If you’re currently running the original version of Windows 10 (version 1507), you should be aware that Microsoft is planning to end support on May 9th. This is all due to the fact that Windows 10 is designed as “Windows as a service,” which is a new model where featured updates are released a few times a year, rather than holding back features for a new release every 2-3 years as in the past (via Windows IT Pro.)
The latest news also comes as Microsoft pushed back from the original plans to end support for Windows 10 version 1507 on March 26th, 2017. While no reason was given for this original delay in the end of support, it was likely due to the fact that the company wanted to notify users about Windows as a service, or give version 1507 users time to upgrade to the Creators Update. Though Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise users running Version 1507 will no longer receive security updates, it would appear that Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB are not affected. The company explains.
Since the initial release of Windows 10 in July 2015, Microsoft has released two additional feature updates that build upon each other, delivering the newest features and more comprehensive security. Windows 10 was designed as a service, whereby feature updates are required a few times a year. For most consumers, both quality and feature updates are delivered automatically according to their Windows Update settings. By policy, devices need to install the latest feature update within a 60-day grace period of its release to continue to be eligible for monthly servicing with security updates and other quality updates. We extended this grace period for version 1507 beyond this typical 60-day policy, but the time has now come to end servicing for version 1507.
There is some risk involved with running Windows 10 version 1507 after the end of support, and Microsoft is telling these users to make sure their devices can be updated by connecting to the internet, visiting the Software Download site, and selecting Update now to manually update to the latest version of Windows 10.
If you continue to use version 1507, your computer will still work, but since you won’t continue to receive new security updates or other quality updates, it could become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Microsoft offers complimentary support to ensure your device has the latest updates installed and requires that your device be up to date before assisting with other technical support issues.
You can check out this guide to Windows as a service to learn more about why Microsoft has made this decision, and you can check out the Windows lifecycle fact sheet as well. IT Pros can also connect to a Microsoft support team member, or check out the Windows for IT Pros blog for more information.
