Microsoft is done pushing major feature updates to Windows 10. The 22H2 update was the final major OS release for Windows 10 PCs. Going forward, they will only get monthly security updates. Those will come at least until October 2025 after which the company will pull all sorts of support to Windows 10. Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in January this year. It also stopped selling Windows 10 downloads around the same time.
Microsoft stops pushing feature updates to Windows 10
Windows 10 debuted in July 2015. Since Microsoft promises ten years of security updates and technical assistance for all major Windows releases, it still has some life left in it. However, for the rest of its life, Windows 10 will only get security updates. The company will no longer push new features or major changes to the last iteration of its PC operating system. In a blog post on Thursday, Microsoft announced that the current 22H2 release for Windows 10 will be the final version.
The company added that security updates for Windows 10 PCs are guaranteed until October 14, 2025. Existing Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases will continue to receive updates beyond that date, though. The extended support for those releases will be based on their specific lifecycles. Microsoft encourages all Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 as early as possible to ensure continued feature support and functional improvements.
Microsoft has also announced the schedule for the next Windows LTSC releases. Organizations that require more time to adopt Windows 11 can look forward to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC in the second half of 2024. They can begin planning and testing apps and hardware on the current GA (general availability) channel release, i.e. Windows 11 version 22H2. The company will provide more details closer to the next LTSC release. Meanwhile, you can refer to this guide for tips on how to test your apps.
As said earlier, Microsoft has already ended support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Those users must upgrade to Windows 11 for security updates and technical assistance from the company. While your computer will continue working, it is at greater risk for viruses and malware as it isn’t getting the latest security patches. Unfortunately, your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC may not be compatible with Windows 11. You probably need to buy a new PC to upgrade to the latest version of Windows OS. You can use the PC Health Check app to see if a PC is compatible with Windows 11.
2023-04-28 15:05:42