enterprise customers Archives

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Update to include third-party apps – now that’s a game changer

Microsoft is introducing a "Windows Update orchestration platform" that allows third-party developers to integrate their applications with Windows Update. This platform, currently in preview, provides an API for developers to register their apps as update providers, enabling seamless scheduling, downloading, and installation of updates. Developers can defer updates based on user activity and system performance, while users will benefit from a unified update history for all supported applications. Developers interested in the private preview can contact Microsoft at unifiedorchestrator@service.microsoft.com.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows 11 to handle all updates centrally

Microsoft has initiated a limited public preview of Windows Backup for Organizations to simplify the backup and restoration of device settings for enterprise customers, facilitating the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The company is developing a unified orchestration platform to manage all operating system and software updates, addressing issues related to the current fragmented update process. This platform will be built on the Windows Update stack and provide an API for developers to integrate their applications. Benefits include eco-conscious scheduling, a centralized notification system, holistic update history, streamlined troubleshooting, easier management for IT administrators, and support for common app types. The orchestrator is currently in early development and available only as a private preview, with a focus on enterprises, although a consumer-oriented solution may be possible in the future.

Tech Optimizer

May 25, 2025

Opinion: You can keep using Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which means no more free security updates or fixes. Users continuing with Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses. While third-party antivirus applications can offer some protection, they cannot replace the need for operating system updates. Business customers can purchase extended security updates for up to three years, starting at 0 for the first year per machine, potentially reaching ,820 by the end of the third year. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year by paying 7, but the availability of further extensions for home users remains unclear.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 support deadlines changed? This story just won’t die

Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to function on Windows 10 devices, but Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid potential performance issues. Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after the end of support, ending on October 10, 2028. However, Microsoft will not test new releases on Windows 10 after the end-of-support date. Support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will have limitations, including advising upgrades to Windows 11 for issues that do not occur on Windows 11, limited troubleshooting assistance for customers unable to upgrade, and no option to log bugs or request additional updates. These support options do not apply to consumers using the Personal and Family editions of Microsoft 365.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Microsoft is deprecating a ‘revolutionary’ virtualization-based security feature for older versions of Windows 11

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of Virtualization-based Security (VBS) enclaves, a feature introduced in July 2024, in Windows 11 23H2 and earlier versions, as well as in Windows Server 2022 and its predecessors. Support for VBS enclaves will continue in Windows Server 2025 and future versions. VBS enclaves were designed to create secure memory spaces using Microsoft's Hyper-V hypervisor, enhancing security for specific application components. The decision to phase out VBS enclaves may be influenced by the rapid development cycle of Windows 11. Users are expected to transition to newer releases as support for Windows 11 23H2 ends in November. Enterprise customers relying on VBS enclaves may face disruptions if the feature is completely removed.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft still has a massive Windows 10 problem – and there’s no easy way out

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after a standard 10-year support lifecycle. Most editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise, will stop receiving updates, although PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function without updates. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions have different end dates, with some extending support until 2029. Current data indicates that approximately 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs are replaced by Windows 11 each month, suggesting that around 35% of the 1.4 billion Windows devices will still be using Windows 10 by the end-of-support date, equating to over 500 million PCs potentially vulnerable to cyber threats. As of April 2025, about 54% of PCs globally are still running Windows 10. Users likely to remain on Windows 10 include those with incompatible hardware, corporate environments that have standardized on Windows 10, and users resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Microsoft faces challenges related to a significant number of unsupported PCs, and while extended support options exist for enterprise customers, consumer adoption is expected to be low. Users unable or unwilling to upgrade may consider non-Microsoft operating systems or continue using Windows 10 without official support, which poses security risks.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Microsoft fixes printing issues caused by January Windows updates

Microsoft has resolved an issue affecting USB printers that began after Windows updates in January 2025, which caused printers to produce random text. This fix is included in the March 2025 non-security preview updates KB5053643 and KB5053657 for Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2). The resolution will also be part of the cumulative updates for April 2025 Patch Tuesday. The problem was particularly noticeable when printers were powered on or reconnected, leading to erroneous outputs related to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Microsoft acknowledged that the issue arose after the January 2025 preview update (KB5050092). Additionally, Microsoft has addressed another issue affecting Remote Desktop and RDS connections and is collaborating with Veeam to investigate connection errors on Windows 11 24H2 systems.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Microsoft will intentionally slow OneNote for Windows 10, so you ditch it faster

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of "OneNote for Windows 10," encouraging users to transition to the new OneNote app designed for Windows 11. The legacy app will have its sync speed throttled starting in June 2025, with end of support set for October 2025. Microsoft has removed the older app from the Microsoft Store and advised enterprise customers to switch to the new version available through the Microsoft Store or a Microsoft 365 subscription. Users of the legacy app will receive prompts to migrate to the modern OneNote by July 2025. The new version offers enhanced security, AI capabilities, and improved performance but lacks some features of the legacy app.

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.

Tech Optimizer

December 27, 2024

Data protection advancements expected to shape 2025 security

Andrew Eva, the Global CIO of Assured Data Protection, predicts that by 2025, there will be a seamless integration of backup systems with ransomware detection, antivirus technologies, and intrusion detection systems. He highlights a collaboration between Rubrik and Google to provide enterprise customers with insights into known exploits for better early detection of malicious codes. Disaster recovery systems will take on a more frontline role in cyber threat management, utilizing machine learning to identify potential viruses. Ransomware is expected to remain the top cyber threat, prompting organizations to prioritize disaster recovery and backup solutions. Concerns about data security in relation to artificial intelligence will lead organizations to seek assurances regarding data protection from managed service providers (MSPs). The criteria for cyber insurance are tightening, making MSPs essential for businesses to meet these requirements. There is also an anticipated surge in demand for Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS), especially in healthcare, driven by resource constraints and a shift towards operational expenditures.