enterprise devices Archives

Winsage

November 29, 2025

Microsoft: Windows updates make password login option invisible

Microsoft has warned Windows 11 users about an issue where the password sign-in option may not appear on the lock screen after updates since August 2025, although the functionality is still available. This issue affects users who installed the KB5064081 non-security preview update or later on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 systems. Users can still log in by hovering over the area where the password icon should be, which reveals the button to access the password text box. Microsoft is working on a fix but has not provided a timeline. Additionally, Microsoft addressed other issues related to the KB5064081 update, including playback interruptions in DRM-protected video applications and installation problems for non-admin users. Earlier, Microsoft also released emergency updates to fix issues with security updates failing and problems with Windows reset and recovery features.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows DRM video playback issues for some users

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 11 24H2 systems related to the playback of DRM-protected video content in Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital TV applications. Users reported freezes, black screens, and playback disruptions after installing the August 29, 2025 Windows non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later updates. The issue particularly affects applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio, leading to copyright protection errors. Microsoft released KB5065789, the September 2025 Windows preview update, which has "partially resolved" these playback issues for some users, but some DRM-related challenges may still persist. Additionally, Microsoft addressed other problems from the August 2025 updates, including installation issues for non-admin users and severe lag in NDI streaming software on Windows 10 and 11. They also fixed a known issue causing security updates via WSUS to fail and released emergency updates for bugs affecting Windows reset and recovery operations.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft says recent updates cause DRM video playback issues

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting certain applications that use Digital Rights Management (DRM) for video playback and live TV on Windows 11 24H2 systems after the August 29, 2025, non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later updates. Users may experience freezes, black screens, and playback problems, particularly with Digital TV and BluRay/DVD applications. Applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio may encounter copyright protection errors and frequent playback interruptions. Microsoft is working on a solution to be rolled out in future updates. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed other issues related to the August updates, including app installation problems for non-admin users and lag with NDI streaming software. Previous similar challenges have also been resolved by Microsoft, including a bug affecting video recording and playback on Windows 10 and 11 systems.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Enterprises staying on Windows 10 could shell out billions

Free support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, leading to potential costs of up to .3 billion in the first year for enterprises that choose extended security updates. Microsoft has over 1.4 billion monthly active devices, with approximately 30 percent (around 420 million) being used by commercial or public sector organizations. An estimated 181 million enterprise devices are currently running Windows 10, and projections suggest about 121 million will still be active when support ends. Each device requiring a year of Extended Security Updates could result in significant expenses. Additionally, Windows 11 has a higher rate of system crashes (1.2 percent) and hard resets (9.9 percent) compared to Windows 10, with issues often linked to drivers and migrations rather than the OS itself. Tim Flower from Nexthink emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to OS migrations, focusing on user experience rather than just compliance.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Microsoft’s free updates for Windows 10 draw criticism

Microsoft's initiatives to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 have faced criticism from privacy advocates regarding the environmental impact of obsolete PCs. The company announced that the first year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) would be free for individual consumers, but users must either sync their settings to the cloud or redeem Microsoft Rewards points to qualify. Lucas Rockett Gutterman from PIRG criticized the limited options, noting that many Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11. While Microsoft has made some concessions, such as affordable pricing for schools, it has not committed to extending support for Windows 10 or easing hardware requirements for Windows 11. In 2023, PIRG petitioned Microsoft to extend Windows 10's life, as support for many editions ends in October 2025. Commercial customers will still incur fees for ESU, which are expected to increase in subsequent years. ControlUp's Windows 11 Readiness Report indicates that 50 percent of enterprise Windows endpoints have not migrated to Windows 11, a decrease from over 82 percent the previous year. Migration rates vary by sector, with healthcare lagging behind.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Windows 10 still powers millions of business PCs with support set to end in just four months

Millions of enterprise devices are still using Windows 10, with a report indicating that half of all business-managed Windows devices have not transitioned to Windows 11. In the healthcare sector, 19% of devices are too outdated to upgrade without replacement, and the finance sector also shows slow modernization. The Americas have only 43% of enterprise devices upgraded to Windows 11, while Europe has a 70% upgrade rate. Larger organizations managing over 10,000 devices have completed only 42% of their migrations due to complex environments and aging infrastructure. Microsoft is offering paid support through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, and third-party provider 0patch plans to deliver security fixes for at least five years after Microsoft's support ends.