Why Microsoft's Push for New PCs Frustrates Windows 10 Users: Exploring Solutions

In a that has left a number of users frustrated, Microsoft has advised Windows 10 users to consider purchasing new PCs to upgrade to Windows 11. This recommendation comes at a time when many people are struggling financially, making the prospect of buying a new computer an unwelcome suggestion. Even if they have the money, if there's nothing wrong with their system, why buy new? I can understand the security aspect as warned in the end of support notification, but you're not stuck!

For many users, the idea of having to buy a new PC just to upgrade to the latest operating system feels unnecessary and burdensome. The reality is that not everyone can afford to replace their current devices, especially when they are still functioning perfectly well. This situation has sparked a wave of frustration among Windows 10 users who feel that Microsoft should take a different approach.

Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop

Instead of pushing users to buy new hardware, Microsoft could take a page from their Xbox strategy. The Xbox ecosystem allows gamers to enjoy their favorite titles across different generations of consoles, ensuring a seamless experience without the need for constant hardware upgrades. A similar approach could be applied in a slightly different way, where a lite version of Windows 11 could be developed to run on older hardware. Heads get scratched when their specs are better than a number of systems fresh off the lot.

A number of these users we've spoken with believe that the push for new hardware has more to do with selling desktops and laptops than with providing a better user experience. While upgrading to the latest technology can offer benefits, it shouldn't come at the expense of those who are barely getting by.

Alternatives Routes to Consider

For those who are not ready to make the leap to a new PC, there are alternatives that can provide a Windows 10, Windows 11 or a Windows 11-like experience:

1. Windows 11 OS Deals: Looking for deals on the Windows 11 OS that might make the upgrade more affordable without needing new hardware? We have crazy good deals you can nab for $9.75... because why not?! (Windows 11 + Office Lifetime Bundles also available.)
   
   

2. Linux Distributions: Consider using Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Mint, which offer a user-friendly experience and can run on older hardware. If the programs you use can work on Ubuntu, and you could careless about staying on Windows... are you losing anything? By the way, you can have both operating systems on the same system... just decide on which one you'd like to use at start up:
   

   
   

   
   

   For gamers, no worries... Ubuntu has you covered. Ubuntu is a versatile operating system that supports a variety of gaming platforms. Here are some of the most popular ones:

   
   

   - Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms and has extensive support for Linux, including Ubuntu. With Steam Play and Proton, you can play many Windows games on Ubuntu.

   
   

   - Lutris is an open-source gaming platform that allows you to manage and play games from different sources, including Steam, GOG, and Epic Games. It also supports Wine, which enables you to run Windows games on Linux. We use the Epic Games platform even more so than we use Steam nowadays (which includes titles beyond just... Fortnite), and if you do too, you're good!
   
   - Wine is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications, including games, on Linux. It's a powerful tool for playing games that don't have native Linux support.
   
   - PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for Wine, making it easier to install and manage Windows games and applications on Linux.
   
   - Heroic Games Launcher is an open-source game launcher for GOG and Epic Games Store. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage and play your games on Linux.
   
   ***You can use your Xbox Game Pass, but... take the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate route just like you would with Amazon Luna to stream to your hearts content without the headaches of a workaround.
   

While the push for new hardware may be frustrating, there are ways to navigate this challenge without breaking the bank... so hopefully you're able to adapt with the information we've provided by October 14, 2025. If it's the perfect opportunity for you to buy new, enjoy and... Game on!

Speak of gaming, Soulstone Survivors is coming soon to GOG!

 + Sophi 

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GameMaker Studio 2

DESCRIPTION

GameMaker Studio 2 is the latest and greatest incarnation of GameMaker!

It has everything you need to take your idea from concept to finished game. With a fresh user interface and many new exciting features including; Real-Time Animation Editing, a new innovative workflow and seamless path from Drag and Drop to actual code, developing top quality games has never been easier!

Featuring a powerful programming language for professionals, and a drag-and-drop no-code-required workflow for beginners, and a comprehensive toolset, top quality games can be developed quickly at affordable pricing.

With the most advanced exporter ever, rapid cross-platform deployment is achievable across all leading platforms including mobile, console and desktop.

Monetisation tools enable a range of functionality to be quickly and easily deployed including In-App Purchasing, Advertising, Analytics and User Engagement.

With no barriers to entry and powerful functionality, GameMaker Studio 2 is the ultimate 2D development environment!

GameMaker Studio 2 Desktop Includes:

• Unlimited Resources
• Dedicated Support Forum
• Windows Desktop Export
• macOS Export
• Ubuntu Export

Key Features and Benefits

• Affordable, top quality game development
• Easy to get started – novice to professional
• Powerful programming language for professionals
• Drag and Drop system for beginners – no coding required
• Comprehensive Toolset: Level, Image, Tile, Object, Script and Audio Editors
• Leading physics engine and advanced shaders
• Powerful animation support and networking
• Rapid Cross-Platform exporting – all leading platforms supported
• Monetisation Tools: IAP, Advertising, Analytics and User Engagement
• Actively developed – new features and upgrades released regularly

Technical Features

• Layer Based Level Editor
• Level Inheritance – to easily create different level biomes
• Re-Designed Layer Based Image Editor
• Tile System – with Auto Tiling, Tile Animation and Brushes
• Re-Envisaged Drag and Drop, Enhanced and Faster
• Extensive Library of Events and Actions
• Real-Time Animation Editing
• Multi-Column, tabbed code editor
• Improved Object Editor
• New Audio Mixer
• Backwards Compatibility with GameMaker: Studio projects
• Multiple Workspaces with intuitive design
• Laptop mode custom workspaces
• Rapid Search mechanism to open resources instantly
• Skinning – light or dark skin available
• Powerful debugger to save time and effort
• Git Integration

游戏开始！

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Microsoft Malware? WTF?! Here are alternatives

Love the Windows 7 OS? Don't want to part with it anytime soon? Keep an eye on Microsoft because updates might have you going nuts. PopUps might be a regular occurrence on some websites, but on your PC's desktop area? Can I get a... "WTF?!"

This isn't cool, no matter what they try to present stuff to us as... cool. This is just freaking annoying and it's hard to truly determine what they will have to go through in order to do right by the customers.

I usually see that sort of stuff from programs people generally want to get off their computer... because its malware. The recent Windows 7 update brought on the Office 365 pop up ad for Office 2016.

It's presented as "Free with your Office 365 subscription". We don't have... Office 365 and chances are we might not get it at all unless it just makes sense as SDGT Studio grows and that's a perfect fit. There are other options out there as well... so it wouldn't be some leap of faith just because its Microsoft.

You may ask "How can you trust other software companies?", but we don't make those moves blindly. Microsoft is building a paper trail though... and it's really starting to annoy a lot of people. Did they truly learn from getting their butt burned by the sneaky tactics presented on Xbox One? Remember... that was a representation of Microsoft's game division, presenting something to gamers as if we are all just a bunch of dumb idiots that will buy anything. 

Their hand was revealed and the Xbox One was found to be a nifty box that YOU pay full price for while they control it... giving you: 

- Access for a limited time while away from home

- Access to games you've purchased at full price after you've connected to the internet

... and we spoke on our fears about what would ultimately happen to the system down the road once support went goodbye. What would happen to physical/installation discs once they were no longer able to be verified online? They'd be dead on arrival, and if the system had a hiccup or needed internet sign in's to allow you to use the system period... it would be a paperweight, just like the Onlive micro-console and controller. Xbox One owners aren't going through it today because of the fight some us put for what's right (and I hope this shows more of you the benefits of... Justice).

(A modder may be able to recode the Onlive console & controller as a steam link of sorts. Just want to throw that out there.)

Anyway, may of us aren't out here with the ability to just blow money, so the investments need to be sound. PC gamers who don't want to deal with Windows 10 and the possibility of having games affected by the OS are staying away. Even a heavy (heavy) amount of our viewers have switched to Apple once Windows 10 was ushered in:

SDGT Entertainment had majority PC users until Windows 10 was fully ushered in (i'm talking 76% or more). Now 96% are MAC users for desktop, Android & iOS access are still dominant for handheld devices and Chrome is still dominating for specific browser access.

Microsoft better way up. They have some cool tech that gets my attention (i'm not going to lie and say they don't) but... Microsoft is constantly moving so some things are more like test runs for the next. That's tech, but at the same time... being controlled is not a part of our plan, and we don't plan to slap stickers on equipment that read "Property of Microsoft".

There are some operating systems out there that provide some familiars and once some get to where the preferred PC functions are for gamers... Microsoft will lose yet another slice of the pie.

By the way... if you want to get rid of that "Get Windows 10" icon in your lower right bar:

Click on your start button and type in "Uninstall a program" >

Click on "Installed Updates" >

Look for "Update for Microsoft Windows (KB3035583) >

Click it and then click uninstall before resetting your PC.

To those of you ready to say goodbye to Windows and you'd prefer to seek a familiar structure, here are some operating systems to research:

Zorin OS is presented as a Window's alternative for people who prefer a non-Microsoft Windows. These are not their words, but essentially that's how it appears to be laid out. I mention this one first and foremost, because when one of us gets the time... this will be given a test run. http://zorinos.com/ 

This OS supposedly has an easy install for software released on Windows. 

If it's good, we'd buy the Zorin OS 9 Ultimate... but you can get the OS for free.

Ubuntu OS is a very popular operating system and I even have it as a dual boot option on a laptop. I don't use it often, but whatever floats your boat (it's free). https://www.ubuntu.com/

Steam OS is Valve's Linux-based operating system that I can't overlook, but it's designed to be a living room experience... not a desktop OS replacement. http://store.steampowered.com/steamos/

Valve should be contacted about making an even greater push with their OS. A desktop version would be great, especially for those of us that have to do office work too. Gaming in the office is real.

Chrome OS is available on hardware like Chromebooks, which are owned by more than a few people I know. These people have gotten to the point that Microsoft is nothing more than a shoulder shrug to them, because what they need hardware for... requires internet... period. Going to websites and sending email are the two main objectives they seek and... even the majority of that is done on mobile when they don't seek a larger screen (and they don't cast). https://www.google.com/chrome/

macOS is also another option that can't be forgotten... and i'll leave it at that. If you want alternatives, do the research, look for stability and a good track record, because the options are out there. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-sierra/id1127487414?mt=12&ls=1

Want to know what games are playable on Linux? Check them out here: https://www.playonlinux.com/en/supported_apps-1-0.html