Lifecycle of Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems, how long they are supported and what it means
Many people don’t know what that means Windows end of supporttherefore considering the operating systems eternal and irreplaceable.
Unfortunately Microsoft provides one precise “expiration date” for all versions of Windows released over the years and only those who have the latest version will be sure of being able to get the latest functions and the latest security fixes (essential to avoid hacker attacks and new viruses).
In the guide that follows we’ll show you how to check the length of support for Windows 11 and for Windows 10which are the two operating systems still supported by Microsoft.
READ ALSO -> Check which Windows version and which computer I’m using
1) Dates available for Windows lifecycles
Microsoft provides two end of support dates for each operating system: supporto Mainstream ed supporto Extended.
The first date indicates the ordinary support window, where the system receives substantial updates with new functions and numerous monthly or extraordinary security patches; the second date instead indicates extended support, where the operating system does not receive new features in the future but provides for the release of only security patches (monthly and extraordinary).
This means that, after the extended support end datethe operating system will no longer be updated by Microsoft even on the security side, becoming in all respects a outdated and very insecure operating system (exposed to hackers and intrusions).
2) New Microsoft Lifecycle Policy
With Windows 10 and with Windows 11 they are Windows product lifecycles have also changed: Every major update (Major Update, usually yearly) is supported for one maximum limited period of 24 months from the release date (36 months in Enterprise editions).
Each release therefore has limited support for security and feature updates, forcing users to upgrade to the next version whenever it is available in order to keep updates and continue the lifecycle of the installed operating system.
To learn more, we can read our guide on how to find full specs of pc windows 10 and 11.
3) Windows 10 lifecycle
Windows 10 has reached its latest supported version, i.e Windows 10 22H2: This version will be supported by Microsoft until October 14, 2025.
This will be the final release of Windows 10 and until then all editions will remain supported with monthly security updates.
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC releases will continue to receive updates after this date: Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 has a lifecycle of 5 years from the date of releasewhile IoT Enterprise LTSC continues to have a 10-year lifecycle from the release date.
3) Windows 11 lifecycle
Windows 11 is a relatively new operating system therefore its annual releases will still be very numerous, thus leading to often change the version in the following years, using as a criterion always 18 months of support for every major Windows update.
It is currently confirmed support for 24 months from the release date for Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Pro Education, Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 SE editions; the latest version at the time of writing is the 22H2supported untilOctober 8, 2024.
36-month support is available for Windows 11 Enterprise, Windows 11 Enterprise Multisession, Windows 11 Education, and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise editions; also in this case the latest version is the 22H2supported until October 14, 2025.
To learn more, we can read our guide on what is the latest version of windows 11.
4) How to upgrade Windows to a new version
To avoid having an unsupported version of Windows 11 or Windows 10 in your hands is very important constantly update the operating system and always install the latest version availablepostponing updates as little as possible.
On Windows 10 we can update the system by pressing WIN+Iby pressing on Update and securityby clicking on Windows Update and checking for updates; if we find new quality updates we press on Download and install to install them now.
On Windows 11 the procedure is very similar: let’s go to the path Settings -> Windows Update and press the button Download and install (if there is a cumulative update or a new version) to get the new version of Windows now.
On the updates we can read our guide on how to see all installed updates in windows 10 and 11.
Conclusions
Updating Windows is very important and we will have to do what we can to always have the latest version installedso you can try new Windows features and fix bugs exploitable by hackers and next-generation viruses.
To learn more, we can read the articles on how to schedule updates in windows 10 and 11 come on How to troubleshoot Windows Update if it doesn’t download or find updates.