enterprise customers Archives

Winsage

June 29, 2026

OEMs reveal Windows 11 Secure Boot fix after deadline passes, here’s how to update your PC

Major PC manufacturers, including HP, Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, LG, and Microsoft’s Surface division, have provided guidance on transitioning to new Secure Boot certificates as the expiration of Microsoft’s 2011 certificates approaches. The expiration will occur in three phases: Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 expired on June 24, 2026; Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 expired on June 27, 2026; and Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 is set to expire on October 19, 2026. Microsoft has begun rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, contingent on OEMs providing compatible BIOS updates. ASUS offers detailed documentation for both consumer and commercial devices, confirming that most users will receive updates automatically. Lenovo provides direct download links for BIOS updates organized by product family and specifies which products will not receive updates. Dell's support article covers its entire product lineup, noting that devices with an End of Service Life before January 1, 2026, will not receive updates. HP outlines a dual-track approach for updates, with specific timelines for commercial PCs. Microsoft's Surface devices receive updates directly from Microsoft, while MSI categorizes guidance based on processor generation for its laptops. Acer emphasizes backing up the BitLocker recovery key and provides a model table for confirmed BIOS release dates. Samsung confirms that all PCs running Windows 10 or 11 will function normally post-expiration, but security updates will cease. LG has released a guide for checking BIOS updates for its PCs. To verify if a PC has the 2023 certificates, users can check the Secure Boot section in Windows Security. A green checkmark indicates successful application, while yellow or red icons indicate pending updates or incompatibility. Microsoft has pushed the certificates to all eligible devices as of June 2026.

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 extends free Windows 10 security updates for consumers

Microsoft has extended its free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers to provide essential security updates until October 12, 2027. This extension allows users more time to transition to Windows 11, as Windows 10 will no longer receive support after October 14, 2025. The initial expiration date for the free ESU program was October 12, 2026. Consumers can access these updates by backing up their Windows settings, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft reward points, and for users in the European Economic Area, logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account. An ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account, but the program is not available for systems managed through Active Directory or Mobile Device Management, though devices registered with Microsoft Entra are eligible.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027

Microsoft has extended the free coverage of its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, now lasting until October 12, 2027. This change was noted in updates to Microsoft's ESU documentation and a blog post. Previously, Windows 10 was set to reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, with initial ESU coverage expiring on October 12, 2026. Consumers can access the extended security updates through various methods, including payment, backing up settings to a Microsoft account, redeeming Microsoft reward points, or for users in the European Economic Area, by logging in with a Microsoft account. Each ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same account, and the program is only for personal devices, not those managed through Active Directory or MDM.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

Windows 11 KB5094126 crashes some PCs (HP?) with BSODs, breaks OneDrive in File Explorer, enterprise apps

Windows 11 KB5094126, released on June 9, 2026, is a significant update that introduces new features, including the Low Latency Profile, and addresses up to 200 security vulnerabilities. However, it has caused boot failures for some HP devices, particularly the HP EliteBook 840 G10, leading to BSODs or BitLocker Recovery prompts. The update may conflict with specific BIOS configurations or EFI/System partition settings, especially on devices with older EFI partitions. Users experiencing boot failures may need to disable Secure Boot as a temporary workaround. Additionally, the update has disrupted OneDrive integration in File Explorer, preventing access from the left pane and tray icon, although users can still access cloud folders directly. Similar issues have been reported with Dropbox and iCloud Drive. The update has also affected Microsoft Word integration in various business applications, leading to failures in document handling. Furthermore, changes to desktop.ini files have impacted custom folder icons, requiring users to unblock these files to restore functionality.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Microsoft fixes Windows update failures linked to WUSA installer

Microsoft resolved an issue affecting the installation of Windows updates released since May 2025, which primarily impacted users using the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA) from a network share, especially in enterprise environments. The problem was significant for devices running Windows 11 24H2/25H2 and Windows Server 2025, but did not occur when handling a single .msu file or when files were stored locally. In August 2025, Microsoft acknowledged that updates installed using WUSA might fail with error ERRORBADPATHNAME when multiple .msu files were involved. A Known Issue Rollback Group Policy was implemented in September 2025 to mitigate the impact on home and non-managed business devices. The issue was ultimately resolved with cumulative updates released in June 2026 for Windows 11 (KB5079391) and Windows Server 2025 (KB5094125). Microsoft provided a workaround for users experiencing difficulties with prior updates by suggesting they save .msu files locally for installation. Users were also advised to wait at least 15 minutes after installing an .msu file via WUSA before checking the Update History page. Additionally, Microsoft had previously addressed another issue in April 2025 that affected enterprise customers installing security updates via WSUS, which recurred in the August 2025 updates. Microsoft warned customers about potential issues with installing the latest monthly updates on devices upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.

Winsage

June 8, 2026

Microsoft answers what you must do as Windows 11 Secure Boot deadline hits in days

The expiration date of the original Microsoft Secure Boot KEK certificate is June 24, 2026. Microsoft held a live "Ask Microsoft Anything" session on June 4 to address concerns regarding this deadline. The expiration affects the KEK key, while the DB key remains valid until October. After June 24, Microsoft will not be able to sign new DBX payloads, which are necessary for revoking compromised bootloaders. Devices without the new KEK may miss future revocations, leading to decreased security but will not stop booting immediately. The June Patch Tuesday update is expected to classify most systems as high confidence. IT administrators are advised to use the Intune monitoring report for device status and updates. Devices in a "temporarily paused" status require OEM firmware updates. Administrators should not delay manual rollouts for devices outside the high confidence classification. Secure Boot must be enabled to update certificates, and re-enabling it later can pose risks. Older models may receive high confidence classification faster than newer ones due to statistical requirements. In PXE boot environments, caution is needed when updating bootloaders. The Secure Boot update mechanism is consistent across Windows 10 and 11, and event logs are important diagnostic tools. Key event log entries include 1801, 1802, and 1803, which indicate various device statuses and issues. Microsoft provides resources at aka.ms/GetSecureBoot for further guidance.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

CrowdStrike Falcon software: what the platform does in 2026

CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native cybersecurity platform designed to protect endpoints, identities, and cloud workloads for enterprise users. It includes modules for next-generation antivirus, managed detection and response, cloud workload protection, and identity protection. The platform is available to enterprise customers in the U.S. and globally, serving core markets in U.S. enterprise cybersecurity and global cloud security. Falcon consolidates multiple security controls into a single system, facilitating scalability and simplifying operational processes across various environments, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. CrowdStrike is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and is publicly traded in the U.S.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Microsoft Promises Customizable Windows Right-Click Menus

Microsoft is working on a more efficient, streamlined, and customizable right-click context menu for Windows File Explorer and Desktop interactions, responding to user feedback about the cluttered nature of existing menus. The initiative aims to improve user experience by allowing customization, which marks a shift from Microsoft's previous rigid approach. Developers will need to adapt to new APIs and guidelines for context menu interactions, and there may be restrictions on the number of items that can be added. Performance improvements are also planned to address slow-loading context menus. The timeline for implementation is uncertain, but updates may first appear through Windows Insider testing channels. The changes are part of Microsoft's broader strategy to modernize Windows 11 and improve basic functionalities like file management and interface responsiveness. Customizable context menus could provide enterprise IT departments with new management options, and the initiative reflects Microsoft's awareness of competition from other operating systems.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

How Slack Messenger Shapes Modern Team Communication

Slack Messenger is a cloud-based team messaging and collaboration software developed by Slack Technologies, a subsidiary of Salesforce. It enables organized conversations through topic-focused channels, direct messaging, file sharing, and integration with third-party tools. Key features include searchable message history, voice and video calls, screen sharing, and huddles. Slack is essential for US businesses, particularly in technology, media, and professional services, as it helps reduce email overload and supports remote work. It offers security controls suitable for enterprise needs and integrates with tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365. Slack operates on a freemium model, providing free and paid plans to cater to a diverse range of users, including startups and large corporations.