OneDrive storage Archives

Winsage

July 28, 2025

Microsoft Is Giving Windows 10 Users Free Security Updates for a Year, but There’s a Catch

Microsoft will conclude security support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Users can opt for a one-year extended security update for a fee or utilize a free cloud backup solution linked to their OneDrive accounts. Windows 10 remains the most widely adopted Windows operating system, with over 53% of installations as of May 2025. Microsoft will roll out the Extended Security Updates (ESU) wizard in July 2025, allowing users to enroll and receive updates until October 13, 2026. Businesses can purchase up to three additional years of updates. Users are entitled to 5GB of complimentary OneDrive storage, but backups may exceed this limit, necessitating a paid plan for additional space.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft Unveils PC-to-PC Migration Tool for Local Transfers as Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new devices. To address concerns about cloud dependency, Microsoft has introduced a PC-to-PC migration tool that allows users to transfer files, settings, and applications directly from a Windows 10 machine to a Windows 11 device over a local network, without using OneDrive. This tool requires both PCs to be on the same Wi-Fi network and powered on simultaneously. However, it necessitates a Microsoft account for authentication and lacks full support for Arm-based devices. The introduction of this tool appears to be a strategic response to competition and user demand for alternatives to cloud-based solutions.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Stack years of Microsoft 365 — this deal would have been a bargain in 2013

Microsoft 365 Personal is currently priced at .99 for a one-year subscription, while the Family plan is available for .99. The suite includes applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with features such as Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Editor, functionalities in Microsoft Teams, Clipchamp, and 1TB of OneDrive storage per user. Earlier this year, Microsoft raised the annual cost of Personal plans from .99 to .99 and Family plans from .99 to 9.99. The latest version includes AI credits and access to Copilot across various applications. Users can stack their Microsoft 365 subscriptions for up to five years to take advantage of discounted rates. To redeem a subscription purchased through platforms like StackSocial, users must visit the Microsoft account services page, sign in, select "Redeem a code or prepaid card," and input the received code.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Microsoft opens a free tier for Windows 10 extended updates

Microsoft is introducing new enrollment options for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. Users can enroll by utilizing Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud at no cost, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a fee with local pricing variations. The Windows Backup app stores data on Microsoft OneDrive, which offers limited free storage, necessitating the purchase of additional storage for larger files. Users can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for extra OneDrive space and updates. Businesses can subscribe to ESU for a fee per device, covering security updates for one year, renewable annually for up to three years. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 or Virtual Machines will receive ESU at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates — Under One Condition

Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10 in October 2025, and users will lose security support unless they opt for an annual extended security update. However, Microsoft has introduced a free alternative that allows users to maintain security updates by activating cloud backup linked to their OneDrive accounts. As of May 2025, Windows 10 accounts for over 53% of installations. Users with a Microsoft account receive 5GB of free OneDrive storage, which may be insufficient for backup needs, potentially requiring a subscription for additional storage. Starting in July 2025, Microsoft will launch a sign-up wizard for the Extended Security Updates program, providing updates until October 13, 2026, with businesses able to purchase up to three additional years of updates. The transition to Windows 11 has been challenging, with many users reluctant to upgrade due to hardware issues and unpopular decisions.