Security update

Winsage
July 6, 2025
Microsoft Windows updates are essential for system security but can cause user challenges. A recent high-severity vulnerability, CVE-2025-33073, emphasizes the need for timely updates. Windows 11 users are experiencing a Firewall configuration error linked to the June 26 KB5060829 update, which has raised security concerns despite being a non-security update. Microsoft confirmed the error appears in the Event Viewer as "Config Read Failed" and occurs after each device restart, but it can be safely ignored and does not indicate a problem with Windows Firewall. The error is related to a feature under development, and Microsoft is working on a resolution for a future update.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
Microsoft has introduced alternatives to the fee for extended support for Windows 10, including the option to pay for an additional year of security updates and using the Windows Backup app to sync settings to OneDrive. However, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) argues that these measures are insufficient to address the e-waste crisis, as the hardware requirements for Windows 11 may render millions of functional PCs obsolete by October 2025. PIRG's Lucas Rockett Gutterman stated that Microsoft's options are unlikely to help the estimated 400 million Windows 10 PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. He called for longer-term support for Windows 10 or relaxed hardware requirements for Windows 11. Currently, businesses have access to a three-year extended security update program, while consumers only have one year. The disparity raises concerns about the environmental impact of discarding usable devices. Gutterman suggested that one additional year of support, even if fee-based, could help consumers, and proposed exploring a non-paying option like ad-supported Windows 10 to fund continued security updates.
Winsage
June 26, 2025
Last summer's CrowdStrike incident caused significant disruptions in healthcare, banking, and air travel, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. In response, Microsoft held a security summit with experts from CrowdStrike and other firms to address vulnerabilities. Microsoft announced Safe Deployment practices and architectural changes to enhance Windows security, including relocating third-party security drivers from the Windows kernel to user space. This change aims to reduce risks associated with kernel-level flaws. Upcoming features in Windows 11 24H2 include a streamlined crash report process, replacing the Blue Screen of Death with an "unexpected restart" screen, and a quick machine recovery (QMR) capability to automate fixes during outages. Additionally, Windows Autopatch will allow network administrators to deploy updates with fewer required restarts for Windows 11 Enterprise PCs, limiting them to once every three months.
Winsage
June 26, 2025
Microsoft has announced an extension of Windows 10 support until October 2026 at no additional cost, affecting approximately 400 million users. This extension was previously set to end in October 2025. Users with eligible PCs for an upgrade number around 400 million, while about 240 million are not eligible. The extension includes Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 through October 2028, but it is a one-year arrangement and not full security support. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through options like cloud backup, reward points, or a fee, and this feature will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
Winsage
June 23, 2025
Windows 11 users should monitor their operating system’s restore points closely due to a change introduced in the June update for Windows 11 24H2. Restore points will now be retained for a maximum of 60 days, reduced from the previous 90 days. This change is specified in the “System Restore” section, stating that after the June 2025 Windows security update, restore points older than 60 days will not be available. This 60-day limit will also apply to future versions of Windows 11, including the anticipated Windows 11 25H2, set to launch in fall 2025.
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