Microsoft’s Recent KB5001716 Update: A Final Push for Windows 10 Users
Today, we have learned that Microsoft has commenced quietly distributing the KB5001716 update across both Windows 10 and Windows 11 platforms. This update is part of a periodic initiative by Microsoft aimed at encouraging users to transition to newer feature updates. With the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 fast approaching, this release may represent the last significant effort by the company before October arrives.
Encouraging Transition to Windows 11
Both Microsoft and various governmental organizations are advocating for users to adopt Windows 11 due to its enhanced security features and improved performance metrics. Users still hesitant to make the jump will find relief in the recently announced Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This program initially required a fee of $30 for consumers looking to upgrade their systems.
However, significant changes to the ESU program came last month, with Microsoft now offering free enrollment options for users. While the $30 payment option remains, there are now alternative pathways for users to qualify for the ESU.
New Enrollment Options for Extended Security Updates
To streamline the enrollment process, Microsoft has developed a new ESU wizard, providing users with multiple avenues to obtain ESU eligibility. Users can either redeem 1, 000 Microsoft Rewards points or utilize the Windows Backup app to synchronize their settings. With these changes, extending support for Windows 10 becomes a cost-free option, at least until October 2026.
Criticism from the Public Interest Research Group
Despite these initiatives, the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has expressed discontent over Microsoft’s latest moves. They consider this attempt a superficial fix that fails to sufficiently address the plight of the approximately 400 million Windows 10 PCs not capable of upgrading to Windows 11.
In a previously published statement from June of last year, the PIRG pointed out:
“When free support for Windows 10 ends in 2025, as many as 400 million perfectly good computers that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 will be thrown out. This could be the single biggest jump in junked computers ever.
…
About 40% of PCs currently in use can’t upgrade to Windows 11, even if users want to. This means when Microsoft ceases to provide security updates for Windows 10, many computers will either be left vulnerable or discarded as e-waste.”
The PIRG’s petition urging Microsoft to expand the support window for Windows 10 came prior to the recent announcements about extended support. Following the introduction of the new ESU options, the PIRG issued another statement, emphasizing:
“Microsoft’s new options don’t go far enough and likely won’t make a dent in the up to 400 million Windows 10 PCs that can’t upgrade to Windows 11.”
Statistics on Unsupported Systems and Transition Trends
Interestingly, while the PIRG cites a figure of 400 million, other analyses, such as those conducted by Canalys, estimate the number of unsupported PCs at approximately 240 million. In a more recent survey by ControlUp, which analyzed over a million enterprise computers, it was noted that a significant number of systems are transitioning to Windows 11.
As illustrated below, organizations appear to be at a pivotal juncture in adoption:
Moreover, ControlUp’s research indicates that around 12% of systems in Europe and North America remain unsupported by Windows 11, which translates to approximately 120, 000 systems out of the million they analyzed.
Microsoft is cognizant of the numerous devices that cannot upgrade, including those within enterprise frameworks, and has thus provided a detailed guide for activating ESU keys.
For further insights, please refer to the sources: PIRG, ControlUp via The Register.
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