enrollment wizard Archives

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year

Microsoft has concluded support for Windows 10, with over 44% of PC users still operating on the OS. This poses potential risks for users, particularly as the end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop issuing free updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering security patches until October 13, 2026, at a cost of £22 for individual users and starting at £45 for businesses, with prices doubling in subsequent years. Users can also access ESU benefits through Microsoft Rewards Points or by performing a Windows Backup via OneDrive, which has a 5GB free limit. Research suggests that around 5 million individuals in the UK could be at risk due to continued reliance on Windows 10. The ESU program is available for users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2.

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 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

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 14, 2025

If your Windows 10 Extended Security Updates weren’t working, they should now after Microsoft’s latest patch

Windows 10 has transitioned to limited support, with users able to enroll in a year-long program for security updates. Some users faced installation challenges due to errors, which have been addressed by the KB5071959 update, allowing successful registration for the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. It is important for users to apply security updates promptly to enhance system defenses. Keeping router firmware up to date is also recommended for overall security. Users considering an upgrade can explore methods to install Windows 11, even if their hardware does not meet the specifications.

Winsage

November 14, 2025

Windows 10 ESU bug squashed — you may now enroll to get free security updates (and your PC won’t lie to you about it)

Windows 10 is receiving a new lease on life through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which offers users a complimentary year of security updates. Some users faced difficulties enrolling in the program, but Microsoft acknowledged the issue and released a fix accessible via Windows Update. Additionally, another bug emerged that affected the enrollment wizard, but Microsoft addressed this concern as well. The ESU program allows users to receive free security updates until October 2026. While Windows 10 support has officially ended, users can continue using the operating system, although upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for better security and features.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Microsoft rushes out a fix for Windows 10 orphans

On November 11, Microsoft issued an emergency out-of-band update (KB5071959) to fix a malfunction in its enrollment wizard for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which had prevented eligible Windows 10 users from accessing security updates after the end of support on October 14. The enrollment system was not functioning properly, leading to a complete halt in security updates for many users. Microsoft had previously extended a complimentary year of ESU updates to users in the European Economic Area and introduced alternative qualification methods for support. Affected users must install the emergency update, re-enroll their devices, and will then be able to access the Windows 10 November 2025 security update. The enrollment wizard issue follows earlier complications, including incorrect out-of-support warnings for some enrolled devices.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Microsoft releases update-fixing update for update-eligible Windows 10 PCs

Windows 10 officially ended last month, but Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for one to three additional years for many devices. The process to secure an extra year of updates is intended to be straightforward and free, but some users faced bugs that prevented enrollment in the ESU program, leaving their PCs vulnerable. Microsoft has released an update (KB5071959) for Windows 10 version 22H2 to address these enrollment challenges, allowing affected users to access essential security updates. This update is available to all Windows 10 PCs, regardless of their ESU enrollment status.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Microsoft Suddenly Issues Emergency Update For Windows 10 Users

Microsoft has released an emergency update for Windows 10 users who cannot install essential security updates. This update targets users not enrolled in the extended security updates (ESU) program, which has been made complimentary following the end-of-life for Windows 10. The update resolves an issue preventing affected customers from receiving security updates and includes fixes from the October 14, 2025, security update. Users can install the update (KB5071959) by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings and restarting their devices. Some users, particularly in Europe, are experiencing challenges with ESU enrollment, including temporary unavailability and error messages. The update was released on November 11, coinciding with the monthly security updates.