security updates Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC Will Lose Security Updates Soon — Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users of older computers without security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program to extend protection until October 2026 by installing the free update KB5063709. The ESU program offers two payment methods: 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for local accounts or a payment option for up to ten PCs under a single Microsoft account. This program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. For alternatives, various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are available for older machines, as well as ChromeOS Flex for a browser-based experience. Users can also access Windows 11 through cloud services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which requires a reliable internet connection and subscription costs. Microsoft 365 applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices for three more years. The approaching end of Windows 10 support may prompt users with aging devices to consider upgrading to new computers that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering better performance, security features, and longer battery life.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft’s “last-minute snooze button” for Windows 10 is here —sort of

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, preferring Windows 10 over Windows 11 due to design flaws and strict system requirements. The public interest group PIRG has petitioned Microsoft to reconsider, warning of increased electronic waste. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support, with a cost structure that has changed to a flat fee for up to 10 devices and requires a Microsoft Account for payment. Users can also use Microsoft Reward points to cover costs or synchronize settings with the cloud for free updates. The enrollment process for the ESU program began in July, but many users have not yet accessed it. The 'Enroll' button for the program is gradually rolling out, with speculation that it may be widely available around September 9, 2025. Organizations have criticized the ESU program as inadequate for the over 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The Restart Project argues that Microsoft's approach is a temporary fix that undermines sustainability efforts. The End of 10 group is advocating for users to switch to Linux as an alternative. Microsoft is encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through notifications.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

One of the last Windows 10 updates has arrived

Update KB5063842 is one of the final non-security-related updates for Windows 10, which has 48 days left until the end of support. The update addresses several bugs and introduces two key features: the ability to block outbound network traffic (requiring a keyless Extended Security Updates solution and a subscription to Windows 365) and the general availability of Windows Backup for Organizations, aimed at facilitating the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Over 40% of Windows devices still run Windows 10, while Windows 11 has gained more than half of the market share. Microsoft may need to adopt strategies to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 as the end of security support approaches.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

The (Microsoft) Windows Are Wide Open for Bad Actors

On October 14, Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10, impacting healthcare organizations that rely on legacy applications. Migrating to Windows 11 typically takes six to nine months and involves creating a new system image, testing applications, re-imaging devices, training staff, and rolling out the new OS. Microsoft will offer an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for up to three years post-Windows 10 end-of-service, but many organizations struggle with maintaining a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement due to financial issues. Healthcare organizations often use 150 to 300 applications, making them vulnerable to cybercriminals, especially as the end of Windows 10 support approaches, with potential HIPAA violations looming. Cyber insurance implications arise, as claims may be denied if breaches occur due to unsupported systems, leading to increased premiums. Windows 11 includes enhanced security features like TPM 2.0 and a Diagnostic Data Viewer. Cybercriminals are expected to target Windows 10 users after support ends, emphasizing the need for organizations to plan their transition to mitigate risks.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Microsoft Finally Fixed Windows 10 Free One-Year Extended Security Updates Enrollment Issues

The end of support for Windows 10 is on October 14th, with an option to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost. Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year. Users faced challenges enrolling in the ESU program, with issues reported regarding the "Enroll now" button. An update in August 2025 aimed to fix these issues, but some users still did not see the enrollment option. Enrollment options for ESU include backing up settings to a Microsoft account, using Microsoft Rewards points, or making a one-time payment. Windows 11 installation is possible on any Windows 10 machine, and detailed instructions are available for bypassing hardware verification.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Windows 11 setup is about to get longer on some devices

Starting in September 2025, Windows 11's Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) will automatically install quality updates by default for managed Entra/Entra hybrid PCs. This feature applies only to Windows 11 version 22H2 or later devices enrolled via Intune and Autopilot Enrollment Status Page (ESP). The updates during OOBE will provide the latest security fixes before the first sign-in, reducing the need for post-setup patches. Devices must meet specific criteria, including being managed through Microsoft Intune and having an assigned ESP profile. The setting can be enabled in the Microsoft Intune admin center, with existing profiles defaulting to "No" and new profiles set to "Yes."

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Can’t sign up for extended Windows 10 support? Don’t panic, the rollout is underway – but it’s reportedly going ‘slowly’

Microsoft is rolling out an extended support offer for Windows 10 users, allowing them to continue using the operating system without the immediate need to upgrade to Windows 11 before the End of Life deadline in October 2025. The enrollment wizard for extended security updates (ESU) will eventually be available to all Windows 10 PCs, but many users have not yet seen this option in their Windows Update panel. Reports indicate a slow rollout, causing uncertainty among users regarding their eligibility. Microsoft has increased notifications encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, particularly as the October deadline approaches. Users can opt for free access to ESU by syncing their PC settings to OneDrive, pay a nominal fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for access.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

Windows 10’s extended support option is taking its sweet time to roll out

Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Windows 10 beyond October 2025 for users who do not upgrade to Windows 11. Users can extend support by accessing the “Enroll now (ESU)” wizard in system settings, which has been gradually rolled out since late July 2025. Currently, only a limited number of users can see this menu, and the rollout is ongoing. The ESU wizard offers three options for extended updates, allowing users to secure an additional year of support. Users can register for extended support until October 13, 2025. Microsoft has decided not to terminate support for Windows 10 as initially planned and is offering three options for continued updates, two of which are free. Notifications urging users to upgrade before the support deadline have begun appearing, although the option to remain on Windows 10 is less prominently displayed.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

Microsoft slowly rolls out a button allowing Windows 10 users to refuse Windows 11

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that allows individual users to pay for continued security updates. A new feature will soon appear in the Windows Update section of the Settings menu to facilitate enrollment in the ESU program, which will be accessible to all users before the end-of-life date. Users can still enroll in the ESU program for a year after the support ends, even if they see the enrollment button after the deadline. Standard users will need to pay annually for these updates, but there are alternatives to access ESU, such as syncing settings to OneDrive or using Microsoft Rewards points.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft nags more users with Windows 10 end of life banner, says get Windows 11

Users on Windows 10 are experiencing persistent upgrade reminders following the August 2025 Patch Tuesday update (KB5063709), which includes a full-screen banner encouraging them to upgrade to Windows 11. This pop-up appears after updates are installed and indicates that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive technical support or security updates. Users can choose to dismiss the alert, but it will reappear, along with options to download or schedule the installation of Windows 11. Microsoft has updated its documentation urging users to make a decision before the end-of-life date. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will receive only two updates, and users can extend updates until October 13, 2026, by using the 'Enroll now' button on the Windows Update page, though this option may not be available to all users. It is recommended that users save a copy of the Windows 10 ISO before the end-of-life date.