commercial customers Archives

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 19, 2025

Microsoft issues patch after Windows 10 ESU rollout stumbles

Microsoft has released a patch identified as KB5072653, called the "Extended Security Updates (ESU) Licensing Preparation Package for Windows 10," to address concerns from commercial customers facing errors during the first Patch Tuesday after the end of support. To install this patch, devices must first have the October 2025 security update. The ESU program allows customers to receive essential security updates for Windows 10 after the official support period, operating on a subscription basis. The program has faced challenges, including difficulties with the enrollment wizard and installation errors for some users. Microsoft charges a fee for these updates, which increases in subsequent years. Windows 11 has not yet surpassed Windows 10 in market share, with Windows 10 still holding over 40 percent of the Windows desktop market after the end of free support for most versions. The ESU program aims to maintain security for Windows 10 devices, despite the challenges faced.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

First Windows 10 ESU Patch Tuesday release fails for some

Microsoft is facing installation issues with the first Extended Security Update (ESU) for commercial Windows 10 customers, specifically update KB5068781, which fails to install on devices activated through the Microsoft 365 admin center, resulting in the 0x800f0922 error. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is investigating it, but no fix or workaround is currently available. This incident follows another ESU failure that occurred just days prior, prompting Microsoft to release an out-of-band patch. The latest update was intended to fix a previous glitch that incorrectly indicated a user's version of Windows had reached the end of support.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Millions of business PCs still on Windows 10 as D-Day nears

As of October 14, Microsoft will issue its final updates and security fixes for Windows 10, prompting business customers to consider extended security updates at a cost that starts at for the first year, escalating to 0 in the second year and 0 in the third. There are approximately 1.4 billion Windows devices globally, with around 550 million used in corporate environments, and nearly half of these are unlikely to meet the end-of-life deadline for upgrading to Windows 11. Currently, 47 to 50 percent of commercial PCs are on Windows 11, with adoption rates nearing 60 percent in the U.S. and 65 percent in the EMEA region. About 20 percent of machines failing to upgrade do not meet Microsoft's hardware requirements. Businesses are prioritizing other budgetary concerns over PC replacements, and the rising average selling prices for PCs have contributed to sluggish sales. Omdia projects a compound annual growth rate of 1.1 percent for the global PC market through 2029. A campaign group has urged Microsoft to extend the life of Windows 10 for businesses, although consumers in the European Economic Area received a temporary reprieve.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2025

iTWire – Google adds AI-powered ransomware protection to Drive for desktop

Google has launched an AI-powered ransomware detection and recovery feature for Google Drive for desktop, available in open beta. This feature automatically detects suspicious activity indicative of ransomware attacks, pauses file syncing, and allows users to restore affected files easily. It is offered at no additional cost to most Google Workspace commercial customers and individual users. Ransomware attacks constituted 21% of all cybersecurity incidents investigated by Mandiant last year, with the average cost of such attacks exceeding million. The new capability provides an additional layer of defense beyond traditional antivirus methods, creating a protective bubble around user files. Google’s built-in virus detection also helps prevent ransomware from spreading to other devices. The AI model used for detection analyzes millions of real-world ransomware samples and adapts to new threats. When unusual activity is detected, Drive pauses syncing and alerts users, allowing for easy restoration of files. IT administrators receive alerts in the Admin console and can review detailed incident logs. This rollout enhances security controls for Workspace customers amid increasing ransomware threats.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

How to use Windows 10 ESU to keep getting updates after October 2025

The end of support for Windows 10 is on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will cease updates, security patches, and technical support. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to receive critical security updates until October 13, 2026. The ESU program is available to everyday consumers and offers three enrollment options: free (for backing up files to OneDrive), Microsoft Rewards (redeeming points), and paid. Users can register up to ten computers linked to the same Microsoft account, provided they are running Windows 10 version 22H2 and are fully updated. Enrollment steps include checking for updates in Settings, selecting an enrollment option, and following on-screen instructions. Microsoft Defender Antivirus updates will continue until 2028, while Microsoft 365 applications will receive updates without new features after Windows 10 support ends. The option to enroll may roll out gradually, and upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for ongoing support and updates.

Winsage

September 7, 2025

Explore what’s new: September 2025 security update for Windows 11

On September 9, 2025, Microsoft will roll out its Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, featuring security enhancements, performance improvements, and new features. Key updates include: 1. A redesigned homepage for the Recall app for easier access to search options and recent activities. 2. An interactive tutorial for the Click to Do application, which launches on first use and can be accessed from the menu. 3. A clock displaying seconds in the Notification Center, which can be activated through Settings. 4. A grid view format for photo results in Windows Search, with notifications for limited search results during indexing. 5. A redesign of Windows Hello components to modernize the authentication visuals. 6. Enhancements to the Settings app, including an AI agent for locating system settings and a new "Recent activity" option for third-party app requests. 7. Updates to the Task Manager for more consistent CPU usage metrics. 8. Introduction of Windows Backup for Organizations for enterprise-grade backup and restore capabilities. 9. Improvements to File Explorer, including organized context menus and user activity display on the Home page. Additional features are expected in future updates, including a "Your Device Info" card and more legacy Control Panel functionalities.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 25H2

Microsoft has announced that the Windows 11 25H2 update is now in public preview and accessible to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview channel. The update is described as an "enablement package," meaning it is relatively small in size and many features are already integrated into the operating system. It shares a servicing branch with Windows 11 version 24H2, ensuring compatibility between the two versions. Users can choose to install the update via Windows Update if they meet the hardware requirements, and it is not mandatory. The update includes some feature removals, such as PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, and allows IT admins to remove certain pre-installed Microsoft Store apps on Enterprise/EDU devices. A dedicated download page for Windows 11 25H2 ISOs is also available.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

Releasing Windows 11, version 25H2 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 11, version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074) is now available for preview in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders. This update will be delivered as an enablement package (eKB), indicating a shared servicing branch with version 24H2. Certain features will be removed, including PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC. IT administrators can remove select pre-installed Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy or MDM CSP on Enterprise and EDU devices. Insiders can download the update through the “seeker” experience in Windows Update if their PC meets the hardware requirements. Commercial customers can validate this version within their organizations through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and WSUS. ISOs for Windows 11, version 25H2 will be available for download next week.