end-of-support date Archives

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Can’t quit Windows 10? You can pay Microsoft for updates after October, or try these alternatives

An ESU subscription allows customers to receive updates automatically through Windows Update, with updates also available for individual download via the Microsoft Update Catalog. Customers can set reminders to check for updates after their release, typically on the second Tuesday of each month. For a more streamlined approach, the third-party service 0patch offers critical security patches for Windows 10 for at least five years after the end-of-support date, costing between and per PC annually. 0patch provides "micropatches" for vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025, which are small and applied to running processes without altering Microsoft's original files. Unauthorized alternatives, like PowerShell activation scripts from the Massgrave hacking collective, allow users to bypass Microsoft's licensing agreements for a free three-year ESU subscription, but using these scripts is illegal and poses significant risks to businesses.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

Firefox extends Windows 7 support for at least another six months

Mozilla has extended support for Firefox on older Windows operating systems, with the new deadline for Firefox Old ESR set to August 19, 2025. Official support for Firefox on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will continue until September 2025, with a reassessment of this timeline planned for August. The extended support applies to Firefox 115 (Old ESR) and Firefox 128 (ESR), which will be deprecated on September 16, 2025. After this date, users must upgrade to a newer version of Windows and transition to Firefox 140 ESR to continue using the browser.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Windows 11 update is reportedly breaking the operating system’s most vital tool

The recent 24H2 update (KB5051987) for Windows 11 has caused significant disruptions, particularly affecting File Explorer, leading to user frustrations. Many users report that File Explorer has become unresponsive, preventing access to commonly used folders. The issue has been confirmed to occur even on fresh installations of Windows 11, indicating a problem with the update itself. Some users are also experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors and complete operating system corruption. Microsoft has not yet provided a definitive solution, but users can temporarily revert to the previous January 2025 update to resolve File Explorer issues. There is hope that a fix will be included in the upcoming February 2025 optional update.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

“Roll back to Windows 10 immediately”: Microsoft issues stark warning to wily Windows 11 users

Microsoft has advised Windows 11 users on unsupported hardware to revert to Windows 10, especially as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. The recommendation is aimed at users who bypassed Windows 11's hardware requirements, particularly the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. Microsoft has begun blocking third-party tools that allow installation on ineligible devices, labeling such tools as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) or hacking tools. Devices not meeting Windows 11's requirements will not receive support or updates, including critical security patches. Users can continue using Windows 10 past its end-of-support date but will lack essential updates unless they pay for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft has a big Windows 10 problem, and it’s running out of time to solve it

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after nearly a decade since its launch in July 2015. PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function but will no longer receive security updates unless users opt for an Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription. Without an ESU subscription, vulnerabilities discovered after October 2025 will remain unaddressed. Approximately 60% of PCs worldwide are still using Windows 10, and if the current upgrade pace continues, about 38% of PCs will still be running Windows 10 by the end of 2025, equating to over 500 million devices. Users with older hardware, corporate environments, and Windows 10 loyalists may face challenges in transitioning to Windows 11. Microsoft has provided options for extended support, particularly for enterprise customers, but general consumers may be less inclined to pay for updates.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Windows 11 may have just kickstarted 2025’s biggest comeback story

Windows 11 has reached a market share of 36.65% among Windows desktop users, the highest since its launch on October 5, 2021. In contrast, Windows 10 holds a 60.33% share. The increase in Windows 11 adoption is attributed to new purchases during the holiday season, with historical data showing growth from 16.97% to 18.12% between December 2022 and January 2023, and from 26.54% to 27.83% between December 2023 and January 2024. Despite fluctuations in user numbers throughout 2024, it is expected that Windows 11's market share will continue to rise, especially with the end-of-support for Windows 10 approaching on October 14. Windows 10 users will lose access to critical security updates and technical support after October 2025 unless they pay for Microsoft's Extended Security Updates. Additionally, potential increases in hardware prices may prompt users to upgrade to meet Windows 11's requirements.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Offer Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Upgrade

Microsoft is facing a challenge as 850 million Windows users approach a deadline to update their systems. Approximately 40 million users upgraded their PCs in the past month, despite many Windows 10 users being reluctant to transition to Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for users whose hardware meets security requirements, but Microsoft has indicated that this free upgrade may not be available indefinitely. Recent statistics show a reversal in the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11, with around 40 million users making the switch, representing about 2.5% of the Windows install base. However, if the current upgrade pace continues, around 500 million users may remain vulnerable due to hardware security checks. Microsoft is encouraging users to refresh their Windows 11 PCs by 2025, particularly with AI integration, but an unprecedented number of PCs are expected to lose security support in October. It is uncertain whether Microsoft will take drastic measures to address the situation, such as mandatory upgrades or a lighter version for incompatible devices.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PC

Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows users about the installation process for Windows 11 24H2, indicating that a mistake during installation could prevent devices from receiving future Windows security updates. Users installing Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates via USB or external drives may disrupt Windows Update functionality, as the version is shipped without these specific patches. The issue occurs only when installation media includes these updates; devices receiving updates through the standard Windows Update process are not affected. Microsoft suggests using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media if users encounter issues with cumulative updates after installing Windows 11 24H2. The company acknowledges that the situation affects only a small number of PCs, though the number of affected users may be higher than initially thought. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and advises users to use the December 2024 security update to avoid complications with media-based installations.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

If your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded, you have 5 options before time runs out

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive any updates, including security fixes. Microsoft will not extend support, and the final version, 22H2, will receive monthly security updates until that date. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10, buy new hardware, transition to a Linux distribution, pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11. ESUs are available at a cost, with pricing increasing over three years. There are methods to upgrade to Windows 11 on incompatible systems, including registry edits and using tools like Rufus.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Windows 10 KB5048652 out with fixes (direct download .msu)

Today marks the rollout of Windows 10 KB5048652, the final security update for this operating system. This update focuses on essential bug fixes and will automatically download and install unless auto-updates are blocked. Users can also manually install it via Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update, upgrading their system to build 19045.5427. The update addresses existing vulnerabilities and includes offline installer files (.msu) for those unable to update through the Settings app. The update omits the new Recommended section in the Start menu, which has been criticized for promoting unnecessary Microsoft Store apps. Bug fixes in this update resolve issues with copying files from cloud storage services, ensure Win32 app shortcuts back up correctly to the cloud, and address Windows 10 activation issues after a motherboard change, as well as problems with Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printers. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches, users are encouraged to consider their options, as security and feature updates will cease after the deadline. There is an option to extend Windows 10 security support for an additional year at a cost, but opportunities to continue using the operating system are limited.