grace period Archives

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates into 2026, with strings attached

Microsoft is integrating Microsoft Accounts more prominently in Windows 11, encouraging users to migrate from Windows 10. The Windows Backup feature aids users in transitioning to a new Windows 11 PC, with a temporary grace period for Windows 10 users. Yusuf Medhi, Microsoft’s Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the ease of using Windows Backup for transferring data and settings. Users with a Microsoft Account can also earn points through the Microsoft Rewards program to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Signing in with a Microsoft Account is necessary for ESU enrollment, and users must log back in if they reset or reinstall Windows on a new device. Once enrolled, a Windows 10 PC continues to receive security updates even if the user signs out of their Microsoft Account or stops using Windows Backup.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Old tech is getting the boot inside Windows and Microsoft 365

Microsoft is removing obsolete drivers from Windows Update, starting with those that have modern replacements. Older drivers will be allowed to expire, and partners can republish them only with justification. After a six-month grace period for feedback, outdated drivers will be permanently removed if no issues are raised. This cleanup is part of a recurring process to enhance security and streamline drivers for users. In Microsoft 365, outdated authentication protocols will be blocked by default starting in July 2025, requiring administrator approval for third-party app access. The first protocols to be discontinued include outdated browser authentication methods for SharePoint and OneDrive accessed via Remote PowerShell, as well as the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call protocol. Third-party applications will need explicit administrator permission to access files and sites, which may disrupt existing workflows.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft investigates nasty Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know

Both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 are experiencing a significant issue that could make a PC inoperable after the May cumulative update. Microsoft is investigating a recovery error, specifically the message ‘0xc0000098 in ACPI.sys’, which primarily affects virtual machines. While Windows 11 Home users are considered less likely to be impacted, there is still a possibility of encountering the issue. Reports of similar errors have been noted, although not definitively linked to the May update. Users are advised to consider postponing the upgrade until Microsoft resolves the issues. Windows 11 users can pause updates for over a month and must apply deferred patches within 35 days.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Google Play adds topic pages, audio previews, and new subscription tools for developers

Google is enhancing its Play Store with upgrades for Android app developers, including a robust toolset for managing subscription-based applications, allowing developers to pause live app releases. New "topic browse" pages will help users discover apps related to over 100,000 media and entertainment titles, and the "Where to Watch" feature will expand to the U.K., Korea, Indonesia, and Mexico. Developers can integrate new visual content options, such as a hero content carousel and audio samples, which have increased app installs for Health & Wellness developers. Curated spaces for user interests will expand, particularly in Japan. The Play Console will feature a new asset library for organizing visual assets and provide new metrics for app listing performance. Subscription management tools will allow multi-product checkout and enhanced reminders about subscription benefits, reducing voluntary churn by 3%. Developers can offer a grace period of up to 30 days or a 60-day account hold for declined payments. The Engage SDK will support additional categories and markets, while the Play Integrity API will improve security with enhanced abuse detection and device security update checks.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Mojang has just killed support for Minecraft VR, an underrated but very flawed VR experience

Mojang has announced the discontinuation of VR support for Minecraft, with plans to cease support by March 2025 and a suspension of VR functionality that occurred in May. The transition away from VR has received mixed reactions, as the experience was often described as temperamental and underwhelming. Alternatives like Vivecraft, a fan-supported mod, allow players to enjoy Minecraft in VR on PCs, but come with challenges such as requiring additional setup and coordination among friends. The decision to discontinue support likely stems from Minecraft's evolving nature, which complicates development and leads to the obsolescence of older versions.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Minecraft officially kills support for VR

Microsoft has discontinued support for virtual reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) in Minecraft with the release of Bedrock Edition version 1.21.80. This decision is part of a broader strategy to phase out its MR technology. Players can still use the Vivecraft mod to play Minecraft on Oculus or Windows MR devices, but this requires the original PC Java version of the game. Microsoft announced that VR/MR support would end after March 2025 and assured players that updates for the non-VR version would continue, along with access to Marketplace purchases.

Winsage

December 5, 2024

Acquisition of End User License failed, Event ID 1014 [Fix]

Event ID 1014 indicates that the Acquisition of End User License failed, which can occur during Microsoft 365 deployment or the activation of a new Windows computer. Solutions to address this issue include: 1. Disable Automatically detect settings in LAN settings. 2. Ensure a consistent network during activation. 3. Disable Proxy or VPN connections. 4. Reset the Activation Timer using the command slmgr /rearm. 5. Activate the Windows machine to a Key Management Services (KMS) using the command PLACEHOLDER5852eabe88a412c9 followed by PLACEHOLDER223497629b2020eb. 6. Repair Office or Microsoft 365 through the Apps settings. Event ID 4625 pertains to failed logon attempts in the Windows event log.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Microsoft displays full-screen Copilot+ PC ads to Windows 10 users

Microsoft is encouraging users of the free version of Windows 10 to upgrade to Windows 11 through full-screen pop-up advertisements. These ads inform users that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, and highlight benefits of upgrading, such as improved battery life, faster web browsing, and enhanced security features. Users will have a grace period of ten months before free security updates for Windows 10 cease. The advertisements promote Copilot+ PCs as the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs available.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Microsoft is officially killing Windows Mail and Calendar by year’s end

Microsoft will cease support for the Windows Mail, Calendar, and People applications after December 31, 2024. Users will still have access to these applications, but functionalities like sending and receiving emails or scheduling appointments will be unavailable after the deadline. Users are encouraged to transition to the new Outlook app, which is available in the Microsoft Store. Microsoft allows users to export their data and emails directly to the new Outlook app, with both automatic and manual options for data transfer.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

How to delete an Epic Games account through PC or mobile | Digital Trends

To delete an Epic Games account on PC, log in and go to Account Settings, then click on the red Request Account Delete button. Confirm your decision by entering the six-digit security code sent to your email, select a reason for deletion, and decide whether to log out or log back in afterward. To delete an Epic Games account on mobile, open the Fortnite app, go to Account and Privacy settings, and select Delete Account. Follow the same steps as on PC to confirm deletion. Epic Games offers a 14-day grace period after account deletion for users to recover their accounts; after this period, recovery is not possible.