ESU Archives

Winsage

June 11, 2025

Upgrading Windows 10 to 11: Here’s everything you need to know

Microsoft is offering a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for eligible devices that meet the minimum system requirements and use the appropriate upgrade tools. Official support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, technical support, and bug fixes. Users can obtain a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of critical security updates. Windows 11 requires specific hardware prerequisites, including TPM 2.0 and compatible processors. Users can check their PC's eligibility for the update using the free PC Integrity Checker app. To upgrade, users can download the Windows 11 Installation Wizard or use the Rufus tool to create a bootable USB stick for installation. Backing up data before upgrading is recommended.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Forget Windows 11, this version of Windows 10 is officially supported until 2032

Microsoft will retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive technical support, feature updates, or security patches. Users can upgrade to Windows 11, but not all devices meet its requirements. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security support for a fee. Another option is the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC edition, which provides a streamlined experience but is not intended for general consumer use and comes with complex licensing requirements. Windows 10 LTSC will receive official support for several years, but as mainstream Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date, software and driver support may decline. Users with older hardware may consider acquiring a Windows 10 LTSC key to extend device functionality, but should weigh the associated challenges.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft is done being subtle – this new tool screams “upgrade now”

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as the end of support deadline approaches. To facilitate this upgrade, Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool designed to streamline backups and assist businesses in migrating to Windows 11. This tool, announced at Microsoft Ignite in November 2024 and currently in limited public preview, helps organizations back up and restore Windows settings during device resets or reimaging. It aims to reduce troubleshooting, ensure smoother transitions, and enhance productivity by minimizing downtime. To use this tool, systems must be Microsoft Entra joined, and organizations need an active Microsoft Intune test tenant with Intune service administrator permissions. As of April 2025, Windows 10 holds a 52.9% market share, while Windows 11 has 43.7%. Microsoft must upgrade a significant portion of its user base by the deadline or encourage enrollment in the Extended Security Updates program.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

This new Microsoft tool could be the final nail in Windows 10’s coffin

Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool designed to assist businesses in securely backing up and restoring Windows settings during the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool is particularly useful for organizations upgrading multiple laptops, as it helps minimize manual adjustments. As of April 2025, 52.9% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a market share of 43.7%. Users are encouraged to back up data before upgrading, and alternatives like Linux are suggested for those hesitant to switch to Windows 11, especially for older hardware.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Upgrading to Windows 11 just got easier – Microsoft introduces a new business backup tool

Windows has introduced a new backup tool for organizations, currently in limited public preview, designed to assist in backing up Windows settings during the resetting or reimaging of user devices. This tool supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11, facilitating smoother migration to Windows 11. It was announced at Microsoft Ignite in 2024 and aims to reduce migration overhead and user disruption. Organizations must operate Microsoft Entra joined Windows systems, have an active Microsoft Intune test tenant, and possess Microsoft Intune service administrator permissions to participate in the preview. Additionally, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for businesses unable to upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10's end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has also introduced a feature for developers that allows software to seek updates via Windows Update for a more unified app update experience.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft introduces new Windows backup tool for businesses

Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, a backup solution for enterprises currently in limited public preview. It allows organizations to back up and restore user Windows settings after device resets or reimaging, aiming to reduce migration overhead, minimize user disruption, and strengthen device resilience. The tool supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems joined to Microsoft Entra. Companies must register and have an active Microsoft Intune test tenant with administrator permissions to participate in the preview. Microsoft advises organizations to enroll Windows 10 endpoints in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program if they cannot transition to Windows 11 by October 14, 2025, and has announced that home users can also opt for an additional year of security updates through the ESU program for a fee. Additionally, Microsoft introduced a new update orchestration platform to unify the updating system across Windows environments.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

These are the end dates for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 10 support will cease for most users on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 version 22H2 will also reach its end-of-life on this date. Windows 10 version 21H2 has already reached its end-of-life as of June 11, 2024. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations transitioning to Windows 11, with individual consumers able to secure up to one additional year of support and organizations up to three years at increasing costs. The Microsoft Volume Licensing Program starts at per device in the first year, escalating to 0 in the second year and 0 in the third year. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will remain supported until January 13, 2032. Windows 11 22H2 is supported until October 8, 2024, Windows 11 23H2 until November 11, 2025, and Windows 11 24H2 until October 13, 2026. Extended Security Updates for Windows 11 could extend support until 2029. Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise offers support until October 12, 2027, while IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 has updates until October 10, 2034. The support timelines indicate a need for quicker transitions to new Windows systems.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Computers running on Microsoft’s Windows 10 must be updated

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning devices will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, which could lead to security vulnerabilities. At Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), many computers can be upgraded to Windows 11 without disruption, and the upgrade process is being managed by University Technology ([U]Tech). Some devices may need assessment for compatibility, and [U]Tech will contact those affected. Early planning is important to avoid disruptions, ensure budget allocation, and maintain security. Users should contact [U]Tech if they have not been reached by June 30 and provide their device information. Assistance is available through various channels, including a support form and the [U]Tech C.A.R.E. Center.

Winsage

May 26, 2025

Deadline approaching: It’s time to say goodbye to Windows 10

Microsoft will officially discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which has specific hardware requirements including a modern processor, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. To check compatibility, users can use the PC Health Check app. If a device does not meet the requirements, hardware upgrades or firmware adjustments may be necessary. If the BIOS mode is set to Legacy, users must convert the hard drive from MBR to GPT using the command mbr2gpt /convert /allowfullOS. It is recommended to back up data before upgrading. Microsoft is also offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for approximately €27, extending support for an additional year.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Jim Rossman: You can use Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in October 2025, ending free security updates and fixes. Users continuing to use Windows 10 after this date will face increased risks of malware and viruses due to the lack of security updates. While third-party antivirus applications can provide some protection, they cannot replace the operating system patches that will no longer be available. Business users can purchase extended security updates for Windows 10 for up to three years, starting at a cost of for the first year per machine, which doubles in subsequent years. Individual consumers can extend protection for Windows 10 Home systems for an additional year through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, lasting until October 2026, but further availability of ESU for home users beyond this initial year has not been clarified by Microsoft.