Windows 10 1809 to Lose Security Support
Microsoft has warned users who haven't updated Windows 10 for a couple of years that they will soon face increased security risks. It's about to withdraw support for Windows 10 version 1809, having extended it during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Version 1809 was the second major update of the year in late 2018. It was also known as the "Windows 10 October 2018 Update."
Work-From-Home Changed Plans
For those of you who find it easier to track Windows 10 Feature Updates by their signature bugs, version 1809 was the update that deleted some personal files during the upgrade, as well as overwriting files without asking when the user extracted a ZIP file.
As Microsoft has released three major updates since version 1809 (with a fourth rolling out currently), it would normally have dropped support by now. In this case the support should have been dropped in May this year; however, Microsoft put that on hold noting that many office-based employees were now working at home, making it more difficult for IT departments to deal with any problems caused by an upgrade.
No Security Patches
The support for Windows 10 version 1809 will now end on November 10, 2020. Unlike the old support schedule for Windows 8.1 and earlier, that doesn't simply mean Microsoft will stop offering free help with any problems. Instead it will no longer fix performance bugs or issue security updates.
The move only affects the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 (plus more obscure versions called Pro for Workstations and IoT core.) The Enterprise and Education editions will be supported until May 11th next year.
How to Find Which Version of Windows 10 is Installed
You can easily find out which version of Windows 10 is currently installed on your system by clicking the Start menu, then type in "winver" (no quotes). The window that pops up will tell you which Windows 10 branch is currently installed. Example: it may say: Version 2004 (OS Build 19041.572). It is the "version" number that you're interested in. If it says 1809 then you need to upgrade to the next branch ASAP. If you need help with this, feel free to contact Dennis for remote support to have it done for you.
What's Your Opinion?
Do you keep your copy of Windows 10 up to date? Is it reasonable to drop support after 18 months or so if users don't update to new versions? Are Microsoft's fears about IT staff working remotely still relevant?
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Comments
Always keep Windows updated.
I always update to the latest major version when it's offered automatically. Previously I checked for updates and had no issues doing so, but since they're focusing more on finding problems during the initial releases I've started waiting. The only reason I wouldn't update to the latest version is if my hardware wouldn't support it or I was made aware of a serious problem with the update.
H2 part time issue
I have begun rolling out the H2 upgrade. I have around 10% of my machines so far that the Trust Relationship gets broken during the in-place upgrade. Anyone else h seen this?
Possible reason/s
This may be due to the bugs they have listed including if using a version of updating software or ISO/DVD/USB that isn't the built in Auto update, the Certificates may be lost.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/status-windows-10-20h2
https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/dont-install-the-latest-windows-10-update-using-unorthodox-methods-microsoft-warns
WINDOWS 10
there wouldn't need to be a question about losing support if Windows STOPPED making all these updates. Most of the so-called updates are really just new features that MS would like us to use so they can have even more advertising than they already have. seriously, who NEEDS 3D Printing? MS really doesn't want us to have third-party apps and is constantly "upgrading" to present their version of what some of us have been using for years. support should be available for MORE than a mere 18 months since most of us do not change our apps or devices within that time-frame. I still use, on occasion, my HP5850 units for specific tasks and if MS refuses to update the malware aspects, I could easily get it into my network. I will have to make blocking the important factor now instead of relying on Defender to keep an eye open. STUPID!