enrollment options Archives

Winsage

August 15, 2026

What Are The Minimum Requirements For Windows 11?

Windows 11 requires a compatible 64-bit processor with a minimum speed of 1 GHz and at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of available storage. The system must use UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, support Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, and have graphics hardware compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. A high-definition display with a resolution of at least 720p, measuring more than 9 inches diagonally, and supporting 8 bits per color channel is also necessary. Microsoft provides the PC Health Check app to assess compatibility with Windows 11. If a PC cannot upgrade, users can enroll in the Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 version 22H2, which extends security updates until October 12, 2027, without introducing new features. Enrollment options include syncing settings for free, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee, with a license applicable to up to 10 devices.

Winsage

August 15, 2026

What Are The Minimum Requirements For Windows 11?

In 2026, Microsoft Windows 11 requires specific hardware criteria for installation, including a 64-bit processor (1 GHz or faster with at least two cores), a minimum of 4GB of RAM, at least 64GB of available storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM version 2.0 support, and graphics hardware that supports DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. A high-definition display with a resolution of at least 720p and a diagonal measurement exceeding 9 inches is also necessary. Compatibility can be checked using the PC Health Check app, which may take up to 24 hours to reflect recent hardware upgrades. For Windows 10 users unable to upgrade, the Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides security updates until October 12, 2027, without new features. Enrollment options include syncing settings for free, using Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee, with each license applicable to up to 10 devices.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 10 Users Can Still Get Free Security Updates. Here’s How

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in 2025 but will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU program at a cost, but free enrollment options are available through syncing settings with OneDrive or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment in the ESU program is open until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users must be on Windows 10 version 22H2 and have administrative privileges to enroll. The enrollment wizard is being rolled out gradually, and some users may not see the option immediately.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

How to get free Windows 10 security patches on your PC – from now to October 2026

Windows updates will roll out automatically on November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has ended, meaning PCs with default settings will no longer receive monthly security updates. Microsoft has introduced Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, allowing users to receive security updates until October 2026. Any personal Windows 10 PC running version 22H2 can access free ESU subscriptions, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Enrollment requires a Microsoft account and is available for up to 10 PCs. In Europe, customers in the EEA qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enterprise customers will incur higher costs for commercial ESU subscriptions. Users must ensure they meet eligibility requirements to see the ESU offer.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

You can still get free Windows 10 security patches – here’s how until October 2026

This month's Windows updates will roll out automatically on Patch Tuesday, November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has concluded, meaning PCs running this operating system with default settings will no longer receive essential monthly security updates from Microsoft. Microsoft has introduced options for users to continue receiving critical security updates until October 2026. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumer PCs are available for free enrollment, particularly for those who do not qualify for a free Windows 11 upgrade. ESU coverage begins immediately and extends through October 13, 2026, for personal devices. Users must sign in with a Microsoft account to activate the subscription, which can be applied to up to ten PCs. The ESU subscription is available for personal Windows 10 PCs running version 22H2, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Users in Europe qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be initiated through the Settings menu under Windows Update. Enterprise customers are not eligible for free ESU options and must pay a fee starting at per device per year. If the ESU offer does not appear, users should ensure all requirements are met, including the installation of the latest updates for Windows 10, version 22H2. Users should be cautious of the default 5GB storage limit on OneDrive when syncing settings to the cloud.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Microsoft releases KB5068781 — The first Windows 10 extended security update

Microsoft has released the KB5068781 update, which is the first extended security update for Windows 10 since the operating system reached its end of support last month. This update follows the final cumulative update on October 14, which ended bug fixes and free security updates for Windows 10. Extended security updates (ESU) are available for consumers and business customers for up to three years, depending on the account type. Consumers can enroll in the ESU program through payment, Microsoft reward points, or Windows Backup synchronization. In the European Economic Area, additional options include free access with a Microsoft account or payment for a local account. Business customers can utilize the ESU program for three years at a total cost of 0 per device. A bug has affected some devices' enrollment in the ESU program, prompting Microsoft to issue an emergency fix. Users can install the update via Settings and Windows Update. The update is mandatory and will automatically install, requiring a device restart. After installation, Windows 10 ESU will be upgraded to build 19045.6575, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will be updated to build 19044.6575. The update primarily addresses a bug that incorrectly indicated Windows 10 LTSC devices had reached their end of support. It also includes security updates that fix 63 vulnerabilities, including one actively exploited elevation-of-privilege vulnerability, with no known issues reported.

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

November 1, 2025

If You’re Still Using Windows 10, Don’t Skip These Free Security Updates

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 41% of PC users. To assist users in transitioning to newer software and hardware, Microsoft is extending support for Windows 10 with an additional year of security updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will last until October 13, 2026. Enrollment in the ESU program is available at a cost, but users in Europe can enroll for free. Additionally, users worldwide can enroll at no cost by syncing settings with a OneDrive account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment in the ESU program remains open until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users must ensure their device is running the latest version of Windows 10 (version 22H2) and have administrative privileges to enroll.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

What should I do with my older PC that can’t run Windows 11?

Windows 10 reached its end of life on October 14, 2025, leaving many computers vulnerable due to the lack of security updates. Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing essential security patches until October 13, 2026, but without new features or comprehensive support. The ESU license can cover up to 10 eligible home PCs linked to a single Microsoft account. Enrollment options include a free sync option, a rewards points redemption, or a paid option. Alternatively, users can install ChromeOS Flex, a lightweight operating system suitable for older hardware, but this will erase all data on the hard drive. For very old PCs, it may be best to retire the machine, ensuring secure data erasure before recycling or donating. It is critical to avoid leaving unsupported Windows 10 PCs connected to the internet due to increased vulnerability to cyber threats.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Data Doctors: Is my old Windows 10 computer useless now?

Windows 10 has officially reached its retirement phase as of October 14, and Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates, leaving many PCs vulnerable, especially those without the TPM 2.0 security chip needed for Windows 11. Users can consider three options for continued safety: 1. Extended Security Updates (ESU): This program offers critical security patches for an additional year until October 13, 2026. It covers up to 10 eligible home PCs linked to a single Microsoft account, with enrollment options including a free sync option, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or a paid option. 2. Install ChromeOS Flex: This free, lightweight operating system can replace Windows 10, making older PCs function like Chromebooks, which is beneficial for web-based tasks. However, it will erase all data on the hard drive, so backing up is necessary. 3. Retire the PC: For older machines (pre-2010) or those not switching operating systems, securely erasing the hard drive before recycling or donating is recommended. Organizations like Data Doctors collaborate with programs to repurpose or recycle devices. Leaving an unsupported Windows 10 PC connected to the internet poses a significant risk of cyberattacks, making it essential to take action.