Microsoft Warns Windows 10 Version 20H2 Is Going Dark

Microsoft has issued a reminder that Windows 10 version 1909 and Windows 10 version 20H2 are both getting the ax in one month, with users told to upgrade to a newer release as soon as possible.

The end of life is scheduled to take place on May 10, and Microsoft emphasizes that without support, both versions of Windows 10 will remain exposed to potential attacks.

This is because found vulnerabilities would no longer be patched, so updating to a newer release is pretty much the only option going forward.

“On May 10, 2022, the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10, version 20H2, and all editions of Windows 10, version 1909 will reach end of servicing. The May 2022 security update, released on May 10, is the last update available for these versions. After that date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats,” Microsoft explains.

Automatic updates

The software giant will start to automatically offer a feature update for home PCs, therefore trying to make sure that consumers’ devices run a Windows version that still receives security updates.

“To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 10 home and non-managed business devices that are at, or within several months of reaching end of servicing. This keeps your device supported and receiving monthly updates that are critical to security and ecosystem health. For these devices, you will be able to choose a convenient time for your device to restart and complete the update,” the company says.

Windows 10 will continue to receive security patches and updates until October 2025, at which point the operating system would be dropped, with Windows 11 to remain the only supported version going forward.