Windows 10 ‘Doomsday Clock’ Ticking Down

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In simple terms, Windows controls approximately three out of every four desktop operating systems, a remarkable lead over Apple’s macOS at 14%. This overwhelming superiority showcases the strength of Microsoft in this market. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge a minority of users who persistently use Windows 10 despite Microsoft’s move towards integrating artificial intelligence with Copilot or due to specific system requirements that they consider non-negotiable.

To put it simply, there’s a widespread misunderstanding about AI, often fueled by misleading image and video generators that create ‘deepfakes’ online. However, at the hardware level, Neural Processing Units (NPUs) are indeed beneficial, helping to learn user habits and extend battery life. I acknowledge the frustration of long-time Windows 10 users as Microsoft continues to promote Copilot+ PCs and AI across their entire product lineup.

The end of Windows 10 and Microsoft 365

If continuing to use Windows 10 is the only form of protest for those who heavily rely on Microsoft’s OS but wish to avoid troublesome security concerns, what options will they be left with when it reaches its end-of-life on October 14 this year? I discussed this issue with Mikah Sargent on This Week in Tech. Essentially, consumers have two main choices: paying $30 for a single year of extended security updates or upgrading their hardware to meet the TPM 2.0 requirement of Windows 11.

A significant part of the debate over Windows 10 shutting off is focused on the time-limited expiration dates of Microsoft 365, but there’s also a group of determined users who are unwilling to transition to Windows 11. Although they don’t make up the majority, their strong voices are hard to ignore – especially PC gamers. Many users find satisfaction in staying with Windows 10, and my personal experience as a user who skipped Vista and Windows 8 allows me to understand the reluctance to upgrade from one version of Microsoft’s OS to another, opting instead for double-jumps.

Linux rides desperately in Valve’s trojan horse

If Valve launches SteamOS, their custom operating system built on Arch Linux for the Steam Deck, at an opportune moment, around when Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life phase and Microsoft compels users to upgrade to Windows 11 or discard some outdated devices as electronic waste, it could signal a major change in the PC gaming landscape. Although it will come with challenges such as learning a fresh operating system, I’m accustomed to dual-booting Linux distributions similar to Fedora with KDE and find the only obstacle is effective anti-cheat software.

It seems unlikely that Linux desktops will ever truly surpass Windows in popularity due to the smoother user experience it typically offers. However, for those who are open to using both SteamOS and Windows 11, the allure of a hybrid ‘console-like’ operating system and a move away from pervasive AI could be compelling. Microsoft might find success by focusing more on enhancing Windows for handheld gaming enthusiasts, but I wouldn’t bet on it just yet.

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2025-01-21 17:09