Windows 365 Archives

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11 Adds New Recovery Tools to Minimize Downtime

Microsoft unveiled new Windows Recovery tools during the Ignite 2025 keynote to help IT teams reduce downtime and streamline remediation processes. Enhancements to Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) include WinRE networking support, which will initially support Ethernet and later add Enterprise Wi-Fi capabilities. Autopatch can now manage and approve QMR updates, currently in public preview. Microsoft Intune's remote recovery via WinRE allows IT administrators to monitor devices in recovery mode and deploy scripts directly from the console, extending to Windows Server VMs through the Azure Portal. New recovery options for Windows PCs include a point-in-time restore feature for reverting to previous states and a Cloud rebuild feature for remotely reinstalling Windows 11 on malfunctioning devices. These updates are expected to be generally available to commercial customers in the first half of 2026. Microsoft has also introduced Autopatch update readiness in preview, providing real-time insights into device update readiness through a unified Intune dashboard. Additionally, new tools for incident management include Mission Critical Services for Microsoft 365, allowing collaboration with Windows engineers, and Windows 365 Reserve, which offers secure temporary Cloud PCs. Microsoft Intune will issue alerts when devices enter WinRE to prioritize recovery efforts, and a Digital Signage mode will prevent error messages on non-interactive public displays.

Winsage

November 8, 2025

Still on Windows 10? Enroll in free ESU before next week’s Patch Tuesday

Users operating Windows 10 are encouraged to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program following the end of support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. The ESU program allows continued access to security updates for users unable to transition to Windows 11. To obtain extended security updates for an additional year, users can pay a fee, back up their Windows settings to their Microsoft account, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points. In the European Economic Area, users can receive ESU for free by logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account or can opt to pay to continue using a local account. Enterprise customers can utilize the ESU program for a total of three years at a cumulative cost of per device. Users must be operating Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition, and ensure all available updates are installed to qualify for ESU. Enrollment can be completed through the Windows Update settings. Microsoft frequently addresses security vulnerabilities, including a recent one tracked as CVE-2025-24990, which was exploited to gain administrative privileges on devices. Successful enrollment in the ESU program will provide updates until October 13, 2026. Organizations must acquire licenses through Microsoft Volume Licensing or Cloud Solution Provider partners, and each device must be activated with a unique ESU key. Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs can also benefit from free enrollment in the ESU program.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

Immersive productivity with Windows and Meta Quest: Now generally available

The Mixed Reality Link and the Windows App for Meta Quest are now generally available, enabling full capabilities of Windows 11 and Windows 365 for mixed reality headsets. Users can connect to their local Windows PC or Windows 365 Cloud PC, access multiple high-resolution virtual monitors, and create private workspaces. The v81 release of Meta’s Horizon OS allows all users to access this experience without experimental settings. Connecting a Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset to Windows involves installing Mixed Reality Link and pairing the device. Feedback from the community since the Public Preview in December 2024 has led to improvements in connection reliability and higher resolution virtual monitors.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options – and must act now

Windows 10 reached its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, concluding monthly security updates for over 1 billion PCs. Users with incompatible devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update and are advised to purchase new hardware. Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 on a subscription basis for three years post end-of-support, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users can also consider buying new PCs, renting a virtual PC through Windows 365, upgrading incompatible hardware to Windows 11 using specific methods, switching to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, or continuing to use Windows 10 without support, which poses security risks.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 5 days left

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025, with no extensions or changes to hardware requirements. Users have several options: 1. Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 on a subscription basis for up to three years, with varying costs based on user type. 2. Users can purchase new PCs or rent a virtual PC through Windows 365, which includes extended security updates. 3. There are methods to bypass compatibility restrictions to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11, though this may carry risks. 4. Users can switch to alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, which may be suitable for older hardware but may not support specific Windows software. 5. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses security risks, and while some may use third-party antivirus solutions, this approach is not advisable for business-critical systems.

Winsage

October 8, 2025

Can’t upgrade your Windows 10 PC? You have 1 week left

The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. Microsoft will not extend support or change hardware requirements. Users can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for an additional year after the end-of-support date, with costs varying for consumers, educational institutions, and businesses. Users are encouraged to buy new PCs or rent virtual PCs through Windows 365. There are methods to bypass compatibility checks for Windows 11 on existing machines, but this may void warranties. Users can also switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex, though this requires technical expertise. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses security risks, and while third-party solutions exist, they are not recommended for critical systems. After the end-of-support date, all editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive technical support or security updates.

Winsage

October 3, 2025

Transforming security and compliance at Microsoft with Windows Hotpatch

Security updates are crucial for system integrity, but traditionally require a reboot, causing productivity interruptions. Microsoft has introduced Windows Hotpatch, which allows critical updates to be applied without rebooting, enhancing compliance and user satisfaction. Hotpatch modifies in-memory code while the system is operational, leading to immediate updates without downtime. It is designed for efficiency with small payloads that minimize performance impact. Hotpatch updates undergo the same validation as standard updates and can address zero-day vulnerabilities without requiring a reboot. This technology is available for Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Windows Server 2022/2025 Azure Edition, with appropriate licensing. Hotpatch has evolved from internal server capabilities to support client machines and integrates with Autopatch, automating the update process for enterprise environments. Microsoft Digital plans to scale Hotpatch to 450,000 devices within four months, achieving high compliance rates quickly—81% within 24 hours and 90% within five days, compared to previous timelines of up to nine months. Since its general availability in April, Hotpatch has been deployed to over 4 million devices globally, enhancing user experience by making updates seamless and unobtrusive. Plans for further expansion and improvements in compliance visibility and reporting are underway.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Windows 10 support ends in October 2025: How to prepare for the upgrade

Microsoft will phase out Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ending regular security updates, feature enhancements, and technical support. Existing Windows 10 PCs will still function but may be vulnerable to malware and compatibility issues. Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates until October 2028 and feature updates until August 2026. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will also continue to receive updates through 2028. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available for individual users and organizations, with pricing options and free access through Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards points. Users are encouraged to check their PC's compatibility with Windows 11, which offers enhanced features and security. Windows 365 provides a cloud-based solution for streaming Windows 11 on older devices, with a discount for businesses on the first year of service.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Microsoft Windows 10 support to end very soon: Private users in certain regions can secure one year of free ESU security updates

Microsoft has updated its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), confirmed by Microsoft Germany, allowing access to essential updates until October 13, 2026. EEA users can choose between two options for receiving ESU updates: 1. Free option: Users must sign in to their PC using a Microsoft account (MSA) and remain signed in to receive free security updates for one year, expiring on October 13, 2026. If the MSA is inactive for 60 days, updates will stop but can be reactivated by signing in again. The previous requirement to use the Windows Backup app or redeem Microsoft Rewards points has been removed. 2. One-time payment: Users must initially sign in with a Microsoft account and pay a one-time fee plus taxes to register for the ESU program. After registration, ongoing sign-in is not required. For users outside the EEA, the original ESU options remain, which include free updates via Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards, or a one-time payment for registration. Business customers have different terms, with ESU available at an annual rate per device and renewals allowed for up to three years. Windows 10 users on virtual machines will receive complimentary ESU access without registration. The ESU program will only address critical and important security vulnerabilities from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026, without introducing new features or non-security updates. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, while Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

How to get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026

Microsoft has introduced free enrollment options for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to receive essential updates without cost. This initiative is aimed at users who are unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to compatibility issues. Customers in the 30 countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) automatically qualify for free ESU subscriptions. Eligibility for the ESU subscription includes personal Windows 10 PCs running version 22H2, excluding Enterprise and Education editions, and devices joined to an Active Directory domain or managed by Mobile Device Management software. Users must sign in with an administrator account, and a Microsoft account is typically required, though EEA users are exempt from this requirement. The enrollment process can be initiated through the Settings under Windows Update. Users can also redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or pay a fee for the subscription.