LTSC Archives

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, has developed TinyRetroPad, a Notepad-like application that is only 2.5 kilobytes in size. TinyRetroPad includes features such as Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and an unsaved changes prompt. It is built on existing Windows components, allowing it to function efficiently without extensive resources. TinyRetroPad is based on Dave’s Tiny Editor and utilizes RICHEDIT50W for text handling. The application's file size increased incrementally with each feature added, with the final size being 2,476 bytes. Crinkler, a compression linker, was used to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad is still in development, facing issues like high memory consumption and compatibility problems. In contrast, Windows 11's Notepad has become larger and more complex, weighing approximately 352KB and incorporating features that some users find unnecessary. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad without modern features, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential for simplicity in application design.

Winsage

July 4, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer rebuilds Notepad in 2.5KB using nothing but stuff Windows already had

Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, is recreating Notepad in 2.5 kilobytes with a project called TinyRetroPad, which includes features like Open, Save, Find and Replace, printing, font selection, word wrap, and unsaved changes prompt. TinyRetroPad leverages existing Windows infrastructure, utilizing built-in resources to function efficiently. It is based on Matt Power’s Dave’s Tiny Editor and operates as a wrapper around RICHEDIT50W. The size of TinyRetroPad increased with each feature added, reaching 2,476 bytes with printing. The project uses Crinkler, a compression linker, to optimize the executable. TinyRetroPad currently lacks a dedicated Releases page and may trigger false positives from antivirus software. Users have reported issues such as excessive memory usage and compatibility problems with older Windows versions. In contrast, the modern Notepad in Windows 11 has grown to approximately 352KB, with a total disk footprint nearing 5MB, leading to user backlash over its complexity. Windows 11 LTSC retains the classic Notepad, while TinyRetroPad aims to demonstrate the potential of leveraging existing OS capabilities rather than adding unnecessary features.

Winsage

June 29, 2026

Microsoft keeps Windows Server 2022 hotpatching alive into 2027

Microsoft has extended the availability of Windows Server 2022 hotpatching until 2027, specifically for the Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. Mainstream support for Windows Server 2022 will end on October 13, 2026, while extended support will last until October 14, 2031. Hotpatching allows administrators to apply security updates without server downtime, although quarterly cumulative updates requiring a reboot will still occur. This feature is exclusive to Azure Edition users, with no similar support for on-premises users of Windows Server 2022. Additionally, hotpatch updates are being introduced for Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise clients and are now the default for Windows Autopatch.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

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

A user reflects on their decade-old PC, which still functions for web browsing and media streaming, but faces a dilemma with the end-of-life for Windows 10 in October. They express dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks features and customization options. Recognizing that staying with Windows 10 post-support is not a long-term solution, the user discovers Linux Mint, which meets their needs and allows for greater customization. The transition to Linux Mint is smooth, and the user appreciates the supportive community and the adaptability of the new operating system.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

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

An old PC's motherboard has recently marked a decade of service, and while it performs well for web browsing and media streaming, the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to a new Copilot+ PC. The user contemplates several options: continuing to use the PC after the end-of-life date, switching to a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows, or attempting to install Windows 11. The user expresses dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks essential features and customization options. They also find staying with Windows 10 impractical due to the eventual phasing out of support. The user identifies Linux Mint as a compelling alternative, having found it compatible and customizable, and expresses hope that other Windows 10 users will consider transitioning to Linux Mint as well.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates for consumers

Microsoft has extended its free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers to provide essential security updates until October 12, 2027. This extension allows users more time to transition to Windows 11, as Windows 10 will no longer receive support after October 14, 2025. The initial expiration date for the free ESU program was October 12, 2026. Consumers can access these updates by backing up their Windows settings, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft reward points, and for users in the European Economic Area, logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account. An ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account, but the program is not available for systems managed through Active Directory or Mobile Device Management, though devices registered with Microsoft Entra are eligible.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027

Microsoft has extended the free coverage of its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, now lasting until October 12, 2027. This change was noted in updates to Microsoft's ESU documentation and a blog post. Previously, Windows 10 was set to reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, with initial ESU coverage expiring on October 12, 2026. Consumers can access the extended security updates through various methods, including payment, backing up settings to a Microsoft account, redeeming Microsoft reward points, or for users in the European Economic Area, by logging in with a Microsoft account. Each ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same account, and the program is only for personal devices, not those managed through Active Directory or MDM.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 26H2 Update for x86-64 PCs

Microsoft has confirmed the release of the Windows 11 update version 26H2, designed for PCs with x86-64 processors from Intel and AMD. Devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite and NVIDIA RTX Spark processors will receive a separate update. Earlier this year, Windows 11 26H1 was introduced for Windows-on-Arm devices. Windows 11 26H2 is a minor update that shares the same code base as version 25H2, allowing for a seamless transition without a complete system file replacement. The update process is straightforward and will consolidate security and quality updates. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 for two years. Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC editions will offer stability by locking onto a specific kernel code base for security updates until a future date.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday update strikes again

Microsoft has confirmed a bug affecting the Recycle Bin across all supported versions of Windows following its June 2026 Patch Tuesday update. The glitch causes the confirmation dialog to display an "internal" filename instead of the user-friendly filename when deleting files, although the actual file and its deletion process remain unaffected. The issue affects various Windows client and server versions, including Windows 11 (versions 26H1, 25H2, 24H2, 23H2), Windows 10 (versions 22H2, Enterprise LTSC 2021, Enterprise LTSC 2019, Enterprise LTSB 2016), and Windows Server (2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012). Microsoft is developing a permanent solution, but it is unclear when it will be released. Commercial customers can contact Microsoft Support for Business for a workaround.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

Microsoft confirms Recycle Bin bug across all versions of Windows

Reports have emerged about complications from the latest Patch Tuesday update, affecting users with issues such as access problems with OneDrive and Dropbox, BitLocker recovery lockouts, and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Microsoft has acknowledged a glitch related to the Recycle Bin after the installation of June's Patch Tuesday update (KB5094126), where the confirmation dialog displays the internal file name instead of the actual name when deleting an item. This issue affects various supported Windows client and server versions, including Windows 11 (versions 26H1, 25H2, 24H2, 23H2), Windows 10 (versions 22H2, Enterprise LTSC 2021, Enterprise LTSC 2019, Enterprise LTSB 2016), and Windows Server (2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012). Microsoft is working on a solution expected in a future update, but it is unclear if it will be part of the next Patch Tuesday or an out-of-band update. Commercial customers can implement a workaround by contacting Microsoft Support for Business.