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Good riddance! Microsoft confirms the Windows 10 1809 update will bite the dust in May

Microsoft explained it will stop serving security updates for Windows 10, version 1809 on 12 May 2020

Microsoft has suffered a string of beleaguered Windows 10 updates in recent years but none have caused such widespread annoyance as Windows 10 1809 – an update that was meant to be rolled out in October 2018 but was pushed back due to a number of flaws. 

This delay was an attempt by Microsoft to fix said flaws, but even when the software update did go live on 13 November, it continued to be plagued by problems involving files vanishing and BSOD crashes. 

It was so bad, the release wasn’t considered stable for businesses for a further five months and more than 30 builds have been rolled-out that impact this release between its launch in November and this month, at which point Microsoft said enough was enough. 

In a support note, Microsoft explained it will stop serving security updates for Windows 10, version 1809 on 12 May 2020. A change that applies to:

  • Windows 10 Home, version 1809
  • Windows 10 Pro, version 1809
  • Windows 10 Pro for Education, version 1809
  • Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, version 1809
  • Windows 10 IoT Core, version 1809

This was expected because, under the Windows Lifecycle Policy, the software versions are only supported for 18 months after the initial release date. This extends to 30 months for Enterprise and Education editions. The chart below explains things a little clearer:

If you’re still running an old version of Windows 10, we recommend you update your OS manually before this change comes into effect, and before Microsoft starts forcibly pushing updates on people.

READ NEXT: How to upgrade to Windows 10

To do so, make sure your files and programs are backed up, search for Windows Update, and select which update to upgrade to.

Microsoft has said that customers who contact Microsoft Support after 21 May will be directed to update their device to the latest version of Windows 10 to remain supported.

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