security updates Archives

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft ships emergency patch to fix Windows 11 installation issues

Microsoft has addressed a significant issue affecting certain Windows 11 systems after the installation of the KB5058405 security update from May 2025. Users reported encountering 0xc0000098 recovery errors linked to ACPI.sys, indicating that the operating system could not be loaded. This problem primarily affects Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 in enterprise settings, particularly among Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Virtual Desktop, and on-premises virtual machines hosted on platforms like Citrix or Hyper-V. Microsoft has released the KB5062170 non-security out-of-band update to resolve the installation and boot problems, which can be manually installed from the Microsoft Update Catalog. For Azure customers facing difficulties after implementing the May 2025 update, Microsoft recommends using Azure Virtual Machine repair commands as a temporary workaround. Users of Windows Home or Pro editions in home environments are unlikely to encounter these issues.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Bad News—500 Million Windows Users Must Now Decide

A recent advisory warns Windows users about vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 due to the impending cessation of support for Windows 10 in October. Asus has highlighted that users of Windows 10 or older systems will soon lose regular updates and support. Currently, around 750 million users are on Windows 10, with 500 million potentially eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. Recent market data shows Windows 10's user share has increased from 41% in April to over 43% in May, while Windows 11 has declined by 3.5%. The urgency for upgrades is heightened as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, raising concerns about a potential cybersecurity crisis.

Winsage

June 1, 2025

How to update to Windows 11 with Microsoft support for Windows 10 ending

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ending free updates and security patches. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid vulnerabilities, as Windows 10 will still function but without security updates. To check the current version of the operating system, users can right-click the Windows icon, select “System,” and view the information under “Windows Specifications/Edition.”

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 30, 2025

Microsoft is done being subtle – this new tool screams “upgrade now”

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as the end of support deadline approaches. To facilitate this upgrade, Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool designed to streamline backups and assist businesses in migrating to Windows 11. This tool, announced at Microsoft Ignite in November 2024 and currently in limited public preview, helps organizations back up and restore Windows settings during device resets or reimaging. It aims to reduce troubleshooting, ensure smoother transitions, and enhance productivity by minimizing downtime. To use this tool, systems must be Microsoft Entra joined, and organizations need an active Microsoft Intune test tenant with Intune service administrator permissions. As of April 2025, Windows 10 holds a 52.9% market share, while Windows 11 has 43.7%. Microsoft must upgrade a significant portion of its user base by the deadline or encourage enrollment in the Extended Security Updates program.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

This new Microsoft tool could be the final nail in Windows 10’s coffin

Microsoft has launched Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool designed to assist businesses in securely backing up and restoring Windows settings during the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool is particularly useful for organizations upgrading multiple laptops, as it helps minimize manual adjustments. As of April 2025, 52.9% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, while Windows 11 has a market share of 43.7%. Users are encouraged to back up data before upgrading, and alternatives like Linux are suggested for those hesitant to switch to Windows 11, especially for older hardware.

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Microsoft May Patch Tuesday fails on some Windows 11 VMs

Microsoft's recent Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 has faced significant issues, particularly affecting users on versions 22H2 and 23H2. The installation of the May 13 update is failing on some machines, especially in virtual environments, leading to recovery mode entries and boot errors. Users are advised to avoid the update temporarily. The error message indicates a problem with the ACPI.sys file, which is crucial for managing hardware resources. Windows 11 Home and Pro users are likely unaffected, as virtual machines are typically used in enterprise settings. Microsoft has not provided the number of impacted users or a workaround beyond uninstalling the patches, but engineers are working on a resolution. This incident follows previous patching challenges faced by Microsoft this year, including an emergency update for Windows 10 and issues with Remote Desktop sessions in earlier updates.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Forced E-Waste PCs And The Case Of Windows 11’s Trusted Platform

The process of upgrading Windows operating systems was straightforward until Windows 11, which introduced a new requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), potentially rendering many capable PCs obsolete. The TPM is used for boot validation and storing biometric data, but it complicates data recovery and may lock out legitimate users. Users have found ways to bypass Windows 11's TPM and CPU restrictions, allowing installation on unsupported hardware. Microsoft’s enforcement of these requirements remains uncertain, raising concerns about system reliability and user access to updates. Many users are opting to stay on Windows 10 while advocating for continued support from developers.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 might fail to start after installing KB5058405

Microsoft has acknowledged that some Windows 11 systems may experience startup failures after installing the KB5058405 cumulative update, resulting in a 0xc0000098 recovery error related to ACPI.sys. This issue affects Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, particularly in enterprise settings like Azure Virtual Machines and on-premises virtual machines. Home users are less likely to encounter these problems. Microsoft is investigating the issue and will provide updates.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Upgrading to Windows 11 just got easier – Microsoft introduces a new business backup tool

Windows has introduced a new backup tool for organizations, currently in limited public preview, designed to assist in backing up Windows settings during the resetting or reimaging of user devices. This tool supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11, facilitating smoother migration to Windows 11. It was announced at Microsoft Ignite in 2024 and aims to reduce migration overhead and user disruption. Organizations must operate Microsoft Entra joined Windows systems, have an active Microsoft Intune test tenant, and possess Microsoft Intune service administrator permissions to participate in the preview. Additionally, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for businesses unable to upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10's end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has also introduced a feature for developers that allows software to seek updates via Windows Update for a more unified app update experience.