Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, there will be no more free updates*, security patches, or technical support available from Microsoft.
Most users have 3 options: upgrade to Windows 11, get a new computer with the latest version of Windows, or pay* to extend Windows 10 security updates until October 2026.
Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for most users for its advanced security, improved performance, and new features.
Updated 6/30/25:
As Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system approaches the end of its lifecycle, it’s essential for users to prepare for the changes and take steps to transition smoothly. Microsoft’s official announcement has made it clear: Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. This means no more free updates, security patches, or technical support for the operating system, which could leave your device vulnerable to security risks and software incompatibilities if no action is taken before October.
The Start button taskbar icon on Windows 10 vs Windows 11.
Why the End of Support Matters
When an operating system (OS) reaches the end of support, it no longer receives updates from its developer – in this case, Microsoft. These updates, which usually occur monthly, include crucial security patches, bug fixes, and improvements that help keep your system running safely and efficiently. After the end of support, any vulnerabilities and bugs will remain unpatched, leaving your computer at risk of viruses, malware, and ransomware.
Additionally, newer software and hardware may eventually become incompatible with the older OS, leading to performance issues or the inability to use modern apps and devices.
What Are Your Options?
As the end of Windows 10 support approaches, users have three primary options:
Upgrade your existing computer to Windows 11
Get a new computer with Windows 11
Continue using Windows 10 until October 2026 with reduced support
Let’s explore these options and why ultimately upgrading to Windows 11 is probably your best choice.
Are you tired of sky-high internet and phone bills? You’re not alone. Many people are looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. That’s where we come in. We’ve helped lots of people save lots of money on their internet and phone service.
Let us help you sort through the frequent solicitations. AT&T, Spectrum, T-Mobile and Verizon spend billions of dollars each year to persuade you to switch to their service. But of course, they are looking out for their best interests, not necessarily yours.
Our mission is simple: to help you find the best possible deals on internet and phone service. We understand that everyone’s needs are different, so we offer personalized solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
How Can We Help You Save?
Comprehensive Plan Comparison: We compare plans from a wide range of providers to find the perfect fit for your budget and usage.
Bundle Deals: We’ll identify opportunities to bundle your internet and phone service for potential savings.
Hidden Fee Detection: We scrutinize plans for hidden fees and charges that can add up over time.
Negotiation Experts: We are skilled at negotiating with providers to secure the best possible rates.
Switching Made Easy: We can handle the entire switching process, ensuring a smooth transition to your new service.
Why Choose Computer Techs?
Expertise: We have years of experience in the telecommunications industry.
Independence: We work for you, not the providers.
Customer Satisfaction: Our top priority is your satisfaction with the service we provide.
Cost-Effective: Our services pay for themselves through the savings we generate.
Don’t let another month go by overpaying for your internet and phone service.Contact us today for a consultation. Let us help you take control of your monthly internet and phone bills and enjoy significant savings.
Since 2003 clients regularly ask us for a way to keep their computers secure and up-to-date, and not have to worry about the seemingly constant barrage of updates. With websites getting hacked on a daily basis, and the increasing chance of your personal information being lost or compromised, it’s more important than ever to keep your computer up-to-date and maintained.
With the Computer Techs Maintenance Plan, we will maintain, update and check the security on your computer on a convenient quarterly schedule. Service can be performed via a Remote Support session which takes about an hour. Services include:
Install security updates for browser add-ons, program updates, available router updates, critical computer firmware and Windows updates
Remove adware/toolbars/homepage hijackers
Remove or disable unused or unnecessary apps that cause security or performance issues
Check internet connection settings and remove any malicious scripts, DNS or proxy settings
Virus/malware/adware scan
Check hard drive health and used space
Check back-up and system restore settings
Defragment hard drive files
Check browser settings and remove unnecessary extensions and allowed notification pop-ups
Delete unnecessary temporary, log and update cache files to free up drive space
Check Wi-Fi settings and adjust if interference or performance issues exist
Check internet connection and speed tests
Apply computer manufacturer’s urgent and recommended software and hardware updates if needed
Check for print jobs stuck in the queue
Check for frequent app crashes or system “blue screen” errors that could lead to more serious problems
Additional benefits of being on our quarterly Computer Maintenance Plan include:
Priority callbacks and email replies with simple or easy-to-resolve issues or questions under 5 minutes at no charge.
VIP rates: Receive regular (non-maintenance) in-home service calls at the same price as our remote rates (Save $20/hr)
When you sign up for the Computer Techs Computer Maintenance Plan, you’ll get all of the services above for less than the price of a house call – quarterly remote service for one computer is just $80 payable at the time of each quarterly service. Additional computers maintained during the same appointment time are just $20 each. Semi-annual remote appointments are also available for $89 and $30 for additional computers. On-site service is also available at regular VIP hourly rates. To sign-up for your initial quarterly remote service, schedule your appointment – or contact us for semi-annual and/or on-site service.
Now that the wireless carriers are offering Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Internet service in many areas, there’s more choices for internet speeds and service levels.
You may be able to downgrade the speed provided by your current Internet provider to save money with little or no noticeable difference.
Consider bundling home Internet and wireless service to save money.
Internet service is sold and priced at the speed of the internet connection you can expect at your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) modem/gateway.
As of July 2022 in Reno, Charter’s Spectrum service offers download speeds of 300 Megabits per second (Mbps), 500 Mbps and 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps or often referred 1 Gig). AT&T’s xDSL Internet service offers slower download speeds ranging from less than 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps, and speeds up to 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps) on their fiber-to-the-home service.
In July 2022, T-Mobile began offering wireless home internet service – Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) -with download speeds advertised at 33-182 Mbps – which is fast enough to stream UHD/4K video quality. By late 2023 Verizon and AT&T are expected to offer FWA in the Reno area with download speeds varying from 25-300 Mbps.
FWA is cheaper, but less reliable
Thought FWA is often cheaper, unlike xDSL, Cable or Fiber Internet, FWA can be less reliable since the service is shared with hundreds or thousands of other users in your area using the same cell tower/node. Therefore speeds during peak times can become congested, or during an extended power outage you could temporarily lose service altogether. Before considering FWA, check out “5G” Home Internet vs. Spectrum Internet.
You could possibly save money by choosing a slower Internet speed plan
Of course, higher speeds will cost more money. Count on spending at least $50/month for reliable internet service, but anything above $85/month is probably unnecessary.
No matter what type of electronic device you own, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping them running efficiently and smoothly. This ensures that your device continues to serve its purpose for many years to come. However, it’s important to be aware of how to clean electronics properly to not cause any damage to them in the process.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of cleaning electronic devices, especially if you’re not aware of the dangers of improper cleaning. Not only can incorrect cleaning methods destroy the device itself, but in some cases, they might also cause harm to the user. This is why it’s essential to know which cleaning methods are appropriate for each
The following tips will guide you in properly cleaning and maintaining your electronics so you don’t end up doing more harm than good:
Always Unplug Devices
While there are some exceptions such as keyboards and other peripherals, it is safest to power down and unplug all electronic devices before you begin cleaning them. This eliminates the potential risk of electric shock and other hazards associated with having the device on and powered while attempting to clean. If you’re not using liquids, like water or wet cleaning wipes, you might not need to unplug your device, but it’s still a good safety precaution.
Use Appropriate Cleaning Materials
It is important to choose the right cleaning materials for each device to not damage them. For example, if you have a laptop or a phone, it’s best to use a lightly damp microfiber cloth or a screen-specific cleaning product. For other devices, like a gaming device or computer monitor, you can use either a microfiber cloth or compressed air.
It’s worth noting that it’s rarely a good idea to use harsh chemicals such as bleach or other harsh cleaning products to clean electronic devices. These chemicals can be too abrasive and cause irreparable damage to the device.
Avoid Excess Moisture
Moisture and electronics don’t mix, so you should always avoid using too much liquid when cleaning an electronic device. It’s best to use the least amount of moisture you can and make sure it’s evenly distributed. Never submerge an electronic device in liquid, and don’t spray any liquid directly onto the device.
When using cleaning cloths or wipes, make sure they are only slightly damp and not dripping with water. You should also avoid using abrasive paper towels or other rough materials, which can damage the device’s surface.
Make Sure Areas are Completely Dry Before Connecting
Once you’re finished cleaning, make sure everything is completely dry before plugging any device back in or connecting it to a power source. This includes checking the plug and ports for any remaining traces of liquid or dampness before plugging them in. Usually, this shouldn’t pose an issue, unless you accidentally spilled a liquid on the device while cleaning or used too much cleaning solution.
Clean Similar Items at the Same Time
If you have multiple electronic items that require cleaning, it’s best to clean them all at the same time. This can help save you time and make sure all the items get the same level of care and attention. It’s especially important to do this with items that are stored near each other, as it will reduce the spread of any dust or other particles.
Use Gloves
No matter what type of electronic devices you’re cleaning, if you’re cleaning many it’s a good idea to wear gloves. Not only do gloves protect your hands from any cleaning agents or sharp edges ( such as from inside a computer case), but some tech-specific gloves (or bands) can also help prevent accidental electrostatic discharges that can damage sensitive components.
Maintain A Regular Cleaning Schedule
Finally, it’s important to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance of your electronics to keep them running properly. Dust and grime can build up over time, so it’s best to keep an eye on the state of your devices and follow the above steps whenever necessary.
Cleaning electronics is an important part of maintaining them long term so they’re always able to keep functioning as intended. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re cleaning them properly, to avoid any potential damage.
By following these tips and utilizing the right tools, you can ensure that you’re cleaning your electronics safely and efficiently.
If you have any other questions orneed helpwith your tech cleaning don’t hesitate tocontact us!
Smart assistants are all the rage these days, with everyone from Amazon to Apple to Google getting in on the action. But what are they, really?
In a nutshell, smart speakers are voice-controlled assistants that can perform tasks, answer questions, play music, and control smart devices in your home. But, before you can start issuing commands to your new device, you need to set it up.
This can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up and configuring your new smart speaker, as well as some tips on how to get the most out of it.
You’re about to enter a world of hands-free convenience and voice-activated fun.
Things You’ll Need
To set up your new smart speaker, you’ll need the following:
The smart speaker itself
A mobile device – such as a smartphone or tablet
A Wi-Fi connection
Setting Up Your Smart Speaker
While there are plenty of options available in the smart speaker market, the three most popular options are the Amazon Echo, the Google Home, and the Apple HomePod. The process of setting up your speaker will vary a bit depending on which one you’ve chosen, but generally, it involves downloading an app and following the instructions.
It really is that simple.
The steps to get your new smart speaker up and running will usually look something like this:
Download the mobile app for your smart speaker. This is essential for initial setup and for configuring many of the speaker’s features.
Open the app and create an account. Many manufacturers require you to create an account with them before setting up your device. This makes it easy to manage multiple devices as well as access your devices from outside your network.
Follow the instructions on the app to complete the setup process. This will generally involve things like connecting your mobile device to the smart speaker so it can connect it to your Wi-Fi network as well as giving your new assistant a name.
Start exploring! Once your speaker is set up, you can start issuing commands and asking questions.
Be sure to explore the app to learn about all the different things your smart speaker can do.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Smart Speaker
Now that you’ve got your smart speaker up and running, it’s time to start putting it to use. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your new voice-controlled assistant:
Take advantage of hands-free convenience. One of the best things about smart speakers is that they allow you to accomplish tasks without ever having to lift a finger. In addition to being able to control smart devices in your home, many smart speakers also have built-in voice control features that allow you to do things like set timers, add items to your shopping list, and check the weather. So, take advantage of that hands-free convenience and use your voice to control as many things as possible.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best way to learn what your smart speaker is capable of is to experiment with it. So, start issuing commands and asking questions and see what happens. You might be surprised at just how much your smart speaker can do.
Keep your speaker updated. Like all devices, smart speakers need to be kept up-to-date with the latest software to function properly. Most manufacturers make it easy to check for and install updates right from the mobile app.
Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page. It can be helpful to sit down with everyone in your home and agree on a few basic rules for using the smart speaker. For example, you might want to establish that only one person can talk to the speaker at a time or that the speaker should only be used for certain tasks.
Don’t forget to pause when “waking up” your device. Every device has a trigger word or phrase – such as “Echo” or “Hey Google”. Don’t forget to pause for a second after speaking the trigger so that your speaker has time to wake up and start listening for your command. Most devices have a light that will illuminate or change color when it’s ready to listen to you.
Start Enjoying the Convenience of a Smart Speaker
By taking the time to set up your smart speaker and getting familiar with its features, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying all the convenience and fun it has to offer. They are a great way to add convenience and fun to any home. Every day, these devices are becoming more and more advanced, so it’s worth taking the time to set one up in your home.
If you have any other questions orneed helpwith your smart speaker don’t hesitate tocontact us!
Today’s smartphones retain a lot of personal data that you likely wouldn’t want to get into the wrong hands. Below is a list of just some of the data that can be accessed if someone got into your smartphone:
Someone can receive one-time passwords via text message or authenticator app that can be used to reset account passwords
Impersonate you by being able to send and receive calls, email and text messages on your behalf
Impersonate you through any social networks apps that you use
Access any notes, passwords or private pictures you may have stored
Reset your phone and sell it
How you can protect your smartphone
The most important thing you should do is to protect your smartphone with a numeric passcode and/or biometric authentication (finger or facial recognition). 6-digits is better than 4-digits – but 4-digits is definitely better than no passcode. Also, set your smartphone to auto-lock and require the passcode after 5-minutes or less of inactivity (less time is better).
I am surprised by how many clients I’ve helped who had no passcode on their phone. Smartphones are easily lost or misplaced, and a passcode will help keep your data out of the wrong hands. Most people don’t keep their doors unlocked, so why keep their smartphone unlocked?
Other things to keep your smartphone safe include:
Only install apps from trusted developers with lots of favorable reviews
Treat every text message and email from unknown senders as suspicious – particularly if it’s asking you to do something. Most text messages from financial institutions come from a 5-or-6-digit “short code” – not a 10-digit phone number.
Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi when at home, and make sure you keep the operating system (typically iOS or Android) up-to-date with the latest security patches.
You don’t need an antivirus or security app, nor a VPN. Protections are already built into the operating system of your mobile device, and apps are vetted before being made available in the app stores. However, be judicious about the apps that you install, because occasionally stuff gets by the reviewers.
Most importantly, password protect your device. You are more likely to lose or misplace your device than getting hacked from the outside.
Do you need help with your mobile device(s). Contact us to discuss your needs.
Computer Techs recommended videos is a YouTube playlist consisting of our favorite videos that will educate the viewer about computer and technology related scams, usage tips, and sometimes a funny video that gives us a good laugh. Be sure to press the “Subscribe” button to get notified about new videos that we add from time-to-time.
Whenever you need help with your computer or anything related to technology, please contact your Computer Techs technician.
You can also visit the YouTube playlist in the future by typing youtube.CTreno.com in your web browser address bar.
When you are trying to print something from your computer and the printer doesn’t respond or the pages come out half-printed or blank, below are some troubleshooting tips to help you figure out what the problem could be and how to fix it.
Are pages blank, have streaks or not printing some colors? It’s likely that one or more of your ink cartridge colors are out-of-ink or ink has dried out in the printing mechanisms. Print this test page, then compare the printed output vs. what you see on your screen. If all colors don’t look good on paper, try cleaning the print heads via the printer’s maintenance menu or replacing the ink cartridges. If this is a common occurance you may also want to consider getting a laser printer – or moving to a more humid climate. 😀
Is there no response from your printer when trying to print? Make sure that you are printing to the correct printer before clicking “Print”. Often there will be several copies of your printer – usually a wired/USB, and a wireless connection. You will also likely have a PDF printing option, and may have other printers on your network display in your list of printers.
Is your wireless printer working sporadically? Wireless printing problems are one of our most frequent calls for service. Often Wi-Fi interference will cause the printer to no longer be reachable on the network. Sometimes simply powering off/on your printer and computer will fix the problem. In some cases you may need to turn off and unplug the power to printer for about a minute. After plugging it back in and turning it on, try printing again.
If you’re still having printing problems, contact us for an on-site printer and/or Wi-Fi diagnostic.
Are you looking for the perfect gift for someone who needs computer help or service? Consider giving the gift of computer help or service with the purchase of a Computer Techs eGift Card. eGift Cards can be used towards payment of remote support or on-site services. Click the link picture below for more details, or to purchase now.
