WEEKLY WHEATIES #2529

Windows 10, Social, AI, EVs, Solo Travel

Jul 20, 2025

In this newsletter:

📝 Post: Windows 10’s Days Are Numbered — Here’s Your Exit Plan
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Quick Hits
😎 Pick of the Week: Solo Travel
📦 Featured Product: 3-Pack Dry Sack

📝 Windows 10’s Days Are Numbered — Here’s Your Exit Plan

A few weeks ago, I shared some tips on picking between a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop. Even before this post made the rounds, I’ve had a few people ask about what they can do when Windows 10 reaches end of life - at least regarding support in October of 2025. Before we get into the weeds, let me explain what is actually happening.

First up, the terminology of “End of support” does not mean Windows 10 will cease to exist on October 14th. All this means is Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 with regard to new features and updates, but specifically, security updates. This is important to any computer that is connected to the internet. Meaning, if you are connected to the internet on a device that is not securely protected, you open yourself (and your entire network) up to bad actors.

Windows 10 was released ten years ago in 2015. This 10-year window is argued on both sides on whether it’s either too long or too short for a software of that magnitude to still be available. To compare… the most popular version of Windows, Windows XP, received support for roughly 13 years, with its replacement, Windows 7, receiving support for around 10 years. So, for Windows 10 to receive 10 years of support, that’s about in line with historical support offered from Microsoft.

On top of the people employed to keep security up-to-date, there are still costs associated with listed support for Windows 10. This may include hardware and software infrastructure, legal compliance, testing, licensing issues, and much more. Not to mention, there are opportunity costs that Microsoft could be sacrificing for Windows 11 (or their next OS).

So what can you do?

For starters, check to see if your current computer can upgrade to Windows 11. If it can, do it! Windows Update will provide an indication if your PC is eligible or not. Check by going to Settings > Windows Update. You can get more specific requirements and support documents listed in the FAQs here. It’s also free and will typically function smoother than Windows 10 did. There may be some nuances where certain computers will run slower. But if this is the case, I’d argue it’s time for a new computer, as those computers are probably over 5 years old.

Which leads to the next argument: if your computer can’t upgrade to Windows 10, you’re due for a new one anyway. I give you permission to take the plunge! This isn’t a post on which computer to buy, so I’ll save that for another time. But generally speaking, one reason it’s worth upgrading is not just because of software limitations (Windows 10 in this case), but also hardware issues. Your computers have security chips that help keep your system secure. In some instances, even the Wifi chip can become compromised.

And for those thinking, “No one cares about infiltrating systems that are this old, right?” And to that I say, NAY! This is easy pickings! Why wouldn’t they want to go after these? I don’t want to speak too much for the Enterprise world, but businesses have their own level of security. With the number of home users who will still potentially be on Windows 10, the exploits will be there. Regardless of how old a piece of software is, there are always ways to find new exploits. Even the FBI wasn’t immune when Windows 7 reached end of life.

There is a little bit of good news, however. If you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase a new computer, there is a way to gain 1 more year of support. Essentially, you must enroll in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. There are 3 ways of ‘purchasing’ your access. You can either: pay the $30 fee, sign up (for free) for the Windows Backup Wizard, or ‘purchase’ access with 1,000 Microsoft Rewards Points (free to earn, but may take some time). If you are planning to stay on Windows 10 for a little while longer, I suggest visiting Microsoft Rewards and start earning points! The ESU program for Windows 10 doesn’t look active yet, but you can still prepare!

Stay safe out there!

🗞️ ICYMI: Missed

Before any possible ban or sell goes through, TikTok is Building a New Version of App to mitigate and legal issues. If you’re looking for another app to help with doom scrolling, the Chick-fil-a Play App hit the top spot in free apps last week. You can download it on Android or iOS.

Meta is proving they’re the ones to chase in the AI space, announcing they are Building AI Data Centers the Size of Manhattan. Maybe by the time they’re up and running, they can help handle our cord-cutting since an appeals court just may have made Streaming Subscriptions Tougher to Cancel.

On the electric vehicle side of things, Tesla revealed a Model 3 Plus and Model YL in China, while their self-driving competitor, Waymo, sent robotaxis to Philadelphia and NYC, widening their reach.

Elon’s other company, SpaceX, looks to invest $2 Billion Into yet another company of his, xAI. Since he also announced that Tesla would add Grok AI assistant to its vehicles, maybe it can help get to Mars sooner?

Lastly, check out the TIME100 Creators: The Most Influential Digital Voices of 2025. If you’ve followed this newsletter for a while, I’m sure you’ve heard of a lot of them. And if not, maybe you’ll find a new YouTuber or two to follow!

😎 POTW: Solo Travel

With all of the places across the US and the Globe to travel, how about some picks on places to travel with ease and fulfillment?

📦 Featured Product

With all of these travel picks, consider pairing them up with the Ultimate Dry Sack 3-Pack. With the three different sizes, they can be used in a few different ways. They are waterproof, which also means they will float. And since the air stays in (or out), they can be used as a dirty clothes bag when traveling. A tip, after rolling the top down, connect the buckles around something to ‘lock’ it in place - including the side of a kayak, around an umbrella on the beach, or to your backpack’s strap.