Thursday, November 3, 2022 – Q&A: Why is Microsoft still updating Windows 10? – Q&A: Why is my ‘fast’ laptop running so slow?

Q&A: Why is Microsoft still updating Windows 10?

Question from Dale:  I read that Microsoft is still making updates for Windows 1o even though Windows 11 has been out for a good while now.

My question is why do they keep wasting money and time making updates for an obsolete Windows? It seems to me that money should be spent on Windows 11 instead.

Rick’s answer:  Dale, according to Microsoft’s Windows 10 Life Cycle Data Sheet, they have committed to supporting Windows 10 with security updates through at least October 2025.

And truth be told, they could well end up extending the support period for Windows 10 even past that date like they have done with a couple of previous Windows versions.

While it might seem counter-productive for Microsoft to continue developing and delivering updates for an older version of Windows, there are actually several good reasons for doing so:

1 – Not all computers with Windows 10 on them are capable of running Windows 11, for various reasons. And some of the incompatible models are fairly recent machines, not really out-of-date dinosaurs.

If Microsoft were to simply abandon Windows 10 any time soon that would quickly render millions of PCs permanently vulnerable to zero-day security flaws and other security risks.

2 – Not everyone likes switching to a new version of Windows.

If Microsoft forced users who are happy with Windows 10 to update their machines to Windows 11 against their will, they would receive an enormous backlash like the one they experienced when they tried to force everyone to quickly update from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

In short, “they learned their lesson”, as the old saying goes.

3 – Believe it or not, there are still brand new PCs in the retail pipeline that came from the factory with Windows 10 on them, and many of those machines cannot be updated to Windows 11.

The folks buying those machines would be very upset if their brand new PCs were running a version of Windows that was insecure from day one with no security updates available to patch the security holes.

Bottom line: In my humble opinion, Microsoft’s decision to keep supporting Windows 10 with security updates at least through October 2025 was a good one.

By the time that date rolls around, all of the machines with Windows 10 still on them will be getting a little long in the tooth. By then most of those users will likely be ready to replace their computers with new PCs with Windows 11 (or whatever version might come next) on them.

Thanks for a great question,  Dale.

The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…

• Q&A: Why is my ‘fast’ laptop running so slow?

This post offers several possible solutions.

• How to remove an antivirus app that Windows can’t uninstall

This situation arises more often than you might think, but there’s almost always a very easy solution.

• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.

Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.

Rick’s Daily Pick…

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter (#ad)

Winter is just around the corner, and if you live in a cold place you’re surely familiar with that sinking feeling you get when your car won’t start due to a dead battery.

Well, with this little gem you’ll be able to jump-start your car yourself without having to call AAA or ask a stranger for help.

Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…

The Rest of the Story: The poor boy with the guitar

This story has a surprising twist at the end.

Tech news that caught my eye…

• Malicious Android apps with 1 million+ installs found on Google Play

• Researchers show off iPhone and iPad brain-control tech in accessibility breakthrough

• Starlink RV review: Changes the game for digital nomads

• Your boss is spying on you. The NLRB might put a stop to it

• YouTube is letting you add your favorite streaming services to your account

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Your tech buddy,

Rick Rouse
https://www.ricksdailytips.com