Photo by Dante D’Orazio / The Verge Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025. It will mark just over 10 years since the operating system was first introduced. Microsoft revealed the retirement date for Windows 10 in an updated support life cycle page for the OS.
The short, simple rule of thumb is this: each Windows 10 “feature update” is supported for 18 months — a year and a half. A “feature update” is the major update that happens every six months, usually around May or September.
“After May 11, 2021, these devices will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates that contain protection from the latest security threats. To continue receiving security and quality updates, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows 10.”.
Following this week’s May 2021 Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has flagged that some Windows 10 versions will no longer receive security updates. Windows 10 version 1909, aka the November 2019 Update, has reached end of life for systems with editions including Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, and Pro for Education, and Windows Server 1909.
Are Windows 10 updates mandatory?
Unlike with older versions of Windows, however, all updates rolled out to Windows 10 computers via Windows Update are mandatory and are automatically downloaded and installed at one time or another.
If you are installing Windows 10 using Windows Update, try the following: 1. Press Windows Key + X on the keyboard and then select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
In some instances, third-party antivirus or security software can cause errors when you try to update to the latest version of Windows 10. You can temporarily uninstall this software, update your PC, and then reinstall the software after your device is up to date.
How to fix Windows Update not working on Windows 10?
Download and run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. If the issue still persists, download the most recent updates. On the search bar, type the KB number. Choose the version applicable for the device and click on Download.
How to fix Windows 10 update not launching on startup?
Step 1: Right-click the Start button of Windows and choose Run or press Windows + R keys. Then input services. Msc in the box and click OK to continue. Step 2: In the popup window, choose Windows Update and right-click, and then choose Properties . Step 3: In the popup window, set the Startup type as Automatic.
In some cases, it is possible that the Windows’ registration files have gotten corrupt while being downloaded from their servers. Often a disconnection during the downloading process or packet loss can result in this issue and the Windows Update files can be corrupted.
If you are receiving an error message with a specific error code, try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, see Fix Windows Update errors and follow the instructions to help resolve common update issues. My update got to 51-99% and won’t complete installation., and what’s wrong?