Windows 10 Security Archives

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Linux or Landfill? End of Windows 10 Leaves PC Charities with Tough Choice

Microsoft will cease free security updates for Windows 10 in October 2023, pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11. However, approximately 240 million PCs do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, which only support Intel 8th generation CPUs and AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer. Many older computers from 2017 and 2018 will remain on outdated versions of Windows, be repurposed with alternative operating systems, or end up as ewaste, with only 14 to 40 percent of ewaste in the U.S. being recycled. Charities like PCs for People are shifting to provide Linux laptops for older systems, as they discontinue distributing Windows 10 due to security concerns. Windows 10 still accounts for 58.7 percent of all Windows installations, and experts warn that continuing to use it after the update cutoff poses significant security risks.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Windows 10 security risks are now more of a reality for users

As of February 2025, the proportion of Windows 10 users has fallen to 58.7%, while Windows 11's user base has risen to 38.2%. Many businesses are adopting Windows 11 during hardware refresh cycles rather than upgrading existing machines. Microsoft has introduced a 12-month security extension option for Windows 10 users, requiring enrollment, as the operating system will no longer receive security updates after October 14. There are concerns about Microsoft's enforcement of end-of-life directives and the possibility of providing free security updates for outdated software in response to severe cybersecurity incidents.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Microsoft lists a reason why you should update to Windows 11 from 10 via clean install

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, which currently holds a market share of 38% compared to Windows 10's nearly 60%. In February 2024, Microsoft launched a promotional campaign to highlight the benefits of Windows 11, and by June, it aimed to dispel myths about the new operating system. The company emphasized security features, particularly the Smart App Control feature in Windows 11, which helps protect against potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). The updated support page for Windows 11 includes recommendations such as downloading apps from trusted sources, using updated antivirus software, and keeping devices up-to-date. Smart App Control requires a clean installation of Windows 11, and users upgrading from Windows 10 must perform a reset, as an in-place upgrade is not sufficient.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Can you really get Windows and Office for free? These hackers say yes

A group of developers called Massgrave has hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, uploading PowerShell scripts to GitHub that allow users to activate Windows and perpetual-license Office versions without paying licensing fees. Their tool, TSforge, supports activation for Windows versions 7, 8.x, 10, and 11, as well as Office versions from 2010 onward, excluding Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The scripts require minimal technical expertise and have been tested successfully on fresh installations of Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 machines. Massgrave acknowledges their actions as piracy and does not accept donations, emphasizing the ethical implications. The safety of the scripts is questioned, as there is a risk of malicious actors cloning their work. Microsoft is aware of the situation and plans to take action against unauthorized use of their software.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 end of life: How to prepare for the October deadline

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive security updates. As of December 2024, over 62% of devices globally were still using Windows 10. Many organizations are delaying the upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware compatibility issues, budget constraints, and the time required for employee training. Remaining on Windows 10 poses risks such as increased vulnerability to cyber threats and operational inefficiencies. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program for organizations needing more time, but experts recommend investing in upgrading to Windows 11 for long-term benefits. The transition may require replacing incompatible devices and careful planning to minimize disruptions.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Windows 10 KB5048652 out with fixes (direct download .msu)

Today marks the rollout of Windows 10 KB5048652, the final security update for this operating system. This update focuses on essential bug fixes and will automatically download and install unless auto-updates are blocked. Users can also manually install it via Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update, upgrading their system to build 19045.5427. The update addresses existing vulnerabilities and includes offline installer files (.msu) for those unable to update through the Settings app. The update omits the new Recommended section in the Start menu, which has been criticized for promoting unnecessary Microsoft Store apps. Bug fixes in this update resolve issues with copying files from cloud storage services, ensure Win32 app shortcuts back up correctly to the cloud, and address Windows 10 activation issues after a motherboard change, as well as problems with Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printers. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches, users are encouraged to consider their options, as security and feature updates will cease after the deadline. There is an option to extend Windows 10 security support for an additional year at a cost, but opportunities to continue using the operating system are limited.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Want Windows 10 Security? That Will Be $30, Microsoft Says

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users can opt for an Extended Security Update (ESU) program to maintain security updates for one year, which will require a one-time fee. The ESU program will provide critical and important security updates but will not include new feature updates, bug fixes, or technical support. Enrollment for the ESU program will open closer to the end of support in 2025.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11. Key points include the advantages of upgrading, eligibility assessment for current PCs, resources for acquiring new PCs, and details on Extended Security Updates (ESU). Windows 11 features enhanced security with a 62% reduction in security incidents, improved performance, multitasking tools, accessibility enhancements, energy efficiency, and AI integration. The operating system includes hardware-based protections and advanced authentication methods, such as the Microsoft Pluton Security Processor and Smart App Control. Users can check their upgrade eligibility through Windows Update and may need a new PC for full benefits. Microsoft offers resources for data transfer and synchronization. The ESU program will provide critical security updates for those needing more time to transition. Windows 11 is designed to support organizations, promising a 250% return on investment and improved device management.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11: Two ways

As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has implemented stricter compatibility checks for Windows 11 upgrades, requiring CPUs to be on an official compatibility list and mandating a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 for installation. Windows 10 security updates will cease on October 14, 2025, unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Workarounds exist for upgrading older PCs, including ensuring UEFI boot configuration, enabling TPM, and using administrative access. Two primary methods to bypass compatibility checks are detailed: 1. A registry edit to allow upgrades with unsupported TPM or CPU. 2. Using the Rufus utility to create a bootable USB drive that bypasses hardware requirements. Users can check their system's BIOS mode and TPM status using System Information and Trusted Platform Module Management tools.

Winsage

October 1, 2024

You’ll need to pay for Windows 10 security updates after 2025

Effective October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease to provide free security updates for Windows 10, requiring users to pay for continued protection. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers paid security updates primarily for businesses and educational institutions, with a tiered cost structure for businesses over three years totaling 7 per computer, while schools will pay a total of per computer over the same period. Individual users and small businesses face uncertainty regarding costs, especially if their hardware cannot support an upgrade to Windows 11. This situation may lead to increased electronic waste as users might need to purchase new computers. Some users are considering alternatives like open-source operating systems or new hardware to meet their computing needs.