enrollment Archives

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Whew! Windows 10 Users Get a Year’s Extension for Security Updates

Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 until October 14, 2027, after the original end-of-life date was set for October 13, 2023. The ESU program is the only way for users to receive security patches after Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Users must be running at least version 22H2 and have a Microsoft account to enroll in the ESU program. The extension aims to provide customers more time to transition to new hardware, which requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for upgrading to Windows 11. Additionally, the prices of laptops and desktop PCs have increased due to demand from artificial intelligence and data centers, although budget-friendly laptops have started to emerge in the market.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Windows 10 support extended to 2027 for free — Is this Microsoft admitting Windows 11 isn’t enough?

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, prompting concerns among users. In response, the company extended support through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing continued access to essential patches until October 14, 2027, at no cost for users with a Microsoft account. The Restart Project criticized this late intervention, while users expressed mixed reactions, with some considering a switch to Linux due to rising hardware costs and dissatisfaction with Windows 11. A recent HP survey indicated that 30% of HP PCs were still running Windows 10, down from 50% in September 2025. Microsoft's decision to extend support for Windows 10 has raised questions about the adequacy of Windows 11, which surpassed Windows 10 as the leading desktop operating system globally in July 2025.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

How to get free Windows 10 security patches until October 2027 – and avoid the $30 fee

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, but users can receive critical security updates until October 12, 2027, through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost. To qualify, users must have a Windows 10 PC running version 22H2 or later and sign in with a Microsoft account, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. In the European Economic Area, customers automatically qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be done through Settings > Windows Update, and users may need to back up their settings or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. Business customers must purchase ESU subscriptions at a higher cost. Users should be cautious of potential issues, such as cloud storage consumption during backup.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft adds another year to Windows 10 extended update program

Windows 11 introduced new hardware requirements, including specific CPU technologies and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), leading to criticism from users and concerns as 2026 approaches. An AI-driven shortage of storage and memory has increased upgrade costs, complicating the transition to newer operating systems. Approximately 26 percent of PCs are still running Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a 72 percent market share. Windows 10 will remain up to date for at least another year. Users can join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support, with enrollment available through the Windows Update menu. The ESU program allows coverage for up to 10 devices for personal use and will be available until 2028, with the possibility of updates continuing beyond that timeframe.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates

Microsoft has extended the support timeline for Windows 10 by initiating the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides an additional year of essential security updates until October 12, 2027. Users can enroll in the ESU program until it ends, and those already enrolled will have their coverage automatically continue through that date. The ESU program, previously a paid feature for businesses, is now available to regular consumers at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Unofficial script lets you install unreleased Windows 11 features without Microsoft Account

Microsoft's Windows Insider Program allows users to preview upcoming features, requiring enrollment via a Microsoft account. OfflineInsiderEnroll is a third-party tool that enables access to Insider builds without a Microsoft account by configuring Insider settings locally. It uses a Registry value called TestFlags to prevent communication with Microsoft's enrollment services, allowing users to switch between preview channels. The latest version, 2.6.6, supports new Insider channels and retains functionalities for managing Insider settings. Elevated privileges are required to run the script, which can be downloaded from its official GitHub repository.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

“We are not ready to move” as HP’s Windows 10 holdouts highlight Microsoft’s upgrade struggle

30% of HP's installed user base is still operating on Windows 10, which leaves approximately 400 million PCs vulnerable as they do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. The proportion of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025. HP's revenue rose by 9% year-on-year, reaching .41 billion, with the transition to Windows 11 providing a financial advantage for the company. Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing enrollment for free or through Microsoft Reward points, with access later made free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet cloud backup requirements. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 forces functional PCs into premature retirement due to hardware requirements for Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group has raised concerns about the impact of discontinuing Windows 10 support on older devices and is promoting Linux as an alternative. Microsoft has been encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through ads highlighting performance advantages.

Winsage

May 10, 2026

“I like where the program is going”: Microsoft’s Insider overhaul finally gives us a simpler path, but I had to dig in to understand what really changes next

Microsoft is transforming the Windows Insider Program to enhance user experience by streamlining the process for exploring new features in Windows 11. The Beta Track will now activate all features by default, eliminating the Controlled Feature Rollout method. Users can enroll in the Beta experience through Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. Changing tracks between Beta and Experimental experiences is simplified, allowing in-place upgrades while retaining personal files. The Release Preview Track is available but must be enabled through "Advanced Options." Users can enable experimental features directly in Windows settings without third-party tools. To unenroll from the Insider Program while keeping apps and files, users can toggle the "Unenroll Device" switch. Existing users will be transitioned to corresponding tracks based on their current enrollment: Dev Channel devices to Experimental for version 25H2, Canary Channel devices running 28000-series builds to Experimental for version 26H1, and those running 25900-series builds to the Experimental track for the Feature Platform version.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Android 17 hits a major milestone as Google releases its last ‘scheduled’ beta

Google has released Android 17 beta 4, the final beta version before the anticipated mid-2026 launch. This update, with build number CP21.260330.008, is available for Pixel devices from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 and focuses on stability rather than new features. A key addition is 'App memory limits' to manage RAM usage and improve performance, particularly for foldable phones and tablets. Developers are required to optimize apps for Android 17, ensuring compatibility with new features. The beta update is rolling out via the Android Beta Program, with stable Android 17 expected later this year. Users can sideload the update or manually flash the factory image if they haven't received it.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

IAEA Launches Global Student Challenge to Design Sustainable Uranium Mines Using Minecraft

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a global competition for university students to design and simulate sustainable uranium mining operations using the Minecraft Education platform. Teams of two to four members must create a comprehensive mining system that includes ore extraction and yellowcake production, incorporating advanced technologies such as robotics, smart sensors, and optimized processes. Submissions are due by 1 July 2026, and the winning team will present their project at the International Conference on Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development in Vienna, Austria, from 13–15 October 2026. Participants must submit an entry form, a university enrollment confirmation letter, a 5–7 minute video demonstrating their mining concept, and a sustainability commitment statement. The competition aims to inspire students to pursue careers in uranium exploration and mining amid rising global demand for nuclear energy. Modern uranium mining is increasingly adopting technologies to enhance safety and minimize environmental impact, with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.