Although Microsoft has said that they will not force users to upgrade to Windows 11, they have issued an EOS (End of Service) warning to Windows 10 users, claiming that support for multiple obsolete versions will end in May 2022.
Microsoft will end support for outdated versions of Windows 10
In its latest support document release, Microsoft reminds its users that Windows 10 20H2 (or the October 2020 Update as it is called) is coming to an end of service on May 10 this year, which includes Windows 10 Professional Workstation Edition, Professional Education Edition, Professional Edition and Home Edition.
Notably, Microsoft's support for Windows 10 20H2 Enterprise, IoT Enterprise and Education editions will end on May 9, 2023, while Windows 10 1909 Enterprise, IoT Enterprise and Education editions will end their services on May 10, 2022.
Meanwhile, Windows 10 1909 Professional Workstation Edition, Professional Education Edition, Professional Edition and Home Edition already lost Microsoft support back in May 2021.
In a statement, Microsoft further warned Windows 10 users that the EOS warning essentially means that "these editions will no longer receive security updates after May 10, 2022. As a result, those still using older versions of Windows 10 will be asked to update their PC operating systems to the latest version in order to continue to receive support from Microsoft.
Devices that reach the service deadline will be forced to update
Microsoft added in the report that Windows Update will force feature updates on devices that reach their service deadlines before these versions of Windows 10 1909 and 20H2 reach EOS. In this way, Microsoft ensures that these systems continue to be supported and receive critical monthly updates, security updates and improvements. When a feature update is initiated, customers will be able to select a convenient restart time to complete the update.
Microsoft had previously announced that the company would always support Windows 10 until October 2025, when Windows 11 will become an optional update option. As a result, the tech giant has rolled out the latest version of Windows 10, Windows 10 21H2. Windows 10 users can update their systems to version 21H2 by manually clicking on the Check for Updates option on their PCs.