Microsoft Confirms Windows 10 Feature Updates Ending After 22H2

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And we have known that Windows 10 reaches EOS in October 2025.

Windows 11 Windows 10
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Microsoft has stated that the release of Windows 10 22H2 marks the end of feature updates for this popular version of its operating system. Over the following months, Windows 10 will still receive regular bug fixes and security patches, which applies for mainstream users up to EOS (End of Support) on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 was launched in mid-2015, so it will have enjoyed a 10-year reign.

In its Windows client roadmap update blog post, Microsoft says its clarification regarding the Windows 10 product roadmap “helps consumers and organizations with planning their Windows release activities.” More pointedly, the firm used this community announcement to “highly encourage you to transition to Windows 11 now.” Some may see this announcement as a cynical push by Microsoft to try and accelerate the adoption of Windows 11.

Microsoft’s newest OS didn’t get off to the best start when it appeared in October 2021. We reported on a wide gamut of issues plaguing the OS and have continued to do so in 2023. Significant issues were evident with the operating system’s general performance, SSD performance (ditto), gaming performance (ditto), and printing. However, Windows 11 became the only version of the OS sold with new desktops and laptops starting this January. Moreover, it is gaining traction with gamers, and time has been a great healer. Microsoft ironed out many of the teething issues and finessed customization restrictions that damaged Windows 11’s early reputation.

Windows 11

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If you are a user of one of the Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) editions, Microsoft says you will continue to receive regular updates beyond October 2025, according to the license. On the topic of LTSC releases, another announcement in Microsoft’s update was that Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC will become available in H2 2024. More details about these Windows 11 releases will be shared nearer that time.

If you are still a little confused about what is happening with which version of Windows and when, Microsoft has put together a Windows release health page, which should help.

Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson
News Editor

Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

6 Comments Comment from the forums
  • sergeyn
    Windows 11 still doesn't allow taskbar icons ungrouping...
    Reply
  • bigdragon
    I hope that Windows 12 does not repeat the many user interface mistakes Windows 11 made. I don't want some mashup of Mac OS and Android again. Also expecting the Oct 2025 deadline to be pushed similar to how things were adjusted for XP and 7.
    Reply
  • Grobe
    I'm quite fine whatever changes MS decides to to to remake the desktop / user interface.

    The most troublesome experience I encounter with new versions of Windows (at work) is that several suppliers of equipment and thus software to configure it, doesn't seems to bother upgrading that software so it works properly in the newest Windows environoment.

    For example yesterday I had this software we had bought license for, but still was nagging about missing license key and refused to run. Turned out we had to force that program to open as admin in order to get it to work.

    This - is a waste of time for the company.
    Reply
  • fruitn
    I liked W95, I loved Windows XP, Windows Vista came with a fantastic look, Windows 7 felt streamlined. Windows 8? Blargh. Windows 10, uhmm... It kinda works? Windows 11, not likely to happen anytime soon.
    If I could buy an upgrade to Vista or 7 I would like to go back. Leaving all the "We need to innovate like Apple/Google" <Mod Edit> behind.
    Reply
  • Aaron Priest
    sergeyn said:
    Windows 11 still doesn't allow taskbar icons ungrouping...
    That's still a sore spot for myself and most of my clients. Can't expand pinned apps when they are open on the taskbar either, which is a pain when you have several Word docs or Excel spreadsheets open at once on multiple monitors. Can't read the filenames to know which is which at a glance.
    Reply
  • USAFRet
    Aaron Priest said:
    That's still a sore spot for myself and most of my clients. Can't expand pinned apps when they are open on the taskbar either, which is a pain when you have several Word docs or Excel spreadsheets open at once on multiple monitors. Can't read the filenames to know which is which at a glance.
    With Word, Excel, etc, I can read the filenames.
    Notepad, not.
    Reply