Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Year 1 has officially ended on October 13, 2026. Businesses using that coverage need to decide whether to purchase Year 2 or move their remaining computers to Windows 11. According to Microsoft’s commercial ESU schedule, Year 2 will last until October 12, 2027.
While your computers won’t stop working after these deadlines, the concern is whether they’ll keep receiving Windows security fixes afterward.
Windows PCs are powerful tools, but only if you use them wisely. If you’ve been putting off updates or backups, it’s time for a change. Here are 10 everyday habits that could be holding your PC back and how to swap them out for better practices.
1. Putting off Windows updates
Installing updates might seem like a nuisance, but skipping them leaves your system exposed.
Is your Windows PC slowing your work down? The root cause might not be your computer, but your habits. By breaking free from a few inefficient practices, you can speed up your tasks and streamline your everyday PC use. Here’s a breakdown of 10 common habits that can drag down your Windows experience, and how you can refine them for better speed and efficiency.
Nothing tests your patience quite like the "Checking for updates..." screen on a Windows PC — unless it ends with a failed update message, just to add insult to injury. Windows Update issues are a common headache for many users, interrupting workflow and potentially leaving systems vulnerable.
Windows 11 may be optimized for modern devices, but even newer PCs can experience slowdowns. If your system feels sluggish, don't worry — there are simple adjustments you can make to boost performance.
Disable unnecessary startup programs
Many programs are set to launch automatically when Windows starts.
The clock is ticking for Windows 10 users, as official support will end in October 2025. But what does this mean for you, and how should you prepare? This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for the transition.
What happens when Windows 10 support ends?
Your computer won’t suddenly stop functioning after support ends.
Looking to unlock hidden features on Windows? Microsoft PowerToys offers a suite of free utilities that can boost your productivity with powerful tools such as advanced window snapping, batch file renaming, and a lightning-fast search function. This article discusses the latest PowerToys features and shows you how to make the most of them.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key feature in many tools, such as Microsoft’s Copilot in Windows and Google’s AI-powered search responses. Although these innovations are designed to enhance productivity, not everyone finds them beneficial.
This article explores the lesser-known features of Windows 11's Task Manager, offering valuable tips and tricks for optimizing system performance, troubleshooting issues, and gaining better control over your computer.
Unlocking Task Manager's potential
When you launch Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, there are several features you might not be using.
Don't let a sluggish or buggy Windows PC slow you down. A Windows in-place upgrade install is a quick and easy solution to refresh your system without losing your files. Learn how to perform this simple process and get your PC running smoothly again.
