Over the last few months I have run a number of test systems to see how Windows 10 behaves after MicroSoft flips the switch and stops support on October 14th 2025.
On one test system that was put into storage over two years ago.
(Win 10 i7 system, with the ethernet networking adapter pulled out before start up and without a wifi adaptor.)
I got the usual errors about no network etc… And then got a full screen “advertisement” with links to buy a new system from MicroSoft. (no, I did not click on them as I had no network).
Now I am human, and accept the idea I might have done something wrong with this test. But after working on thousands of systems in my lifetime I find it odd. (And as I said I could be wrong. But the only reason this makes since to me is that “something” was changed in a previous update. Can’t prove it, but there it is. (in my opinion).
On another test system, that did get all the updates until 60 days before the “End of support” and then had all updates and their respective “restart services ” aka “WaaSMedicSvc” or update medic as it’s called, disabled. All the updates magically started again after October 14th 2025. Again could be wrong, weirder things have happened. And after then shutting them down again came back on a number of times over the next few days. I could be wrong, but pretty weird, if you ask me and of course. (in my opinion).
Combine all this with forced AI “upgrades” subscriptions for everything, and telemetry sending reports of what you do and asking for permission for everything, (Windows accounts/Recall/Win11″) I am not sure what other conclusion you could come too.. and the fact that “they” (Microsoft) now get to decide when your system “dies”. It just stinks in my book.
Am I overreacting? Well let’s look at one of the biggest anti-malware companies definitions for the term “malware” (Excerpt from malwarebytes.com/malware), (great product btw). (checkmarks are mine where I “think” they match my thoughts)…
“Hostile, intrusive, and intentionally nasty, malware seeks to invade, damage, or disable computers ✔ computer systems, networks, tablets, and mobile devices, often by taking partial control over a device’s operations. Like the human flu, it interferes with normal functioning“.
“The motives behind malware vary. Malware can be about making money off you✔, sabotaging your ability to get work done✔, making a political statement, or just bragging rights. Although malware cannot damage the physical hardware of systems or network equipment (with one known exception—see the Google Android section below), it can steal, encrypt, or delete your data, alter or hijack core computer functions✔, and spy on your computer activity without your knowledge or permission“✔.
Just my opinion, but one of the biggest companies fighting malware out there seems to align with my views pretty well (No, they did not claim MicroSoft is creating malware.) But (in my view) it does seem that some of the things they point out, are things MicroSoft “seems” to have done or are doing now. (Again, could be wrong).
So while MicroSoft has every right to tell you that they will not support you anymore. Does it have the right to take action behind the user’s “back” and disable computers, so that they no longer work like before? You decide for yourself.
For this tech it looks like I’ll be doing a lot of Linux / LibreOffice installs this year and moving forward…
Is this just a “Rant” to get new customers? (fair to ask). And my answer is no. But see what others think about all this…
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=windows+without+spyware
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=windows+11+recall+spyware
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=windows+10+end+of+support