Microsoft won’t be implementing the same end-of-life process for Windows 10 that it has for previous versions of Windows. Still, there will be a day when Windows 10 will no longer be supported by Microsoft.

Windows 10 EOL Date

You have until October 14, 2025 to keep using Windows 10 and continue receiving at least some sort of support from Microsoft for it. However, the company announced in November 2021 that it will only release feature updates after version 21H2 (the Windows 10 November 2021 Update) annually in the second half of the year via the General Availability Channel.

The next Windows 10 feature update is slated for the second half of 2022. Home and Pro editions of the November 2021 Update will only receive 18 months of servicing and support, and Enterprise and Education editions will receive 30 months of servicing and support after November 2021.

After that, Microsoft says it will continue to support at least one annual Windows 10 release until October 2025.

What Does End of Life Mean?

Previous versions of Windows were subject to Microsoft’s software lifecycle, which basically means that every product has a set start and end date. The term ’end of life’ means that, at some point, support for the product will end. Users can still use the product but the company won’t be involved or provide support if something goes wrong after that end date.

How Is Windows 10 Different from Earlier Versions?

Windows 10 was developed as a ‘software as a service’ application (SAAS), meaning users didn’t have to worry about installing new versions or updates. Similar to a web browser, Microsoft updates Windows 10 periodically without any attention or effort on your part. These updates include regular improvements meant to make Windows easier to use.

Microsoft states, “Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported. Knowing key dates in this lifecycle helps you make informed decisions about when to update, upgrade or make other changes to your software.”

This SAAS concept initially was understood to mean that Windows 10 would live on indefinitely. However, the release of Windows 11 in the fall of 2021 upended that thought.

If you’ve been using Windows 10 for some time, you’ve likely noticed major or minor updates every few weeks. Now, you’ll simply see them annually instead until 2025. Don’t feel forced into upgrading to Windows 11 right now but do realize the day is coming when you might need to.

  • What do I do with my Chromebook after end of life?
  • All Chromebooks have an auto-update expiration date (AUE). Your Chromebook will still work after its end of life. It just means it will no longer receive security updates. You can install Windows or Linux on your Chromebook should you decide to keep it.
  • When is Microsoft Office 2019 end of life?
  • For mainstream support, Microsoft will end support on October 10, 2023. Microsoft Office 2019 will remain supported for security updates until October 14, 2025.

All Chromebooks have an auto-update expiration date (AUE). Your Chromebook will still work after its end of life. It just means it will no longer receive security updates. You can install Windows or Linux on your Chromebook should you decide to keep it.

For mainstream support, Microsoft will end support on October 10, 2023. Microsoft Office 2019 will remain supported for security updates until October 14, 2025.

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