Originally published on October 9, 2017
Microsoft promises two feature upgrades for Windows 10 every year, which has resulted in a little too many versions already. However, the company had revealed quite a well thought out release and end-of-service schedule that makes it clear when the next update should be expected and when the previous one will stop receiving any security updates aka monthly Patch Tuesday cumulative releases. The next Windows 10 version currently on the chopping board is Windows 10 version 1511 also known as the November Update. This is the second Windows 10 version that is being put to its deathbed since the release of Windows 10 back in July 2015.
Windows 10 November Update is at end-of-service
The original Windows 10 (version 1507) stopped receiving any support from the Redmond software maker five months ago. Starting tomorrow, October 10, the company will also end support for users still running the version 1511 that was released in the November of 2015.
If you continue to use version 1511, 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. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you update to the latest version of Windows 10, and that you keep up to date thereafter. 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.
While there may be too many versions of Windows 10, this clear approach helps the company keep sending timely support to Windows 10 versions for nearly two years, and also reduces an extensive number of devices running older Windows 10 versions by ensuring that more users adopt the latest releases of the operating system.
Not sure which version is your Windows 10?
In the taskbar's search box, type winver and press Enter. You will see the About Windows dialog box where you can see the version of Windows 10 that your machine is currently running on. If it's listed as 1511 or even an earlier version, head over to Settings to install the latest Windows 10 version (version 1703) to make sure you keep receiving latest security and feature updates from Microsoft.
Tomorrow's scheduled end of support for the November Update affects all versions, including:
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 Education
- Windows 10 Enterprise
However, it does NOT affect Windows 10 Mobile version 1511, even though the operating system has been abandoned completely by the software giant.
