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I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux
Winsage
April 3, 2026

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

The author switched from a MacBook Air to a nine-year-old ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, which does not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to its 7th-gen Intel processor. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October, leaving many devices like the ThinkPad considered "obsolete." The author installed Linux Mint on the ThinkPad, which is compatible with older hardware and provides a user-friendly experience. The ThinkPad has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and was purchased for 0. Despite some challenges, such as reduced battery life and minor driver issues, the device remains functional for everyday tasks. Linux Mint is free and open source, requiring no mandatory agreements for installation.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5078885 extended security update
Winsage
March 11, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5078885 extended security update

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5078885 extended security update, which addresses vulnerabilities identified during the March 2026 Patch Tuesday. This update resolves two zero-day vulnerabilities and a critical issue preventing certain devices from shutting down properly. Users of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or those in the ESU program can install it via Settings under Windows Update. The update upgrades Windows 10 to build 19045.7058 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 to build 19044.7058. The update focuses on security enhancements and bug fixes, addressing a total of 79 vulnerabilities, including two actively exploited ones. Key fixes include: - A new warning dialog in Windows System Image Manager for confirming trusted catalog files. - Enhancements to File History for backing up files with specific Chinese and Private Use Area characters. - Stability improvements for specific GPU configurations. - Additional high-confidence device targeting data for Secure Boot certificates. - Adjustments to Chinese fonts for compliance with GB18030-2022A standards. - A fix for Secure Launch-capable PCs with Virtual Secure Mode unable to shut down or hibernate after a previous security update. - Resolution of an issue affecting folder renaming with desktop.ini files in File Explorer. The update also addresses a known issue preventing Windows 10 devices from shutting down or hibernating when System Guard Secure Launch is enabled. Microsoft is deploying new Secure Boot certificates to replace those expiring in June 2026, which are crucial for validating boot components and preventing security risks. There are currently no known issues associated with this update.
Windows 10 has been open to a severe recovery bug without this update
Winsage
March 6, 2026

Windows 10 has been open to a severe recovery bug without this update

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 and encouraged users to switch to Windows 11, using full-screen pop-up ads. The company introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to facilitate this transition. However, issues arose with the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), which faced significant problems around the same time Windows 10 was phased out, affecting Windows 11 users as well. Microsoft acknowledged these issues in February and released an emergency patch to fix them. On March 3, 2026, a recovery update for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2 was rolled out to address the WinRE malfunction. Following the end of support for Windows 10, Windows 11's market share increased to 72.78%. Microsoft plans to improve Windows 11 in 2026 based on user feedback, but Windows 12 is not expected to be released this year.
Windows 10: WinRE Update KB5075039 fixes issue from Oct. 2025
Winsage
March 5, 2026

Windows 10: WinRE Update KB5075039 fixes issue from Oct. 2025

On March 3, 2026, Microsoft re-released update KB5075039 to restore functionality to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) for Windows 10, which officially fell out of support in October 2025. This update followed a bug caused by dynamic security update KB5067039, released in October 2025, which introduced a problematic USBHUB3.SYS driver version that disabled USB keyboards and mice in WinRE. Microsoft acknowledged this issue on October 17, 2025. In mid-January 2026, Microsoft released recovery updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11, including KB5075039 on January 15, 2026, targeting Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2, but it did not resolve the issue. The re-release of update KB5073933 on March 3, 2026, addressed a critical bug preventing WinRE from starting when the previous update KB5068164 was installed. The installation of KB5073933 is recommended for Windows 10 22H2 users with ESU support to ensure a functional recovery environment.
Did Windows 10 automatically update itself on this user's PC with curiously perfect timing — or was this mid-shower surprise just an honest mistake?
Winsage
March 4, 2026

Did Windows 10 automatically update itself on this user’s PC with curiously perfect timing — or was this mid-shower surprise just an honest mistake?

Microsoft has been encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 since its launch in October 2021, employing tactics such as full-screen pop-up ads. Some users prefer Windows 10 due to its hardware requirements and design issues. A user named 'djseifer' reported that their Windows 10 PC automatically upgraded to Windows 11 while they were away, despite declining previous upgrade prompts. Upon returning, they expressed dissatisfaction with the new interface, particularly the Start menu and centralized taskbar. It is generally understood that Microsoft should not forcibly upgrade a user's operating system without consent, although the user may have inadvertently consented through prior agreements. Users can disable automatic updates to maintain their Windows 10 experience, but this may expose them to security vulnerabilities. Microsoft requires TPM 2.0 for Windows 11, complicating upgrades for unsupported hardware. Windows 10 will still be usable after Microsoft ends support on October 14, 2025, but users will face increased risks from cyber threats. Extended Security Updates (ESU) will provide limited security updates for a time.
Windows 11 tops market share as 10 faces extended farewell
Winsage
March 2, 2026

Windows 11 tops market share as 10 faces extended farewell

Recent data from Statcounter indicates that Windows 11 has a market share of 72.57 percent, while Windows 10 holds 26.45 percent. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 has surpassed one billion users. Statcounter's data is collected from over 1.5 million websites and may be subject to revision. Microsoft will discontinue support for many versions of Windows 10 in October 2025, leading some organizations to consider Extended Security Updates (ESU), which can incur additional costs. Windows Server 2016 has a 20.3 percent share among monitored servers, and Windows 10 2016 LTSB accounts for 0.5 percent of Windows devices, making up 19.8 percent within the LTSC/LTSB category. The higher usage of LTSC/LTSB is attributed to special-purpose devices in consumer and retail sectors, which face stricter upgrade protocols.
Microsoft gives Windows laggards the 'gift of time' wrapped in licensing fees
Winsage
February 25, 2026

Microsoft gives Windows laggards the ‘gift of time’ wrapped in licensing fees

Microsoft is offering up to three years of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for older Windows installations, with the expectation of compensation. Most major versions of Windows 10 will reach end of support by 2025, while Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB and Windows IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 will end support on October 13, 2026, and Windows Server 2016 will conclude support on January 12, 2027. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 for Windows Server 2016 users. The pricing for ESU for Windows 10 2016 LTSB starts at a specified amount per device for the first year, with expected increases in subsequent years. Customers using Intune or Windows Autopatch may receive a reduced rate. There is no official pricing for Windows Server 2016 ESU, creating uncertainty for administrators. Historically, Microsoft has charged a premium for extended support, with previous ESU costs for Windows Server 2012 being 100 percent of the full license price for the first year. The final cost of ESU will depend on each organization’s licensing agreement.
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