Microsoft Rewards Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

Using Windows 10? Do This Now to Lower Your Risk of Being Hacked

Support for Windows 10 officially ended last year, and Microsoft recommends users transition to Windows 11 or buy new computers. Users will no longer receive security updates, and any issues encountered will not be supported by Microsoft. Windows Update will indicate that devices are no longer receiving updates, leaving users to manage security vulnerabilities themselves. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive updates until October 2028, and users can enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026, under certain conditions. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 at 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. Users opting to stay on Windows 10 should implement third-party security solutions to mitigate risks from the lack of official updates.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year

Microsoft has concluded support for Windows 10, with over 44% of PC users still operating on the OS. This poses potential risks for users, particularly as the end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop issuing free updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering security patches until October 13, 2026, at a cost of £22 for individual users and starting at £45 for businesses, with prices doubling in subsequent years. Users can also access ESU benefits through Microsoft Rewards Points or by performing a Windows Backup via OneDrive, which has a 5GB free limit. Research suggests that around 5 million individuals in the UK could be at risk due to continued reliance on Windows 10. The ESU program is available for users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

If ChatGPT Atlas browser lands on Windows 11, Microsoft Edge already looks ready to “intercept” it with Edge/Bing upsell

Microsoft has a history of discouraging users from downloading Chrome through its Edge browser and Bing search engine. This practice may extend to OpenAI’s upcoming ChatGPT Atlas, which is designed as an agentic browser. Currently, searches for Google Chrome on Bing prompt users to continue using Edge, highlighting its features. If users attempt to download Chrome directly, they receive reminders of Edge's advantages. Microsoft is reportedly preparing to intercept the launch of ChatGPT Atlas on Windows, as indicated by experimental flags found in Edge Canary. These flags suggest that Edge will attempt to redirect users from ChatGPT Atlas, similar to its approach with Chrome. ChatGPT Atlas can autonomously navigate the web based on user prompts, posing a potential challenge to Edge's popularity. Microsoft is likely concerned about losing users to ChatGPT Atlas, which offers more advanced agentic functionalities than Edge's Copilot feature.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 10 Users Can Still Get Free Security Updates. Here’s How

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 in 2025 but will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU program at a cost, but free enrollment options are available through syncing settings with OneDrive or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment in the ESU program is open until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users must be on Windows 10 version 22H2 and have administrative privileges to enroll. The enrollment wizard is being rolled out gradually, and some users may not see the option immediately.

Winsage

December 13, 2025

Non-ESU Windows 10 can’t pause updates anymore, including if Windows 11 install starts accidentally by user

Windows 10 users not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are unable to pause updates, as the "Pause updates for 7 days" option is grayed out. This issue can occur if users initiate an upgrade to Windows 11. Typically, the inability to pause updates arises after multiple pauses or due to organizational restrictions, but in this case, it affects users who haven't paused updates at all. As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of support, with only ESU-enrolled devices receiving security patches until October 2026. A new cumulative update is available for ESU users, but non-ESU users cannot access it. Users are prompted to install updates immediately, and if they do, the system may indicate that previous security updates have failed to install. Windows 10 now defaults to installing the 25H2 update for users upgrading without ESU enrollment, and the pause feature is unavailable during this process. Microsoft has made the Consumer ESU program accessible to regular users, allowing enrollment through Settings. Users can enroll for free with a Microsoft account, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or purchase a one-year ESU license.

Tech Optimizer

December 11, 2025

Hackers Are Targeting Windows 10 Users. Make Sure to Do This One Thing to Stay Safe

Microsoft has set the end of support for Windows 10 to October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive security updates or technical assistance. Windows 10 machines will continue to function, but users will face risks due to unaddressed security vulnerabilities. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, extending support for eligible consumer editions until October 13, 2026, with specific enrollment criteria. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 holding a 53.7% market share compared to Windows 10's 42.7%. Users can continue using Windows 10 by employing third-party security solutions, including antivirus programs and VPNs, to mitigate risks in the absence of Microsoft’s support.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

How to get free Windows 10 security patches on your PC – from now to October 2026

Windows updates will roll out automatically on November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has ended, meaning PCs with default settings will no longer receive monthly security updates. Microsoft has introduced Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, allowing users to receive security updates until October 2026. Any personal Windows 10 PC running version 22H2 can access free ESU subscriptions, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Enrollment requires a Microsoft account and is available for up to 10 PCs. In Europe, customers in the EEA qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enterprise customers will incur higher costs for commercial ESU subscriptions. Users must ensure they meet eligibility requirements to see the ESU offer.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

You can still get free Windows 10 security patches – here’s how until October 2026

This month's Windows updates will roll out automatically on Patch Tuesday, November 11. Official support for Windows 10 has concluded, meaning PCs running this operating system with default settings will no longer receive essential monthly security updates from Microsoft. Microsoft has introduced options for users to continue receiving critical security updates until October 2026. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumer PCs are available for free enrollment, particularly for those who do not qualify for a free Windows 11 upgrade. ESU coverage begins immediately and extends through October 13, 2026, for personal devices. Users must sign in with a Microsoft account to activate the subscription, which can be applied to up to ten PCs. The ESU subscription is available for personal Windows 10 PCs running version 22H2, excluding Enterprise and Education editions. Users in Europe qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account. Enrollment can be initiated through the Settings menu under Windows Update. Enterprise customers are not eligible for free ESU options and must pay a fee starting at per device per year. If the ESU offer does not appear, users should ensure all requirements are met, including the installation of the latest updates for Windows 10, version 22H2. Users should be cautious of the default 5GB storage limit on OneDrive when syncing settings to the cloud.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Microsoft’s Edge Incentive: Bribing Users with Gift Cards to Abandon Chrome

Microsoft is offering Microsoft Rewards points to Windows users who search for Chrome on Bing but choose to try Edge instead. This initiative began in late 2025 as part of Microsoft's efforts to increase Edge's market presence. Users can accumulate points that are redeemable for gift cards, with reports indicating an incentive of 1,300 points for trying Edge. Edge currently holds a market share of around 5-10%, significantly trailing Chrome, which has over 65% market share. Despite mixed user sentiment regarding Microsoft's campaigns, the company continues to promote Edge's features, such as resource efficiency and built-in tools like Copilot AI and coupon finders. Regulatory scrutiny exists around Microsoft's tactics, with concerns about potential anti-competitive behavior.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Edge, Now With Incentives! Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips on Plan to Make Edge a Priority

Microsoft is launching an incentive program that rewards users with 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points for using the Edge browser, particularly when searching for Chrome on Bing. The Edge browser has a market share of 15.48%, while Chrome has 69.3%. The incentive is specifically aimed at Chrome users, as searches for other browsers do not trigger similar offers. Despite this initiative, Microsoft shares have seen a slight dip. Analysts on Wall Street have a Strong Buy consensus rating for Microsoft, with 34 analysts issuing Buy ratings in the past three months. The average price target for MSFT is 3.14 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 24.77%.