Windows 10 updates Archives

Winsage

December 13, 2025

Non-ESU Windows 10 can’t pause updates anymore, including if Windows 11 install starts accidentally by user

Windows 10 users not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are unable to pause updates, as the "Pause updates for 7 days" option is grayed out. This issue can occur if users initiate an upgrade to Windows 11. Typically, the inability to pause updates arises after multiple pauses or due to organizational restrictions, but in this case, it affects users who haven't paused updates at all. As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of support, with only ESU-enrolled devices receiving security patches until October 2026. A new cumulative update is available for ESU users, but non-ESU users cannot access it. Users are prompted to install updates immediately, and if they do, the system may indicate that previous security updates have failed to install. Windows 10 now defaults to installing the 25H2 update for users upgrading without ESU enrollment, and the pause feature is unavailable during this process. Microsoft has made the Consumer ESU program accessible to regular users, allowing enrollment through Settings. Users can enroll for free with a Microsoft account, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or purchase a one-year ESU license.

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Windows 10 support ends October 14, but here’s how to get an extra year for free

Windows 10 will reach "end of life" status on October 14, meaning it will no longer receive critical security updates by default. Users can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their device is compatible, purchase a new PC with Windows 11, or enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security support. To enroll in ESU, users must ensure their PC is up to date, confirm they are using an administrator account, check eligibility for Windows 11, and then navigate to Update & Security in Settings to enroll. Free enrollment requires linking to Microsoft’s cloud services and is limited to the first 5 GB of backup storage. Once enrolled, users will have an additional 12 months to consider upgrading to Windows 11.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2025

Windows 10 Updates End in October: What It Means for Users

Microsoft will cease updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a result, Windows 10 devices will become more vulnerable to security threats due to the lack of updates and security patches. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, but many older computers may not be compatible with the new operating system. Approximately 650 million people worldwide are still using Windows 10, with an estimated 400 million devices potentially unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft offers "Extended Security Updates" for a fee for those unable to upgrade. Experts warn that the absence of updates will increase the risk of cyberattacks, and many software vendors may discontinue support for applications reliant on updated system features. Users are advised to check their PCs for Windows 11 compatibility and consider options such as extended updates, hardware upgrades, or switching to Linux.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

5 Windows 10 features that Windows 11 does way better

Microsoft will cease security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting users to choose between a free upgrade to Windows 11 or an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of protection. Windows 11 offers enhanced multi-monitor support, improved gaming features like AutoHDR and DirectStorage, and stronger security measures requiring hardware that supports Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Additionally, Windows 11 integrates AI features such as Live Captions and natural language interaction for adjusting settings.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Sunset for Windows 10 updates leaves users in a bind

On October 14, Microsoft will stop providing updates for Windows 10, which has been essential for security and functionality since its release in 2015. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, but many devices may not be compatible. Microsoft is offering a one-year extension of security updates for Windows 10 at a cost. Approximately 650 million users were still using Windows 10 as of August, with up to 400 million computers potentially unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Without updates, users will be more vulnerable to cyberattacks and may face difficulties installing new third-party software. Alternatives include using antivirus software temporarily or switching to an open-source operating system like Linux.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Can’t Run Windows 11? Here’s What You Should Do Next

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning users will no longer receive security updates, technical support, or bug fixes. To check if a device is compatible with Windows 11, users can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The minimum requirements for Windows 11 include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a processor speed of at least 1GHz. Users with incompatible devices may consider upgrading to new computers, as Microsoft has released affordable Surface laptops with Windows 11. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will be available for Windows 10 at a cost, primarily aimed at businesses but with a consumer version expected. Alternatives to upgrading include exploring other operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, using cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, or opting for third-party security software such as 0patch. Users can also bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker using tools like Rufus or Registry Editor adjustments.

Winsage

September 11, 2025

Microsoft gives Windows 10 its penultimate update – but saves the best for Windows 11

September's Patch Tuesday has provided essential updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, with a focus on security vulnerabilities. The updates include a cumulative update for Windows 10 identified as KB5065429 and KB5065426 for Windows 11. A total of 81 flaws have been resolved, including two zero-day vulnerabilities: CVE-2025-55234, which affects the Windows Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, and CVE-2024-21907, which impacts a specific open-source .NET library. This update is significant as it is the penultimate Patch Tuesday for Windows 10, with the final major update scheduled for October 14, when official support will cease. Users wishing to continue receiving security patches after October must upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Windows 11 updates also include new features, while Windows 10 updates are limited to essential fixes. Organizations are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for enhanced security, and individual users should prioritize this transition as well.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

One of the last Windows 10 updates has arrived

Update KB5063842 is one of the final non-security-related updates for Windows 10, which has 48 days left until the end of support. The update addresses several bugs and introduces two key features: the ability to block outbound network traffic (requiring a keyless Extended Security Updates solution and a subscription to Windows 365) and the general availability of Windows Backup for Organizations, aimed at facilitating the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Over 40% of Windows devices still run Windows 10, while Windows 11 has gained more than half of the market share. Microsoft may need to adopt strategies to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 as the end of security support approaches.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Windows 10 Is About To Die For Good – Here Are Your Options

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, with 56 days remaining. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their device meets specific requirements, including a 1GHz 64-bit CPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an HD display. Older machines may face compatibility issues due to the need for Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0. An unofficial tool called ‘WhyNotWin11’ can assist with compatibility checks. If upgrading is not feasible, users can buy a new PC, extend Windows 10 updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 13, 2026, or choose to do nothing, which poses security risks. Exploring alternative operating systems like macOS or Linux is also an option for those seeking change.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Flyby11 Lets You Install Windows 11 on Older Windows 10 PCs

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, though many older PCs may not meet compatibility requirements. Flyby11 is a utility that helps users bypass these restrictions by making the system appear as if it is running on Windows Server, thus avoiding checks for processor compatibility, TPM, and Secure Boot. Flyby11 is free but does not guarantee a smooth upgrade experience, and users are advised to back up their data before proceeding. To use Flyby11, users must download and unzip the latest version, check their system's compatibility, and initiate the upgrade process by dragging and dropping a Windows 11 ISO file into the interface. Potential issues include hardware and applications not functioning correctly, persistent notifications about incompatibility, and lack of support from Microsoft for incompatible devices. Users may also miss out on updates, although they can manually retrieve some from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Alternatives to upgrading include purchasing a new PC, continuing to receive Windows 10 updates for another year, or switching to a different operating system like Linux, which is compatible with older hardware.