John Paul M. Joaquin Tech 12.14.2022 21:Dec PM EST

Microsoft Ends Service for Multiple Windows 10 21H1 Editions Today

Windows 10's May 2021 update is heading for greener pastures.

Microsoft recently retired many editions of Windows 10 version 21H1 after more than a year and a half of service to many Windows 10 users, protecting them from the latest threats.

Microsoft recommends that people using Windows 10 21H1 should update their computers to the latest software to continue their protection from hackers, cybercriminals, and security vulnerabilities.

Windows 10 21H1 Update End Of Service Details

Microsoft mentioned in a Nov. 8 blog post that the security update released on Dec. 13 would be the last update for Windows 10 version 21H1.

After the update's release, Microsoft will no longer release monthly security and quality updates for Windows 10 21H1, including protections from the latest security threats.

For those unaware, Microsoft released Windows 10 21H1 in May 2021, meaning that this particular Windows 10 version has been in service for more than a year and a half since its release.

To be specific, these are the editions of Windows 10 21H1 that Microsoft will no longer support past Dec. 13:

Windows 10 Enterprise, version 21H1
Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session, version 21H1
Windows 10 Education, version 21H1
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, version 21H1
Windows 10 Home, version 21H1
Windows 10 Pro, version 21H1
Windows 10 Pro Education, version 21H1
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, version 21H1

This end-of-service announcement follows three similar updates since September advising users about Windows 10 21H1's retirement on Dec. 13, per Bleeping Computer.

How To Extend Protection On Windows 10 21H1 Computers

Microsoft recommends that Windows 10 21H1 users update to the latest version of Windows 10 as soon as they can to prevent hackers and cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities uncovered by Windows 10's end-of-service.

You may be aware that cybercriminals and hackers usually try to find vulnerabilities in outdated software for devious purposes. According to Tech Target, software updates are important as they patch security flaws that cybercriminals and hackers would otherwise exploit to plant malware on a victim's PC.

The effects hackers and cybercriminals' malware have varies from computer to computer, depending on the malware's function. Some try to take control of computers and steal information, while others encrypt files, documents, and other programs to make them unusable, opening an opportunity to ransom them at a high price.

Microsoft also advises people still using Windows 10 to upgrade their operating system to Windows 11 to shore up more vulnerabilities and better protect themselves from hackers and cybercriminals looking to exploit them.

You may remember that Microsoft first released Windows 10 on July 29, 2015, meaning that the OS is still in service even after seven years, per Life Wire.

With Windows 11's release on Oct. 5, 2021, it is only a matter of time before Microsoft retires Windows 10 to focus more on Windows 11's updates and features and possibly even a newer operating system for people to use and enjoy.