A lot of computers running Windows 10 20H2 will be going out of support soon. For security reasons, private users should update these by May because many devices are still equipped with older Windows 10 versions.
With Windows 10, Microsoft has completely turned the way the operating system is developed on its head. “Windows as a Service” is the motto – that’s why there are so many updates. Up to now, a new version with new features has been delivered twice a year, these are the so-called function updates. The last major update came in November, Windows 10 21H2before that appeared in the spring Windows 10 21H1before Windows 10 20H2 and so forth.
If you are not always up to date, you should keep an eye on the end of the service period for the Windows version you are using. Because when support ends, there are no more security updates. This makes the PC vulnerable and insecure, so upgrading to a newer version is strongly advised. The last Windows 10 version dropped from support in December 2021, Windows 10 2004 has received no more updates in 2022. according to the Market shares from January around 10 percent of Windows 10 users are still using it. An update is urgently needed here. But also Windows 10 20H2 is counted slowly.
You can update outdated versions of Windows 10 via Windows Update or helpers such as the Windows 10 Update Assistent or that Media Creation Tool. Both are official Microsoft programs that provide you with the current Windows 10 version. Important: Make a backup of your system or your important data before a function update.
Popular Windows 10 20H2 will soon reach end of support
Next up is support for Windows 10 20H2 out. Private users will be provided with security updates until May 2022, corporate users for another year. The total market share of this version is still 26.3 percent. No one needs to be stressed right now, but it’s best to take the time for an update in the next few weeks. If you are not quite sure which Windows 10 version you are currently using, check your system this built-in function.
Windows 10: Support for private users usually only 18 months
How can you find out how long the support for your own Windows 10 version will last? With a thumbs up, you can remember that in addition to the latest version of Windows 10, the two predecessors are also provided with updates. Windows 10 is currently 21H2 – the predecessors 21H1 and 20H2 are therefore still supported, 2004 has been discarded. For all even older versions, on the other hand, it has long been over.
Important: This information applies to private users, i.e. when using Windows 10 Home or Pro. This means that a new Windows 10 version is supported for around 18 months, after which you have to update. Note that longer support hours apply to business users.
However, you cannot really overlook an outdated Windows 10. If you stay on an old version of Windows for too long, Microsoft will sometimes pop up notices that support is about to expire and that you should upgrade. You shouldn’t ignore this for too long, because Windows without security and quality updates is a risk.
Find out Windows version
Not everyone knows what version of Windows the system is running. That’s not embarrassing at all, because you don’t see it at first glance. But it’s easy to find out. Simply press the Windows key and then type the command “winver” and confirm with the Enter key.
This command reveals the version number of the installed Windows. The November 2021 update carries the version number 21H2. Updates to a new Windows 10 version should simply work via Windows Update. If not, you can also update manually, for example with the Media Creation Tool. Note that backup before switching to another Windows 10 version is an important thing.
Windows 10 end of support on October 14, 2025
With the introduction of Windows 11, the end of Windows 10 was sealed. But Microsoft doesn’t stamp everything here overnight, there is a reasonable transition period. At the October 14, 2025 but that’s the end of Windows 10 for private users. Then there will be security updates for the last time.
Systems that meet the hardware requirements can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. The free change is possible now or later. Microsoft does not set a time limit for the free upgrade.
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