feature updates Archives

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 heralds the dawn of Intelligent Computing

Windows 11 Version 25H2 was released on November 30, 2025, marking a shift from traditional operating system upgrades to a model where Windows is treated as a living service that evolves through feature updates. This version integrates artificial intelligence, notably through the Copilot tool, enhancing user interaction by providing intelligent assistance. The update also improves performance, reliability, and security, addressing increasing cyber threats with fortified default settings and better encryption. Design refinements enhance user experience and accessibility, while energy efficiency optimizations contribute to sustainability. The retirement of Windows 10 in October 2025 emphasizes the importance of Windows 11 as the future platform, with no immediate plans for a Windows 12 release.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Cybersecurity specialist says make Microsoft Windows change – or ‘be exposed’

Microsoft Windows users are urged to update their systems due to the discontinuation of support for Windows 10, which has reached its end-of-life stage. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 if their devices are compatible. Microsoft will cease providing security updates for Windows 10, increasing the risk of attacks. For those unable to upgrade, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, currently free for home users with a Microsoft account, providing security updates until October 13, 2026. Users of earlier Windows versions, such as 7, 8, and Vista, have been without support for a longer time, making them more vulnerable. After support ends on October 14, 2025, Microsoft recommends upgrading to a supported version of Windows. Transitioning to a new device that runs Windows 11 can improve user experience and security, with trade-in and recycling schemes available for old devices.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Windows 11 26H1 coming for new processors only

Microsoft has announced the upcoming release of Windows 11 version 26H1, focusing on compatibility with specific silicon, likely Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. The new build, 28000, has appeared in the Windows Insider Canary channel, marking a shift from previous numbering conventions. This release is the first H1 update for Windows 11, following the last H2 release, 24H2. The 26H1 update will not enhance version 25H2 but will modify the platform for specific silicon advancements, particularly Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite and Elite Extreme chips, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. Version 25H2 will continue to provide new features, while version 26H1 prepares for future processors, with a subsequent 26H2 release planned for later in 2026. Microsoft has also introduced updates in the Dev and Beta channels to enhance user experience.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Still on Windows 10? Enroll in free ESU before next week’s Patch Tuesday

Users operating Windows 10 are encouraged to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program following the end of support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. The ESU program allows continued access to security updates for users unable to transition to Windows 11. To obtain extended security updates for an additional year, users can pay a fee, back up their Windows settings to their Microsoft account, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points. In the European Economic Area, users can receive ESU for free by logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account or can opt to pay to continue using a local account. Enterprise customers can utilize the ESU program for a total of three years at a cumulative cost of per device. Users must be operating Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, and ensure all available updates are installed to qualify for ESU. Enrollment can be completed through the Windows Update settings. Microsoft frequently addresses security vulnerabilities, including a recent one tracked as CVE-2025-24990, which was exploited to gain administrative privileges on devices. Successful enrollment in the ESU program will provide updates until October 13, 2026. Organizations must acquire licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing or Cloud Solution Provider partners, and each device must be activated with a unique ESU key. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs can also benefit from free enrollment in the ESU program.

Winsage

November 2, 2025

Windows 11 update names got simpler, drops YYYY-MM. Now, IT admins are going mad

Microsoft has introduced a new naming convention for Windows Update titles, moving away from the YYYY-MM format and the term cumulative. The October 2025 optional update is now labeled as “Security Update (KB5034123) (26100.4747)” instead of the previous detailed titles that included the release date and specific Windows version. This change has raised concerns among IT professionals and users, as it complicates the identification of updates and may lead to confusion between different types of updates. IT administrators have expressed frustration over the lack of critical information in the new titles, which they believe hinders troubleshooting and update management. Microsoft has acknowledged the feedback but remains committed to the new naming scheme, while updates accessed through the Microsoft Update Catalog or WSUS will retain their original naming structure.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

Windows 11 is gaining a simplified naming scheme for updates going forward

Microsoft has introduced a new naming convention for Windows updates in Windows 11 to improve clarity for users. Each update type will be labeled during download and installation, such as "Security Update" for monthly security patches and "Driver Update" for driver enhancements. The new scheme includes relevant identifiers like KB number and version, omitting unnecessary technical details. This change applies to Windows OS quality updates, .NET Framework updates, driver updates, AI component updates, and Visual Studio updates. The new naming scheme will be visible in Windows Update and the Windows Update history page, but not in the Microsoft Update Catalog or Windows Server Update Services. Users cannot disable this server-side change.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

What is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 and why does it expire in 2032 and not in 2025?

Windows 10 support will expire on October 14, 2025, but Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will receive updates until January 2032. This version is designed for embedded systems like kiosks and ATMs, focusing on security and stability without new feature releases. Transitioning to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC requires a new license, as an in-place upgrade is not possible. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC may lead to compatibility challenges and lacks access to the Microsoft Store. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC is also an option, with support lasting until 2029 and extended support until October 2034. Transitioning from standard Windows versions to IoT Enterprise LTSC can be complex and may involve data loss.

Winsage

October 16, 2025

Windows 10 isn’t only Microsoft product at end of support

Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2023, impacting older versions of Office (2019 and 2016) and Exchange Server (2019). Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 for an additional year, but Office users must choose between transitioning to Office 2024 LTSC or subscribing to Microsoft 365. Office 2024 LTSC will not receive continuous feature updates and will be supported until 2029. Support for Exchange 2016, Exchange 2019, Skype for Business 2016, and Skype for Business 2019 also ended on October 14. Windows 11 22H2 for Enterprises and Education is no longer receiving updates, and users are encouraged to upgrade to a more recent version. The changes may pose significant challenges for organizations, particularly those focused on the end of Windows 10 support.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Microsoft ends support for Windows 10

Microsoft has officially ceased support for its Windows 10 operating system as of October 14th, ending technical assistance and updates. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, which offers a more modern and secure computing experience. For devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, alternatives include enrolling in the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program or replacing the device. Over 32 percent of Steam users are still using hardware running Windows 10.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 10 Tuesday. Here’s What You Need to Know

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more feature updates or technical assistance will be provided. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will be available for users who continue to use Windows 10 after this date, offering critical security updates until October 13, 2026. To upgrade to Windows 11, a computer must meet specific system requirements, including a 1 GHz or faster processor, 4GB of memory, and DirectX 12-compatible graphics. Users with ineligible devices may still find ways to upgrade by adjusting settings. Enrollment in the ESU program can be done through the Windows Update section in Settings, with options to pay a fee, sync settings to OneDrive, or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. Free enrollment is available for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area. Users must be signed into a Microsoft account and have Windows 10 Version 22H2 installed to access the enrollment wizard.