eligible systems Archives

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Windows 10 Is About To Die For Good – Here Are Your Options

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, with 56 days remaining. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their device meets specific requirements, including a 1GHz 64-bit CPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an HD display. Older machines may face compatibility issues due to the need for Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0. An unofficial tool called ‘WhyNotWin11’ can assist with compatibility checks. If upgrading is not feasible, users can buy a new PC, extend Windows 10 updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 13, 2026, or choose to do nothing, which poses security risks. Exploring alternative operating systems like macOS or Linux is also an option for those seeking change.

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

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Windows: Everything you need to know

Windows is the dominant operating system globally, developed by Microsoft, and serves over a billion users. The latest version is Windows 11, which debuted in October 2021, featuring significant visual and functional enhancements. Microsoft began rolling out the 24H2 update in mid-2024, introducing AI hardware support, enhanced security, and new features like Copilot and Recall. The upcoming 25H2 update is expected in late 2025, utilizing a lightweight enablement package for a swift upgrade process. Development on Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, is ongoing, with a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027, focusing on AI-first computing and modular architecture. Users can check their current Windows version by pressing the Windows key + R and typing winver. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for eligible systems, while Windows 11 Home costs 9 and Windows 11 Pro costs 9. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, making an upgrade advisable for continued security and access to new features.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Windows Upgrade—When Does Offer Expire?

Microsoft is facing a challenge as the end of life for Windows 10 approaches in October, with hundreds of millions of users yet to transition to Windows 11. Throughout 2024, there has been a modest migration to Windows 11, but Windows 10 has recently regained some users. The transition to Windows 11 is free for licensed Windows 10 users whose hardware meets the necessary requirements, but if a PC fails the technical assessment, the free upgrade is not available. Initially, there was a belief that the free upgrade would be time-limited, but this guidance has been revised, and the deadline has been removed. Microsoft has not officially confirmed whether the free upgrade will remain available after the October end-of-life date for Windows 10. Currently, Microsoft states that the free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date but reserves the right to end support for it. Users are encouraged to upgrade before the October 14th deadline, as security updates will cease after that date. Estimates indicate that 300 to 400 million users are still eligible for the upgrade but have not yet acted, with many potentially needing new hardware. Upgrading an incompatible PC may lead to loss of support, leaving users with the options to pay for a support extension or buy a new PC.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Microsoft Suddenly Warns Users—Go Back To Windows 10 Immediately

Windows 10 users are facing confusion due to conflicting guidance as the October deadline approaches. They can choose to upgrade their system, buy a new PC, or pay for an additional year of support. Microsoft has removed a Registry tweak that allowed users to bypass hardware restrictions, complicating the situation for those unable to upgrade. Additionally, the Flyby11 software, which blocked installations for many users, has also been eliminated. Microsoft has confirmed that the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 remain unchanged and recommends that users who used workarounds revert to Windows 10. Users with compatible PCs can still upgrade for free until at least October, while those without eligible systems need to consider hardware upgrades or pay a fee to extend support until October 2026.

Winsage

September 27, 2024

Windows 11 KB5043145 update released with 13 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the September 2024 preview cumulative update for Windows 11, known as KB5043145, targeting versions 23H2 and 22H2. This update includes 13 enhancements and fixes, addressing issues such as freezes in Microsoft Edge and the task manager. It allows Windows administrators to test bug fixes and new features ahead of the October 2024 Patch Tuesday release. Key features of the update include a new method for sharing local files from search results on the taskbar, modifications to the Windows Share window, and improvements to account management in the Start menu. It resolves freeze-related issues in Microsoft Edge while in IE mode and when transitioning themes in the task manager. To install the update, users can go to Settings > Windows Update and select "Check for Updates." The update elevates Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 systems to builds 22621.4249 and 22631.4249, respectively. Additional fixes include a single credential prompt for Outlook and encrypted email apps, management of Copilot Pro subscriptions within Settings, and resolution of syncing issues with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Microsoft has announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2 will end service on October 8th, 2024, while support for Enterprise and Education editions will continue. Users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version for ongoing updates. The Windows 11 23H2 update was released on October 31st as an enablement package and is now available to all eligible users.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

Microsoft’s WDDM 3.2 makes Windows 11 (24H2) video encoding even better with AV1 support

Microsoft is preparing to release the Windows 11 version 24H2 feature update, currently available for Copilot+ PCs and expected to roll out to more systems soon. The final testing and certification process for eligible systems began in May. This update introduces the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) version 3.2, which includes improved driver timeout detection and recovery (TDR) debugging to reduce display and graphics driver crashes. Additionally, WDDM 3.2 enhances Direct3D 12 video encoding by adding support for the AV1 codec, allowing for GPU-accelerated video encoding on Windows. This update extends the existing video-related framework to enable drivers to report AV1 video encoding support and capabilities, facilitating hardware acceleration for various applications, including IoT, cloud, media APIs, machine learning, and game streaming. Prior to Windows 11 version 21H2, Microsoft did not support hardware-accelerated encoding, but WDDM 3.0 introduced this capability.

Winsage

August 28, 2024

Windows 11 KB5041587 update adds sharing to Android devices

Microsoft has released the optional KB5041587 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2, improving sharing capabilities and fixing issues in File Explorer. This update allows users to share content with Android devices by pairing them with Windows PCs using the Link to Windows app and Phone Link application. The update resolves several File Explorer issues, including proper search function operation with Ctrl+F, focus issues with Shift+Tab, a bug causing system freezes when accessing symbolic links, and a hibernate stop error. Users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update enhances sharing capabilities and introduces fixes for various issues, updating Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 to builds 22621.4112 and 22631.4112, respectively. Additionally, Microsoft has announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2 will reach their end of servicing on October 8, 2024, after which they will only receive security updates. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 23H2 for continued access to updates.

Winsage

August 10, 2024

Microsoft: Windows 11 22H2 reaches end of support in 60 days

Microsoft will end servicing for Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2 editions on October 8, 2024, meaning users will no longer receive security updates. Affected editions include Windows 11 22H2 Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE, released on September 20, 2022, as well as Windows 11 21H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions. The last security update for these versions will be released on October 8, 2024. Microsoft will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 11 Home and Pro devices not managed by IT departments as they approach their end of servicing. Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 11 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update, which began in September for Release Preview Insiders and will be broadly deployed in late October. Starting in February, Microsoft began force-installing the 2023 Update on eligible systems nearing or past their end-of-service date. Users can check their eligibility for the Windows 11 2023 Update using the PC Health Check app.

Winsage

July 26, 2024

Windows 11 KB5040527 update fixes Windows Backup failures

Microsoft has released the optional KB5040527 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2, addressing issues such as Windows Backup failures, upgrade errors, and Windows Defender Application Control memory leaks. Users can easily install the update through Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.