Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 till its end of life with regular updates. However, these updates will get smaller in size. This means faster downloads and quicker installs for Windows 10 loyalists.
Windows 10 updates to be stripped-down versions of Windows 11?
Windows 10, as an OS, doesn’t have a lot going for itself. Although still a dominant OS, its days are numbered.
Microsoft hasn’t yet given up on Windows 10 entirely. The company may have confirmed Windows 10 will reach its end of life in October 2025. However, the OS will continue to receive regular updates till the end of its service life.
Windows 10 gets security and quality updates from Microsoft every month. Microsoft has also announced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for the OS. This guarantees security updates and patches for a limited time, at a steep price.
“Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10, and all editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date.”
Microsoft announced an extended support program for…— Mitesh Shah (@realityviews) April 26, 2024
Moving forward, these updates for Windows 10 will shrink in size, Microsoft has confirmed.
“[Windows 10 updates released every month], result in a substantial amount of content that can quickly consume the network bandwidth of users operating on slower networks. To reduce the demands on your network, Microsoft is now taking a page from the Windows 11 playbook and reducing the size of Windows 10 update packages.”
What this essentially means is that Microsoft will deliver smaller updates to PCs running Windows 10. Microsoft has reportedly assured these shrunken updates will be quicker to download and install. This does not mean the company is taking away features and delivering the bare essentials.
Microsoft to backport Windows 11 update mechanism
Microsoft has built Windows 11 with a new approach to product design. Moreover, its update delivery mechanism, and pipeline too, are built differently. “This is achieved through efficient packaging, including the removal of reverse differentials from the cumulative update package,” Microsoft has explained in a blog post.
Microsoft is essentially backporting the Windows 11’s update mechanism to Windows 10. Moving forward, Windows 10 will continue to receive the monthly Latest Cumulative Update (LCU) package. However, these packages should be smaller in size.
🔐 Need to stay secure on Windows 10 after support ends? This Week in IT, we break down the ESU pricing & update options for post-2025 security.
🎬 https://t.co/phaQT7trmH
Perfect for organizations planning ahead! #Windows10 #ITSecurity🛡️ pic.twitter.com/qlKesHmASR— BWWMediaGroup (@BwwMediaGroup) April 17, 2024
Windows 10 users will have to decide quickly to move on to Windows 11 or get a new PC that supports the OS’s successor. However, until then, PCs running Windows 10 should have the Windows 10 July 23, 2023 update (KB5028244) installed.
Windows 10 loyalists can separately download and install Servicing Stack Update (SSU) KB5031539. This will ensure their PCs are compatible with the new and optimized quality updates.