support documentation Archives

Winsage

May 26, 2025

Microsoft releases an update to tackle a built-in issue in Windows images, but who is it for?

Microsoft encourages users to adopt the latest version of Windows or a version eligible for monthly security updates to protect against security threats. Older Windows ISOs are vulnerable due to outdated security updates and antimalware software. Microsoft has released an update for Microsoft Defender to enhance the security of these older Windows images. This update includes the latest Microsoft Defender binaries, which must be applied offline to WIM and VHD files for Windows 11, Windows 10 (Enterprise, Pro, Home), Windows Server 2022, 2019, and 2016. The update improves both the anti-malware client and engine, with package sizes of 78.2 MB for ARM64, 128 MB for x86, and 132 MB for x64 systems. Users need a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or later, PowerShell 5.1 or later, and specific modules to implement the update. Regular updates every three months are recommended for optimal security.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Update Locks Windows 10 — Or Worse. Here’s What To Do

Windows 10 users are facing issues due to the mandatory KB5058379 update, which has caused some PCs to boot into Windows Recovery mode and prompted the need for a BitLocker key. Some users have also experienced a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The update primarily affects devices with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) using 10th generation or later Intel vPro processors, particularly on Windows 10 versions 22H2 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021. Microsoft is working on a resolution and plans to release an Out-of-band update soon. Affected users are advised to disable Intel TXT in the BIOS to complete the update successfully and avoid further issues. Windows 11 is not impacted by this problem.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft Update Fails—New Download Breaks Windows

Users are experiencing BitLocker Recovery screens and Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) after installing the Windows 10 update KB5058379. This mandatory update addresses significant security vulnerabilities, but Microsoft claims to be unaware of any new issues. Some users have found that disabling Intel TXT can help complete the installation. Reports include a user experiencing consistent BSODs after the update and another who resolved boot issues by changing BIOS settings. The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching on October 14, but Microsoft 365 applications will still receive security updates afterward. Windows 11 users are not affected by these issues.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Free Update Deadline For Windows Users

Microsoft has extended support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, providing an additional three years of security updates. This change comes after the company had previously announced that support would end on October 14, 2025. The extension aims to assist the 240 million Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, allowing them to transition without immediate pressure to purchase new hardware. Microsoft has stated that while they will provide troubleshooting assistance for issues with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for optimal performance and reliability.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Microsoft 365 might’ve just given you another excuse to stay on Windows 10 for three more years

Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, despite Windows 10 reaching its End of Life on October 14, 2025. This extension is intended to assist users during their transition to Windows 11. While Microsoft 365 apps will still function after Windows 10 support ends, users may experience performance and reliability issues on an unsupported operating system.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows 11 April security patch quietly blocks 24H2 update, but are you impacted?

Microsoft is preparing to release the Windows 11 25H2 update in October, aimed at facilitating the transition to Windows 11 24H2. However, the rollout of Windows 24H2 has faced issues, with many PCs experiencing blocks due to third-party applications and technical problems. The April security patch, released on April 8, has complicated the upgrade process for some users, particularly those with the patch KB5055528 installed, leading to error code 0x80240069. This issue mainly affects IT administrators using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), while individual users on Windows 11 Home are largely unaffected. Microsoft is investigating the problem and plans to release a fix by the next Patch Tuesday on May 13. Additionally, organizations are advised to explore alternative update management solutions, as WSUS is no longer under active development.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Update Bug Triggers BSOD Error

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant bug in its Windows 11 24H2 updates, causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes with the error code “SECUREKERNELERROR” (0x18B). This issue has escalated since the April 2025 Patch Tuesday update, affecting thousands of users globally. The bug leads to system crashes after installing the updates, resulting in persistent crash-restart loops or unbootable systems. Initially reported in March 2025, the problem gained traction following the April update, prompting Microsoft to confirm the bug and investigate its cause. Other issues include failures with Windows Hello and compatibility problems with games and software, particularly on ARM-based devices. To address the crisis, Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to disable the problematic code, which is being automatically pushed to affected devices, although users may experience a delay of up to 24 hours. Users are advised to keep their devices connected to the internet and restart their PCs multiple times to expedite the fix. For enterprise environments, IT administrators must manually deploy a specific Group Policy update. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution, expected in a future update, while also acknowledging related issues and committing to further fixes in the upcoming May 2025 update.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

This Windows 10 bug looks serious – but apparently it’s lying

A new bug has emerged on Windows 10 machines following the KB5057589 update, which began rolling out on April 8 and focuses on enhancing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Users have reported encountering the 0x80070643 error during installation, indicating a potential failure of a crucial data protection tool. Microsoft advises users to remain calm, suggesting that the error message is largely inaccurate and often resolves after a reboot. While some issues related to the update have been fixed, Microsoft is actively working on further solutions. Windows Update may continue to display the update as failed, but this should clear after the next daily scan. Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing security patches and support unless users opt for the Extended Security Updates program. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is receiving regular updates and new features, including enhancements to the Start menu and the introduction of passwordless sign-in options.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Don’t delete that mysterious ‘inetpub’ Windows folder, says Microsoft, as it’s supposedly important for system security

An empty folder named "inetpub" appeared among system files after the Windows 11 April 2025 Update. Microsoft advises users not to delete this folder, as it is linked to a critical security update (KB5055523) that enhances protection against vulnerabilities, specifically CVE-2025-21204. The folder's specific role in security has not been clarified by Microsoft. Users who deleted the folder can restore it by enabling Internet Information Services through the Control Panel.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft might make your PC specs easier to understand

Microsoft has introduced a new FAQ section in the latest preview build of Windows 11, located beneath the device specifications list. This section aims to help users, especially those less familiar with technical terms, understand how hardware components affect performance. It addresses common questions about RAM, GPUs, and whether users are running the latest version of Windows. The FAQ is designed to be user-friendly and dynamic, adapting to the user's system status. However, Microsoft has not officially confirmed this feature in their support documentation.