Last Version of Windows?

"Microsoft later clarified that Windows 10 would be updated continuously as a service."

This is the problem. It wasn't.
Microsoft then made Windows 11 with arbitrary requirements that many older computers can't meet. While there are ways that users like myself can get around the requirements, we shouldn't have to, because we were promised that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows. Is Microsoft really going to put millions of computers at risk by cutting off updates (except for a small percent of customers willing to pay for the service) only to turn around and release Windows 12 and announce the end-of-life date for Windows 11, screwing over all the customers that managed to upgrade to 11? I am certain that Microsoft is looking to turn Windows into a paid subscription like Adobe did to its customers, but forcing people into it like Adobe did will only give people the incentive to look for alternatives like millions of people are doing with Adobe software. If they offer it, it should be an option that people can choose. They could make it bundled with Office, OneDrive, and maybe Skype or other options to sweeten the pot. I doubt they will. But that would be the right way to do it.

I know you don't know the answer. Probably neither does Microsoft. But we can all see where this is going.

I appreciate you trying to help.

And I expect the information from Microsoft to change. They only have one year to get the 70% plus users out of Windows 10, and they aren't going to succeed at their current pace. So, either they will extend the shelf-life of Windows 10 like they did with Windows 7, or they will leave about half of Windows users vulnerable to viruses, making everyone more vulnerable to viruses.

As a power user, I have the ability to install Windows 11 on computers that aren't compatible with it, or go with other options that most computer users do not. I will be interested to see which road Microsoft decides to take.

Unfortunately, despite Microsoft being a local company for me when I was younger, they have squandered all their trust and goodwill with me with this issue and another problem I had in the past. The real problem is that most users have few options other than to let their version of Windows become vulnerable or buy a new computer (if they have the money). That is the real problem; lack of trust and competition/options.

I can only hope they will make the right decision.

Hi KanTen, I am John J.D., a fellow Microsoft user like you.

I understand your frustration. I’m here to provide information as a fellow Microsoft user.

I believe you’re referring to the statement made by Jerry Nixon in 2015. While Nixon mentioned that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows, he wasn't speaking officially for Microsoft. Microsoft later clarified that Windows 10 would be updated continuously as a service but decided to release Windows 11 as a new version in 2021. I hope this helps clarify things. Reference: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

For official announcements and information on Microsoft’s plans for Windows 10 end of support (EOS), please check this resource: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-...

Also please check other articles here:

> Microsoft Weekly: more supported CPUs for Windows 11, botched Edge updates, and more: https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-weekly-mo...

> Non-managed Windows 10 Pro PCs will be invited to upgrade to Windows 11 in April: https://www.neowin.net/news/non-managed-windows...

Should you need further information please let me know.

John J.D.

Note: There is a non-Microsoft link included in this response. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Thank you KanTen, for sharing your concern and experience.

I understand how frustrating the transition from Windows 10 has been. I'm not here to sugarcoat anything and I'm not directly employed by Microsoft, but in fairness to them, they genuinely aim to have everyone upgrade to Windows 11, including businesses, governments, and especially hospitals still using Windows 10 and unable to upgrade due to system and hardware requirements. Microsoft is addressing this by releasing Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024. Also, they are planning to add more supported CPUs and ease the requirements, as mentioned earlier in the provided link, now that Windows 10 extended security support is coming to an end.

Honestly, I had similar thoughts when Windows 11 was first introduced. But, subsequent updates from Microsoft have been helpful. I highly recommend referring to official information only from them for the most accurate updates.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions or concerns, please let me know.