also control their PC from any remote device with the Remote Desktop feature, allowing for access to their work files and colleagues wherever they are.

Boost your productivity and streamline your workflow with Windows 10 Pro, now on sale for $19.97 (reg. $199) through September 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed.

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September 21, 2024
Death Comes For Us All: Steam No Longer Supports Windows 7

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The fated day has come: If you are still using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 you might need to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 soon, as Valve’s massively popular digital storefront, Steam, no longer officially supports those older operating systems.

The Top 10 Most-Played Games On Steam Deck: October 2023 Edition

Valve first revealed that it would drop support for older Windows versions in a support page posting last March. The message explained that as of January 1, 2024, Steam users on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will no longer receive new client updates of “any kind,” including security fixes. As a result, Valve is warning users of these operating system to upgrade “sooner than later” to avoid malware and other malicious attacks.

In the post, Valve also explained that Steam Support will no longer offer technical support for issues related to these older versions of Windows. Valve also can’t guarantee that Steam will remain useable on these older OSs moving forward.

However, to be clear, Valve isn’t flipping a switch and killing Steam on Windows 7. It’s just saying that things might start to break soon, and if they do, they won’t get fixed.

“We expect the Steam client and games on these older operating systems to continue running for some time without updates after January 1st, 2024,” Valve wrote. “But we are unable to guarantee continued functionality after that date.”

Why Steam is ending support for Windows 7

Valve says one main reason for it cutting off support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 is due to Google Chrome no longer supporting these older operating systems. That’s a problem for Valve, as Steam relies on an embedded version of the browser. The company behind Half-Life and Portal also mentioned that future versions of the Steam client will “require” Windows features and security updates only found in Windows 10 and 11.

Valve ended its post encouraging players to upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 soon.

“Computers running these [older] operating systems, when connected to the internet, are susceptible to new malware and other exploits which will not be patched,” Valve warned. “That malware can cause your PC, Steam, and games to perform poorly or crash. That malware can also be used to steal the credentials for your Steam account or other services.”

While some folks might now be forced to upgrade or even buy a new PC to keep playing on Steam, it seems reasonable for Valve to move forward and leave behind Windows 7, which was released all the way back in 2009. That’s a hell of a long time when it comes to technology, and Valve supporting that OS for nearly 15 years is impressive.

However, if you do upgrade to Windows 10, get ready to upgrade again soon as Microsoft is winding down security support for that OS in October 2025. As someone holding on desperately to Windows 10, I’m counting the days.

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Zack Zwiezen

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January 3, 2024