Q. My home PC runs on Windows 10. Now that Microsoft is no longer supporting it, what are my options?
A. If you are still using Windows 10, it is like your car’s low fuel warning just flickered on. You can keep going, but you will need to pull over eventually.
Windows 10 debuted in 2015, and after 10 years, Microsoft has formally ended active support for Windows 10.
Here are a few consequences that you should know about:
Windows 10 computers will continue to function as before.
You can purchase another year of security updates from the link in the Wander the Web section below.
Life with Windows 10 will continue to degrade, as some apps will eventually stop working.
Intuit has announced TurboTax Desktop 2025 software will require Windows 11. Other important apps will likely follow that same path, making an upgrade to Windows 11 inevitable.
Because of its age, many older, and some not very old, PCs cannot run Windows 11. As a result, the upgrade to Windows 11 might require the purchase of a new PC.
The next step depends on your needs. Given the variety of hardware in the PC lineup, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some users will have to upgrade eventually, other users might look at alternatives that are less expensive, such as a smartphone or tablet.
Q. My doctor’s office sends email messages inviting me to set up an account on some sort of patient service. I do not have a computer, just a smartphone. What do you advise?
A. The Internet has created many new things that didn’t exist even a decade ago. One of the most useful additions in my life has been an online connection to my health records, treatments, prescriptions, doctors, and so on.
A smartphone is more than capable of accessing these kinds of services, and I think that if your local health care system offers these services, they are worth exploring.
Even if you are less than comfortable using a smartphone, someone can help you navigate the process to set up your phone. As with many online tasks, the initial setup can be challenging for a newcomer, but everyday use will be simpler with practice.
My goal here is to encourage you to find out what is available, and what services will do you the most good. This could be everything from looking at your lab results to refilling a prescription.
Some services work via the Web, and some services have dedicated apps in an App Store.
Not every healthcare system adopts every possible feature, so everyone’s experience will be different. Nevertheless, it’s worth setting up connections now so they will be available when needed. To learn more, read en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patient_portal.
Q. I’m looking for gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season. What have you got?
A. If you want a thoughtful gift, family photos are a precious under-utilized treasure. Just let your budget and your imagination be your guide.
Rather than spell out specific items, I want to challenge you to find photo-related gifts that fit the recipient. This could be anything from a mug with a personal photo or a wall calendar with important dates illustrated with family photos.
If you start with the idea of a personal photo-related item, the are hundreds of great choices available for every budget.
The service I use, shutterfly.com, has a large catalog of different items, from wall sized canvases or books to refrigerator magnets or blankets.
Some families, including mine, like NixPlay photo frames (nixplay.ca) to share photos across long distances. If you prefer wall art, take a look at photos printed on glass frames from fractureme.com.
As you read this, the holidays are fast approaching. But you still have time to place an order. Most online stores will be very clear about the delivery window.
My advice is to unlock the precious photos buried in your devices, make them into something special, and delight the people in your life.
Bob has been writing about technology for over three decades. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.
Wander the Web
Here are my picks for worthwhile browsing this month:
Windows 10 life extension
Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates is the page you need to keep operating Windows 10 now that it is no longer officially supported.
extended-security-updates
AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3
AirPods Pro 3 was released last month. The previous model, AirPods 2, will get new features also. Brush up on the magic tricks AirPods can perform here.
Traditional holiday fun
The original is still the best. The site opens on December 1.
