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Still on Windows 10? 0patch may be your best defense in the 'End of Support era'
Winsage
January 16, 2026

Still on Windows 10? 0patch may be your best defense in the ‘End of Support era’

In early 2023, Microsoft announced that official support for Windows 10 would end in 2025, with regular updates and security patches ceasing on October 14, 2025. Users have a little over two years to transition to Windows 11 or other operating systems. Some users have enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will also end in October 2026. A third-party service called 0patch offers ongoing protection for Windows 10 by providing micropatches for vulnerabilities. 0patch releases two to three micropatches each month, prioritizing vulnerabilities that are publicly known, actively exploited, and lack an official Microsoft fix. 0patch has a free version that provides critical zero-day patches and a paid Pro plan that includes legacy patches. The Pro plan costs €25 per year, while an Enterprise plan is available for €35 annually. 0patch plans to support Windows 10 until at least October 2030, depending on user demand. Users have reported some performance issues with 0patch, but the updates are lightweight and do not significantly affect system performance.
Windows Server 2008 is finally gone, after Microsoft pulls support at last
Winsage
January 15, 2026

Windows Server 2008 is finally gone, after Microsoft pulls support at last

Microsoft concluded all support for Windows Vista and Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026. Most customers lost support in January 2020, but Extended Security Updates were available until January 2023 for most users and until January 2024 for Azure customers. Free security updates, non-security updates, and support options are no longer accessible for the retired codebase. Organizations are encouraged to migrate to Azure for additional security updates. Windows Server 2012 will also reach the end of its ESU on October 13, 2026.
Nothing to declare at border control except a Windows 7 certificate error
Winsage
January 9, 2026

Nothing to declare at border control except a Windows 7 certificate error

A glitch in the border control wait-time display at Birmingham Airport showed a security certificate error, leaving passengers unaware of their wait times. The display is running on Windows 7, which reached its end of life in 2020, and the error message resembles outdated technology from Windows Vista. Despite this, a traveler reported a quick passage through border control, taking only ten minutes. The ongoing certificate issue raises concerns about the reliability of the information provided to passengers.
5 Free Tools To Keep Your Windows 10 PC Secure Without Further Microsoft Support
Winsage
January 3, 2026

5 Free Tools To Keep Your Windows 10 PC Secure Without Further Microsoft Support

Millions of users are unable to transition to Windows 11 due to stringent hardware requirements, leaving many Windows 10 PCs vulnerable to malware threats. Microsoft has introduced Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 Home users, available for a year at a cost. Users can enhance their Windows 10 security with various tools: - 0patch: Micropatches vulnerabilities without requiring a restart, supported until 2030. The free version addresses zero-day vulnerabilities, while the pro version offers more comprehensive protection. - TinyWall: Simplifies firewall management using the Windows Filtering Platform, allowing users to control app connections without constant pop-ups. - Patch My PC Home Updater: Automates the updating of outdated applications to enhance security. - Sandboxie Plus: Allows users to run applications in an isolated environment to prevent changes from affecting the system. - Panda Dome Free: A free antivirus solution providing real-time protection against malware, with features like USB Protection and Process Monitor.
Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year
Winsage
January 1, 2026

Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year

Microsoft has concluded support for Windows 10, with over 44% of PC users still operating on the OS. This poses potential risks for users, particularly as the end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop issuing free updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering security patches until October 13, 2026, at a cost of £22 for individual users and starting at £45 for businesses, with prices doubling in subsequent years. Users can also access ESU benefits through Microsoft Rewards Points or by performing a Windows Backup via OneDrive, which has a 5GB free limit. Research suggests that around 5 million individuals in the UK could be at risk due to continued reliance on Windows 10. The ESU program is available for users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2.
Microsoft’s 2026 end-of-support wave includes Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021, and more
Winsage
January 1, 2026

Microsoft’s 2026 end-of-support wave includes Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021, and more

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 24H2 on October 4, 2026. Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise support ends on November 10, 2026. Office 2021 support will conclude on October 13, 2026. Upgrading from Office 2021 to Office 2024 will require purchasing a new license. The following products will also lose support in 2026: .NET 9 (November 10), .NET 8 (November 10), PowerShell 7.4 (November 10), and Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 (October 13).
Microsoft in 2025: year in review
Winsage
December 31, 2025

Microsoft in 2025: year in review

In 2025, Microsoft faced challenges including a slow migration to Windows 11 after the end of Windows 10, with many users opting to stay on the older system due to free Extended Security Updates. The anticipated rush to Windows 11 did not occur, partly because many older PCs did not meet the new system requirements. Microsoft increased its focus on AI integration in Windows 11, but this initiative faced backlash from users concerned about unnecessary features and existing bugs. The annual upgrade brought only minor improvements, and persistent bugs continued to affect user experience, particularly for gamers, who faced disruptions amid rising competition from platforms like SteamOS. Additionally, a significant price increase for Xbox Game Pass led to subscriber cancellations, although revenue remained high. Xbox console sales dropped by 70% year-on-year, while the Surface hardware division did not achieve the same success as the previous year, with new devices failing to generate excitement.
Top 10 end user computing stories of 2025
Winsage
December 23, 2025

Top 10 end user computing stories of 2025

The PC market is experiencing a significant shift in 2025 due to the end of support for Windows 10, which is set for October 5, 2025. Windows 11, launched in 2021, requires a TPM 2 for Secure Boot, limiting compatibility to newer devices. Microsoft is phasing out support for older devices due to security concerns, and while older peripherals may still work, they won't receive updates. Microsoft offers extended support options for Windows 10 users, including continued security updates for home users until October 2026 and an Extended Security Updates subscription for corporate users. The transition has led to increased interest in new PCs with neural processing units (NPU) for AI workloads, with support expanding to Intel and AMD systems. The integration of AI capabilities into PCs is being promoted, although current offerings may not incentivize IT departments to invest in NPU-enabled devices. The end of support for Windows 10 has influenced PC purchasing behaviors, resulting in increased shipments as manufacturers prepare for US tariffs. IT leaders must manage their device ecosystems carefully, as unsupported Windows 10 machines could become targets for cyber threats.
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