New Windows 10 features coming, despite end of support deadline

Microsoft will drop support for Windows 10 in October 2025, ending over a decade of its popular desktop operating system.
From October 14 onwards, Microsoft will no longer issue new software updates to fix vulnerabilities, bugs, and glitches. Without these vital software updates, Microsoft has warned that anyone still relying on Windows 10 will be left “at greater risk for viruses and malware”.
If you’re one of the millions who rely on Windows 10, Microsoft has three lifelines available to you. And one of these will require a paid subscription to ensure your personal data is shielded from hackers.
Ahead of the deadline, Microsoft has ramped-up pressure on PC owners — warning that it’s “imperative” to upgrade to a new PC this year, rolling out fullscreen pop-ups about the End of Support on Windows 10, and warning that Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) will also lose support at the same time.
Eagle-eyed Windows 10 fans have spotted a new addition in the beta build of the next update. What was supposed to be a simple update with bug fixes and stability improvements now includes a redesign to the Calendar app.
Clicking on the calendar in the taskbar along the bottom of your screen will now load-up an enhanced pop-up with holiday-related pictures and weather forecasts baked into the user interface.
This useful addition means you’ll be able to see the forecast around the time of your next event or appointment in the list view of the app.
In one example shared on X, formerly Twitter, by username @PhantomOfEarth, Microsoft has added a small illustration of red roses when the date February 14 is clicking — signifying Valentine’s Day.
Since Microsoft is still working on this feature, it’s hidden by default. @PhantomOfEarth has shared detailed instructions on how to activate the still-unfinished feature.
In this month’s episode of “Windows 10 keeps getting new features”: a rich calendar experience in the system tray, with holiday illustrations and weather forecasts – at the cost of a clock with seconds. (19045.5435) https://t.co/BSaRV5SaCc pic.twitter.com/cG0qtBBxDi
— phantomofearth ⛄ (@phantomofearth) January 19, 2025
If you want access to the latest features coming to Windows ahead of their official release, you will need to register as a Windows Insider. This beta scheme is free to join, although you might need to put with some unfinished features and patchy performance to help Microsoft iron-out any kinks in its next update.
To enable this: vivetool /enable /id:51858330
(48433719 + 49453572 if the above ID doesn’t work.)
— phantomofearth ⛄ (@phantomofearth) January 19, 2025
In return, you’ll be one of the first people to unlock the latest features. If you want to become a Windows Insider and download the latest beta update, follow the steps below:
- Sign In with Microsoft Account:
- Ensure you are logged into your computer using a Microsoft Account (MSA). If you’re using a local account, switch to a Microsoft Account by going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info.
- Access Settings:
- Open the Settings app by pressing the
Windows key + I
.
- Open the Settings app by pressing the
- Navigate to Update & Security:
- Click on Update & Security.
- Join the Insider Program:
- Select Windows Insider Program from the sidebar.
- Click on the Get Started button.
- Link Your Account:
- Click on Link an account and select your Microsoft Account from the dropdown menu, then click Continue.
- Register for the Program:
- If prompted, click on Register to sign up for the program.
- Review and accept the terms of the Windows Insider Program Agreement and Privacy Agreement by checking the box and clicking Submit.
- Choose Your Insider Channel:
- Select the channel you want to join: Dev, Beta, or Release Preview. The Beta channel is recommended for those who prefer more stable builds.
- Complete Registration:
- You may need to restart your device to finalize your registration. Choose either Restart now or Restart later, depending on your preference.
- Check for Updates:
- After restarting, go back to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program and check for updates to download and install Insider Preview builds.
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