Windows Update for Windows Update upgrades end of support message
Quite unnoticed, Microsoft also updated Windows Update on October Patchday. Among other things, it notifies users about the end of support.
Updates are available.
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On October Patchday, which took place on October 10, 2024, Microsoft also released an update for the Windows Update components. However, the update, which went largely unnoticed, added practical functions. Microsoft is also only installing it on certain versions of Windows.
Microsoft describes the content of the update in a support article. The updates to KB5001716 article ensure that users receive a notification that an installed Windows version is no longer receiving updates and has reached the end of its lifecycle.
The authors write: "After installing this update, Windows may periodically display a notification informing you of issues that prevent Windows Update from keeping your device up to date and protecting it from the latest threats. For example, you may see a notification informing you that your device is currently running a version of Windows that has reached the end of its support lifecycle, or that your device does not meet the minimum hardware requirements for the currently installed version of Windows."
Messages should not disturb
However, these notifications should not disturb those affected. According to Microsoft, they consider activated full-screen mode, for example during games, idle times (do not disturb mode) or an activated focus mode of Windows.
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But the update can do even more. It downloads Windows function updates and attempts to install them if the Windows version in use has reached or will soon reach the end of support.
Microsoft has distributed the update for the following Windows versions: Windows 11 21H2; Windows 10 22H2, 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, and 2004, many of which have already reached or will soon reach end-of-support – Windows 10 22H2 in particular is the last Windows 10 version that will be supported until October 2025.
However, users can still purchase extended support (ESU) for Windows 10 version 22H2. For the first time, Microsoft is also making this offer to private users, who can purchase a maximum of one year of extended support for 30 US dollars.
(dmk)