You can update to Windows 11, or opt into security updates for another year.
au.lifehacker.com
I've mentioned this before and it changed my thoughts on the reasons behind why MSFT may be doing the things it is doing.
There's something called SaaS. That's 'Software as a Service', and you're already familiar with it. It's software that you keep paying for. It's a periodic payment process that provides you with a piece of software. While we may eschew such in the Linux world, or at least many of us do, we can all state that we understand the concept.
It has been rumored (for many years) that MSFT would like to do SaaS with their operating systems. This is a move toward that end, and a forceful move towards that end.
Specifically:
Learn about the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. The ESU program gives customers the option to receive security updates for Windows 10.
learn.microsoft.com
During a previous thread, I decided to do some digging. That link just happened to appear the day that I did that searching. The thread's subject was about how folks thought we'd get a massive wave of new users due to Win10 expiring. It was then, and is now, not something I expect to happen. However, I've since changed my reasons as to why that won't happen.
If one digs deeper, you'll eventually find the follwing page:
Use Windows 10 securely with the Extended Security Updates program. See how it helps protect your PC and find out how to get it.
www.microsoft.com
It was not directly linked, which might be relevant.
So, for $30 USD you can extend support. You can also use the MSFT points. (You can get plenty of MSFT points by using their search engine while logged into your registered account.)
This is still SaaS, it's just not continued periodic payments. The people opting to do so will be paying for continued support. For all we know, they may decided to extend the program if you pay more money.
In the world of arithmetic, we use the concept of 'lowest common denominator'. I suppose that, in electronic engineering, we use the concept of 'the path of least resistance'.
Which is why I propose to you a thought exercise... If you were a Windows user who didn't have a computer that met the minimal standards for WIn11, would you rather pay $30 and keep the same thing you're used to, or would you rather switch to an entirely foreign operating system that has a reputation of being difficult to use?
I strongly suspect that MSFT was very precise with this decision. You can spend a mere $30 for this. You can even show your loyalty to the brand by spending 1,000 points on this. For a large portion of people, $30 is 'not too much money'. It's even less costly (to them) than it would be to spend the time learning another operating system.
This is a bit of a novella, but I've chosen my words with care.
After MSFT announced this ESU program, I spent time thinking about the potential benefits and consequences. Frankly, it didn't change my end thoughts. I still do not expect a massive influx of new Linux users. It could happen but MSFT has been more strict with its users in the past. This time, they're even offering them a way to extend their familiarity and effects. Notably, this is also something entire companies can opt into.
Do you know how many floppies that's gonna take?
