Many users are averse to install the latest Windows versions and prefer to stay on previous releases to avoid potential bugs and instabilities. Microsoft respects such a view and gives every user the freedom to choose when to install a newer Windows version as long as their preferred release remains supported.
That is why Windows 10's market nowadays splits between three releases with relatively similar shares. According to the latest data from Adduplex, Windows 10 1909 - also known as Windows 10 "November 2019 Update" - currently holds slightly more than 18% of all users. If you are one of those using Windows 10 1909, prepare to upgrade your system to a newer version as 1909 approaches the end of support. You can check your Windows 10 version by pressing the Win + R shortcut and entering the winver command.
Microsoft plans to cease Windows 10 1909 support on May 11, 2021. On that day, the OS will get its last cumulative update with security patches and quality improvements. Do note that the end of support affects only consumer-based SKUs. Microsoft will discontinue the following editions: Windows 10 Home, Professional, Professional Education, and Professional for Workstations. As for enterprise-based editions, Microsoft will continue issuing updates for Windows 10 1909 for one more year until May 10, 2022.
Windows 10 version 1909 became globally available on November 12, 2019. Unlike versions 1903 and 2004, this update did not brought major changes to the OS. Starting with Windows 10 1909, users can create a new event from the calendar flyout and launch third-party voice assistants on the lock screen. Besides, Windows 10 1909 brought refined notifications, enhanced OneDrive integration with File Explorer search, and an improved side panel in the Start menu. Overall, November 2019 Update was relatively minor, and thus users did not encounter any bugs or critical issues.
From May 2021, Microsoft will provide support only for Windows 10 2004 and 20H2. These two releases will keep getting updated until December 14, 2021, and May 10, 2022, respectively.
Running an older version of Windows 10 may allow hackers to potentially execute harmful code on your devices via newly discovered yet unpatched security holes. So if you're concerned about your security, don't forget to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.
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