The end is nigh for Windows 10 21H2
Time for 22H2, the LTSC version, or perhaps something completely different?
Microsoft is warning customers still clinging to Windows 10 21H2 that mere weeks of servicing remain for enterprise and education users.
Windows 10 21H2 arrived in 2021 as part of the November 2021 update, and support ended in 2023 for Home, Pro, and Pro for Workstation editions. In June 2024, the support plug will be pulled for enterprise, education, and IoT enterprise editions, leaving the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) versions to carry the torch until 2027.
In the case of the IoT Enterprise LTSC version, the extended end date for support will be January 13, 2032.
The last security update for affected devices is due in June 2024. Microsoft said: "To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 10 business devices not managed by IT departments when these are nearing end of servicing."
The cut-off date for Windows 10 version 22H2 remains October 14, 2025, although several LTSC editions will remain in support for a few years past that date. The Windows 10 LTSC 2019 edition will remain in extended support until January 9, 2029, while Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is set to end mainstream support on January 12, 2027.
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So what to do? For many Windows 10 users, an update to 22H2 will already have happened. However, never one to pass up a chance to encourage users to migrate to the latest version of its flagship operating system, Microsoft said: "As always, we recommend that you upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11."
Those Windows 11 market share statistics aren't going to improve by themselves, are they?
While users with hardware that meets Microsoft's demands have likely already made the jump to Windows 11, the warning from the tech giant highlights the ticking clock for Windows 10 support.
Hopes that the company might yet throw a lifeline to users faced with either replacing hardware or jumping to a different platform have taken yet another knock as Microsoft moves forward with its plans to put Windows 10 out to pasture once and for all. ®