How To Prepare For An Upcoming Windows 10 Deadline

Everything has a lifespan — from cheese to fashion trends to hamsters to operating systems. The upside to operating system lifespans, though, is that they are scheduled. 

That means users can plan for them. And right about now, Windows 10 users should be planning for compatibility issues if they’re using version 20H2. 

As part of a scheduled phase-out plan, Microsoft has an “end date” of May 10 scheduled for version 20H2 of Windows 10. Users, by now, have likely received alerts about the looming deadline, but there is a high probability that many users have ignored the warnings. 

And that’s okay, so long as users understand what to expect once the day comes. While users won’t initially experience a catastrophic incident, experts warn they will start to notice increasing issues with performance. 

The computer will certainly continue working past the scheduled operating system end of life, it just won’t receive driver support any longer. So, to better understand what’s ahead, here’s a brief guide to navigate the imminent end of life for Windows 10 version 20H2. 

What to expect.

Users may encounter some unexplained frustration when using an operating system version past its end-of-life date. Legacy apps may not work the way they had previously, the computer may run slower and reliability may become an issue that is increasingly difficult to ignore.

What EOL means.

EOL, specifically, stands for end of life. But what it means, from a functionality standpoint, is that users with that specific version of the operating system will no longer receive driver support. And that means that system will no longer receive updates and security fixes that offer protection from hackers and infections.

Why EOL is unsafe.

Without driver support, and access to patches that protect an operating system, users are vulnerable and exposed to cyber attacks. Outdated systems are more prone to infection, especially since the schedules for operating system retirements are public. Hackers know where to look, and those using unsupported systems are easy targets. Experts warn that even firewalls and anti-malware aren’t enough to secure outdated systems.

What to do.

Look for a new computer. Experts, like those at My Computer Works, advise that most computers have a safe lifespan of about five years. So, if a computer is older than that, there are greater risks for security vulnerabilities, poor performance, software incompatibility issues and potential compliance challenges for certain industries. 

What to look for.

Buying a new computer can be daunting, since the pace of technological advancements seems to move exponentially faster with each passing year. But, the experts at My Computer Works can guide users through the purchase of a new PC. That expert guidance allows users to avoid buying something they don’t need and instead find a perfect fit for how they plan to use it. Think of the guidance as an extension of the trusted My Computer Works support users already receive. 

CTA: Contact us to learn more about how our computer experts can offer you ongoing support for any issues you’re experiencing!