Version 24H2 Archives

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Windows PCs that are not up to date will lose Windows Update itself in 2027

Windows machines that are not current with updates will face changes in access to Windows Update due to two critical certificate expirations on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Supported versions must install specific security updates before these dates to maintain access. - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Must install the September 2025 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Other in-support Windows 11 versions and Windows Server 2022: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - In-support Windows 10 versions: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before May 17, 2027. - Any other Windows version: Upgrade to a supported release to maintain access. Devices that are up to date will continue receiving updates without interruption, while those that are behind will lose access to Windows Update services after the expiration dates. Out-of-support versions will lose access entirely. The notice regarding the certificate expiration was posted on October 8, 2026, and reiterated on October 10, 2026.

Winsage

October 10, 2026

Windows 11 annual update is boring, but staying on 24H2 is a security risk

Microsoft has released Windows 11 26H2 as a low-disruption update that activates existing features for users who have kept up with monthly updates. Users on version 24H2 should upgrade soon, as support will end on October 13, 2026, and they will no longer receive security patches. The end of support for various Windows 11 versions is as follows: 26H2 on October 9, 2028; 26H1 on March 14, 2028; 25H2 on October 12, 2027; and 24H2 on October 13, 2026. The 26H2 update includes new security features, Start menu customization, and improvements to File Explorer and AI integration. Users must have 24H2 or 25H2 installed to access the update, which may not be available to all devices due to compatibility safeguards. It is recommended to create a System Restore Point before updating.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Microsoft: Outdated Windows devices will stop receiving security updates

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for devices running unsupported versions of Windows after the Windows Update certificate rotation in May and June 2027, specifically on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Users and administrators are advised to upgrade to a supported version of Windows before these dates to maintain system integrity. Replacement certificates have already been issued for supported versions, requiring no action for those systems. Specific upgrade guidance includes: - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Install the September 2025 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Other supported versions of Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows 10: Install the July 2026 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Install the July 2026 security update or later before May 17, 2027. - Other Windows versions: Upgrade to a supported version of Windows client or Windows Server. IT administrators should evaluate their networks for unsupported Windows versions and ensure monthly updates are applied to supported devices. The directive does not apply to devices receiving updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Microsoft also announced the rollout of Windows 11, version 26H2, as an enablement package for eligible systems.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 update arrives: What’s inside and who should install it ASAP

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 26H2, an "enablement package" designed for quicker installation. There is no direct upgrade from Windows 11 26H1, which was only for Snapdragon X2 Arm devices, but users with versions 25H2 or 24H2 can upgrade easily. The rollout is gradual, and users can check eligibility via Settings > Windows Update. The update can also be accessed through Microsoft's Download Windows 11 website. Version 26H2 compiles feature and security updates from the past year, including enhancements like a customizable Start menu, improved Windows Search, and better support for fingerprint readers. Support for version 23H2 has ended, 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026, and 25H2 will end on October 12, 2027. Version 26H2 will receive support until October 10, 2028.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of updates on October 13, 2026 — here’s what you must do

Microsoft announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 24H2 will stop receiving updates after October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to be supported until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 SE will also reach its end of support in October 2026, with no feature updates after 24H2. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2 to extend their support window until October 2027. The upgrade requires Windows 11 version 24H2 and a specific cumulative update. If users do not upgrade, Microsoft will automatically push the 25H2 update to unmanaged Home and Pro devices.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft Ships September Preview Updates for Windows 11

Microsoft has released preview updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1 as part of its Week D schedule. Users of versions 24H2 and 25H2 can install the preview cumulative update KB5124010, updating their systems to builds 26100.9550 and 26200.9550, respectively. Enhancements include refinements to File Explorer, support for Emoji 17.0, a new Tips widget, improved desktop backgrounds, enhanced Bluetooth functionality, upgrades to the Settings app, additional touchpad gesture controls, new key remapping options in Copilot, and Wi-Fi support in the Windows Recovery Environment. The final monthly update for Windows 11 version 24H2 will be shipped next month, with the version set to reach the end of its support lifecycle on October 13, 2026. Users of version 26H1 can install the preview cumulative update KB5124006 to upgrade to build 28000.3086. This update includes a resizable Taskbar, customizable Start menu, revamped Windows Search, improvements to File Explorer, enhanced progress indicators, and better app update support.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

Microsoft: September Windows updates break Always On VPN connections

Microsoft has informed IT administrators about potential connection challenges with the Always On VPN after the September 2026 Windows 11 security updates. Users may face difficulties connecting to their organization's network, particularly if the VPN is set to automatically attempt an alternative connection method upon failure. Symptoms include connections remaining in a 'Connecting' state or displaying the error message: 'The specified port is already in use.' Affected versions include Windows 11, version 26H1 (KB5124012), version 25H2 (KB5124008), and version 24H2 (KB5124008). A temporary workaround involves adjusting the Always On VPN profile from automatic protocol selection to a single protocol (SSTP or IKEv2). Microsoft is also addressing various other issues related to Hyper-V, Remote Desktop Services, USB audio, and the File History backup feature.

Winsage

September 19, 2026

These 4 built-in Windows tools helped me build a self-healing PC

Windows operating systems include built-in tools for maintaining PCs, allowing users to monitor system health, repair corrupted files, and recover from boot failures with minimal intervention. Task Scheduler automates maintenance tasks by triggering them based on schedules or events, accessible via the Start menu or taskschd.msc. It can activate tasks at fixed intervals, on startup, during idle periods, or in response to Event Viewer entries. Tasks should run with the highest privileges and can be configured to execute regardless of user sign-in status. The Settings tab allows missed tasks to run as soon as possible. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line utility that repairs the component store, essential for installing updates and restoring system files. It offers three inspection levels: CheckHealth, ScanHealth, and RestoreHealth, with the latter requiring an internet connection for downloading replacement files. DISM logs operations in C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.log. SFC (System File Checker) verifies and repairs core operating system files using Windows Resource Protection. The command sfc /scannow checks all protected files, while /verifyonly provides a report without changes. SFC's effectiveness depends on the integrity of the component store, making it essential to run DISM first. Results are logged in C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced in Windows 11, addresses boot failures by connecting to the internet to find solutions when repeated boot failures are detected. QMR is enabled by default on unmanaged devices and can continuously check for fixes. It is designed to respond to widespread issues rather than unique problems and may not work effectively on older hardware or without a network connection. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive approach to system maintenance in Windows 11, ensuring the operating system remains healthy and efficient without additional software.

Winsage

September 17, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in October

Devices operating on Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving updates starting October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to receive mainstream support until October 2027. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which became available in September 2024. Systems running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro that are not managed by IT will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. Users can check for eligibility for the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update. Windows Server 2022 will transition to extended support on October 13, 2026, lasting until October 14, 2031. Microsoft has extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for home users until October 2027 and will halt security updates for Windows 11 Home and Pro 23H2 in November 2025.

Winsage

September 16, 2026

Harden Windows Defender: 12 Steps, 99.9% [2026]

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which operates in the background and receives automatic updates. Its default settings focus on compatibility rather than maximum security, prompting the need for configuration to enhance protection. Prerequisites for configuration include: - Windows 11 version 24H2 or 25H2 - Fully patched build number (26100.9457 or newer) - Local administrator account for certain steps - Microsoft Defender Antivirus version 4.18.x - Windows PowerShell 5.1 run as Administrator - Stable internet connection - No active third-party antivirus software Steps to enhance Microsoft Defender include: 1. Confirming the current Windows 11 build. 2. Verifying that Defender is the active antivirus using PowerShell. 3. Enabling cloud-delivered protection and automatic sample submission via PowerShell commands. 4. Activating Tamper Protection through Windows Security. 5. Enabling Controlled Folder Access to protect against ransomware. 6. Deploying Attack Surface Reduction rules in audit mode. 7. Turning on Smart App Control. 8. Enabling Core Isolation and Memory Integrity. 9. Scheduling weekly full and offline scans. 10. Creating narrow exclusions for known safe applications. 11. Enhancing network protection and SmartScreen features. 12. Running a PowerShell verification script to audit settings. These steps aim to optimize Microsoft Defender Antivirus for improved security comparable to premium solutions.