support timeline Archives

Winsage

October 18, 2025

What is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 and why does it expire in 2032 and not in 2025?

Windows 10 support will expire on October 14, 2025, but Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will receive updates until January 2032. This version is designed for embedded systems like kiosks and ATMs, focusing on security and stability without new feature releases. Transitioning to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC requires a new license, as an in-place upgrade is not possible. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC may lead to compatibility challenges and lacks access to the Microsoft Store. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC is also an option, with support lasting until 2029 and extended support until October 2034. Transitioning from standard Windows versions to IoT Enterprise LTSC can be complex and may involve data loss.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 30 days

Microsoft announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 will reach the end of servicing on November 11, 2025, with the last security update being the November 2025 monthly update. After this date, these editions will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, which became generally available in October 2024. The transition to Windows 11 24H2 will occur automatically for unmanaged Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2, though some devices may not be eligible due to a safeguard hold. Support for Windows 11 22H2 will conclude on October 14. The Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) was released on September 10 and is available for eligible Windows 11 24H2 devices.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

How to get the Windows 11 2025 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 2025 Update, also known as Windows 11, version 25H2, which will be delivered as an enablement package (eKB) that includes features from version 24H2. This update focuses on security enhancements, including improved vulnerability detection and AI-assisted secure coding, while removing legacy features like PowerShell 2.0. The rollout begins for eligible devices running version 24H2, with a gradual expansion over the coming months. For commercial and educational users, version 25H2 is available through Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center, introducing new functionalities such as Wi-Fi 7. The support timeline is reset to 24 months for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users on version 23H2 and earlier must perform a full OS swap to update to version 25H2. The update will be available via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

New Windows 11 25H2 update is about to land on your PC – but where’s the excitement?

Microsoft is preparing to roll out the 25H2 update for Windows 11, with the final build version 26200.6584 designated as the release to manufacturers (RTM) candidate. The update is expected to be available in early October, just before Windows 10's end of support deadline. Notably, many features of the 25H2 update, including a redesigned Start menu, will also be available to Windows 11 24H2 users. The Start menu redesign allows users to remove the recommended section and will be rolled out in phases to both 25H2 and 24H2 users. While 25H2 is primarily a minor upgrade, it offers an extended support timeline of an extra year. Early testing has not shown significant performance improvements, and the overall value of upgrading to 25H2 may be questioned due to the availability of features in 24H2.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft releases official ISOs for Windows 11 version 25H2 after short delay — upgrade to the next release now

Microsoft has released the ISO media for Windows 11 version 25H2, indicating that the update will soon be generally available. Users can download the ISOs from the Windows Insider Program website, and they are considered production-ready for installation on non-Insider PCs. The release was postponed from an earlier planned date without specified reasons. Version 25H2 has been tested with Insiders since June and will soon be distributed via Windows Update. It does not introduce new features beyond version 24H2, as both versions share the same platform release and will receive updates together. However, version 25H2 resets the support timeline, offering 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. The update will be delivered through an enablement package for version 24H2, requiring minimal time for download and installation. Users can download the ISO immediately by selecting the appropriate option from the dropdown menu on the Windows Insider Program website. The ISO can be used for in-place upgrades or to create bootable USB media for fresh installations. The link for the ISO will be valid for 24 hours.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

Windows 11 KB5065431 23H2 released, direct download links (.msu)

KB5065431 is the latest security update for Windows 11 23H2 devices, being rolled out as a reminder that this version will reach its end of life on November 11, 2025. Microsoft is migrating eligible 23H2 Home and Pro edition PCs to Windows 11 24H2, but the rollout was temporarily paused due to around a dozen reported errors, some linked to app compatibility issues. Most barriers to upgrading have now been resolved, allowing the automatic upgrade process to begin. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 23H2 have an extended support timeline until November 10, 2026. The KB5065431 update will automatically install on PCs, or users can manually install it using the offline update installer file (.msu). The Windows 11 22631.5909 build includes important fixes but no new functionalities, addressing issues like NDI streaming performance and enhancing security for SMB shares. It also introduces a UAC prompt for administrator credentials during certain operations, which can be disabled by administrators via group policy.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft is killing off this Windows 11 version: Will your PC stop working? All details here

Microsoft will end support for Windows 11 SE in October 2026, ceasing security updates, technical assistance, and feature enhancements. The 24H2 version will be the last major update for Windows 11 SE, with no further feature updates to follow. Users are advised to transition to a different edition of Windows 11 for continued support. Windows 11 SE was designed for educational environments but struggled to gain traction and faced performance issues on lower-end hardware. Microsoft continues to offer Windows 11 Education as an alternative, though it is more expensive and lacks the app restrictions of SE.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Microsoft kills Windows 11 SE, another in a long line of failed ChromeOS competitors

Microsoft will discontinue updates for Windows 11 SE, a version of the operating system aimed at competing with ChromeOS in education. This was announced through a support document, which stated that Windows 11 SE will not receive the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update. Support for Windows 11 SE, including updates and security fixes, will end in October 2026. Microsoft recommends users transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11 for ongoing support.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

UpDownTool lets you move from Windows 11 to Windows 10 in just 5 clicks – without losing any data

A new application called UpDownTool allows users to revert from Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing programs, files, drivers, or settings. Many users are dissatisfied with Windows 11 due to sluggish performance, a less intuitive interface, increased system requirements, and the removal of familiar features. Microsoft has limited options for downgrading, typically allowing a 10-day rollback period or requiring a clean install. UpDownTool simplifies the process by enabling users to transition to Windows 10 LTSC 2021 while preserving core data and configurations. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is designed for long-term deployment and receives extended updates, with support for the IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition lasting until January 2032. The LTSC edition does not include preinstalled applications like the Microsoft Store and Cortana, making it appealing for users seeking a minimalist experience. UpDownTool can also repair existing Windows 10 LTSC installations or convert other editions to LTSC. Users must be cautious of licensing implications, as LTSC licenses are typically not available through consumer channels. The downgrade process involves downloading the installer and executing a batch script, with the system booting into Windows 10 LTSC 2021 upon completion. Users are advised to back up important files before proceeding.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Windows 10 will stop getting new Office features in August of 2026

Microsoft's official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. The company will begin phasing out support over the next three years, with new features for Windows 10 PCs ceasing for most home users in August 2026, and for business users in October 2026 or January 2027, depending on the product. Support for Office apps will continue through October 2028, focusing on security and bug-fixing updates without new features. Users may not receive fixes for bugs specific to Windows 10, and are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 if issues arise that do not occur on the newer operating system. Support for Windows 10 will be limited to troubleshooting assistance.