Windows 10 Archives

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is rolling out now — here’s how to get the update now and get the most out of the 2026 update

Microsoft is gradually introducing the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) to compatible devices. The update is optional and requires manual installation for users who want it before the general rollout. Users on versions 25H2 or 24H2 can update without a complete reinstallation, while those on version 23H2 or earlier must perform a full in-place upgrade. To install the update from Settings, users should open Settings, click on Windows Update, enable the toggle for getting the latest updates, check for updates, download and install, and restart the device. If the upgrade option is not visible, it may indicate incompatibility. The Media Creation Tool can be used for creating bootable USB media for users upgrading from older versions like 23H2 or Windows 10, but it requires a complete reinstallation. Steps include downloading the tool, selecting the USB drive option, and following prompts to create the installation media. Users can also download the Windows 11 version 26H2 ISO file from the Microsoft support website, mount the ISO, and run setup.exe to complete the installation.

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 9, 2026

A Medical Emergency Forced A User To Downgrade From Windows 11 26H2 To Windows 10, But The Matter Is Being Blown Way Out Of Proportion

A user known as “u/Shanaudio” reverted to Windows 10 after experiencing frustration with the Windows 11 26H2 update. Following the update, he faced a family medical emergency and needed to research medical information online. The installation of the built-in Windows language input method took 20 minutes, compared to just 2 minutes on Windows 10. This delay prompted him to downgrade to the older operating system.

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 8, 2026

I have to settle for this AI recreation because Microsoft won’t share its gorgeous new Windows 11 wallpaper

Microsoft has a history of creating and commissioning unique wallpapers for its product launches, with each version of Windows featuring its own official wallpaper collection. At a recent Windows and Surface event, a new wallpaper was seen on RTX Spark laptops, but Microsoft has not yet released it publicly. An X user recreated this wallpaper using ChatGPT, while AI has been previously used to enhance Windows wallpapers. The RTX Spark laptops are available for preorder, with shipments starting on October 16, 2026, and the official wallpaper is expected to be released soon.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

I have to settle for this AI recreation because Microsoft won’t share its gorgeous new Windows 11 wallpaper

Microsoft has showcased a new wallpaper at a recent Windows and Surface event, specifically on new RTX Spark laptops, but has not yet released the image to the public. In response, a user recreated the wallpaper using ChatGPT, while others have previously used AI tools like Adobe Photoshop to generate or modify Windows wallpapers. The RTX Spark laptops are available for preorder and are set to ship on October 16, 2026.

Winsage

October 7, 2026

Users are finally switching over to Windows 11 — mainly because the cost of staying on Windows 10 is set to soar

Windows 10 is expected to see a decline in its user base due to rising costs of Extended Security Updates (ESUs), which total approximately per device for three years. Historically, user loss accelerates after the third year of support ends, as seen with Windows 7. In contrast, Windows 11 is experiencing significant growth, commanding 71.5% of all Windows installations as of September 2026, following a stagnant year. This increase is linked to the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting migrations to Windows 11.

Winsage

October 7, 2026

Windows 11 gains ground as price hike looms for Windows 10 security updates

Microsoft has extended its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing consumers to receive security updates at no cost until October 12, 2027. Businesses must pay to enroll, with a tiered pricing structure: the first year costs per device, the second year costs 2 per device, and the third year costs 4 per device. This price increase may encourage organizations to transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Windows 11 Celebrates 5th Birthday with Over One Billion Users Worldwide

On October 5, 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11. As of December 31, 2025, Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 in performance benchmarks and achieved over one billion global users in 1,576 days, compared to 1,706 days for Windows 10. Windows 11 features a modern design and user-friendly interface but has faced challenges such as bugs and system crashes. Microsoft plans to maintain Windows 11 as a long-term platform following the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Quote of the day by Panos Panay: “To make a great product, you can’t have great software without the hardware; you can’t have great hardware without the software.” — Can Microsoft’s October 7 Surface event keep this vision alive?

This week marks the fifth anniversary of Windows 11. Microsoft will host a Surface event on October 7, focusing on the NVIDIA RTX Spark chip and the new Surface Laptop Ultra lineup. Recently, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 12-inch (Gen 2) and Surface Laptop 13-inch (Gen 2) on September 23 during Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, raising questions about the timing of these announcements. The Surface Laptop Ultra was initially revealed at Computex 2026, and further details are expected at the upcoming event, which will be streamed at 1 PM ET.