Microsoft Rewards Archives

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%.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Microsoft may have a ‘gift card plan’ to stop Windows users from choosing Google Chrome over Edge – The Times of India

Microsoft is promoting its Bing search engine and Edge browser by offering Windows users 1,300 Rewards points to discourage them from using competitors like Google Chrome. When users search for "Chrome" on Bing, they see ads for Edge that highlight the opportunity to earn these points, which can be redeemed for gift cards or donated to non-profits. The ads specifically target Chrome users, with no similar promotions for other browsers like Opera or Firefox. The Browser Choice Alliance has criticized Microsoft for incentivizing users instead of competing fairly. Additionally, Microsoft runs ads for Edge every two weeks, promoting it as a superior option that uses Chromium technology, offers Microsoft Rewards points, and features like a VPN, while also showcasing AI personalization capabilities.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Microsoft may soon ‘bribe’ users for choosing Edge over Google Chrome: here’s how

Microsoft is offering 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points to users who search for "Chrome" on Bing, encouraging them to try Microsoft Edge instead. This promotion is exclusive to searches for Chrome and does not apply to other browsers like Opera or Brave. Google Chrome holds a 69.3% share of the PC browser market, while Edge has 15.48%. The advertisement for Edge highlights its features, including a built-in VPN, rewards, Microsoft Recommend, and AI personalization, but the expected increase in user adoption has not yet occurred.

Tech Optimizer

November 7, 2025

If you’re still on Windows 10, switching to a new antivirus won’t be enough

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, which raises significant security concerns due to the lack of security patches. Microsoft Defender Antivirus (MSDA) will continue to provide protection for Windows 10 during the Extended Security Updates (ESU) period, which lasts until October 2028, but users without ESU will remain vulnerable. Upgrading to Windows 11 is a free option for legitimate Windows 10 license holders, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. Alternatively, users can consider transitioning to Linux, with distributions like Linux Mint, Fedora, and Pop!_OS offering various advantages.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Microsoft confirms a bug is hitting paid Windows 10 ESU users

Microsoft's extended security updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 is experiencing a display bug that causes some users to receive erroneous "end of support" notifications despite being enrolled in the program. This issue arose after the installation of the KB5066791 update, released on October 14, 2025, which is the final official security patch for Windows 10. The glitch affects various editions, including Windows 10 22H2 Pro, Education, and Enterprise, as well as Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021. Microsoft has confirmed that this is a visual error, and devices with a legitimate ESU license will continue to receive security updates. A temporary solution has been provided for businesses, while individual users will need to wait for a future Windows update to fix the issue. Users can verify their enrollment in the ESU program by checking the Windows Update settings for a confirmation message.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

If You’re Still Using Windows 10, Don’t Skip These Free Security Updates

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 41% of PC users. To assist users in transitioning to newer software and hardware, Microsoft is extending support for Windows 10 with an additional year of security updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will last until October 13, 2026. Enrollment in the ESU program is available at a cost, but users in Europe can enroll for free. Additionally, users worldwide can enroll at no cost by syncing settings with a OneDrive account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment in the ESU program remains open until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users must ensure their device is running the latest version of Windows 10 (version 22H2) and have administrative privileges to enroll.

Winsage

October 28, 2025

Still Using Windows 10? These Free Updates Will Help Keep Your PC Secure

Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 41% of PC users. To aid in the transition, Microsoft will provide an additional year of security updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, extending support until October 13, 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU program, which involves an enrollment fee, although users in Europe can enroll at no cost. Two free options for users outside Europe include syncing settings with OneDrive or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enrollment requires users to operate the latest version of Windows 10 (version 22H2) and have administrative privileges. The ESU program is open for enrollment until October 13, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users can also back up their settings to secure free updates.