support updates Archives

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.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Microsoft Issues Free Update Offer To Millions Of Windows Users

Microsoft has expanded its free update offer to millions more Windows 10 users with the update KB5063709, which introduces the option to "Enroll in Extended Support Updates" (ESU) available until October 2026. A new "Enroll Now" link has been added to the Windows Update page for easier access. Users can link the ESU to their Microsoft account and OneDrive, and the initiative aims to simplify the enrollment process. However, some users experienced crashes when accessing the enrollment wizard, which Microsoft has addressed. All activated licenses of Windows 10 are eligible for ESU, which has complicated the transition of users to Windows 11, as Windows 11's market share is now trending downward despite being slightly ahead of Windows 10.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft Extends Free Support For Edge On Windows 10 To 2028

Microsoft has announced that its Edge browser will continue to receive updates until at least October 2028, coinciding with the end-of-life of Windows 10. Users of Edge on Windows 10 will not need to purchase an Extended Security Updates (ESU) license to receive these updates, which will be available at no additional cost. To receive updates, users must be on the latest beta version or one of the three most recent stable builds of Microsoft Edge. Edge is currently the third most popular web browser, according to StatCounter.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft Will Support Edge on Windows 10 Until October 2028 — Three Whole Years After OS Support Ends, and It Won’t Cost You a Penny

Microsoft will provide updates for its Edge web browser on Windows 10 for an additional three years, until at least October 2028, beyond the operating system's end of support in October 2025. Users will not need to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to receive these updates. Other browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera will also maintain compatibility with Windows 10 beyond 2025. Microsoft Office will stop receiving new features on Windows 10 by August 2026, but security updates will continue until 2028. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, which has surpassed Windows 10 in user adoption.