support article Archives

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.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

“More secure, reliable, user-friendly”: Microsoft explains why it quietly killed Windows 11’s phone activation option

Microsoft has discontinued the last method for activating Windows 10 or Windows 11 without an Internet connection, specifically the telephone activation option. Users have reported confusion and frustration as the option remained visible in Windows, but attempts to use it led to redirection to online portals. Microsoft has not fully disclosed the reasons for this change, but it aligns with a shift towards digital solutions and emphasizes the importance of Internet connectivity in software management.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

New Windows 11 AI agents can work in the background but create new security risks

Microsoft has introduced "experimental agentic features" in the latest Windows 11 build for Windows Insider Program testers, which includes a feature called Copilot Actions. These agentic features are designed to autonomously perform tasks such as organizing files, scheduling meetings, and sending emails, acting as an "active digital collaborator" to enhance user productivity. The features are currently optional, off by default, and available only in early test builds. To address potential risks, Microsoft has implemented a strategy where AI agents operate under separate user accounts, ensuring they cannot make significant system changes without user approval. Agents maintain activity logs for accountability, and users can supervise their operations.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Still on Windows 10? Enroll in free ESU before next week’s Patch Tuesday

Users operating Windows 10 are encouraged to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program following the end of support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. The ESU program allows continued access to security updates for users unable to transition to Windows 11. To obtain extended security updates for an additional year, users can pay a fee, back up their Windows settings to their Microsoft account, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points. In the European Economic Area, users can receive ESU for free by logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account or can opt to pay to continue using a local account. Enterprise customers can utilize the ESU program for a total of three years at a cumulative cost of per device. Users must be operating Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, and ensure all available updates are installed to qualify for ESU. Enrollment can be completed through the Windows Update settings. Microsoft frequently addresses security vulnerabilities, including a recent one tracked as CVE-2025-24990, which was exploited to gain administrative privileges on devices. Successful enrollment in the ESU program will provide updates until October 13, 2026. Organizations must acquire licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing or Cloud Solution Provider partners, and each device must be activated with a unique ESU key. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs can also benefit from free enrollment in the ESU program.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Microsoft Disables File Explorer Preview for Internet Files to Patch NTLM Vulnerability

Following the October 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, many Windows users experienced issues with the File Explorer preview pane, which stopped functioning for several file types. This change, implemented by Microsoft as a security enhancement, affects both Windows 11 and Windows 10 and is linked to a vulnerability associated with NTLM credential hashes. The updates, KB5066835 for Windows 11 and KB5066791 for Windows 10, disable the preview functionality for files marked with the "Mark of the Web" (MotW), indicating they originated from the internet. Instead of a preview, users receive a warning message about potential harm from the file. Microsoft has provided workarounds for users who wish to restore the preview functionality, including manually unblocking files or adjusting security settings for network shares, though these methods come with security risks. This change reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing security over user convenience.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Meta is discontinuing Windows and Mac Messenger apps

Meta has announced the discontinuation of its Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac. Users will be notified upon logging in that the apps will become inoperable in 60 days, requiring them to transition to the Messenger feature on the Facebook website. Users are encouraged to delete the app after it is fully deprecated, as it will no longer be usable. Chat history can be saved if users enable secure storage. Users with a Messenger-only account will be redirected to Messenger.com.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Ouch! Microsoft admits Windows 11’s OneDrive syncing could be slowing down your PC

Microsoft has acknowledged user concerns about Windows 11 performance, particularly with OneDrive integration, and has provided recommendations to enhance system speed for both Windows 10 and 11. One key suggestion is to disable OneDrive syncing, which can alleviate sluggishness in File Explorer. Users experiencing lag can temporarily pause OneDrive syncing, unlink their account, or uninstall the application, though it may reinstall after Windows updates. Microsoft promotes cloud syncing benefits but notes that OneDrive is not the only option, and users should consider a robust backup strategy like the 3-2-1 rule for data management.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Still stuck on Windows 10? Microsoft reveals the reasons why you can’t upgrade to Windows 11, and how to fix them

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been challenging for many users due to Microsoft's strict requirements, including the necessity of a TPM 2.0 chip and other high system specifications. Microsoft has introduced a pop-up notification and a support article to assist users with the upgrade process. Steps for upgrading include checking for updates in Settings, using laptop companion applications for BIOS updates, and searching for driver updates from manufacturers' websites. It is technically possible to install Windows 11 on systems that do not meet the official requirements, but users are advised to proceed with caution due to potential compatibility issues. Microsoft has acknowledged the lack of clear guidance regarding end-of-life notifications and is now providing support initiatives to help users transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft is killing off Windows 11 SE, its Chrome OS competitor

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE by October 2026, ceasing all software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes. Devices running Windows 11 SE will continue to function, but users are advised to transition to another edition of Windows 11 for ongoing support. The upcoming 25H2 update will not be released for Windows 11 SE, leaving devices on the 24H2 version until support ends. Various manufacturers have produced laptops with Windows 11 SE, and Microsoft launched the budget-friendly Surface Laptop SE in 2021. Microsoft's previous attempts to compete with Chrome OS included the introduction of S Mode for Windows 10, which faced challenges due to limited app availability. A Gartner report indicates that Chromebook market share is declining, with a shift in focus towards Windows 11 upgrades rather than migration to Chrome OS.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Want to keep using Microsoft 365 in Windows 10 after October? You can

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security patches, bug fixes, or technical support will be available unless users opt for extended security updates. Microsoft encourages all Microsoft 365 users on Windows 10 to upgrade to Windows 11 by this deadline. However, Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. Feature updates for individuals and families subscribed to Microsoft 365 will continue until August 2026, while organizations will receive updates until October 13, 2026, or January 12, 2027, depending on their subscription type. After October 14, 2025, support for Windows 10 users will be limited, with representatives encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 for issues specific to that operating system.