Windows 11 upgrade Archives

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Bad News—500 Million Windows Users Must Now Decide

A recent advisory warns Windows users about vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 due to the impending cessation of support for Windows 10 in October. Asus has highlighted that users of Windows 10 or older systems will soon lose regular updates and support. Currently, around 750 million users are on Windows 10, with 500 million potentially eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. Recent market data shows Windows 10's user share has increased from 41% in April to over 43% in May, while Windows 11 has declined by 3.5%. The urgency for upgrades is heightened as the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, raising concerns about a potential cybersecurity crisis.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

Computers running on Microsoft’s Windows 10 must be updated

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning devices will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, which could lead to security vulnerabilities. At Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), many computers can be upgraded to Windows 11 without disruption, and the upgrade process is being managed by University Technology ([U]Tech). Some devices may need assessment for compatibility, and [U]Tech will contact those affected. Early planning is important to avoid disruptions, ensure budget allocation, and maintain security. Users should contact [U]Tech if they have not been reached by June 30 and provide their device information. Assistance is available through various channels, including a support form and the [U]Tech C.A.R.E. Center.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade block lifted after Safe Exam Browser fix

Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block that prevented certain users of the Safe Exam Browser from installing the Windows 11 2024 Update due to compatibility concerns. The block was initially implemented in September to protect users from issues with Safe Exam Browser version 3.7 or earlier. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Safe Exam Browser version 3.8 or later before proceeding with the Windows 11 24H2 update. If users still encounter the safeguard hold after 48 hours of updating, they should contact Safe Exam Browser Support. The Windows 11 24H2 feature update is now available for all compatible PCs, except those under safeguard holds. Microsoft has resolved issues that previously blocked the update for some users and has removed other compatibility holds for specific devices and applications. However, some upgrade blocks remain due to incompatible hardware and software. Windows 11 24H2 began its rollout in May 2024 for enterprise testing, with a broader release in October.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be difficult for PCs older than five or six years due to strict compatibility requirements, including a CPU on the approved list and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users may encounter error messages if their hardware does not meet these criteria. There are workarounds for some users, particularly those with PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially with AMD processors, may face significant challenges. To upgrade, users must ensure their PC is configured to start with UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has an enabled TPM. A registry edit can allow bypassing CPU checks and accepting older TPM versions. Alternatively, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using installation media, which bypasses CPU compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, requiring CPUs to support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt). For those opting to use the Rufus utility to create installation media, it is essential to use version 4.6 or later to bypass compatibility checks. Users must download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB drive, and follow specific steps to initiate the upgrade process.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft Offers Free Windows Upgrade To Stop 60% Of Attacks

Microsoft will cease to provide feature or security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users upgrading to Windows 11 report a 62% reduction in security incidents. PCs must have a compatible TPM 2.0 module to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but at least 240 million PCs may not meet these requirements. Microsoft is increasing communication about the upgrade, and Windows 11 usage has surpassed that of Windows 10 in the U.S. for the first time.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Is Almost Free Now, but This 92% Off Deal Won’t Last Long

The Blue Screen of Death can indicate the need for a fresh installation of Windows 11 Pro, especially after issues like corrupt files or viruses. StackSocial is currently offering Windows 11 Pro activation keys for a reduced price of , down from 9, which is a 92% discount. The Home edition is also available at a discount of 89%. These keys are intended for PCs that require a new Windows license, and users should ensure compatibility with Windows Update for the upgrade. Windows 11 Pro includes features like Microsoft Teams, Widgets, and AI-powered Windows Copilot, providing advanced security, user-friendly design, and productivity tools. The deal is time-sensitive, with keys selling rapidly.

Winsage

April 21, 2025

Intune flaw pushed Windows 11 upgrades on blocked devices

Microsoft identified a "code issue" within its Intune device management software as the reason for the unintended rollout of Windows 11 to devices not designated for the upgrade. The flaw triggered upgrades despite existing policies meant to prevent them. Microsoft is working on a fix and has advised organizations to pause Windows updates via Intune to avoid further issues. Devices that received the upgrade erroneously will need manual intervention to revert to their previous version. This incident follows a similar occurrence in November 2024, where customers experienced unexpected upgrades from Windows Server 2022 to Windows Server 2025. Microsoft attributed that incident to third-party products used for managing server updates. Additionally, a month prior, Microsoft retracted a preview update for Windows 11 due to severe issues causing crashes.

Winsage

April 20, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer—Bad News For 240 Million Windows Users

Microsoft is encouraging approximately 240 million PC owners to recycle outdated devices, as they will not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11 without new hardware. The company emphasizes the importance of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a security chip that determines eligibility for the upgrade and protects sensitive data. TPM 2.0 offers several security benefits, including data encryption, verification of trusted software, detection of physical tampering, and support for advanced security features in Windows 11. Currently, around 240 million PCs are estimated to be ineligible for the upgrade, which may hinder the adoption of Windows 11 and leave many devices vulnerable to cyber threats.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

These PCs can finally upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11

PCs previously barred from upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 can now proceed with the upgrade following updates to affected applications, such as Wallpaper Engine, which improved compatibility. Microsoft had previously placed a compatibility hold on devices using certain applications to prevent disruptions. Users may not see the upgrade option immediately, but as updates for affected applications are released, the upgrade path will become more accessible.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer For 500 Million Windows Users

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life date on October 14, leaving approximately 750 million users vulnerable without critical security updates unless they opt for paid support. Currently, 53% of users, or around 240 million, are still on Windows 10 and may lack the hardware for a free upgrade to Windows 11. A critical zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2025-29824, poses risks to Windows 10 users, and Microsoft has indicated that outdated versions will not receive necessary security patches. Recent updates to Windows 10 have caused issues, including the removal of certain features and bugs affecting Outlook Calendar and Office 2016 applications.