LTSC Archives

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Microsoft admits Windows Server Update Services sync is failing

Microsoft has acknowledged ongoing issues with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) that are affecting the synchronization and deployment of updates, leading to significant challenges for businesses. Users have reported synchronization failures and timeout errors, with many expressing frustration over the lack of communication from Microsoft. The affected platforms include various versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as multiple Windows Server versions. Error logs indicate problems such as "Unable to connect to the remote server." Currently, there is no workaround available, and Microsoft is working on repairs related to a problematic update revision. Reports of the issue have emerged globally, with some users experiencing new errors and an overwhelming number of updates being downloaded.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Zero Day Initiative — The July 2025 Security Update Review

In July 2025, Adobe released 13 bulletins addressing 60 unique CVEs across various applications, including ColdFusion, After Effects, and Illustrator. ColdFusion received a Priority 1 patch for 13 CVEs, five of which are Critical. FrameMaker's patch fixed 15 CVEs, including 13 Critical vulnerabilities. Illustrator's update addressed 10 bugs, with the most severe enabling code execution. Other applications like InCopy and InDesign also had Critical vulnerabilities fixed. Microsoft released 130 new CVEs across its products, with 10 rated Critical. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-47981, a heap-based buffer overflow in Windows SPNEGO, and CVE-2025-49717 affecting Microsoft SQL Server. CVE-2025-49704 allows code injection in SharePoint, while CVE-2025-49695 highlights an attack vector in Microsoft Office's Preview Pane.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Microsoft opens a free tier for Windows 10 extended updates

Microsoft is introducing new enrollment options for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. Users can enroll by utilizing Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud at no cost, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee with local pricing variations. The Windows Backup app stores data on Microsoft OneDrive, which offers limited free storage, necessitating the purchase of additional storage for larger files. Users can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for extra OneDrive space and updates. Businesses can subscribe to ESU for a fee per device, covering security updates for one year, renewable annually for up to three years. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 or Virtual Machines will receive ESU at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

An old PC with a decade-old motherboard continues to perform basic tasks but struggles with gaming and faces the end of support for Windows 10 in October. The user is not upgrading to Windows 11 due to dissatisfaction with its features and customization limitations. They are considering alternatives, including sticking with Windows 10, which feels temporary, or trying Linux Mint. After a trial run with Linux Mint, the user found the transition seamless and appreciated its customizability and community support. As the end of Windows 10 approaches, the user sees Linux Mint as a stable and personalized computing option.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

LibreOffice adds voice to ‘ditch Windows for Linux’ campaign

The LibreOffice project is encouraging users to transition from Windows to Linux as Windows 10 approaches its end. The Document Foundation is developing LibreOffice version 25.8, which will remove support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, as well as deprecate x86 (32-bit) Windows builds. The latest version is 25.2, released in February, with version 25.8 expected in August. Users on Windows 7 can access both "fresh" and "stable" releases, with the current stable version being 24.8.7, which will still support Windows 7 after the release of version 25.8.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Microsoft Patched Windows Server 2025 Restart Bug that Disconnects AD Domain Controller

Microsoft has released a patch, KB5060842, on June 10, 2025, to address a vulnerability in Windows Server 2025 that affected Active Directory Domain Controllers' ability to manage network traffic after system restarts. This issue stemmed from the improper initialization of domain firewall profiles during startup, leading to service interruptions and authentication failures. The patch corrects the initialization sequence of these profiles, ensuring proper network traffic management post-restart. Organizations using Windows Server 2025 are advised to implement this update to maintain the reliability of their Active Directory services.

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Forget Windows 11, this version of Windows 10 is officially supported until 2032

Microsoft will retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive technical support, feature updates, or security patches. Users can upgrade to Windows 11, but not all devices meet its requirements. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security support for a fee. Another option is the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC edition, which provides a streamlined experience but is not intended for general consumer use and comes with complex licensing requirements. Windows 10 LTSC will receive official support for several years, but as mainstream Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date, software and driver support may decline. Users with older hardware may consider acquiring a Windows 10 LTSC key to extend device functionality, but should weigh the associated challenges.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Three ways to run Windows apps on a Linux box

If you're transitioning to Linux and need to run Windows applications, you have several options, including dual-booting, using a virtual machine (VM), or employing a compatibility layer like WINE. For virtualization, VirtualBox is a popular open-source choice, while VMware is another option that has been free since late 2024. Both require a Windows ISO, which can be obtained for free from Microsoft. VirtualBox suggests allocating 2GB of RAM and one processor core, but 8GB of RAM and two cores are recommended for better performance. Running a VM requires significant resources, and a valid Windows license is necessary for the guest OS. Dual-booting allows both Windows and Linux to run natively, providing full hardware access and optimal performance. WINE translates Windows application calls into Linux commands and is included in most Linux distributions. Its effectiveness varies by application. Bottles is a user-friendly wrapper around WINE that simplifies installation. For enhanced compatibility, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a premium alternative to WINE, with a free evaluation version available. For gaming, Lutris and Valve’s Proton are tools that facilitate running Windows games on Linux.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

These are the end dates for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 10 support will cease for most users on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 version 22H2 will also reach its end-of-life on this date. Windows 10 version 21H2 has already reached its end-of-life as of June 11, 2024. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations transitioning to Windows 11, with individual consumers able to secure up to one additional year of support and organizations up to three years at increasing costs. The Microsoft Volume Licensing Program starts at per device in the first year, escalating to 0 in the second year and 0 in the third year. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will remain supported until January 13, 2032. Windows 11 22H2 is supported until October 8, 2024, Windows 11 23H2 until November 11, 2025, and Windows 11 24H2 until October 13, 2026. Extended Security Updates for Windows 11 could extend support until 2029. Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise offers support until October 12, 2027, while IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 has updates until October 10, 2034. The support timelines indicate a need for quicker transitions to new Windows systems.

Winsage

May 19, 2025

Latest patch puts some Windows 10 machines in recovery loops

Many users are experiencing issues with Windows 10 versions 22H2 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, particularly those with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) on tenth-generation or later Intel processors with vPro support. Users who have BitLocker enabled and installed the KB5058379 patch released on May 13 may need their BitLocker recovery keys due to a bug causing lsass.exe to terminate unexpectedly, leading to an Automatic Repair cycle or a reboot loop. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on an Out-of-band update. Meanwhile, workarounds, such as disabling TXT, pose security risks. Microsoft also announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees.