Windows 10 systems

Winsage
December 11, 2024
Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update addressed 72 vulnerabilities, with CVE-2024-49138 being actively exploited, affecting the Windows Common Log File System Driver and allowing privilege escalation on Windows 10, 11, and Server 2019 and later. The most critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-49112, has a CVSS score of 9.8 but is challenging to exploit, related to the Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Microsoft recommends blocking inbound RPCs from untrusted networks as a workaround. CVE-2024-49093, with a CVSS score of 8.8, poses risks from malicious low-privilege AppContainers. Other significant vulnerabilities include CVE-2024-49088, CVE-2024-49090, and CVE-2024-49114, all related to privilege escalation. Additionally, CVE-2024-49070 and CVE-2024-49122 involve code execution flaws. Adobe released a patch for 167 vulnerabilities, including 91 in Adobe Experience Manager, with one critical flaw. Adobe Connect fixed 22 vulnerabilities, six rated critical, while Adobe Acrobat addressed six vulnerabilities, none exceeding a CVSS score of seven. Adobe Animate had 13 vulnerabilities, all rated 7.8, and InDesign and Substance 3D Modeler each had nine issues, none surpassing a CVSS score of 7.8. Adobe Media Encoder fixed four vulnerabilities, three allowing arbitrary code execution.
Winsage
November 15, 2024
Microsoft has closed the Windows 10 Beta Channel and transitioned all enrolled Windows Insiders to the Release Preview Channel. The Beta Channel was reopened in June 2023 for testing new features for Windows 10, version 22H2, but was discontinued five months later without detailed explanation. Over 60% of Windows systems globally still operate on Windows 10, while Windows 11 accounts for 35% of the market share. Windows 10 version 22H2 will receive monthly security updates until October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop addressing bugs and vulnerabilities. Home users can postpone their transition to Windows 11 for an additional year by purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESU), with enrollment available closer to the end of support in 2025. Enterprise customers will have access to ESU starting November 1, 2024, with the first ESU set to be released in November 2025.
Winsage
November 11, 2024
Windows 11 version 24H2 is being promoted as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, with Microsoft displaying a banner on Windows 10 systems to encourage the transition. The installation of Windows 11 24H2 can be initiated by clicking the download button on the banner. Microsoft plans to introduce updated banners as the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 approaches. Windows 10 users can extend their support for an additional year after the official end date of October 14, 2025, for a fee, while businesses can access a three-year Extended Security Update program. Not all versions of Windows 10 will lose support on October 14, 2025, with specific end-of-support timelines for different versions outlined. Transitioning to Windows 11 24H2 is necessary to avoid the upgrade fee.
Winsage
November 1, 2024
Microsoft has acknowledged a reporting anomaly in the Task Manager of Windows 11, where it shows zero running applications and background processes after installing the October 2024 non-security preview update (KB5044384) for Windows 11 24H2 systems. This issue primarily affects devices with the "Group by Type" view enabled, although the Task Manager remains functional and users can still access the list of active applications and processes. Microsoft is investigating the matter and plans to include a fix in an upcoming Windows update. Additionally, a separate bug in Windows 10 was preventing certain applications from launching from non-admin accounts, which has been addressed using the Known Issue Rollback feature.
Winsage
October 31, 2024
Windows 10 users will face the end of new security updates in October 2025. Microsoft will provide extended security updates (ESU) for businesses and educational institutions for up to three years, with a tiered pricing structure that increases annually. Individual consumers will only have access to one year of extended security updates for a fee per device, with no options for additional years. This pricing is lower than that for businesses. Consumers can enroll in the ESU program closer to the end of support in 2025, prompting them to consider their next steps regarding hardware or software upgrades.
Winsage
October 15, 2024
Microsoft's push for users to upgrade to Windows 11 has faced resistance due to stringent hardware requirements, particularly the need for TPM 2.0, which many older PCs lack. Despite initial concerns, recent updates have shown that older hardware can run Windows 11 effectively, challenging the notion that only new machines are suitable. The TPM 2.0 requirement has led to older CPUs being deemed obsolete, even though they can perform adequately. This situation raises concerns about electronic waste, as users may discard functional machines that do not meet the criteria. Additionally, Microsoft's hardware push may be aimed at boosting sales of its new Copilot+ devices, which rely on AI for enhanced productivity. As Windows 10 nears its end-of-life, users must consider alternatives, including non-Windows operating systems.
Winsage
September 29, 2024
Business customers maintaining Windows 10 systems will face significant costs under the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which operates on a subscription model that increases sharply over time. The first year costs 0, the second year 0, and the third year 0, totaling 00 per PC over three years. This pricing structure is a 22% increase compared to the Windows 7 ESU program, which started at a lower price. ESU licenses are cumulative, requiring purchase of the first year before accessing subsequent years. Educational institutions have a lower cost structure, starting at 0 for the first year, increasing to 0 in the second year, and 0 in the third year, totaling 0 per PC over three years. Enrollment for the first year of an ESU license will begin in October 2024, a year before the end-of-support date. Microsoft is encouraging business customers to migrate to Windows 11 due to the high costs of the ESU program.
Search