Cloud PCs Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Spiceworks Community Digest: Subscription Windows

Microsoft is considering transitioning advanced Windows features from a one-time purchase to a subscription-based model, with discussions suggesting that the conventional "Pro" edition may be replaced by a monthly subscription service, potentially branded as Microsoft 365 Pro. Currently, Windows 11 Business and Windows 365 Business are already offered as subscriptions. The Spiceworks community has expressed concerns about rising costs and the potential impact on small businesses and individual consumers. The prevailing sentiment is that the shift to a subscription model is likely, but its success will depend on perceived value compared to free alternatives.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11 Adds New Recovery Tools to Minimize Downtime

Microsoft unveiled new Windows Recovery tools during the Ignite 2025 keynote to help IT teams reduce downtime and streamline remediation processes. Enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) include WinRE networking support, which will initially support Ethernet and later add Enterprise Wi-Fi capabilities. Autopatch can now manage and approve QMR updates, currently in public preview. Microsoft Intune's remote recovery via WinRE allows IT administrators to monitor devices in recovery mode and deploy scripts directly from the console, extending to Windows Server VMs through the Azure Portal. New recovery options for Windows PCs include a point-in-time restore feature for reverting to previous states and a Cloud rebuild feature for remotely reinstalling Windows 11 on malfunctioning devices. These updates are expected to be generally available to commercial customers in the first half of 2026. Microsoft has also introduced Autopatch update readiness in preview, providing real-time insights into device update readiness through a unified Intune dashboard. Additionally, new tools for incident management include Mission Critical Services for Microsoft 365, allowing collaboration with Windows engineers, and Windows 365 Reserve, which offers secure temporary Cloud PCs. Microsoft Intune will issue alerts when devices enter WinRE to prioritize recovery efforts, and a Digital Signage mode will prevent error messages on non-interactive public displays.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Still on Windows 10? Enroll in free ESU before next week’s Patch Tuesday

Users operating Windows 10 are encouraged to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program following the end of support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. The ESU program allows continued access to security updates for users unable to transition to Windows 11. To obtain extended security updates for an additional year, users can pay a fee, back up their Windows settings to their Microsoft account, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points. In the European Economic Area, users can receive ESU for free by logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account or can opt to pay to continue using a local account. Enterprise customers can utilize the ESU program for a total of three years at a cumulative cost of per device. Users must be operating Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, and ensure all available updates are installed to qualify for ESU. Enrollment can be completed through the Windows Update settings. Microsoft frequently addresses security vulnerabilities, including a recent one tracked as CVE-2025-24990, which was exploited to gain administrative privileges on devices. Successful enrollment in the ESU program will provide updates until October 13, 2026. Organizations must acquire licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing or Cloud Solution Provider partners, and each device must be activated with a unique ESU key. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs can also benefit from free enrollment in the ESU program.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Windows 10 support ends in October 2025: How to prepare for the upgrade

Microsoft will phase out Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ending regular security updates, feature enhancements, and technical support. Existing Windows 10 PCs will still function but may be vulnerable to malware and compatibility issues. Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates until October 2028 and feature updates until August 2026. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will also continue to receive updates through 2028. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available for individual users and organizations, with pricing options and free access through Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards points. Users are encouraged to check their PC's compatibility with Windows 11, which offers enhanced features and security. Windows 365 provides a cloud-based solution for streaming Windows 11 on older devices, with a discount for businesses on the first year of service.

Winsage

September 14, 2025

Microsoft reminds of Windows 10 support ending in 30 days

Microsoft announced that support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025, affecting all editions including Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes or technical assistance for Windows 10. The last monthly security update for Windows 10, version 22H2, will be released in October 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or use Windows 365 for cloud services, with an option to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will reach its Mainstream End Date on January 12, 2027, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 will have its Extended End Date on January 9, 2029. As of now, over 53% of Windows systems are running Windows 11, surpassing Windows 10, which has 42%. Additionally, 60.39% of gamers are using Windows 11 according to Steam's Hardware & Software Survey from August 2025.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows Backup for Organizations

Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool aimed at IT administrators to manage device resets and migrations from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool focuses on preserving Windows settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps, rather than serving as a comprehensive backup solution. Backups can be initiated from supported versions of Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (22H2 and later), with restoration limited to Windows 11 (22H2 and beyond). Only fully Entra-joined devices can restore settings and apps directly to the Start Menu. The backup policy can be enabled through mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy and is opt-in by default. A scheduled task runs every eight days for backups. The Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) will be used for system restoration, but alternative restoration methods are not supported. The tool does not back up user files, and backup data is stored within the enterprise's tenant without support for cross-tenant migration or Cloud PCs.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft reminds of Windows 10 support ending in two months

Microsoft has announced that all editions of Windows 10, version 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025. On this date, Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015 will also conclude their extended support, and Microsoft will stop providing bug fixes or technical assistance for these versions. The final security update for Windows 10, version 22H2 will be released in October 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or migrate to Windows 11 in the cloud via Windows 365 to maintain security updates. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available for those who wish to delay transitioning to Windows 11. Windows 10 devices connected to Windows 11 Cloud PCs can benefit from ESU at no extra charge. Specialized devices can switch to Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases, which will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025. Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in install base, with over 53% of systems running Windows 11 compared to 42% on Windows 10. As of July 2025, 59.9% of gamers are using Windows 11, while 35.1% are on Windows 10. Microsoft provides resources for users to check end-of-service dates for various Windows releases.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Microsoft opens a free tier for Windows 10 extended updates

Microsoft is introducing new enrollment options for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. Users can enroll by utilizing Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud at no cost, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee with local pricing variations. The Windows Backup app stores data on Microsoft OneDrive, which offers limited free storage, necessitating the purchase of additional storage for larger files. Users can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for extra OneDrive space and updates. Businesses can subscribe to ESU for a fee per device, covering security updates for one year, renewable annually for up to three years. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 or Virtual Machines will receive ESU at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft makes Windows 10 extended security updates free, but there’s a catch

Microsoft is offering a year of free security updates for Windows 10, requiring users to activate Windows Backup, which syncs settings and folders to the cloud via OneDrive. Users with extensive local files may need to purchase additional OneDrive storage. Alternatively, users can pay a fee or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points for the updates. An enrollment wizard will be introduced in July to assist users in selecting their preferred option. Extended security updates will be available until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three years of updates. The offer also extends to Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 and Virtual Machines. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, as approximately 37 percent of Steam users still operate on Windows 10, with increased notifications expected as the end of support deadline approaches.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

Windows has been the most widely used operating system globally since its launch in 1985, currently powering over a billion active devices each month. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop providing security and feature updates, as well as technical support for Windows 10 PCs. Users can check their eligibility for upgrading to Windows 11 through the Settings menu or the PC Health Check app. Windows 11 features enhanced security, improved performance, and a modern user interface, with built-in accessibility tools and AI capabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide critical security updates for personal devices from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Organizations can subscribe to ESU for continued security updates for a year, with the option to renew annually. Windows 365 offers a cloud-based solution for transitioning to Windows 11 without needing to replace all devices immediately. Various Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are available from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.