operating systems Archives

Winsage

June 28, 2026

Microsoft denies WSL 3 exists, reveals Windows 11’s WSL Containers ship next week

Microsoft has clarified that there is no WSL 3 in development, as stated by Craig Loewen, the Product Manager for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). The confusion arose from articles discussing a new feature called WSL Containers, which will be launched soon. WSL allows users to run Linux environments on Windows without dual-booting, while WSL Containers enable the creation and management of Linux containers directly within Windows, eliminating the need for third-party tools like Docker Desktop. WSL 1, introduced in 2016, served as a translation layer for Linux system calls, and WSL 2, launched in 2019, included a full Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine. WSL Containers is an enhancement to WSL, allowing developers to build, run, and deploy containers directly from Windows using the wslc.exe command. This feature is part of Microsoft's strategy to make Windows a more accessible platform for running Linux workloads, helping to retain developers who might consider switching to other operating systems.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Windows 10 support extended to 2027 for free — Is this Microsoft admitting Windows 11 isn’t enough?

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, prompting concerns among users. In response, the company extended support through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing continued access to essential patches until October 14, 2027, at no cost for users with a Microsoft account. The Restart Project criticized this late intervention, while users expressed mixed reactions, with some considering a switch to Linux due to rising hardware costs and dissatisfaction with Windows 11. A recent HP survey indicated that 30% of HP PCs were still running Windows 10, down from 50% in September 2025. Microsoft's decision to extend support for Windows 10 has raised questions about the adequacy of Windows 11, which surpassed Windows 10 as the leading desktop operating system globally in July 2025.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

I refuse to upgrade to Windows 11, here’s what I’m doing instead

An old PC's motherboard has recently marked a decade of service, and while it performs well for web browsing and media streaming, the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to a new Copilot+ PC. The user contemplates several options: continuing to use the PC after the end-of-life date, switching to a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows, or attempting to install Windows 11. The user expresses dissatisfaction with Windows 11, feeling it lacks essential features and customization options. They also find staying with Windows 10 impractical due to the eventual phasing out of support. The user identifies Linux Mint as a compelling alternative, having found it compatible and customizable, and expresses hope that other Windows 10 users will consider transitioning to Linux Mint as well.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

CMA probes Microsoft business software over browser choice

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking comments on Microsoft's business software ecosystem, with responses from various stakeholders, including the Browser Choice Alliance (BCA). The BCA expresses concerns that Microsoft uses its dominance in operating systems and productivity software to promote its own browser, hindering competition. They argue that Microsoft's distribution strategies and design decisions limit user choice and innovation. The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is highlighted as a critical factor, as it allows Microsoft to influence browser choices during upgrades. The BCA links browser competition to the adoption of AI tools, warning that competitive issues in the browser space could affect the AI domain if Microsoft employs similar tactics. They advocate for independent selection of AI tools to prevent distortion of competition and user choice. The BCA concludes that Microsoft's practices negatively impact user experience and productivity for businesses in the UK, damaging innovative browser developers.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft adds another year to Windows 10 extended update program

Windows 11 introduced new hardware requirements, including specific CPU technologies and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), leading to criticism from users and concerns as 2026 approaches. An AI-driven shortage of storage and memory has increased upgrade costs, complicating the transition to newer operating systems. Approximately 26 percent of PCs are still running Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a 72 percent market share. Windows 10 will remain up to date for at least another year. Users can join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support, with enrollment available through the Windows Update menu. The ESU program allows coverage for up to 10 devices for personal use and will be available until 2028, with the possibility of updates continuing beyond that timeframe.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates

Microsoft has extended the support timeline for Windows 10 by initiating the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides an additional year of essential security updates until October 12, 2027. Users can enroll in the ESU program until it ends, and those already enrolled will have their coverage automatically continue through that date. The ESU program, previously a paid feature for businesses, is now available to regular consumers at no additional cost.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft Quietly Extends Windows 10 ESU For One More Year

Microsoft is expected to extend the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by an additional year, with the new end date set for October 12, 2027, instead of the previously stated October 2026. This change is reflected on the Microsoft website, which confirms the new timeline.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot update released to all, hours ahead of expiry

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update to eligible Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs ahead of the expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 on June 24, 2026. This update enhances device targeting data for automatic Secure Boot certificate updates. Secure Boot is a firmware-level security feature that verifies digital signatures of boot components to prevent rootkits and bootkits. The certificates for Secure Boot were first issued in 2011, with subsequent expirations for related certificates occurring in June and October 2026. Users can check their Secure Boot certificate status through the Windows Security app or System Information. If a PC does not receive the update, it will still boot normally but will lose the ability to receive future boot-level security updates. Multiple restarts after updates are expected due to the Secure Boot certificate process. A new folder, C:WindowsSecureBoot, is not malware but is used for staging cryptographic certificate files. Windows 10 users enrolled in the Extended Security Updates program will also receive the Secure Boot update, while those not enrolled will not. The expiration of the KEK CA 2011 means Microsoft will not be able to sign new Secure Boot revocation payloads using the old key, but existing signed payloads will remain functional.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot update released to all, hours ahead of expiry

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update for eligible Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs ahead of the expiration of the original certificates on June 24, 2026. The update includes additional device targeting data to increase coverage for automatic updates. Devices receive the new certificates after demonstrating successful update signals. The original Secure Boot certificates were issued in 2011, with expiration dates set for June 24, 2026, June 27, 2026, and October 19, 2026. Microsoft has been distributing replacement 2023 certificates since 2024, with the June 2026 update expanding eligible devices significantly. Users can check their Secure Boot status through the Windows Security app or System Information. If a PC did not receive the update, it will still function normally but may not receive future boot-level security updates. Multiple restarts after updates are expected behavior, and the SecureBoot folder in Windows is not malware. Windows 10 users in the Extended Security Updates program are also receiving the Secure Boot update. The expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 on June 24 means no new Secure Boot revocation payloads can be signed with the old key, but existing signed payloads will continue to function.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows Secure Boot security deadline arrives today

Microsoft has announced enhancements to its Secure Boot certificate management to improve the security of Windows operating systems. Key features include improved certificate management for easier handling, automated updates for Secure Boot certificates to reduce manual intervention, and enhanced user guidance through resources on Microsoft Learn.