technical support Archives

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Microsoft extends security patching for three Windows products at a price

Support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB will end on October 13, 2026, while Windows Server 2016 will reach its end of support on January 12, 2027. Organizations using these products will receive one final monthly security update on the specified dates, after which they will not receive security patches, updates, or technical support. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows organizations to purchase coverage for up to three years beyond the end of support, with pricing starting at a specified amount per device for the first year and doubling for each subsequent year. Windows Server 2016's ESU pricing has not been announced, and Microsoft recommends upgrading to newer Long-Term Servicing Channel releases. In the European Economic Area, Windows 10 users can access ESU until October 14, 2026, without payment or cloud account requirements due to advocacy from Euroconsumers.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

GOG adds 10 more games to its Preservation Program to provide long-term support with DRM-free access

GOG has expanded its Preservation Program, which now includes 100 games, ensuring they remain accessible and playable on modern systems. Recently, 10 new titles were added, including The Wolf Among Us and The Last Express. Notable classics in the program include Fallout, The Witcher 1+2, RollerCoaster Tycoon, Dungeon Keeper, and Resident Evil 2. GOG is also developing native support for the GOG Galaxy application for Linux users.

Winsage

February 15, 2026

Windows remembers much more than you think: this is the ‘ghost’ ID it stores for every USB device you connect to your PC

Microsoft's Windows operating system retains a record of every USB device ever connected, storing this information in the Registry under USB or USBSTOR keys. This log includes unique identifiers, device names, and hardware specifications, remaining intact even after the device is disconnected. The stored information enhances the operating system's efficiency by allowing it to recognize devices upon reconnection, utilize previously installed drivers, and maintain prior settings. It also aids in system administration, diagnostics, and compatibility assessments, particularly in professional settings, and assists in digital forensics by reconstructing the history of hardware connections.

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

Using Windows 10? Do This Now to Lower Your Risk of Being Hacked

Support for Windows 10 officially ended last year, and Microsoft recommends users transition to Windows 11 or buy new computers. Users will no longer receive security updates, and any issues encountered will not be supported by Microsoft. Windows Update will indicate that devices are no longer receiving updates, leaving users to manage security vulnerabilities themselves. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive updates until October 2028, and users can enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026, under certain conditions. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 at 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. Users opting to stay on Windows 10 should implement third-party security solutions to mitigate risks from the lack of official updates.

Winsage

January 2, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 SE, once supposed to be a ChromeOS-killer, bites dust in next ten months

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 SE will reach its end of life in 2026. Initially launched in 2021 for K-8 educational environments, Windows 11 SE was designed as a streamlined, web-first operating system to compete with ChromeOS. It allowed only approved applications for educational purposes and required administrator approval for traditional Windows applications. The last supported version for Windows 11 SE is version 24H2, with no new feature updates planned. Schools using Windows 11 SE devices will need to transition to a supported edition of Windows for ongoing updates and support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to maintain security and support, as it will also phase out support for other products, including Office 2021 and Windows 11 24H2 (Pro and Home), by the same deadline.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

Still relying on Windows 10? How YOU can secure free PC updates from Microsoft to stay safe this year

Microsoft has concluded support for Windows 10, with over 44% of PC users still operating on the OS. This poses potential risks for users, particularly as the end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop issuing free updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering security patches until October 13, 2026, at a cost of £22 for individual users and starting at £45 for businesses, with prices doubling in subsequent years. Users can also access ESU benefits through Microsoft Rewards Points or by performing a Windows Backup via OneDrive, which has a 5GB free limit. Research suggests that around 5 million individuals in the UK could be at risk due to continued reliance on Windows 10. The ESU program is available for users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

The (slow) end for Windows 10

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft retired Windows 10, ending its support for security updates, bug patches, and technical assistance. Users can still operate Windows 10, but the lack of updates raises security concerns, making outdated systems targets for cybercriminals. Businesses using Windows 10 may face compliance risks and reliability issues as new applications and hardware become incompatible. Users with compatible hardware can upgrade to Windows 11, while those unable to upgrade can access Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for a fee, except in the EU where ESUs are free. Alternatives include migrating to Windows 365 Business or installing ChromeOS Flex or Linux on older PCs. Investing in new machines with Windows 11 is recommended for better security and performance.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2025

Friday tickets and 6 TB of WAL: a day in the life of a Postgres Professional support engineer

Technical support at Postgres Professional involves both troubleshooting and engineering tasks, requiring deep product knowledge and the ability to replicate issues in test environments. A notable incident involved a client whose pg_wal directory grew to 6 TB due to a checkpoint process failure, which was resolved by disabling the archive_timeout parameter. Clients typically have a strong technical background, but support engineers must also communicate effectively, especially with stressed clients. Essential skills for support engineers include a thorough understanding of Postgres Pro, operating systems, networking, and programming. Opportunities for growth within technical support are abundant, and the future may see AI taking on simpler tasks while complex cases remain for human engineers.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Do Not Click—This Porn Site Installs Malware On Your Device

Attackers are using malicious emails with links to adult websites to exploit human curiosity and urgency, leading to the installation of harmful malware through deceptive update processes. Acronis has identified these "JackFix" attacks, which use screen hijacking techniques combined with ClickFix methods, presenting victims with fake Windows Update screens that claim to deliver critical security updates. This campaign leverages counterfeit adult websites as phishing mechanisms, increasing psychological pressure on victims to comply with prompts to install updates. The attack takes over the victim's screen and displays a convincing update interface, occurring entirely within the browser. Acronis advises users to avoid accessing adult sites through links in emails or messages and to navigate directly to these sites for safer browsing.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Free Windows 10 Security Updates — How To Get Them

Windows 10 reached its end-of-support milestone on October 14, leaving approximately 400 million users without software updates, technical support, or security patches. Microsoft announced that users can continue to receive essential security updates for free until October 13, 2026. To continue receiving these updates, users must verify they are running Windows 10, version 22H2, redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points, or sync their PC settings with OneDrive. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 13, 2026, and existing ESU licenses can be used on up to 10 devices.