support updates Archives

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10’s extra security updates program for free: Users can now stay on Windows 10 until October 2027 securely

Microsoft has extended the timeline for Windows 10's extended support updates program to October 2027, from the original end date of October 2026. Users must log in with a Microsoft account to be eligible for the updates.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

“We are not ready to move” as HP’s Windows 10 holdouts highlight Microsoft’s upgrade struggle

30% of HP's installed user base is still operating on Windows 10, which leaves approximately 400 million PCs vulnerable as they do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. The proportion of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025. HP's revenue rose by 9% year-on-year, reaching .41 billion, with the transition to Windows 11 providing a financial advantage for the company. Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing enrollment for free or through Microsoft Reward points, with access later made free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet cloud backup requirements. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 forces functional PCs into premature retirement due to hardware requirements for Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group has raised concerns about the impact of discontinuing Windows 10 support on older devices and is promoting Linux as an alternative. Microsoft has been encouraging upgrades to Windows 11 through ads highlighting performance advantages.

Winsage

May 29, 2026

HP’s Windows 10 holdouts show just how hard Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade push really is

HP reported that 30% of its installed user base is still using Windows 10, which will lose support on October 14, 2025, leaving around 400 million PCs vulnerable. Many of these PCs do not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. The percentage of Windows 10 users has declined slightly since September 2025, when nearly half of HP and Dell's PCs were still running the older system. Microsoft introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to enroll for free or through a payment option, but later made access free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet the cloud backup requirement. Critics argue that the end of support for Windows 10 exemplifies programmed obsolescence, potentially forcing many functioning PCs into retirement. Initiatives like End of 10 are encouraging users to consider transitioning to Linux, highlighting its lack of advertisements and telemetry tracking. Microsoft has attempted to persuade users to upgrade to Windows 11 through ads and claims of improved performance. It is unclear if Windows 10 users have enrolled in the ESU program or are operating without security updates.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Microsoft adds new “app updates” page to Windows 11’s Settings app for updating installed apps without the Microsoft Store

Microsoft is introducing a new "app updates" page in the Windows Settings app for Windows 11, allowing users to check for updates for apps that choose to support updates through Windows Update. This feature is designed for scenarios where the Microsoft Store may not be accessible, such as due to administrative restrictions or if the Store has been uninstalled.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Time is running out for millions of Windows 10 users, but here’s the 1 trick for a free one-year extension

Microsoft will retire Windows 10, with support ending on October 14. Users will not receive security patches or feature updates after this date, potentially exposing around 240 million Windows 10 users to vulnerabilities. Devices compatible with Windows 11 can upgrade for free, but many older systems may not meet the requirements. Microsoft offers an option for an additional year of support updates, which can be obtained by paying or by backing up data to Microsoft's servers. A free method to secure Extended Security Updates (ESU) involves enrolling through the Settings menu, requiring users to back up their PC settings to Microsoft’s cloud services. The free backup covers only the first 5GB of storage, and exceeding this limit requires purchasing additional cloud storage. Following the enrollment steps allows users to secure an additional 12 months of protection for their Windows 10 PC.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Microsoft Windows Free Offer: Act Now Before It’s Too Late. Deadline Passes In 2 Weeks

Microsoft will officially cease support for Windows 10 on October 14. Users can extend support for an additional year through the Windows Extended Support Updates (ESU) program, which can be accessed without a fee by signing in with a Microsoft account and syncing PC settings to the cloud or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. For residents of the European Economic Area (EEA), there is no requirement to sync settings to OneDrive to benefit from the ESU program, although they still need to enroll and authenticate with a Microsoft account every 60 days.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Windows 10 extended support is now free, but only in Europe — Microsoft capitulates on controversial $30 ESU price tag which remains firmly in place for the U.S

Microsoft will offer Extended Support Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 free of charge starting this October, but only within the European Economic Area (EEA). Users must enroll in the ESU program to receive security updates for one year after the official end of support on October 14, 2025. During the ESU period, users must log in to their Microsoft account every 60 days to maintain access to updates. Outside the EEA, users will need to pay a fee or submit their settings data to continue receiving updates.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Refurbished Windows 10 PCs on the ‘Back Market’ combat Microsoft’s programmed obsolescence with ChromeOS and Linux

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting approximately 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) warns this could lead to a significant increase in discarded computers. Microsoft is offering Extended Support Updates (ESU) but critics view these as temporary solutions. Companies like HP and Dell report that about half of the global PC market still relies on Windows 10, leading to accusations of planned obsolescence. Back Market is addressing this issue by offering refurbished laptops pre-installed with Google’s Chrome OS Flex, although only 50 units are available. They emphasize the environmental impact of planned obsolescence and suggest users consider alternative operating systems or participate in repair communities to extend the lifespan of their devices.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC Will Lose Security Updates Soon — Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users of older computers without security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program to extend protection until October 2026 by installing the free update KB5063709. The ESU program offers two payment methods: 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for local accounts or a payment option for up to ten PCs under a single Microsoft account. This program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. For alternatives, various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are available for older machines, as well as ChromeOS Flex for a browser-based experience. Users can also access Windows 11 through cloud services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which requires a reliable internet connection and subscription costs. Microsoft 365 applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices for three more years. The approaching end of Windows 10 support may prompt users with aging devices to consider upgrading to new computers that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering better performance, security features, and longer battery life.

Winsage

August 16, 2025

Don’t miss the deadline — you need Microsoft’s free security update before Windows 10 stops receiving support

Microsoft has released a free update for Windows 10 that allows users to access Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2026, following the end of standard support this October. The update, KB5063709, includes an option to "Enroll in Extended Support Updates" on the Windows Update page. Users can either use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for a local account or pay a fee to extend coverage for up to 10 PCs linked to a single Microsoft account. An enrollment wizard will be available through notifications and the Settings menu to assist users in selecting their ESU enrollment option. As of now, Windows 10 has a market share of 42.99%, while Windows 11 has 53.39%. Windows 11's 23H2 version will stop receiving security updates on November 11, 2025, and consumer editions have a maximum of 24 months of support. Users must upgrade to versions 24H2 or 25H2, expected in September or October, to continue receiving updates.