Windows 10 version 1709 was also known as the Fall Creators Update and launched in October 2017. Microsoft says it decided to extend support beyond the scheduled end-of-life due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The company has extended the support for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education customers and will provide security updates for the next six months. “To ease one of the many burdens you are currently facing, and based on customer feedback, we have decided to delay the scheduled end of service date for the Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions of Windows 10, version 1709,” the company said in a blog post. “This means devices will receive monthly security updates only from May to October.” Microsoft points out organizations should move to Windows Update for Business to receive updates more efficiently. Interestingly, because of this extension, the newer Windows 10 version 1803 will end its support a month earlier than Windows 10 version 1709. Of course, that’s presuming Microsoft does not simply reset the clock with version 1709.
Google Pauses Updates
We have seen tech companies change the update patterns of their software during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, Google announced it is halting updates for the Chrome browser and Chrome OS. By suspending updates on Chrome, the company is not pressuring developers into keeping their services up to date. Compatibility will be maintained for developers on the last release of the browser and Chrome OS. “Due to adjusted work schedules, we’re pausing upcoming Chrome & Chrome OS releases. Our goal is to ensure they continue to be stable, secure, & reliable for anyone who depends on them. We’ll prioritize updates related to security, which will be included in Chrome 80. Stay tuned,” Google announced.
