‘Stop using Windows 10 1909’ warns Microsoft

Microsoft has started warning people running the November 2019 Update (version 1909) of Windows 10 that support will end on 11 May, after which it will no longer receive security updates.

A message (pictured) appearing in the system tray reads: “Your version of Windows 10 will reach end of service soon. Click to download a newer version of Windows 10 to stay supported.”

If you click the link Windows will check whether your computer has the specifications required to install either Windows 10 May 2020 Update (2004) or October 2020 Update (20H2). If so, you can then choose to install it from the Windows Update section.

Some 1909 users have reported not being able to update their machine to a newer version, and instead see the following message on the Windows Update page: “The Windows 10 May 2020 Update is on its way. Once it’s ready for your device, you’ll see the update available on this page.”

This is probably because Microsoft has placed a ‘compatibility hold’ on the computer, having decided that it lacks the necessary technical requirements to install the update without problems. If you don’t want to update at the moment, you can simply close the message and carry on using version 1909.

Microsoft supports versions of Windows 10 for 18 months after they’re released. Support for version 2004 is due to end on 14 December this year. Two new Feature updates are expected before then: version 21H1, due this spring, and 21H2, which should be released in the autumn.