security updates Archives

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Google and Back Market Launch $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit for Windows 10 Users Locked Out of Windows 11

Google has launched a physical ChromeOS Flex USB Kit, priced at a modest amount, to support users on Windows 10 whose hardware does not meet Windows 11 requirements. This kit, developed with Back Market, is part of a pilot program with limited stock. The kit includes printed guides and video tutorials for installing ChromeOS Flex, which is available for free download. ChromeOS Flex allows devices to boot in under 10 seconds and primarily supports web browsing and cloud-based applications, but does not support Android applications. It consumes approximately 19 percent less energy than similar systems and aims to extend the lifespan of existing devices to reduce electronic waste. The kit is available through Back Market, but future production and pricing details have not been disclosed.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Microsoft to End Support for Windows Server 2016 in 2027

Support for Windows Server 2016 will officially end on January 12, 2027, ceasing security updates and bug fixes. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2019 or later to maintain support and security. Businesses are advised to assess their IT infrastructure and develop a migration strategy to ensure continuity and security. Engaging with IT professionals is recommended for managing the transition effectively.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Emergency Update for Windows Server Following Reboot Issues

Microsoft has released emergency updates for various versions of Windows Server due to issues arising from the April 2026 Patch Tuesday security updates. A significant problem was a reboot loop affecting domain controllers caused by crashes of the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS), which disrupted authentication services. This issue was especially problematic during the setup of new domain controllers. Additionally, some Windows Server 2025 systems encountered difficulties in installing the security update KB5082063. The out-of-band update (KB5091157) for Windows Server 2025 addresses both the installation failure and the domain controller restart issue. Other updates targeting the domain controller restart problem were released for additional supported Windows Server versions. Microsoft has introduced an out-of-band update for seven versions, including KB5091157 for Windows Server 2025 and KB5091571 for Windows Server, version 23H2. Furthermore, some Windows Server 2025 devices may boot into BitLocker recovery mode after the update, requiring users to enter a BitLocker recovery key.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Microsoft releases emergency updates to fix Windows Server issues

Microsoft has confirmed that some administrators are experiencing difficulties installing the KB5082063 security update on Windows Server 2025. This month's Patch Tuesday updates have caused certain Windows servers, especially those with domain controller roles, to enter a restart loop due to failures in the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). Microsoft has released emergency out-of-band updates, including KB5091157 for Windows Server 2025, to address both the installation failure and the restart issues. Additionally, some Windows Server 2025 devices may boot into BitLocker recovery mode after installing the KB5082063 update. A bug affecting Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 that caused unexpected upgrades to Windows Server 2025 has also been resolved. Microsoft has issued various emergency updates throughout the year to address other issues, including a Bluetooth device visibility bug and vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS).

Winsage

April 19, 2026

Windows Defender Security Flaws Actively Exploited by Hackers

Three vulnerabilities in Microsoft Defender, known as BlueHammer (CVE-2026-33825), RedSun, and UnDefend, are being actively exploited by hackers. BlueHammer has been patched, while RedSun and UnDefend remain unpatched. The public release of exploit code has accelerated real-world attacks, affecting Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems. Attackers have begun exploiting these vulnerabilities, leading to concerns about privilege escalation, disruption of security updates, and the rapid spread of attacks.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Windows Server 2025 Update KB5082063: Error 0x80073712 due to Media Player; and Error 0x800F0983

Cumulative update KB508206, released on April 14, 2024, for Windows Server 2025, is causing installation failures for some administrators. Error code 0x800F0983 has been acknowledged by Microsoft as an issue related to the update process, while error code 0x80073712 has been linked to the legacy Windows Media Player application. Reports indicate that the installation of KB5082063 is problematic, particularly on systems configured in German, with users experiencing persistent failures despite attempts to use repair commands. The installation issues may be related to missing files associated with the Media Player language packs, affecting various language configurations.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

Microsoft’s April patch puts Windows domain controllers into reboot loops — third known issue from KB5082063 is affecting Windows Server 2016 through 2025

Microsoft has acknowledged that the April 2026 security update for Windows Server, patch KB5082063, has caused significant disruptions for some enterprise domain controllers, leading to continuous reboot cycles in non-Global Catalog domain controllers used in Privileged Access Management (PAM) deployments. This has resulted in the unavailability of Active Directory authentication and directory services on affected servers. Additionally, the installation of KB5082063 may fail on some Windows Server 2025 systems. This issue marks the third consecutive year that April security updates have caused problems for Windows Server domain controllers. In previous years, Microsoft issued emergency fixes for similar issues, including crashes and complications with NTLM authentication. Administrators currently have limited options, including delaying the update, isolating a test domain controller, or engaging with Microsoft Support for tailored mitigation steps.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

“Over 3.3 million downloads”: This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft’s customers with a huge update

Zorin OS, a Linux-based operating system, launched late last year alongside Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, leading to approximately 780,000 users migrating to Linux and a surge in Zorin OS downloads to 1 million. Three months later, Zorin OS 18 was released, increasing downloads to 2 million, and six months post-launch, total downloads reached 3.3 million. The latest version, Zorin OS 18.1, includes new features and improved hardware support, expanding its database to support over 240 Windows applications. Zorin Lite has also been updated to version 17.3, designed for older computers, featuring support for fingerprint readers and a redesigned File Manager. Meanwhile, Windows 11 has struggled with adoption due to strict hardware requirements but is gaining traction after the end-of-life status of Windows 10. Microsoft is working to improve user sentiment around Windows 11 by allowing users to bypass updates during setup and reintroducing features like a movable Taskbar. Some experts suggest that Microsoft should focus on developing Windows 12 instead of enhancing Windows 11, as significant improvements may require more drastic changes. Alternative operating systems like Zorin OS are becoming increasingly appealing to users dissatisfied with Windows.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

What to do when device settings don’t migrate to Windows 11

On October 10, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, ending technical assistance, feature updates, and security updates. Organizations are required to transition to Windows 11. During the migration, IT administrators may face errors indicating that certain device settings were not successfully migrated, which can disrupt user experience. Causes of these errors include outdated or incompatible device drivers, failing physical components, incompatible software, restrictive group policies, missing registry keys, and interference from third-party tools. Affected devices may malfunction, impacting productivity. IT teams can troubleshoot these issues by restarting computers, identifying problematic devices using Device Manager, verifying and updating device drivers, checking physical devices, ensuring the operating environment is up to date, utilizing Microsoft command-line utilities, and performing clean boots or system restores if necessary.

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Microsoft April Update Forces BitLocker Recovery on Servers

A recent Microsoft security update, April 2026 KB5082063, has caused issues for administrators of Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 systems, with many devices entering BitLocker recovery mode after reboot, requiring a 48-digit recovery key. This issue primarily affects enterprise-managed systems with specific TPM Group Policy settings involving PCR7 validation. Similar problems have been reported with updates KB5083769 and KB5082052 on Windows 11. The issue arises from five conditions: BitLocker must be enabled on the OS drive, the Group Policy must include PCR7, the msinfo32.exe tool must show Secure Boot State PCR7 Binding as “Not Possible,” the Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificate must be in the Secure Boot Signature Database, and the device must not be using the 2023-signed Windows Boot Manager. Microsoft suggests two workarounds: removing the TPM validation Group Policy before the update and re-enabling BitLocker, or applying a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) before installation. Skipping the April updates is not advisable due to the addressing of 167 vulnerabilities, including two zero-days. BitLocker recovery issues following updates have been recurring since 2022, with similar incidents reported in August 2022, August 2024, and May 2025, indicating ongoing challenges with Secure Boot certificates and TPM validation bindings in enterprise environments.