ESU program Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Windows 11 users are still turning to third-party tools to bypass Microsoft’s push for all-encompassing AI — and “Winslop” is the most categorical example to date

October 5, 2026, marks six years since the release of Windows 11, which has struggled to gain user adoption despite the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. In response to user concerns, Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing continued security updates for an additional year, with free access for users in the European Economic Area. Users have been hesitant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware requirements, design flaws, and Microsoft's focus on integrating AI into the operating system. Microsoft plans to transform Windows into an AI-driven platform, but this has faced backlash from users. The integration of Copilot AI is expanding within Windows, including potential features in File Explorer. However, skepticism remains among users, leading to a negative perception of the company, referred to as "Microslop." Additionally, a new application called Winslop has been developed to help users remove unwanted AI features and other components from Windows 11.

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.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 10 Users Can Still Get Free Security Updates. Here’s How

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in 2025 but will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU program at a cost, but free enrollment options are available through syncing settings with OneDrive or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment in the ESU program is open until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users must be on Windows 10 version 22H2 and have administrative privileges to enroll. The enrollment wizard is being rolled out gradually, and some users may not see the option immediately.

Winsage

December 15, 2025

Still running Windows 10? Here’s why that’s a bad idea

Hundreds of millions of computers are still using Windows 10, despite it reaching its end-of-support deadline. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription is available for free until October 2026, providing updates to help protect against security threats. By early 2021, around 100 million PCs were still running Windows 7, which had ceased receiving updates in January 2020, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks from groups like Digital Shadows, LockBit, Conti, and Vice Society. Notable incidents include the PrintNightmare flaw in July 2021, which led Microsoft to issue a patch for Windows 7, and the WannaCry attack in 2017, which targeted Windows XP machines. Microsoft releases monthly security fixes, and vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-62215, identified in November 2025, have been categorized as "Exploitation Detected." While current vulnerabilities require local access, history suggests that remote attacks may soon occur, posing severe risks to unpatched systems.

Winsage

December 15, 2025

Do Not Click—Microsoft Users ‘Accidentally’ Upgrade To Windows 11

Microsoft has stated that it is not forcing a Windows 11 upgrade, but users should be careful as an accidental click could trigger an automatic installation that cannot be paused. Windows 10 PCs not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are unable to use the 'Pause updates for 7 days' feature, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. The ESU program is free and is designed to protect against vulnerabilities. Users have reported that their pause option is grayed out, which is unusual. Additionally, Microsoft has repositioned the 'Enroll in Extended Security Updates' option and replaced it with a prompt to download Windows 11, indicating a potential push for users to upgrade. Approximately 500 million Windows 10 PCs are still eligible for the upgrade, and there are no hardware limitations preventing the transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

December 13, 2025

Non-ESU Windows 10 can’t pause updates anymore, including if Windows 11 install starts accidentally by user

Windows 10 users not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are unable to pause updates, as the "Pause updates for 7 days" option is grayed out. This issue can occur if users initiate an upgrade to Windows 11. Typically, the inability to pause updates arises after multiple pauses or due to organizational restrictions, but in this case, it affects users who haven't paused updates at all. As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of support, with only ESU-enrolled devices receiving security patches until October 2026. A new cumulative update is available for ESU users, but non-ESU users cannot access it. Users are prompted to install updates immediately, and if they do, the system may indicate that previous security updates have failed to install. Windows 10 now defaults to installing the 25H2 update for users upgrading without ESU enrollment, and the pause feature is unavailable during this process. Microsoft has made the Consumer ESU program accessible to regular users, allowing enrollment through Settings. Users can enroll for free with a Microsoft account, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or purchase a one-year ESU license.

Winsage

December 10, 2025

‘Security Disaster’—Microsoft Fixes Windows 10, Act Now

Microsoft is facing a significant security challenge due to hundreds of millions of unsupported PCs still in use, particularly those running Windows 10. Nearly a billion users have not transitioned to Windows 11, with about 500 million on PCs that cannot upgrade. Microsoft has released its final Patch Tuesday updates for 2025, addressing 56 vulnerabilities, including three zero-days. Windows 10 users not enrolled in the extended security updates (ESU) program will no longer receive automatic updates, with November’s Patch Tuesday marking the first serious fixes not extended to them. Users can enroll in the ESU program at no cost, allowing access to recent updates, with no deadline for enrollment until October 2026. Delaying enrollment increases vulnerability to attacks.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5071546 extended security update

Microsoft has released the KB5071546 extended security update, addressing 57 security vulnerabilities, including three critical zero-day flaws. This update is intended for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC users and those in the ESU program. Users can install it by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, and performing a manual 'Check for Updates'. The update will automatically install and prompt for a restart. After installation, Windows 10 will be upgraded to build 19045.6691, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will move to build 19044.6691. The update focuses on security enhancements and bug fixes, including a remote code execution vulnerability in PowerShell (CVE-2025-54100). PowerShell 5.1 will now issue a warning when using the "Invoke-WebRequest" command to alert users about potential script execution risks. Users are advised to use the -UseBasicParsing command line argument to prevent embedded scripts from executing. Microsoft has confirmed there are no known issues with this update.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10

By November 2025, Windows 11 held 53.7 percent of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 had 42.7 percent. Statcounter's data is based on a sample of around 1.5 million websites. Many consumers have devices incompatible with upgrades or prefer not to change functioning systems. In the EU, consumers benefit from free Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses face slow change management processes due to poor planning and resource challenges. Organizations use ESUs to maintain security during transitions, but costs can be burdensome for unprepared businesses. Consumers often retain older Windows 10 machines for secondary tasks, affecting usage statistics. Organizations strategically leverage ESUs for mission-critical systems and budget constraints. The cost of ESUs is often less than the potential disruptions from migration. Windows 11 lacks compelling features to prompt enterprises to upgrade, and adoption is slower than previous operating systems, lagging by 10-12 points according to Dell's COO.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

PC Sales Remain Flat Despite Windows 10 End of Life, Claims Dell

Microsoft's Windows 10 reached its end-of-life on October 14, leading to the introduction of Windows 11. Dell's COO, Jeffrey Clarke, indicated that the transition to Windows 11 is slower than expected, with a 10-12 point lag compared to the previous OS transition. Approximately 500 million PCs are unable to upgrade to Windows 11, and Microsoft has implemented Extended Security Updates (ESU) to support these devices temporarily. Dell noted that around 500 million additional PCs could transition to Windows 11 without hardware upgrades. Despite this, Dell reported record Q3 results of billion, primarily driven by AI servers and infrastructure rather than PC sales, which have shown mid-to-high single-digit growth in a flat overall market.