security support Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

Using Windows 10? Do This Now to Lower Your Risk of Being Hacked

Support for Windows 10 officially ended last year, and Microsoft recommends users transition to Windows 11 or buy new computers. Users will no longer receive security updates, and any issues encountered will not be supported by Microsoft. Windows Update will indicate that devices are no longer receiving updates, leaving users to manage security vulnerabilities themselves. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive updates until October 2028, and users can enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026, under certain conditions. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 at 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. Users opting to stay on Windows 10 should implement third-party security solutions to mitigate risks from the lack of official updates.

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Microsoft issues emergency fix afer a security update left some Windows 11 devices unable to shut down

Microsoft has released an emergency fix to address critical bugs from the January 2026 Windows security update, which affected shutdown and hibernation functions on some Windows 11 devices, causing unexpected restarts. The update also restores remote login functionality for Windows 10 and 11 users, with issues related to credential prompts identified as the cause of previous login difficulties. Some users still report issues such as blank screens and crashes in Outlook Classic. Microsoft previously issued an emergency fix in October for complications related to the Windows Recovery Environment. Additionally, the Extended Security Updates program is available for users who want to continue using Windows 10 with security support.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Has 2025 seen a successful refresh to Windows 11?

Windows 11 has a market share of 53.7%, while Windows 10 has 42.7%. Approximately 700 million devices are running Windows 11. Microsoft has urged users to upgrade from Windows 10, which officially ended support in October 2025, leaving users without updates or security patches. Users on Windows 10 may need to purchase an extended security package for protection until October 2026. Hardware compatibility issues, particularly with the Trusted Platform Module 2.0 requirement, may prevent some users from upgrading. The 25H2 update for Windows 11 introduced various enhancements but also created new issues. Windows 12's release is uncertain, with expectations for AI advancements, but details are speculative.

Winsage

December 16, 2025

Microsoft admits Windows 10’s extended updates are causing issues, MSMQ won’t work

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue with the December 2025 Patch update (KB5071546) for Windows 10, affecting the Message Queuing (MSMQ) component, which is primarily used by enterprise applications. The update altered MSMQ's operational dynamics and modified NTFS permissions for its storage directory, requiring write access that many real-world implementations do not have. This has led to operational failures, with users experiencing error messages indicating insufficient resources. Reports indicate that uninstalling the update restores MSMQ functionality. Microsoft is investigating these issues, which also impact clustered MSMQ environments under load, but does not affect Windows 11. Users are advised to uninstall the update to resolve MSMQ issues.

Tech Optimizer

December 11, 2025

Hackers Are Targeting Windows 10 Users. Make Sure to Do This One Thing to Stay Safe

Microsoft has set the end of support for Windows 10 to October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive security updates or technical assistance. Windows 10 machines will continue to function, but users will face risks due to unaddressed security vulnerabilities. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, extending support for eligible consumer editions until October 13, 2026, with specific enrollment criteria. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 holding a 53.7% market share compared to Windows 10's 42.7%. Users can continue using Windows 10 by employing third-party security solutions, including antivirus programs and VPNs, to mitigate risks in the absence of Microsoft’s support.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

9 data-driven ways to finalize your post‑Windows 10 strategy

Approximately 17% of Windows devices within enterprises are still utilizing Windows 10. Organizations can use hardware and firmware data to assess upgrade readiness, map application usage to target extended support investment, assess device health and digital experience, track performance degradation over time, analyze software dependencies, validate pilots with comparable data, investigate post-upgrade failures with diagnostics, automate fixes for common migration blockers, and weigh Windows 11 performance trade-offs. Upgrading to Windows 11 resulted in approximately 7% better disk throughput and lower latency, but also led to a 5% increase in CPU usage and a 7% rise in memory demand.

Winsage

October 20, 2025

PoC Exploit Released for Windows Server Update Services Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

A proof-of-concept exploit has been released for a critical vulnerability in Microsoft’s Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), identified as CVE-2025-59287, which allows unauthenticated attackers to execute remote code with SYSTEM privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 and is caused by unsafe deserialization of untrusted data in WSUS’s handling of AuthorizationCookies. It affects all supported Windows Server versions from 2012 to 2025, particularly through the GetCookie() endpoint. The exploit involves sending a manipulated AuthorizationCookie via an unauthenticated HTTP POST request to the WSUS ClientWebService endpoint. A publicly available PoC demonstrates how to generate a payload that can execute commands like "calc.exe." Microsoft has classified the flaw as “Exploitation More Likely” and advises immediate application of security updates. Organizations are encouraged to isolate WSUS servers and monitor for unusual SOAP traffic.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Don’t want Windows 11 yet? Here is how to keep updates on Windows 10

Support for Windows 10 officially ends on 14 October 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates and patches. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows users to continue receiving critical security updates until 13 October 2026. To qualify for ESU, PCs must run Windows 10, version 22H2, be one of the specified editions (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstations), have the latest updates installed, and be signed in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. Enrollment can be done at no cost if settings are synced with a Microsoft account, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or through a one-time purchase. Each ESU license covers up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account. If users do not enroll in ESU, their PCs will not receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for long-term security, but many older PCs may not meet the necessary hardware requirements. After October 2026, even those enrolled in ESU will lose official security support.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

I Will Go Down Swinging Against Windows 11

On October 14, Microsoft officially ceased security support for Windows 10. Over 42 percent of Windows users are still on Windows 10, raising concerns about e-waste and operational challenges for institutions like schools. Users can extend Windows' security support for another year for free or for a fee. The transition to Windows 11 has been met with frustration due to technical challenges and the integration of AI, which some users find unappealing. There are ethical considerations regarding Microsoft's actions, particularly in light of the ongoing boycott by BDS.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

Microsoft clears up what Windows 10 users can expect from Microsoft Defender moving forward

Windows 10 has officially entered a new phase with the end of its non-security support. Users enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will continue to receive essential security updates for at least another year. Microsoft Defender will continue to provide detection and protection capabilities for Windows 10 throughout the ESU period. Microsoft will also provide security intelligence updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus protection until October 2028. Microsoft recommends users either continue with Windows 10 under the ESU or consider upgrading to Windows 11.