security fixes Archives

Winsage

April 9, 2025

What The Tech: Windows 10 support ending in October

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 after October 14, leaving users without updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. An estimated 240 million older computers cannot run Windows 11, prompting Microsoft to encourage recycling those machines. Users can check compatibility using the “PC Health Check” utility. If a PC is incompatible, recycling is advised, with many centers available in the U.S. Some retailers offer trade-in programs for older computers. Continuing to use Windows 10 after the deadline poses security risks, and Microsoft recommends disconnecting from the internet if users keep their older PCs. Buyers of used PCs should verify compatibility with Windows 11 before purchase.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft is removing one of my favorite features from Windows 10

Microsoft is phasing out legacy features from Windows 10 and Windows 11, including the Control Panel. Recent updates have led to a loss of "seconds" precision in the Calendar Taskbar flyout for Windows 10 users. This change mirrors a similar feature removal in Windows 11, where users initially lacked the option to display seconds. Currently, Windows 10 users do not have a toggle to restore this feature, and the impending end of support for Windows 10 raises concerns about the prioritization of user feedback.

Winsage

April 8, 2025

What the Tech: Microsoft warning

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14th, meaning users will no longer receive updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Continuing to use Windows 10 after this date could expose computers to vulnerabilities. Users should check their system's compatibility with Windows 11 using the "PC Health Check" utility, consider recycling incompatible computers, explore trade-in options at retailers, and be aware of security risks associated with using Windows 10 post-deadline. If retaining an older PC, it is advisable to disconnect it from the internet. Buyers of used PCs should verify compatibility with Windows 11. Windows 11 has been the standard operating system for new devices since its release in 2021.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Move

Microsoft has made significant changes to Windows, including the elimination of passwords and new account access methods, while warning users about risks like data breaches and identity theft. Windows 10 users face an urgent transition as support ends in six months, with a free upgrade to Windows 11 available for eligible PCs. Recent data shows a 4% increase in Windows 10 users switching to Windows 11, with Windows 10's market share dropping to 54% and Windows 11 rising to over 40%. However, security hardware requirements may prevent some users from upgrading, potentially affecting around 240 million PCs. Users can purchase a 12-month extension for home use, while business users may incur higher fees for extended support. After the support deadline, Microsoft will stop providing updates and security fixes for Windows 10, increasing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 is crucial for users to access the latest security features.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

0patch releases yet another free fix for yet another 0day vulnerability in Windows that Microsoft has not addressed

0patch has released micropatches for a critical SCF File NTLM hash disclosure vulnerability affecting all Windows versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11 and Windows Server editions from 2008 to 2025. This vulnerability allows attackers to obtain users' NTLM credentials by having them view a malicious file in Windows Explorer. 0patch operates on a subscription model and provides security fixes for unsupported Windows versions, as well as complimentary patches for unaddressed vulnerabilities. Specific details about the vulnerability are currently withheld, pending an official fix from Microsoft.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Microsoft is sending this ‘reminder email’ to Windows 10 users as ‘retirement deadline’ nears – The Times of India

Microsoft is notifying Windows 10 users that support will end on October 14, 2025, meaning no more free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes will be provided. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, which is described as more secure, or to trade in or recycle their old devices. While Windows 10 PCs will continue to function, they will not receive support after the deadline. Many PCs made before 2018 may not meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to lacking the TPM 2.0 module, potentially leaving around 1 billion machines on Windows 10. As of February 2025, Windows 10 holds a 58% market share, while Windows 11 has 38%.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows 10 users to just trade in their PC for a newer one, because how hard can it be?

58.7% of Windows users have not transitioned to Windows 11, which has a market share of 38.13%. Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft is encouraging users to trade in their old PCs for new models. While users can continue to use their Windows 10 PCs after the support ends, many may find greater value in repurposing their old machines instead of trading them in.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

You Can Get Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for Just $80 Right Now

Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac is available for a one-time purchase of .95, which is a 63% discount from its standard price of 9.99. This software is compatible with macOS Ventura (version 13) or later and includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. The offer ends on March 30, and the license allows installation on a single Mac linked to a Microsoft account. Users need a minimum of 4GB of RAM and 10GB of free storage, and the software can be used without an internet connection. The code must be redeemed within seven days of purchase. This version does not include AI features or OneDrive cloud storage, and there will be no feature updates beyond security fixes.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Microsoft ‘Install Fails’—New Update Breaks Windows

Windows users are experiencing significant challenges with Microsoft's latest critical software release, "KB5053598," a mandatory update for Windows 11 24H2. Many users report "install fails," and some have encountered a Blue Screen of Death, causing their PCs to crash. The update, part of the March 2025 Patch Tuesday cycle, includes critical security fixes for zero-day vulnerabilities. Users have faced issues such as PCs failing to boot post-update and difficulties with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections dropping unexpectedly. Testing revealed that the update often stalls at various percentages, with error messages indicating complications. Windows 10 users are being urged to upgrade before the October support deadline, with estimates suggesting around 800 million users have yet to transition, many lacking the necessary hardware. The reasons for the update issues remain unclear, and Microsoft has paused the update for certain problematic PCs. Currently, there are no known workarounds for the March 2025 Update issues, and users are advised to consider uninstalling the update.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

240 million Windows 10 users are vulnerable to six different hacker exploits

Windows 10 users are urged to download the latest update due to critical fixes for six actively exploited vulnerabilities affecting up to 240 million individuals. The U.S. Cyber Defense Agency advises updating systems before April 1st or turning off computers as a precaution. The vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2025-24993: Buffer overflow exploit. - CVE-2025-24991: Access to data from a malicious virtual hard disk. - CVE-2025-24984: Exploit requiring physical access to log sensitive information. - CVE-2025-26633: Bypass flaw in Microsoft Management Console. - CVE-2025-24985: Privilege escalation flaw after mounting a VHD. - CVE-2025-24983: System-level exploit for gaining top privileges on the Windows Kernel Subsystem. Over 600 organizations have been affected by these vulnerabilities. Microsoft will cease security updates for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025, and users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11. Currently, there is a 60/40 split between Windows 10 and 11 users, with only 2% switching monthly. Approximately 240 million users have PCs incompatible with Windows 11, potentially leading to 1.1 billion pounds of computing equipment being discarded. The slow migration poses risks to user data security.