Although Windows 10 remains the most popular operating system for desktop computers, its lifespan is nearing its end. Microsoft has already announced that its last available version is on the horizon, and support for the system will be discontinued in just a few years.
Jason Leznek, the Principal Product Manager for Windows Service and Delivery, shared this news in a recent post called ‘Windows Client Roadmap Update’.
Latest version for Windows 10
More than 73% of all Microsoft operating system computers are still running Windows 10, according to Valve’s March 2023 survey and StatCounter’s Windows market share statistics .
“According to a recent post titled ‘Windows Client Roadmap Update’ by Jason Leznek, Principal Product Manager for Windows Service and Delivery, Windows 10’s life cycle is ending soon. Despite being the most widely used operating system on desktop computers, Microsoft has announced that the last available version of Windows 10 will be 22H2 and that support will end on October 14, 2025. However, until that date, all editions will continue to receive monthly security updates. Existing LTSC versions will also receive updates based on their specific lifecycles.”
The recommended options, therefore, go through two main alternatives:
- Make the transition to Windows 11 now, as there will be no additional Windows 10 feature updates.
- If you must stay on Windows 10 for now, upgrade to Windows 10 version 22H2 to continue receiving monthly security updates until October 14, 2025.
Windows LTSC
LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) releases will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025 according to their specific lifecycles . Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition (version 21H2) will reach end of service on January 12, 2027. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 (version 21H2) will be supported until January 13, 2032.
According to recent updates, Microsoft has shared more information about the expected release of the next Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows 11. It has been announced that Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC will be released during the second half of 2024. This means that customers who prefer the stability and predictability of LTSC will have the option to upgrade to the latest version of Windows while still receiving extended support for an extended period of time.
“If you’re waiting for an LTSC version of Windows 11, you can start planning and testing your apps and hardware on the current release of the GA [General Availability] channel, Windows 11, version 22H2. See Application Trust: Optimize Application Validation with Test Base for more tips on how to test your applications.”