All news with #windows 10 tag

Turn Windows 11 Migration into a Security Opportunity

🔒 Organizations should treat the Windows 11 migration as a strategic security opportunity rather than a routine OS update. While some users resist moving from Windows 10 or explore alternatives like Linux or legacy releases, those choices can introduce operational headaches and security gaps, especially as Microsoft phases out support. Use the transition to validate backups, recovery objectives, and patch posture to reduce exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities that increasingly target MSPs and their clients.

Microsoft fixes Windows 10 ESU update installation error

🔧 Microsoft acknowledged that the November Patch Tuesday update KB5068781 for Windows 10 (builds 19044.6575 and 19045.6575) could fail to install on commercial devices activated via Windows subscription activation through the Microsoft 365 admin center, producing error 0x800f0922. On Nov. 17 Microsoft issued a preparation package, KB5072653, to resolve the problem and allow deployment of the November security update. Administrators should verify the latest servicing stack update, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, and, if needed, install the .msu manually via wusa.exe.

Windows 10 KB5072653 OOB Update Fixes ESU Install Errors

🛠️ Microsoft released the out-of-band update KB5072653 to address installation failures affecting the November Extended Security Update for Windows 10. The preparation package resolves 0x800f0922 (CBS_E_INSTALLERS_FAILED) errors and requires devices to run Windows 10 22H2 with the October cumulative update KB5066791. KB5072653 will be offered automatically via Windows Update; after installing and restarting, administrators should rerun Windows Update to deploy the November ESU update (KB5068781). Microsoft will also publish updated Scan Cab metadata for WSUS/SCCM customers who rely on cab files for compliance checks.

Windows 10 KB5068781 ESU Update Fails With 0x800f0922

⚠️ Microsoft is investigating a bug that can cause the Windows 10 KB5068781 Extended Security Update to fail installation with error 0x800f0922 on devices licensed via Windows subscription activation. The update, released November 11 as the first ESU release, may appear to install but then roll back after a restart. Microsoft says the issue is isolated to activations through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and has provided no ETA or workaround.

Microsoft fixes false Windows 10 end-of-support alerts

🔧 Microsoft resolved a bug that caused incorrect end-of-support warnings to appear in Windows Update settings after the October 2025 updates. The cosmetic issue affected Windows 10 22H2 devices enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as well as LTSC 2021 editions that remain supported, but affected systems continued to receive security updates. Microsoft issued a cloud configuration fix and on Nov 11, 2025 released KB5068781; admins can also apply a Known Issue Rollback policy if immediate deployment is required.

Microsoft releases KB5068781 — first Windows 10 ESU update

🔔 Microsoft released KB5068781, the first Extended Security Update (ESU) for Windows 10 following the platform's end of support. The update fixes a bug that incorrectly reported LTSC devices as out of support and bundles October Patch Tuesday fixes. It addresses 63 vulnerabilities — including one actively exploited elevation-of-privilege flaw — and is mandatory for enrolled devices, installing via Settings → Windows Update and updating ESU and LTSC builds to 19045.6575/19044.6575.

Microsoft emergency Windows 10 update fixes ESU enrollment

🔧Microsoft released an out‑of‑band update (KB5071959) to address a Windows 10 Consumer ESU enrollment failure that could cause the ESU wizard to abort. Once the update is installed and the device is rebooted, affected systems should be able to complete ESU enrollment and resume receiving Extended Security Updates via Windows Update. Microsoft flagged the patch as a security update for non‑enrolled devices to restore access to essential fixes.

Hackers Use Hyper-V to Hide Linux VM and Evade EDR

🔒 Bitdefender researchers report that the threat actor Curly COMrades enabled Windows Hyper-V on compromised hosts to run a lightweight Alpine Linux VM (≈120MB disk, 256MB RAM). The hidden VM hosted custom tooling, notably the C++ reverse shell CurlyShell and the reverse proxy CurlCat. By isolating execution inside a VM the attackers evaded many host-based EDRs and maintained persistent, encrypted command channels.

Windows 10 update bug shows incorrect end-of-support alerts

⚠️Microsoft says installing the October 2025 updates can cause some Windows 10 systems with active coverage to display an incorrect "Your version of Windows has reached the end of support" message in Windows Update settings. The cosmetic issue affects Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, and Windows 10 22H2 devices enrolled in ESU. Microsoft has deployed a cloud configuration update to correct the message automatically, but devices that are offline or block dynamic updates may not receive it. Administrators can use Known Issue Rollback (KIR) by setting the KB5066791 251020_20401 value to Disabled to remove the alert on managed systems until a permanent fix ships in a future Windows update.

Microsoft fixes Media Creation Tool on affected PCs again

🛠 Microsoft has restored the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool after reports it failed to run on some up-to-date Windows 10 22H2, Windows 11 25H2 and Arm64 systems following the Windows 11 2025 Update. Microsoft says the issue was resolved in the optional KB5067036 preview update published October 28, 2025, and the updated tool is now available for download. As before, users can also obtain Windows ISO files directly to create bootable media.

Microsoft October Windows Updates Break Smart Card Auth

🔒 Microsoft warns the October 2025 Windows security updates are causing smart card authentication and certificate failures by switching RSA-based smart card certificates to use KSP instead of CSP. Affected systems may report errors such as "invalid provider type specified" or "CryptAcquireCertificatePrivateKey error" and Event ID 624 in the Smart Card Service log. Microsoft provides a manual workaround: set the DisableCapiOverrideForRSA registry value to 0, back up the registry first, then restart. This impacts Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server releases; the company says the key will be removed in April 2026 and urges customers to work with application vendors to resolve compatibility.

Patch Tuesday Oct 2025: 172 Flaws, End of Windows 10

⚠️ Microsoft’s October 2025 updates close 172 security holes and include at least two actively exploited zero‑days. The company removed a decades-old Agere modem driver to mitigate CVE-2025-24990 and patched an elevation-of-privilege zero-day in RasMan (CVE-2025-59230). A critical unauthenticated RCE in WSUS (CVE-2025-59287) carries a 9.8 threat score and should be prioritized. This release also marks the end of security updates for Windows 10, prompting ESU enrollment or migration options.

Microsoft releases final Windows 10 Patch Tuesday update

🔔 Microsoft has issued the final cumulative update for Windows 10, KB5066791, as the OS reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. The mandatory update delivers Microsoft's October 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes, closing six zero-day vulnerabilities and addressing 172 additional flaws. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2 are updated to builds 19045.6456 and 19044.6456; users can install via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog and may schedule restarts to complete the process.

Microsoft: Windows 10 Reaches End of Support Oct 14, 2025

⚠️ Microsoft says Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, and will no longer receive feature or security updates. Machines will continue to run but will be at greater risk of viruses and malware without patches. Microsoft advises customers to upgrade to Windows 11, migrate to Windows 365 in the cloud, enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU), or use LTSC editions for specialized devices. ESU pricing and limited free enrollment options for home and EEA users are noted.

Windows 10 End of Support: Guidance for Enterprises

🛡️ As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft has ended support for non‑LTSC releases of Windows 10, leaving installations without default security patches unless organizations purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs). CrowdStrike advises inventorying assets, evaluating ESU costs, and prioritizing migration while ensuring continuous endpoint protection. The Falcon platform delivers cloud‑native detection, behavioral AI, and visibility across mixed Windows environments to help reduce risk during transition. Note that EDR complements but does not replace operating system updates.

Microsoft Releases Enterprise Windows Backup for Orgs

🔒 Microsoft has made Windows Backup for Organizations generally available, offering an enterprise-grade, opt-in solution to preserve Windows settings, user preferences, and Microsoft Store-installed apps. The capability is available after installing the September 2025 Windows Monthly Cumulative Update on Entra-joined devices and must be enabled by administrators through Intune or backup and restore policy settings. Backups are stored in Exchange Online in the tenant's selected Country/Region, are protected by encryption, and are accessible to Microsoft personnel only under strict oversight for troubleshooting or legal compliance, helping streamline migrations to Windows 11 during device setup.

Many Users Still on Windows 10 Ahead of End‑of‑Life

⚠️ A significant proportion of users and organisations remain on Windows 10 just days before Microsoft ends support on October 14, meaning no more security or feature updates. Remote-access vendor TeamViewer reports over 40% of endpoints it recently supported still run the OS, while a Which? survey found 26% of UK users do not plan to upgrade and 11% are undecided. Experts warn this creates a cybersecurity and compliance 'cliff edge' that could expose systems to unpatched vulnerabilities and increased attacker activity.

Microsoft issues final Windows 10 22H2 preview update

🔧 Microsoft released the final non-security preview update for Windows 10 22H2 (KB5066198), delivering fixes for the out-of-box experience and SMBv1 connectivity over NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT). This optional cumulative update lets administrators test improvements before they roll into the next month’s Patch Tuesday and raises systems to build 19045.6396. KB5066198 also resolves an Autopilot Enrollment Status Page (ESP) OOBE loading issue and includes prior fixes for unexpected UAC prompts and NDI streaming performance regressions. Install via Windows Update by choosing 'Download and install' for optional updates or obtain the package from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Microsoft to Provide Free Windows 10 Security Updates in EEA

🛡️ Microsoft will provide no-cost Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumer users across the European Economic Area (EEA). The company adjusted enrollment so consumers can access critical patches without tying updates to Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards, following pressure from Euroconsumers. Microsoft says the change aims to support customers transitioning to Windows 11 before Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025.

Steam to end support for Windows 32-bit in Jan 2026

🖥️ Valve announced that Steam will stop supporting 32-bit versions of Windows effective January 1, 2026. The company said Windows 10 32-bit is currently the only 32-bit build still in use and that existing Steam Client installations on those systems will continue to function for the near term but will no longer receive any updates, including security updates. Valve explained the change is required because core Steam features rely on drivers and libraries not maintained on 32-bit Windows. Gamers are urged to upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows to maintain compatibility and keep receiving updates.