technical support Archives

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft nags more users with Windows 10 end of life banner, says get Windows 11

Users on Windows 10 are experiencing persistent upgrade reminders following the August 2025 Patch Tuesday update (KB5063709), which includes a full-screen banner encouraging them to upgrade to Windows 11. This pop-up appears after updates are installed and indicates that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive technical support or security updates. Users can choose to dismiss the alert, but it will reappear, along with options to download or schedule the installation of Windows 11. Microsoft has updated its documentation urging users to make a decision before the end-of-life date. After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will receive only two updates, and users can extend updates until October 13, 2026, by using the 'Enroll now' button on the Windows Update page, though this option may not be available to all users. It is recommended that users save a copy of the Windows 10 ISO before the end-of-life date.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Microsoft Warns All Windows Users—This Message Is An Attack

Microsoft has issued an advisory warning Windows and macOS users about a wave of attacks known as ClickFix, which targets enterprise and end-user devices globally. ClickFix is a sophisticated social engineering tactic that deceives users into executing malicious scripts on their devices, leading to malware installation, information theft, and potential ransomware attacks. The attacks often begin with deceptive technical support popups or fake Captchas that instruct users to run commands in systems like Windows PowerShell. ClickFix relies on human intervention, allowing it to bypass traditional security measures. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of user education to recognize these threats and reduce vulnerability, as well as implementing policies to strengthen device configurations.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends Soon. Here Are Your Best Options if You Can’t Upgrade

Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive bug fixes, technical support, or security updates. Extended security updates (ESU) will be available for a fee, primarily aimed at businesses and educational institutions, with a consumer version available for one year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex. Microsoft suggests cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for those unable to upgrade their devices. Some users are opting for third-party security software, such as the 0patch agent, to address security risks associated with using Windows 10 post-support. There are methods to bypass Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checks using tools like Rufus or Registry Editor modifications.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

Microsoft quietly updated Windows 10 — here’s what’s new in 2025

Microsoft has continued to enhance Windows 10 with cumulative updates since the release of version 22H2 in October 2022. Notable updates include: 1. A redesigned "About" page in the Settings app that displays key technical specifications and includes a FAQ section. 2. Introduction of a System Components page that consolidates essential OS components. 3. Relocation of the Optional features page for better accessibility. 4. A new Manage devices feature that enhances connectivity with mobile devices. 5. Updates to the Taskbar Calendar, including the display of seconds and expanded calendar views. 6. Enhancements to the Windows Backup app that allow file transfer to a new PC during setup. 7. Updates to the File Explorer context menu, including an Ask Copilot option. 8. Redesign of icons on the Settings home page to feature solid colors. 9. Improvements to Windows Search for European users, allowing changes to the default web search provider. 10. Changes to the default browser configuration process for European users, allowing broader link types and the option to uninstall Microsoft Edge. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, with an option for users to enroll in the Extended Security Update program until October 2026.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft Fixed the Bug That Kept People From Signing Up for Windows 10 Extended Updates

Microsoft has announced an extension of service updates for Windows 10 for an additional year, until October 13, 2026, in response to user dissatisfaction over the original discontinuation date of October 14, 2025. Users must actively sign up to receive these extra updates, or support will end as scheduled in 2025. A bug that previously hindered enrollment has been resolved, allowing users to register for the extended updates. The sign-up process requires users to navigate to Settings, select Update & Security, and proceed to Windows Update. This extension is available only to consumers, not commercial users, and without enrollment, security updates will not be activated.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Still Running Windows 10 and Can’t Upgrade? Here Are Your Top Options

Beginning October 14, Microsoft will stop broad support for Windows 10, meaning users will lose access to free updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, though not all devices may support it. Microsoft will offer a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing users to access critical security updates for a fee. Alternatives to Windows include various Linux distributions and Google ChromeOS Flex. Users can also consider cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for access to Windows 11. Some users are opting for third-party security software to mitigate risks associated with using Windows 10 after the support deadline. There are methods to bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker, allowing installation on unsupported devices.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Ask Engadget: What are my options when Windows 10 support ends on October 14?

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can continue to operate their Windows 10 PCs after this date, but they will not receive customer support, security updates, or upgrades, making the system vulnerable. Upgrading to Windows 11 is the best option for most users, provided their hardware meets the minimum requirements. Users can check compatibility with Microsoft's PC Health Check app. If a PC cannot support Windows 11, users may consider buying a new PC, with prices typically ranging from 0 to ,200. Alternatively, users can continue using Windows 10, which poses significant security risks without updates. Another option is to pay for the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) for an additional year of support until October 13, 2026, available for a fee or Microsoft reward points.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Microsoft no longer permits local Windows 10 accounts if you want Consumer Extended Security Updates — support beyond EOL requires a Microsoft Account link-up even if you pay $30

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, after which users will not receive new features, security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers a temporary solution, extending security updates until October 13, 2026, but does not include technical support. Enrollment requires devices to run Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates and a Microsoft account. Users can enroll in the ESU program for a fee, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or access it for free by backing up their PC settings. Transitioning to Windows 11 requires a Microsoft account and hardware that meets specific requirements, such as TPM 2.0.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Microsoft yanks the plug on Windows 11 SE, giving school and college IT techs a little over a year to find a suitable replacement

Microsoft introduced Windows 11 SE four years ago as a specialized operating system for web-first devices in education, but it has not gained popularity among students and IT professionals. The end-of-life date for Windows 11 SE is set for October 2026, after which all updates, security patches, and technical support will cease. Microsoft has not announced plans for a successor and advises users to transition to devices that support other editions of Windows 11. Windows 11 SE faced challenges with application accessibility due to strict limitations on non-educational software, which complicated its use in educational environments. In contrast, Google’s ChromeOS is preferred in the education sector for being more user-friendly and adaptable. The removal of support for Windows 11 SE raises security concerns, as devices will become vulnerable without updates. Microsoft’s quick phase-out of Windows 11 SE indicates a retreat from the lightweight OS market, where Google has a strong presence, and past attempts by Microsoft, such as Windows 10 S and Windows RT, have failed to gain traction.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

Microsoft ending Windows 11 SE support October 2026 — Chrome OS competitor also won’t get version 25H2 update coming later this year

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE by October 2026, meaning users will no longer receive software updates, technical support, or security patches. Windows 11 SE will not receive the upcoming 25H2 update, with version 24H2 being its last significant feature release. Launched in 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE is designed for budget-friendly student laptops and includes preloaded educational applications. It is only available on select laptops from OEMs for educational institutions and cannot be installed on personal devices. The lack of security updates will require schools to invest in new devices that support Windows 11.