support timelines Archives

Winsage

February 13, 2026

Microsoft Introduces New Secure Boot Certificates Before June Deadline

The foundational security certificates supporting Windows Secure Boot, introduced in 2011, will expire in mid-2026, specifically in June and October. Microsoft and PC manufacturers are updating the Windows ecosystem to address this. Devices that do not receive updated certificates may face security limitations and compatibility issues with newer operating systems and hardware. The transition is described as a "generational refresh" of the trust infrastructure for Windows. Systems failing to update will still function but may enter a "degraded security state," unable to install new security mitigations or newer operating systems. Most users will receive updates automatically through Windows Update, while older systems may require manual intervention. Systems at risk include those running unsupported Windows versions, with Secure Boot disabled, or not enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Users should check their Secure Boot status using PowerShell commands to ensure they are using the new certificates. The update affects not only Windows PCs but also other devices utilizing UEFI Secure Boot.

Winsage

October 29, 2025

When the Patches Stop: Protecting Your (Windows 10) Environment with CDR

Microsoft has ceased providing free security updates for Windows 10 as of mid-October 2025, marking the end of support for the operating system. Organizations can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs) to extend support temporarily, but these do not protect against zero-day vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 presents challenges, including hardware incompatibility and the need for extensive planning and validation in regulated industries like healthcare and finance. Many businesses rely on Windows 10 systems that are integral to their operations and cannot easily be replaced. Cybercriminals exploit unpatched systems, with approximately 70% of successful breaches stemming from zero-day attacks. Traditional defenses are ineffective against undisclosed vulnerabilities, and human behavior remains a significant risk factor. Votiro offers a proactive solution through Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR), which sanitizes files in real-time to eliminate malware before it reaches unpatched systems, providing a protective barrier for organizations still using Windows 10.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Microsoft Is Abandoning Windows 10. Hackers Are Celebrating.

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, impacting hundreds of millions of computers in the U.S. and raising concerns about increased electronic waste, estimated to exceed one billion pounds. Approximately 42 percent of Windows computers globally still use Windows 10, compared to only 4 percent for Windows 8 when support was discontinued in 2016. Users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 face limited options: pay for extended support or replace their devices, which can be financially burdensome. Nearly 43 percent of active PCs running Windows 10 are not equipped to upgrade to Windows 11, which requires a 64-bit processor, 64 GB of storage, and a high-definition display. Without ongoing updates, devices running unsupported software become more vulnerable to hacking and data breaches. The FBI estimates that internet crimes will cost U.S. consumers over billion in 2024, a 33 percent increase from the previous year. Consumer advocates emphasize the need for manufacturers to disclose support timelines, with 72 percent of Americans believing this information should be mandatory.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 Preview Arrives as Lightweight Enablement Package

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074) in the Release Preview Channel, focusing on security enhancements rather than major changes. The update removes PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC due to security vulnerabilities. IT administrators can remove pre-installed Microsoft default applications via Group Policy or MDM CSP on Enterprise and Education devices. The update uses an enablement package (eKB) for delivery, activating features already embedded in machines running version 24H2 with a simple restart. Both versions share the same servicing branch, allowing for efficient annual feature updates. The support timelines have been reset, with Enterprise and Education editions on a 36-month cycle and Pro editions on a 24-month cycle.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? Here are your options before it all ends in 3 months

The official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, as per Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy. The final version, 22H2, will receive security updates until that date, after which users will not have technical support or security fixes. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10 without upgrades, buy a new PC that meets Windows 11 requirements, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay Microsoft for Extended Security Updates (ESUs), or upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 using documented methods. Microsoft will offer ESUs for Windows 10 at a cost, with reduced rates for educational institutions and higher prices for business customers. Individual consumers can subscribe for continued security updates until October 2026.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

These are the end dates for Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 10 support will cease for most users on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 version 22H2 will also reach its end-of-life on this date. Windows 10 version 21H2 has already reached its end-of-life as of June 11, 2024. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations transitioning to Windows 11, with individual consumers able to secure up to one additional year of support and organizations up to three years at increasing costs. The Microsoft Volume Licensing Program starts at per device in the first year, escalating to 0 in the second year and 0 in the third year. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 will remain supported until January 13, 2032. Windows 11 22H2 is supported until October 8, 2024, Windows 11 23H2 until November 11, 2025, and Windows 11 24H2 until October 13, 2026. Extended Security Updates for Windows 11 could extend support until 2029. Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise offers support until October 12, 2027, while IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 has updates until October 10, 2034. The support timelines indicate a need for quicker transitions to new Windows systems.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 support deadlines changed? This story just won’t die

Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to function on Windows 10 devices, but Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid potential performance issues. Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after the end of support, ending on October 10, 2028. However, Microsoft will not test new releases on Windows 10 after the end-of-support date. Support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will have limitations, including advising upgrades to Windows 11 for issues that do not occur on Windows 11, limited troubleshooting assistance for customers unable to upgrade, and no option to log bugs or request additional updates. These support options do not apply to consumers using the Personal and Family editions of Microsoft 365.