Extended Security Update Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Can you really get Windows and Office for free? These hackers say yes

A group of developers called Massgrave has hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, uploading PowerShell scripts to GitHub that allow users to activate Windows and perpetual-license Office versions without paying licensing fees. Their tool, TSforge, supports activation for Windows versions 7, 8.x, 10, and 11, as well as Office versions from 2010 onward, excluding Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The scripts require minimal technical expertise and have been tested successfully on fresh installations of Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 machines. Massgrave acknowledges their actions as piracy and does not accept donations, emphasizing the ethical implications. The safety of the scripts is questioned, as there is a risk of malicious actors cloning their work. Microsoft is aware of the situation and plans to take action against unauthorized use of their software.

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Attention if your PC is running Windows, the company warns 400 million users not to update to the latest version

Microsoft will terminate support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more updates for bugs or security vulnerabilities will be provided. Currently, nearly 62% of PCs run on Windows 10. Approximately 400 million devices do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, and Microsoft advises against installing it on ineligible hardware due to potential compatibility issues. Users can check compatibility using the PC Health Check app. Alternatives for those unable to upgrade include installing Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) for an additional year or purchasing compatible hardware for Windows 11.

Winsage

November 28, 2024

RIP Windows 10? Microsoft tries ‘ultimate’ tactic to get you using Windows 11

Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as free support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Full-screen alerts have been introduced on Windows 10 devices, promoting the benefits of upgrading, such as improved battery life, faster web browsing, and enhanced security features. Microsoft is also promoting new devices optimized for Windows 11, starting at £899. For users not ready to upgrade, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for £24 per year, providing critical and important security updates but no new features or enhancements.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Win10 users treated to more full-screen ads for Windows 11

Microsoft is running full-screen advertisements on Windows 10 devices to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, reminding them that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. The company has also begun promoting new Windows 11 PCs, but Windows 11 has not yet surpassed Windows 10 in market share due to strict hardware requirements and user skepticism about the benefits of upgrading. The ads do not mention the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which allows users to maintain security updates for Windows 10, nor do they clarify that devices will continue to function without updates after the support deadline. Many consumers are hesitant to invest in new hardware, as their current devices still operate adequately.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

Microsoft just killed the Windows 10 Beta Channel again

Microsoft has closed the Windows 10 Beta Channel and transitioned all enrolled Windows Insiders to the Release Preview Channel. The Beta Channel was reopened in June 2023 for testing new features for Windows 10, version 22H2, but was discontinued five months later without detailed explanation. Over 60% of Windows systems globally still operate on Windows 10, while Windows 11 accounts for 35% of the market share. Windows 10 version 22H2 will receive monthly security updates until October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop addressing bugs and vulnerabilities. Home users can postpone their transition to Windows 11 for an additional year by purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESU), with enrollment available closer to the end of support in 2025. Enterprise customers will have access to ESU starting November 1, 2024, with the first ESU set to be released in November 2025.

Winsage

November 14, 2024

Windows 10 users: Microsoft wants you to use Windows 11, changing up its Settings app reminder banner to make sure you don’t forget

Microsoft has introduced a banner in the Windows Update menu to encourage Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, with official support for Windows 10 ending on October 14, 2025. The latest feature update for Windows 11, called 24H2, is marketed as the most refined version yet, with new features aimed at enhancing user experience. Despite this, many users still prefer Windows 10 due to its perceived superior interface and smoother File Explorer performance. Microsoft is addressing these concerns and exploring AI enhancements under the branding of Windows Intelligence. Users can opt for an extended security update service for Windows 10 after October 2025, but not all versions will lose support simultaneously.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

Microsoft begins promoting Windows 11 24H2 on Windows 10 to push migration

Windows 11 version 24H2 is being promoted as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, with Microsoft displaying a banner on Windows 10 systems to encourage the transition. The installation of Windows 11 24H2 can be initiated by clicking the download button on the banner. Microsoft plans to introduce updated banners as the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 approaches. Windows 10 users can extend their support for an additional year after the official end date of October 14, 2025, for a fee, while businesses can access a three-year Extended Security Update program. Not all versions of Windows 10 will lose support on October 14, 2025, with specific end-of-support timelines for different versions outlined. Transitioning to Windows 11 24H2 is necessary to avoid the upgrade fee.

Winsage

November 11, 2024

The latest Steam version no longer works on Windows 7 and 8

Valve has released a significant update for the Steam client that introduces new features, including gameplay recording, but it is not compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Users must upgrade to Windows 10 or a newer operating system to access the update. Steam will continue to function on older Windows versions, allowing users to access their libraries, but technical support will not be provided for these systems. Valve's decision aligns with Microsoft's end of support for these operating systems in January 2024. Approximately 0.28% of Windows users on Steam were still using Windows 7 as of October 2024. Users must purchase a new license or a new PC to upgrade, as free upgrades to Windows 10 are no longer available.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

Windows 11’s market share hits all-time high — Microsoft’s $30 extended support charge beyond Windows 10’s imminent death won’t cut it

Windows 11 has captured a market share of 35.55% as of October 2024, while Windows 10 holds 60.97%. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The International Data Corporation (IDC) reported a 3% growth in global PC shipments in Q2 2024, with approximately 64.9 million units sold. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support for an additional year at a cost. A public interest petition has been initiated urging Microsoft to reconsider the end of support for Windows 10.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Microsoft Windows User Warning—50 Million Of You Are Now At Risk

Microsoft has extended the end-of-life deadline for Windows 10 from October 2025 to October 2026, but this extension comes with a fee that is not universally applicable. Approximately 50 million Windows users are at risk and need to take action to protect their systems. Recent data shows that around 50 million users have migrated from Windows 10 to Windows 11, causing Windows 10's market share to drop just above 60% and Windows 11's to rise to nearly 36%. There are still around 850 million Windows 10 PCs that have not transitioned, with about 400 million unable to upgrade. Microsoft warns that unsupported versions of Windows do not receive software updates, including security updates. The company is preparing for a potential increase in new PC purchases in 2025, driven by an anticipated upgrade boom to Windows 11. Microsoft is also enhancing Windows 11 with security features to protect against cyber threats.