mobile device management 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 19, 2025

Microsoft unveils two new Windows 11 recovery tools: Cloud Rebuild and Point-in-Time Restore

Microsoft is introducing new recovery options for Windows 11 at its Ignite developer conference, focusing on Intune remote recovery via WinRE. Two new recovery actions are being unveiled: 1. Point-in-time restore: This feature allows a PC to revert to a previous state to resolve issues like update failures and driver conflicts. It will be available in preview form within the Windows Insider build of Windows 11 this week. 2. Cloud rebuild: This option enables a fresh start for devices with persistent issues without the need for hardware shipping or service desk visits. Admins can select the Windows release and language through the Intune portal, prompting the PC to download installation media and self-rebuild. This process uses Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning and allows for the restoration of user data and settings via OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations. Microsoft plans to roll out these features in the first half of the upcoming year.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11 gets new Cloud Rebuild, Point-in-Time Restore tools

Microsoft introduced two recovery features for Windows 11 at the Ignite developer conference: Cloud Rebuild and Point-in-Time Restore (PITR). PITR allows users to revert a Windows 11 system to a previous stable state in minutes by capturing comprehensive snapshots of the system, restoring the operating system, settings, and files. This feature will enter preview with an upcoming Windows 11 Insider preview build. Cloud Rebuild enables complete reinstallation of Windows 11 from the cloud for devices with persistent issues, using the Intune portal for selection of the Windows release and language. It employs Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning and streamlines user data restoration through OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations, reducing downtime significantly. Both features will be integrated into Microsoft Intune in the first half of 2026, allowing remote recovery actions and management of Windows Recovery Environment functionalities. Additionally, Microsoft is testing an updated version of Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), which helps resolve Windows boot failures without physical access. QMR engages the Windows Recovery Environment during boot failures, analyzes crash data, and allows Microsoft to implement remote fixes. The latest version improves the boot-repair process by conducting a single scan to resolve issues.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows Insider Program Releases Copilot Actions, New Release Preview Builds

The Windows Insider Program has introduced Copilot Actions, an AI feature in the Copilot app for Windows 11, allowing users to specify tasks for an AI agent to perform. This feature is currently experimental and requires the latest version of the Copilot app (1.25112.74 or higher) to access. Additionally, new Release Preview builds for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 have been released, transitioning users to build 26200.7296 (25H2) or 26100.7296 (24H2) with cumulative update KB5070311. Key features in these builds include Windows Studio Effects for USB webcams, enhancements to Click to Do, improvements in the Agent in Settings, updates to File Explorer, Desktop Spotlight enhancements, Drag Tray improvements, Settings updates, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for external fingerprint sensors, Share enhancements for OneDrive files, mobile device management improvements, Quick Machine Recovery updates, and Widgets enhancements. A new Canary build for Windows 11 version 26H1 (build 28000.1199) is also available, but it does not introduce new features or significant changes.

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

October 27, 2025

Microsoft: New policy removes pre-installed Microsoft Store apps

Microsoft has introduced a new app management policy for IT administrators managing Windows 11 Enterprise and Education devices, allowing the removal of pre-installed Microsoft Store apps (in-box apps). This feature is available for devices running Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 and Windows 11 Education 25H2 through management tools like CSP, GPO, and Microsoft Intune. The policy simplifies app management by eliminating the need for custom installation images and complex scripting, enabling administrators to efficiently select and remove apps from a predefined list. The policy is disabled by default and must be enabled by administrators. It is compatible with both Group Policy and MDM solutions, including Microsoft Intune. Implementation steps for Microsoft Intune include creating a new policy in the admin center, configuring settings to enable the removal of default Microsoft Store packages, and assigning the policy to desired device groups.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Windows 10 is dead — time to get a new Mac?

Many Mobile Device Management (MDM) providers are expanding to support legacy platforms like Windows, allowing IT administrators to integrate Mac devices with existing Windows infrastructure. Hundreds of millions of PC users face a decision about continuing on an unsupported operating system or upgrading to Windows 11, which may require new hardware. Choosing to remain on Windows 10 poses long-term risks due to the lack of updates and security patches, increasing vulnerability to cybercriminals.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Don’t want Windows 11 yet? Here is how to keep updates on Windows 10

Support for Windows 10 officially ends on 14 October 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates and patches. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows users to continue receiving critical security updates until 13 October 2026. To qualify for ESU, PCs must run Windows 10, version 22H2, be one of the specified editions (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstations), have the latest updates installed, and be signed in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. Enrollment can be done at no cost if settings are synced with a Microsoft account, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or through a one-time purchase. Each ESU license covers up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account. If users do not enroll in ESU, their PCs will not receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for long-term security, but many older PCs may not meet the necessary hardware requirements. After October 2026, even those enrolled in ESU will lose official security support.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

How to get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026

Microsoft has introduced free enrollment options for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to receive essential updates without cost. This initiative is aimed at users who are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to compatibility issues. Customers in the 30 countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) automatically qualify for free ESU subscriptions. Eligibility for the ESU subscription includes personal Windows 10 PCs running version 22H2, excluding Enterprise and Education editions, and devices joined to an Active Directory domain or managed by Mobile Device Management software. Users must sign in with an administrator account, and a Microsoft account is typically required, though EEA users are exempt from this requirement. The enrollment process can be initiated through the Settings under Windows Update. Users can also redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or pay a fee for the subscription.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

How to Stop Android Battery Optimization from Killing Apps

Users and developers managing Android devices must navigate the balance between battery life and app functionality. Android's aggressive power-saving features can mute notifications or suspend background processes, leading to a state known as “sleeping.” To maintain app functionality, users can exempt specific applications from battery optimization through the Settings app under “Battery” or “Apps & notifications.” This feature, introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows apps to operate seamlessly in the background. For example, disabling sleep mode for essential apps like WhatsApp can prevent missed notifications. Samsung's Adaptive Battery is particularly aggressive, often pushing unused apps into a “deep sleep” state after a few days, which can disrupt vital functions. Users may need to manually exempt applications in Samsung’s “Device care” settings. Other manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi impose similar restrictions, while Google’s stock Android offers more straightforward adjustments. Developers can incorporate foreground services or request permissions like “android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” to keep apps awake, balancing user privacy and battery health. Android’s Doze mode activates during inactivity and organizes background tasks into maintenance windows, but apps can request exemptions. Monitoring battery usage statistics can help identify problematic apps. In enterprise environments, tools like Ivanti’s mobile device management can automate these settings. Combining exemptions with notification settings ensures that apps remain active, although blanket exemptions may lead to faster battery depletion. The dynamic between operating system efficiency and app demands continues to evolve, particularly with Android 14’s enhanced foreground service requirements.