Windows 11 upgrades Archives

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Offer Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Must Now Decide

Microsoft is intensifying its initiative to transition Windows 10 users to Windows 11, with around 400 million users still on Windows 10. There has been a rise in Windows 11 upgrades, influenced by speculation about a deadline for free upgrades, although Microsoft has not formally announced a cutoff. The end-of-life for Windows 10 is set for October, which adds pressure for users to upgrade. Many users may be unable to upgrade due to hardware limitations, and Microsoft offers a 12-month extended support plan for those unable to transition. Workarounds for hardware restrictions are declining, as Microsoft has removed guidance on modifying the Windows Registry and blocked the Flyby11 tool, which was designed to assist users with unsupported hardware. As the October deadline approaches, users are advised to upgrade before then to avoid support fees and potential interruptions in free upgrades. Users without compatible hardware may need to consider purchasing a new Windows 11 PC by 2025 to ensure continued support.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft Warns 400 Million Users—Do Not Update Windows

More than 800 million Microsoft users are facing significant changes as the company ends critical security updates this October. The user base is divided into two groups: those unwilling to update and those unable due to older PCs that do not meet Windows 11's security requirements. Microsoft recommends that users with incompatible PCs invest in new ones. While all users can opt for extended support, many may resist paying extra fees, risking loss of support. Microsoft has removed the official workaround that allowed unsupported PCs to bypass CPU and TPM requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. This change follows the release of Windows 11 24H2, indicating a discouragement of upgrades on unsupported devices. Previously, users could modify the registry to bypass these checks, but this required technical knowledge and was not endorsed for all users. Microsoft warns against installing Windows 11 on devices that do not meet minimum requirements, highlighting potential risks such as loss of support and diminished functionality.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft says Auto HDR causes game freezes on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has implemented a block on Windows 11 24H2 upgrades for systems with Auto HDR enabled due to reports of game freezes and graphical anomalies. Auto HDR enhances gaming visuals but has caused concerns among users regarding high-contrast and oversaturated visuals. Microsoft warned that enabling Auto HDR could lead to incorrect color representation and unresponsive games. Users experiencing issues are advised to disable Auto HDR through the 'Settings' app. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, tagged with safeguard ID 55382406. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted a previous compatibility hold related to Ubisoft game bugs and blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations and incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Microsoft’s Bad News—15 Million Windows Users Now At Risk

Microsoft is trying to persuade its 800 million Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 before the end-of-support deadline in October 2024. Recent statistics show a stall in Windows 11 upgrades, with about 10 to 15 million users (roughly 1%) not transitioning. Global market share for Windows 10 has increased from 61% to 62%, while Windows 11 has decreased from over 35.5% to below 35%. In the US, Windows 10 rose from 58% to 61%, and Windows 11 fell from nearly 40% to below 37%. This shift follows Microsoft's announcement of a 12-month extended support option for Windows 10 users. Approximately 400 million users lack the necessary hardware to upgrade, and many are delaying upgrades due to the limited availability of AI features and the belief that better hardware options will emerge. The uptake of the extended support option will influence future trends, and the shift indicates that 10 to 15 million users may be exposed to security risks.

Winsage

November 18, 2024

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

As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has implemented stricter compatibility checks for Windows 11 upgrades, affecting users with older PCs, particularly those with older AMD processors. Microsoft will stop delivering security updates for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Users attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 may receive messages indicating their CPU is not compatible, and the lack of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 complicates the upgrade process. To upgrade to Windows 11, users must ensure their PC is configured to start using UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has TPM enabled (version 1.2 is acceptable). Users can verify these settings using the System Information utility and the Trusted Platform Module Management tool. Two workarounds are available for upgrading: 1. Registry Edit: Users can bypass CPU checks by editing the registry. This involves creating a new key in Registry Editor, setting a DWORD value to allow upgrades with unsupported TPM or CPU, and then downloading the Windows 11 ISO to initiate the upgrade. 2. Rufus Utility: For PCs without TPM or Secure Boot support, the free Rufus utility can be used to bypass compatibility checks. Users need to download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB flash drive, and use Rufus to create an installer that removes hardware requirements. Both methods will present a compatibility warning during the installation process, which users can dismiss to proceed with the upgrade.

Winsage

October 22, 2024

Windows 10 KB5045594 update fixes multi-function printer bugs

Microsoft has released the optional KB5045594 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 version 22H2, focusing on bug fixes and introducing a redesigned Start Menu. The update includes eight fixes and one new feature related to account management in the Start menu. Specific fixes address issues with multi-function printers, a stop error during VM operations, a race condition during Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrades, updated product activation phone numbers, mobile operator profiles, input detection in WebView2 apps, and a black screen issue in Azure Virtual Desktop. Users can install the update through Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. After installation, Windows 10 version 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5073, with no known issues reported.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

Windows 10 22H2 Release Preview and Beta build 19045.5070 (KB5045594) is now available

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 22H2 Release Preview and Beta build 19045.5070 (KB5045594) for Windows Insider Program participants, particularly in the Beta Channel. The update includes a refreshed interface in Settings > System > About, highlighting essential hardware specifications and integrating FAQs. Users can toggle updates under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update for immediate access or gradual rollout. Notable features include a new account manager in the Start menu for easier account management, and various bug fixes such as resolving stop errors related to virtual switches and Windows 11 upgrades, updating product activation phone numbers, correcting issues with multi-function printers, and resolving input detection issues in WebView2 apps.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5070 to Beta and Release Preview Channels

Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5070 (KB5045594) is being released to the Beta Channel and Release Preview Channel for Insiders on Windows 10, version 22H2. The update includes a refreshed experience in Settings > System > About, highlighting key hardware specifications and adding FAQs for better understanding of device performance. Insiders can toggle to receive new features gradually. The update also starts rolling out a new account manager on the Start menu, fixes a stop error related to vmswitch with Load Balancing and Failover teaming, addresses a race condition causing stop error 0x3B during Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrades, adds new product activation phone numbers, and resolves issues with Multi-Function Printers and WebView2 apps.

Winsage

October 7, 2024

Windows 11 upgrade? Enterprises have no choice

Migration projects to Windows 11 are gaining traction, with a report from Lansweeper indicating that Windows 10's presence in enterprise environments has decreased from 80.5 percent to 67.1 percent over the past year, while Windows 11 usage has increased from 8.3 percent to 23.1 percent. Only 3.5 percent of Windows 10 devices are using the Long Term Servicing Branch, suggesting limited support will continue after Windows 10's support ends on October 14, 2025. In April 2022, Windows 11 usage was nearly equal to that of Windows XP, and nearly half of surveyed devices were ineligible for an upgrade due to hardware requirements. Recent data shows a 15 percent increase in Windows 11 usage, attributed to IT departments upgrading compatible PCs rather than increased hardware spending. As the deadline for Windows 10's support approaches, migration to Windows 11 is becoming a requirement for many businesses to comply with regulations.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Microsoft cracks down on Windows 11 upgrades for ‘incompatible’ PCs, but there’s a workaround

Microsoft introduced stringent hardware compatibility requirements with the launch of Windows 11 in 2021, requiring a compatibility appraiser to assess hardware for upgrade eligibility. If a CPU is unsupported or if a PC lacks a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, the upgrade is halted. Two methods to bypass these restrictions have emerged: one involves a registry modification for corporate clients with TPM enabled, while the other uses a hack to replace the compatibility appraiser module with a zero-byte file, facilitated by the Rufus utility. However, a recent update with Windows 11 version 24H2 disrupted the Rufus method, leading to error messages during upgrades. Rufus developer Pete Batard provided a workaround involving specific registry commands to allow successful upgrades. Systems with TPM and UEFI/Secure Boot can upgrade easily, while older hardware without TPM or using Legacy BIOS faces significant challenges. Feedback from users experiencing issues is encouraged for documentation and resolution.