Windows 10 Support Mythbusted

[AlTech]

When Microsoft released Windows 10 on July 29th 2015, they said that it would have 5 years of mainstream support and 10 years of extended support.

 

Many people were confused and probably still are by what this means.

 

That's what I'm here to tell you guys all about .

 

First thing's first, "Windows 10 released on July 29th 2015" just means Windows 10 Build 10240 or put more specifically, 10.0.10240.

This is important because this is the branch that Microsoft is referencing with the 5 years of mainstream support and 10 year extended support. Microsoft is now offering support based on the branch of Windows you are running. The branches are based off of major or minor Windows Versions such as the November update aka Build 10586 OR Version 1511.

 

Q: So then how do you get continuous support throughout Windows 10?

A: Always stay up to date and download the latest Windows update as they come out.

 

Q: What if I don't want to install it right away?

A: You will also be fine so long as you've updated Windows somewhat recently

 

Q: How long can I hold off on an update?

A: For 3 months for Windows 10 Professional Edition OR much longer for enterprise users.

 

Q: What happens if I miss the above deadlines?

A: You won't receive any support or updates from Microsoft. So in this case it's best to reinstall /reset Windows 10.

 

Q:Do I need a Microsoft Account to use Windows 10 features?

A: Yes, for specific features such as Cortana or to access the Windows Store, OneDrive or to register as a Windows Insider. Otherwise there is no need.

 

Q: What happens if I am or become a Windows Insider?

A: You'll get to try out Windows 10 builds before anybody else and your feedback gets translated into the next version of Windows 10.

 

Q: Should I make all of my devices on Windows Insider program?

A: No, it's recommended that only spare PCs should be used for this as Insider builds can be unstable.

 

Q: Do I get challenges to keep me interested in the Insider program?

A: Absolutely.

 

Q: Where can I sign up to be a Windows Insider?

A: Just follow this link and you should be good to go . https://insider.windows.com/

 

Got anymore questions? I may answer them some other time. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this wall of text wonderful Q & A

[MSWindowsinside]

Wait, so people didn't actually know this yet? Doesn't it say this right on Microsoft's website https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet?

[AlTech]

2 minutes ago, MSWindowsinside said:

Wait, so people didn't actually know this yet? Doesn't it say this right on Microsoft's website https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet?

No. Some people were confused and didn't know specifically what they meant.

 

EDIT:
And most people don't read Microsoft's product lifecycle fact sheets.

[Energycore]

This post gets my little song sparrow of approval

 

[MSWindowsinside]

Just now, AluminiumTech said:

No. Some people were confused and didn't know specifically what they meant.

Aha, well to me it was obvious since every new Windows 10 build is essentially what would normally be an entirely new OS. And every new Microsoft OS usually has a support lifecycle of 10 years.

[AlTech]

Just now, MSWindowsinside said:

Aha, well to me it was obvious since every new Windows 10 build is essentially what would normally be an entirely new OS. And every new Microsoft OS usually has a support lifecycle of 10 years.

Most people don't view it that way. Most people view a new build as a new update and not a new OS. Most people are used to Windows changing somewhat between versions and not having smaller new OS versions.

[Hans Christian | Teri]

29 minutes ago, AluminiumTech said:

Q: Do I get challenges to keep me interested in the Insider program?

A: Absolutely.

What exactly does this mean?

[AlTech]

1 minute ago, Hans Christian | Teri said:

What exactly does this mean?

it means you get challenges inside the Windows Insider app so that you can explore new features and be rewarded for doing so.