Windows 10: Microsoft reminds Windows 10 users: Upgrade from 21H2 or just get Windows 11

Windows 10 21H2 Home and Pro versions reached the end of support on Jun 13, 2023. One year later, Windows 10 Enterprise and Education (version 21H2) joined the club on June 11, 2024. Both these editions received their last security update in June 2024. After that, it is open season for malicious attackers on these editions.

To keep your Windows 10 PC protected, upgrade it to version 22H2, which Microsoft still supports. Education users must manually upgrade to the latest operating system version. The Enterprise version (not managed by admins) users will be automatically upgraded to 22H2.

Slowly, all Windows 10 editions are nearing the end of the support cycle. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise version 21H2 has also become unsupported from now on.

While upgrading to 22H2 seems like a solution, it just delays the inevitable for a short while. Windows 10 22H2 will reach the end of support on Oct 14, 2025.



Still, some editions will keep receiving updates until 2027. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 users will enjoy support till January 12, 2027. However, a majority of users don’t use these two editions.

Microsoft plans to offer extended support for Windows 10 22H2 to deliver security updates for the devices. But the Redmond giant is keeping the prices under wraps and will reveal them when the time comes.

We don’t expect the pricing to be economical, but that’s what you must do if you plan to stick with Windows 10 for a few more years.

In the official learn document, Microsoft suggests you upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid these troubles. Sadly, it isn’t that easy for everyone.

Windows 11 is out of reach


Not upgrading to Windows 11 could be a personal choice, but most users haven’t upgraded because their PCs do not meet the minimum system requirements. Windows 11 needs UEFI, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 systems to work. You can bypass these but will miss out on many security features.

Windows 11 is a work in progress. It isn’t the most stable version and that keeps many users away. The burgeoning infusion of AI elements also deters users from upgrading to Windows 11.

When the dreaded end-of-support date arrives, Windows 10 users will either have to buy a new PC to use Windows 11 or switch to Linux (which isn’t easy for everyone). Otherwise, it is a security disaster waiting to happen.

Do you think Microsoft should extend the support for a short while due to the humungous user base of Windows 10? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Microsoft reminds Windows 10 users: Upgrade from 21H2 or just get Windows 11 appeared first on Windows Latest

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Microsoft to push automatic Windows 10 upgrades in 2016

"Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will be automatically rolled out next year to all users of its older operating systems who have selected to receive updates.

Until now, users of Windows 7 and 8 have needed to register to upgrade to Windows 10. But that's about to change: soon the OS will be listed as an 'Optional Update' and -- from 2016 -- a 'recommended' update that will automatically install itself, if users have opted to receive updates in that way.*Shadedshun :shadedshu:

You can opt out of automatic updates to avoid this, but Microsoftsays that "we strongly discourage this in today’s connected world because of the constant risk of internet threats". You can also change your Windows Update settings to install critical updates but not recommended ones. Although it's still going to be possible to avoid installation, Microsoft seems quite determined for everyone to be using Windows 10 in near future.


The roll-out of reserved updates was initially staggered but, according to Microsoft, now Windows "will automatically kick off the upgrade process once you have made a reservation".

As an intermediate stage, Microsoft says that it will "soon" publish Windows 10 as an optional update, not installed by default, but accessible to all users."

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive...rade-to-be-rolled-out-automatically-next-year

 

Windows 10 to be Free Upgrade for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 Users

In what could be a fundamental shift in how Microsoft monetizes its flagship product, the Windows operating system, the company decided to offer its upcoming Windows 10 as a free upgrade for existing users of Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. This offer will be applicable only for the first year following Windows 10 launch (after which, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 users will have to pay to upgrade to Windows 10). Windows 10 will see the return of the Start Menu, a productive Desktop environment, and cutting-edge new API features such as DirectX 12.





Source: The Verge

 

Windows 10 to be Free Upgrade for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 Users

Windows 10 to be Free Upgrade for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 Users but not Enterprise users