non-security updates Archives

Winsage

August 29, 2026

Why does Windows constantly need to update?

Windows updates are released frequently to enhance performance, improve compatibility, fix bugs, and distribute critical security patches. Microsoft issues security updates every second Tuesday of the month, known as Patch Tuesday, which are cumulative, meaning the latest updates include all previous fixes. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issues warnings about vulnerabilities, and Microsoft maintains a security portal for documentation of these issues. Users on unsupported versions, like Windows 10 without Extended Security Updates (ESU), are at increased risk. In addition to security updates, Windows receives an annual feature update and occasional optional non-security updates that introduce new features and enhancements. An example is the Windows 11 February 2026 preview update, which added new features and improvements.

Winsage

August 28, 2026

Why Does Windows Constantly Need To Update?

Windows updates are issued regularly, primarily for performance enhancement and security reinforcement. They address bugs, improve compatibility, and distribute security patches to mitigate vulnerabilities. Security vulnerabilities are frequently discovered, with alerts issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and documented in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program. Microsoft releases security fixes on Patch Tuesday, the second Tuesday of each month, and all updates are cumulative. Users of unsupported software versions, such as Windows 10, face increased security risks. Major feature updates occur annually, with optional non-security updates released periodically. For example, the Windows 11 February 2026 preview update introduced new features, although these are not part of the stable channel.

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Microsoft is ending support for some versions of Windows 10 and 11 soon

Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2027. Windows 11 version 24H2 will reach end of support on October 13, 2026, along with Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016. Windows 11 versions typically offer 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions, while Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 had five years of mainstream support followed by five years of extended support. Windows 11 version 23H2 is also expected to sunset around the same time. Users on Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro are recommended to upgrade to version 25H2, with version 26H2 anticipated soon. Windows 11 Enterprise and Education SKUs of version 24H2 have an extra year of support until October 12, 2027. Organizations using Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 should consider transitioning to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2024 or purchasing ESUs separately.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Microsoft extends security patching for three Windows products at a price

Support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB will end on October 13, 2026, while Windows Server 2016 will reach its end of support on January 12, 2027. Organizations using these products will receive one final monthly security update on the specified dates, after which they will not receive security patches, updates, or technical support. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows organizations to purchase coverage for up to three years beyond the end of support, with pricing starting at a specified amount per device for the first year and doubling for each subsequent year. Windows Server 2016's ESU pricing has not been announced, and Microsoft recommends upgrading to newer Long-Term Servicing Channel releases. In the European Economic Area, Windows 10 users can access ESU until October 14, 2026, without payment or cloud account requirements due to advocacy from Euroconsumers.

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Windows Server 2008 is finally gone, after Microsoft pulls support at last

Microsoft concluded all support for Windows Vista and Server 2008 as of January 13, 2026. Most customers lost support in January 2020, but Extended Security Updates were available until January 2023 for most users and until January 2024 for Azure customers. Free security updates, non-security updates, and support options are no longer accessible for the retired codebase. Organizations are encouraged to migrate to Azure for additional security updates. Windows Server 2012 will also reach the end of its ESU on October 13, 2026.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Microsoft November 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 1 zero-day, 63 flaws

Microsoft's November 2025 Patch Tuesday addresses a total of 63 vulnerabilities, including one actively exploited zero-day flaw (CVE-2025-62215) related to Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege. The updates include four vulnerabilities classified as "Critical," with two for remote code execution, one for elevation of privileges, and one for information disclosure. The breakdown of vulnerabilities is as follows: - 29 Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities - 2 Security Feature Bypass Vulnerabilities - 16 Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities - 11 Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities - 3 Denial of Service Vulnerabilities - 2 Spoofing Vulnerabilities This Patch Tuesday marks the first extended security update (ESU) for Windows 10, and users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the ESU program. Microsoft has also released an out-of-band update to assist with enrollment issues. Other companies, including Adobe, Cisco, and Google, have also issued security updates in November 2025.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Microsoft Windows 10 support to end very soon: Private users in certain regions can secure one year of free ESU security updates

Microsoft has updated its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), confirmed by Microsoft Germany, allowing access to essential updates until October 13, 2026. EEA users can choose between two options for receiving ESU updates: 1. Free option: Users must sign in to their PC using a Microsoft account (MSA) and remain signed in to receive free security updates for one year, expiring on October 13, 2026. If the MSA is inactive for 60 days, updates will stop but can be reactivated by signing in again. The previous requirement to use the Windows Backup app or redeem Microsoft Rewards points has been removed. 2. One-time payment: Users must initially sign in with a Microsoft account and pay a one-time fee plus taxes to register for the ESU program. After registration, ongoing sign-in is not required. For users outside the EEA, the original ESU options remain, which include free updates via Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards, or a one-time payment for registration. Business customers have different terms, with ESU available at an annual rate per device and renewals allowed for up to three years. Windows 10 users on virtual machines will receive complimentary ESU access without registration. The ESU program will only address critical and important security vulnerabilities from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026, without introducing new features or non-security updates. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, while Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

You can stay on Windows 10 for another year for free — if you act by Oct. 14

Microsoft is concluding official support for Windows 10 in October 2025 and encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, which is available for free for existing Windows 10 users. Some users prefer to stay on Windows 10 due to compatibility issues or a desire to avoid Windows 11's AI features. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that provides an additional year of security updates until October 2026 for users who wish to continue using Windows 10. Initially, Microsoft considered charging for the ESU program but reversed this decision based on user feedback. Users must enroll in the ESU program before the deadline of October 14, 2025. To find the ESU offer, users can navigate to Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update. The ESU program will provide security updates only, with no new features, and technical support will be limited.

Winsage

July 27, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: a new Surface, big Windows 11 feature update, and more

In July 2025, Microsoft released non-security updates for Windows 10 (KB5062649) and Windows 11 (KB5062663 for versions 22H2 and 23H2; KB5062660 for version 24H2), introducing AI functionalities, improvements in Settings, and a redesigned BSOD. Companies like Brave and AdGuard are blocking Windows Recall due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is developing a tool for transitioning from older to newer computers and published a guide for Windows 10's end of support on October 14, 2025. The Windows Insider Program released Build 27909, focusing on minor fixes, and introduced an audio-sharing feature. Microsoft disclosed a security breach in SharePoint affecting the US nuclear weapons department and provided fixes. The Surface Laptop 7 was launched with Intel's Core Ultra 200 Series processors and optional 5G connectivity. The Files app received a preview update with a new Omnibar. Meta is transitioning WhatsApp on Windows to a progressive web app, and Firefox released version 141.0 with AI-powered tab groups. Microsoft is testing a cross-device play history feature for Xbox and reversed its decision on Xbox game pricing. EA announced a new Battlefield installment, and Nvidia added new titles to GeForce NOW. Various discounts and a free game, Legion TD 2, were featured in the Weekend PC Game Deals.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Firms on Windows 10 will get more time before support runs out

The end of support for Windows 10, originally set for October 14, 2025, has been postponed for certain users, particularly accounting firms, allowing them more time to upgrade. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates program for select Windows 10 users, which requires a fee per device for continued security updates, but does not include new features or general tech support. A December 2023 report indicates that 47% of accountants still rely on Windows 10, with approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs actively used in accounting firms. Over half of all devices have migrated to Windows 11, which holds about 52% of the market. Experts recommend delaying upgrades to Windows 11 in favor of Windows 12, expected to be more optimized for AI, with potential hardware investments needed for the transition.