security support Archives

Winsage

May 31, 2025

Forget Windows 11, this version of Windows 10 is officially supported until 2032

Microsoft will retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive technical support, feature updates, or security patches. Users can upgrade to Windows 11, but not all devices meet its requirements. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security support for a fee. Another option is the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC edition, which provides a streamlined experience but is not intended for general consumer use and comes with complex licensing requirements. Windows 10 LTSC will receive official support for several years, but as mainstream Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date, software and driver support may decline. Users with older hardware may consider acquiring a Windows 10 LTSC key to extend device functionality, but should weigh the associated challenges.

Winsage

May 10, 2025

Microsoft’s New Windows Update — 1 Billion Users Warned: Do Not Delete

Windows users are facing security challenges, including zero-day vulnerabilities and hackers bypassing Windows Defender. Microsoft has removed VPN provisions for Windows Defender and discontinued security support for Windows 10, but users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Following the April 8 Patch Tuesday updates, a new folder named "inetpub" appeared on user devices, which Microsoft has warned users not to delete, as it is essential for security protections. This folder is generated after installing updates and is traditionally associated with the Internet Information Services (IIS) web server platform, regardless of whether IIS is installed. If users have deleted the inetpub folder, it can be restored by enabling IIS through the Windows Control Panel.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Upgrade Options For Windows Users With Old PCs

Microsoft has issued a warning to the 240 million Windows users still on Windows 10 that they will lose all security support for their PCs, urging them to upgrade to a secure Windows 11 PC, preferably the Copilot+ PC. While 500 million Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, many face the choice of buying new hardware or operating without security updates. The deadline for Windows 10 support is set for October 14, 2025. Microsoft has been using full-screen pop-ups to encourage users to reconsider their setups, as only 20 million users engage with Copilot weekly compared to 400 million using ChatGPT. Despite this, Microsoft claims strong early reception for Copilot+ PCs, with 15% of premium laptops sold in the U.S. during the holiday quarter being Copilot+ models. A feature called Recall, which tracks user activity, raises privacy concerns for those considering the upgrade.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Upgrade Choice—240 Million Windows Users Must Now Decide

Microsoft has issued an upgrade advisory for 240 million Windows 10 users who will lose security support, stating they will no longer receive updates. The company recommends upgrading to a secure Windows 11 PC, preferably with the Copilot+ feature. Users must consider the financial implications of this upgrade, as they face the choice of investing in new hardware or continuing with unsupported software. Microsoft encourages users to explore new PCs at major retailers and has provided shopping links. The deadline for Windows 10 support is October 14, 2025. Additionally, new Copilot+ PCs include features like Recall, which raises privacy concerns.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Microsoft’s New Windows Update — 1 Billion Users Warned: Do Not Delete

Windows users are facing security challenges, including a zero-day vulnerability that threatens Windows passwords and hackers bypassing Windows Defender. Microsoft has discontinued VPN support for Windows Defender users and withdrawn security support for Windows 10. A new folder named "inetpub" was created following the April 8 Patch Tuesday updates as part of the fix for CVE-2025-21204, a vulnerability in the Windows Update Stack. This folder has raised concerns among users, prompting Microsoft to advise against deleting it. The creation of the inetpub folder is intended to enhance security, although its purpose remains unclear. Microsoft confirmed that the folder is created regardless of whether Internet Information Services (IIS) is installed on the user's device.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Update Mistake—What You Do Now

Microsoft's recent security update has caused installation bugs for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, leading to issues with the Microsoft Copilot app, which has been unintentionally uninstalled from some devices. The update affects users with the update KB5053606 and has complicated Microsoft's goal to add Copilot to every PC. Microsoft is working on a resolution, and affected users are advised to reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, some users have experienced the blue screen of death after applying the update, prompting others to reverse or pause the installation. The update addresses critical fixes for multiple zero-day vulnerabilities, while 800 million Windows 10 users have yet to transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Steam Survey Shows Windows 10 Users Still Represent Around 43% Of The User Base

Approximately 43% of Steam users continue to utilize Windows 10 as it approaches its end-of-life status in October 2025. Windows 11 has seen gradual adoption since its launch in 2021, but stringent system requirements, such as TPM 2.0, have hindered its growth. Microsoft has stated that ongoing technical and security support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, and will not relax its TPM requirement. Users with incompatible machines may need to invest in new PCs to transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 end of life: How to prepare for the October deadline

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive security updates. As of December 2024, over 62% of devices globally were still using Windows 10. Many organizations are delaying the upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware compatibility issues, budget constraints, and the time required for employee training. Remaining on Windows 10 poses risks such as increased vulnerability to cyber threats and operational inefficiencies. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program for organizations needing more time, but experts recommend investing in upgrading to Windows 11 for long-term benefits. The transition may require replacing incompatible devices and careful planning to minimize disruptions.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Here’s How You Can Get Windows 11 For Free—If You Act Now

Windows 10 will reach the end of security support on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which is designed to meet current security needs. To facilitate this transition, Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to eligible Windows 10 users. Recent statistics show a 2.5% increase in the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in January. Users can check their device's eligibility for the upgrade by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting the Check for updates option.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

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

Microsoft is facing a challenge as 850 million Windows users approach a deadline to update their systems. Approximately 40 million users upgraded their PCs in the past month, despite many Windows 10 users being reluctant to transition to Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for users whose hardware meets security requirements, but Microsoft has indicated that this free upgrade may not be available indefinitely. Recent statistics show a reversal in the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11, with around 40 million users making the switch, representing about 2.5% of the Windows install base. However, if the current upgrade pace continues, around 500 million users may remain vulnerable due to hardware security checks. Microsoft is encouraging users to refresh their Windows 11 PCs by 2025, particularly with AI integration, but an unprecedented number of PCs are expected to lose security support in October. It is uncertain whether Microsoft will take drastic measures to address the situation, such as mandatory upgrades or a lighter version for incompatible devices.