security enhancements Archives

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Still on Windows 10? You’re carrying 3x the security risk of Windows 11

A study by Lansweeper found that Windows 10 PCs have an average of 1,903 active security vulnerabilities, while Windows 11 systems have only 652 vulnerabilities. As of June 2026, nearly 20% of Windows PCs in the U.S. are still using Windows 10, despite Microsoft ceasing regular updates for it. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security updates until October 12, 2027. Security experts have urged users to upgrade to Windows 11 due to increasing vulnerabilities in Windows 10, while some data privacy experts recommend staying with Windows 10 for as long as possible.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Microsoft is cutting support for some older OneDrive systems soon – here’s what you need to know

Microsoft will cease support for the OneDrive sync app on Windows 10 version 21H2 and earlier on August 15, 2026. Users of these older versions will no longer receive updates, including new features, bug fixes, or security enhancements. Windows 10 version 22H2 will continue to receive updates until October 10, 2028. Windows 10 accounts for approximately 28% of all Windows installations, while Windows 11 accounts for around 70%. Users can still access OneDrive through a web browser if the app becomes incompatible.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Windows 11’s massive July 2026 update fixes 570 vulnerabilities and shows how AI is quietly reshaping Patch Tuesday itself

Microsoft's July 2026 Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11, identified as KB5101650, addresses 570 vulnerabilities and upgrades Windows 11 to version 25H2 (build 26200.8875) and version 24H2 (build 26100.8875). The update includes critical fixes for BitLocker and File Explorer, targeting vulnerabilities that could enable remote code execution. Microsoft's MDASH tool, which uses AI for vulnerability analysis, has helped uncover 16 vulnerabilities in networking and authentication components. The update also introduces non-security enhancements like Point-in-time restore and improved Bluetooth reliability. Microsoft emphasizes the need for users to install updates quickly due to the rapid evolution of AI technology that benefits malicious actors.

Winsage

July 17, 2026

5 Windows 11 features from July’s update you shouldn’t overlook

Windows 11 has introduced several new features and security enhancements in July 2026, including: 1. A transformed Widgets Board that provides a more streamlined experience without expanding completely when hovered over. 2. A new calendar feature allowing users to postpone Windows Updates, though Microsoft advises against long delays. 3. The Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature, which automatically creates restore points for the system, applications, settings, and files, allowing users to revert to snapshots from the last 72 hours. 4. The Screen Tint feature, which applies a customizable color overlay to reduce eye strain, allowing personalization of color and intensity. 5. Improved Bluetooth connectivity, including a new Shared Audio feature that allows users to listen to audio from multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Windows 10 just got a big security update. Here’s who gets it

Microsoft released update KB5099539 for Windows 10, enhancing security and addressing vulnerabilities. This update is part of a broader initiative for Windows 10 22H2, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021. It will be automatically installed on eligible systems, resulting in build number 19045.7548. The update resolves issues in File Explorer related to OneDrive shortcuts and erroneous error messages during file deletions, as well as fixes for keyboard shortcut malfunctions. Windows 10 PCs will receive updated Secure Boot certificates, which are essential for system integrity, with Microsoft actively rolling these out. Secure Boot certificates for most Windows devices are set to expire starting in June 2026. Users must be enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to benefit from the KB5099539 update, which provides continued support until October 12, 2027.

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 90 days

Microsoft announced that Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving updates on October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive mainstream support until October 12, 2027. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. For unmanaged Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro users, the transition to 25H2 will occur automatically, although they can postpone the update. Microsoft has also extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers until October 12, 2027.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Microsoft rolls out massive Windows 11 security update with 416 fixes

Microsoft released its July 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates for Windows 11, addressing numerous security vulnerabilities and enhancing Secure Boot functionalities. The updates include: - KB5101650 for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, updating systems to builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. - KB5101649 for Windows 11 26H1, updating devices to build 28000.2525. The release addresses a total of 622 Microsoft Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), including: - 416 vulnerabilities in Windows. - Fixes for Microsoft Office, Edge, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, Defender, and Azure services. Key vulnerabilities fixed include: - CVE-2026-50661: A BitLocker Security Feature Bypass vulnerability. - CVE-2026-56155: An AD FS Elevation of Privilege vulnerability that has been exploited. - CVE-2026-56164: A SharePoint Server Elevation of Privilege vulnerability. The updates also introduce new Secure Boot certificates, rectify issues from previous patches affecting third-party applications, and incorporate curl 8.21.0 for security improvements. Users are advised to back up data before installation, which requires a system reboot.

Winsage

July 14, 2026

Windows 11’s big patch Tuesday allows you to hold off on updates for longer

Microsoft has introduced enhancements for Windows 11, including the ability to pause updates indefinitely, allowing users to delay updates for up to 35 days with the option to extend this deadline. The update also addresses several security vulnerabilities using artificial intelligence for identification and patching. Additional features include a "Point-in-time restore" option, customization options for Widgets, a more precise magnification tool, and improved stability for certain Bluetooth devices.

Winsage

July 9, 2026

Microsoft’s big cybersecurity plan means more security updates for your Windows machine

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence into its security protocols to enhance the safety of Windows users. AI will play a crucial role in the entire lifecycle of security patches, from discovery to development and deployment, allowing for quicker identification of potential issues and more comprehensive updates. Microsoft's AI models are designed to work alongside engineers, improving the efficiency of pinpointing vulnerabilities and resulting in a higher volume of security updates with each release. This integration aims to improve the speed of flaw recognition and enhance the overall robustness of the Windows operating system.

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

You can finally turn Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat off when you’re not playing a game

Riot Games is updating its Vanguard anti-cheat system to an "on-demand" model, which will only activate during gameplay and stop once the game ends. This change addresses concerns over Vanguard's previous persistent background operation and kernel mode access. Players must meet specific security criteria to use the new feature, including enabling pre-boot security mechanisms and Windows' native protection features. Approximately 35% of players already meet these conditions, while 3% using older hardware will not have access to the on-demand option until they upgrade. Vanguard will continue its current operation for those unable to meet the requirements. The update is influenced by advancements in Windows and PC hardware security and aims to enhance anti-cheat measures while keeping the process optional for most players.