support period Archives

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Windows 11 Version 26H2 Ships as an Enablement Package With No New Features Over 25H2

Microsoft is set to release Windows 11 version 26H2, an enablement package based on version 25H2, without introducing new features at launch. The update will require only a single restart for devices on versions 25H2 or 24H2, while users on older versions, such as 23H2 or Windows 10, will need a full feature update. Both versions share identical features and are built on the same platform, with version 26H2 using build numbers in the 26300 series. The update process will vary depending on the current version, and version 26H2 will not change hardware requirements. Microsoft plans a gradual rollout of the update, initially as an optional install. Version 26H2 aims to extend support, adding approximately a year to the support timeline, with version 25H2 support continuing until October 2027. Users should verify their current version and back up important files before upgrading.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Windows Server 2022 reach end of mainstream support in 90 days

Windows Server 2022 will end its mainstream support on October 13, 2026, transitioning to an extended support phase that will last until October 14, 2031, during which security updates will be provided at no additional cost. Windows Server 2022 was released in September 2021 and is part of the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) with a decade of support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025, which became generally available in November 2024 and will have mainstream support until November 13, 2029, and extended support until November 14, 2034. A 180-day trial for Windows Server 2025 is available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Additionally, hotpatching for Windows Server 2022 will be extended until October 2027 for Datacenter: Azure Edition systems, and the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program has been extended by one year. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 11 24H2 will stop receiving updates three months after their end of support.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10 support for another year

Microsoft has extended the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program by one year, now ending on October 12, 2027, providing additional security updates for users who prefer Windows 10.

Winsage

June 23, 2026

Microsoft is now force-upgrading all Windows 11 home PCs to 25H2

Microsoft is mandating an upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2 for all Home and Pro PCs not managed by IT departments. Previously optional, this upgrade will now automatically transition devices running the outdated 23H2 to 25H2. The rollout will utilize machine learning for a seamless experience. The upgrade is expected to take only a few minutes and requires a single restart, extending support for users by an additional 12 months. Users can manually initiate the upgrade by checking for updates in Windows Settings.

Winsage

May 28, 2026

Windows Server 2016 fails to find domain controller

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue with the May 2026 security update for Windows Server 2016, affecting systems with hostnames of exactly 15 characters, which leads to failed domain controller (DC) lookups. The error occurs during DC lookups, specifically returning the error code ERRORINVALIDPARAMETER. Servers with 14 or 16 character hostnames are not affected. Administrators may face challenges with DFS Namespace management and other functions reliant on DC access. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. Windows Server 2016's mainstream support ended in January 2022, but extended support will continue until January 2027.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

In France they “buried” Windows 10 at the Microsoft office

On April 24, a protest organized by environmental and consumer advocacy groups took place outside the Microsoft France office in Paris to oppose the company's decision to discontinue support for the Windows 10 operating system. Activists claim this could lead to the obsolescence of approximately 300 million computers worldwide, resulting in 58 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and significant depletion of raw materials. Consumers may face an average cost of €600 for new devices if they upgrade. Experts warn users must choose between expensive new hardware or risking financial fraud due to lack of security updates. The organization Halte à l'Obsolescence Programmée is gathering signatures for a petition advocating for a mandatory 15-year software support period. Public advocacy previously convinced Microsoft to extend its software update releases by an additional 12 months. The protest aims to raise awareness and apply pressure until the end of October.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Microsoft details Windows 11 26H1 support cycle, CPU requirements (just Snapdragon X2 for now), and more

Microsoft announced that Windows 11 26H1 will be supported for consumers until March 2028, with rollout starting for PCs with eligible CPUs, specifically the Snapdragon X2 family, which includes Snapdragon X2 Plus, Snapdragon X2 Elite, and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. The official launch occurred on February 10, 2026, alongside its first cumulative update. Users with first-generation Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs cannot upgrade to this version. Windows 11 26H1 is described as a "hardware-optimized release" aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency for Arm-based chips, though it does not promise significant enhancements over version 25H2 or the upcoming 26H2. Enterprise and Education editions will be supported until March 13, 2029, while Home and Pro editions will be supported until March 14, 2028. Windows 11 SE is not supported in 26H1. A new release, Windows 11 26H2, is expected to be available for all users, including those with first-generation Arm-based PCs, and will be the recommended update for broader deployment. Upgrades from version 25H1 to 26H1 are not possible, and all upgrade paths are currently closed, with plans to transition to version 27H2 in the latter half of 2027.

Winsage

November 28, 2025

Is Windows 11 fighting a losing battle? Dell underlines how unpopular the OS is after support ended compared to Windows 10

Dell's Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Clarke, reported a 10% to 12% lag in the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 compared to previous adoption rates. Approximately 500 million PCs are incompatible with Windows 11 due to its stringent system requirements. Dell has seen an increase in PC sales for 2025 but anticipates flat sales in 2026 due to rising component costs and supply chain issues. The slow uptake of Windows 11 may lead consumers to retain their Windows 10 machines or consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. Microsoft is providing extended support for Windows 10 until October 2026, allowing users more time to decide on upgrades. The future pace of migration to Windows 11 may be influenced by Microsoft's integration of AI functionalities.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft’s New Update Deadline—550 Million Windows Users Must Act

Microsoft has phased out Windows 10, with a deadline of October 14 now passed, leaving approximately 550 million users navigating the transition to Windows 11 amidst rising cyber threats. Windows 10 usage has declined from 880 million in January. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) option for users needing more time to migrate, which provides security updates until October 13, 2026, for enrolled users. Business users have a three-year extended support period, while consumers have a 12-month grace period post-October if enrolled in ESU. The November update addressing zero-day threats is only available to ESU enrollees. There are no contingency plans for users who remain on Windows 10, and uncertainty exists regarding how many users have enrolled in ESU or have eligible devices for Windows 11 upgrades. Users must act before next October to purchase new PCs if needed.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Microsoft issues patch after Windows 10 ESU rollout stumbles

Microsoft has released a patch identified as KB5072653, called the "Extended Security Updates (ESU) Licensing Preparation Package for Windows 10," to address concerns from commercial customers facing errors during the first Patch Tuesday after the end of support. To install this patch, devices must first have the October 2025 security update. The ESU program allows customers to receive essential security updates for Windows 10 after the official support period, operating on a subscription basis. The program has faced challenges, including difficulties with the enrollment wizard and installation errors for some users. Microsoft charges a fee for these updates, which increases in subsequent years. Windows 11 has not yet surpassed Windows 10 in market share, with Windows 10 still holding over 40 percent of the Windows desktop market after the end of free support for most versions. The ESU program aims to maintain security for Windows 10 devices, despite the challenges faced.