Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported. And today 13 December 2022 —KB5021233 (OS Build 19043.2364) Microsoft End of support for windows 10 version 21H1 (Home and Pro Editions.) It means systems running Windows 10 21H1 (also known as the May 2021 Update) will no longer receive security updates. As per the Microsoft blog installing today’s cumulative update, KB5021233 bumps OS to Windows 10 build 19043.2364 includes Security updates to Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Microsoft Graphics Component, Microsoft Edge, Windows Kernel, Windows Storage and Filesystems, and Microsoft Scripting Engine.
The December 2022 security update, released on December 13, is the last update available for these versions. After that date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats,” Microsoft explained.
Windows 10 Support Lifecycle
Each version of Windows 10 is supported for 18 months (1 year and 6 months) from the date of release. The support duration for the first 2 versions was extended as a grace period, all other versions will be supported for 18 months, but Microsoft may extend them by one or two months if necessary.
End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. This is the time to make sure you have the latest available update or service pack installed. Without Microsoft support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information.
Note: If you’re on Windows 10 Enterprise or Education, you don’t have to worry. Microsoft announced last month that currently supported versions of those SKUs will continue to be supported for 30 months.
End of support dates for each version of Windows 10
| Start Date | Retirement Date | |
| Windows 10 Home and Pro | 29-Jul-15 | 14-Oct-25 |
| Windows 10 Version | Start Date | End Date |
| Windows 10 Version 22H2, 2022 update | 18-Oct-22 | 14-May-24 |
| Windows 10 Version 21H2 | 16-Nov-21 | 13-Jun-23 |
| Windows 10 Version 21H1 | 18-May-21 | 13-Dec-22 |
| Windows 10 Version 20H2 | 20-Oct-20 | 10-May-22 |
| Windows 10 Version 2004 | 27-May-20 | 14-Dec-21 |
| Windows 10 Version 1909 | 12-Nov-19 | 11-May-21 |
| Windows 10 Version 1903 | 21-May-19 | 8-Dec-20 |
| Windows 10 Version 1809 | 13-Nov-18 | 10-Nov-20 |
| Windows 10 Version 1803 | 30-Apr-18 | 12-Nov-19 |
| Windows 10 Version 1709 | 17-Oct-17 | 9-Apr-19 |
| Windows 10 Version 1703 | 11-Apr-17 | 9-Oct-18 |
| Windows 10 Version 1607 | 2-Aug-16 | 10-Apr-18 |
| Windows 10 Version 1511 | 10-Nov-15 | 10-Oct-17 |
| Windows 10 Version 1507 | 29-Jul-15 | 9-May-17 |
This is all part of Microsoft’s Windows as a Service (WaaS) model, which sees the company releasing more frequent major updates, but with a short general support period for each update. Though the May 2020 update version 21H1 may no longer be supported for Home and Pro users, the version 21H2 and 22H2 will continue to receive monthly security updates in the coming months.
More details regarding end-of-service dates for supported versions of Windows are available in the Windows Lifecycle FAQ, the Windows 10 Servicing Frequently Asked Questions, and the Lifecycle Policy search tool.
Microsoft also reminded customers on Tuesday that Windows 8.1 will also reach the end of support on January 10, 2023, and that it will not be offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program.
So If you are still using windows 10 version 21H1? You should upgrade the machine before getting yourself into a security problem. Note Upgrading your existing Windows 10 device to the latest version is free of cost because Microsoft offers Windows as a Service.
Also, Microsoft has released the latest Windows 11 as a free upgrade with a number of new features and improvements to compatible devices only. Check if your system meets windows 11 system requirements, and follow this guide to upgrade to windows 11 for free.
Also read:
- Install windows 11 on unsupported PC hardware (Bypass system requirements)
- How to Download the Official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft
- How to Download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool and its usage
- Microsoft Windows 11 New features and improvements: Everything you need to know
- Windows 11 Update won’t download or failed to install [solved]
