Microsoft: Windows 10 20H2 reaches end of service next month

Microsoft has reminded customers today that multiple editions of Windows 10 20H2 and Windows 10 1909 are reaching the end of service (EOS) on May 10, 2022.

In a support document, Microsoft says that Windows 10 20H2 (also known as the October 2020 Update) will reach EOS for Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations users. 

It's also worth mentioning that Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions will reach end of servicing one year later, on May 9, 2023.

Redmond also revealed in a separate announcement that Windows 10 1909 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions would also reach EOS next month (Windows 10 1909 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations already did last May).

"The May 2022 security update, released on May 10, is the last update available for these versions," Microsoft explained on Friday.

"After that date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats."

Forced updates before reaching EOS

Until these Windows 10 1909 and 20H2 editions reach EOS, Microsoft will force feature updates on consumer devices and non-managed business devices via Windows Update.

This ensures that devices quickly approaching EOS will keep receiving critical monthly updates, security updates, and improvements.

You can find more info regarding end of service dates for supported versions of Windows in the Windows Lifecycle FAQ, the Windows 10 Servicing Frequently Asked Questions, and the Lifecycle Policy search tool.

The company also provides its customers with a complete list of all products ending support or that will be retired this year. 

Windows 10 21H2 force rollout

On January 21, 2022, Microsoft announced that it had started a forced deployment of Windows 10 21H2 to more devices reaching EOS.

Windows 10 21H2 is also rolling out to seekers — Windows users who manually check for updates — on Windows 10 2004 and higher via a quick update experience similar to monthly updates.

If you have a device running a Windows 10 version nearing EoS and you're not offered an update to Windows 10 21H2, you should manually check for one through Windows Update.

Windows 11 21H2 is also in broad deployment since January 27 and is now available to all customers with eligible devices via Windows Update.

"As always, we recommend that you update your devices to the latest version of Windows 10 or upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11 to take advantage of the latest features and advanced protections from the latest security threats," Microsoft said in January.

You can check if your device is eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade with the PC Health Check app or by comparing your system's specs with the Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements page.

If you want to upgrade to the latest Windows version, follow this guided walk-through to fix any errors encountered during the update process or use this support document to troubleshoot any update problems you may experience.

Microsoft: Windows 10 20H2 reaches end of service next month