Seeing a Windows 10 ‘End of Support’ Alert? Don’t Panic, It’s a Known Bug
If you’ve recently seen a startling notification on your Windows 10 PC warning that your operating system has reached its “end of support,” you can breathe a sigh of relief. This is a known bug affecting some users, and your computer is not suddenly obsolete or insecure.
A recent monthly update from Microsoft has been incorrectly triggering these end-of-support messages for users on stable, supported versions of the OS. This has understandably caused confusion and concern, but the alert is not accurate.
What’s Causing the False End of Support Alerts?
The issue stems from a bug within a recent cumulative update. This bug incorrectly displays a full-screen notification urging users to upgrade to Windows 11, citing the end of support for their current version. However, for most users seeing this message, the actual end-of-life date for Windows 10 is still more than a year away.
Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is actively working on a resolution. The fix will likely be delivered through a future Windows Update and will not require any manual intervention from users.
Which Windows 10 Versions Are Affected?
The false alerts are primarily appearing on PCs running the most common consumer versions of the operating system. Specifically, users on the following versions may encounter this bug:
- Windows 10 Version 22H2
- Windows 10 Version 21H2
If you are running either of these versions, you can be confident that your system is still fully supported by Microsoft.
The Real End of Support Date for Windows 10
It’s important to separate this bug from the actual support lifecycle of Windows 10. While Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, the company has committed to supporting Windows 10 for some time.
The official end-of-support date for Windows 10 Home and Pro (versions 21H2 and 22H2) is October 14, 2025.
Until that date, your PC will continue to receive critical security updates, bug fixes, and stability improvements, ensuring your device remains protected and functional.
What Should You Do About the False Notification?
If you encounter this full-screen alert, here is the recommended course of action:
- Do not panic. The message is a result of a software bug and does not reflect the true support status of your PC.
- Simply close the notification. You can typically dismiss the screen without taking any further action. Your system will continue to operate normally.
- Do not download third-party “fix” tools. Scammers often capitalize on this type of confusion. The only legitimate fix will come directly from Microsoft via Windows Update.
- Keep your system updated. Ensure your Windows Update settings are enabled to receive automatic updates. This will guarantee you get the official patch as soon as it’s released.
How to Verify Your Windows 10 Version
If you’re unsure which version of Windows 10 you are running, it’s easy to check. This can help confirm that you are on a supported version and can safely ignore the erroneous alert.
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
- Type
winverand press Enter. - A window will appear displaying your exact Windows 10 version number (e.g., “Version 22H2”).
In summary, the “end of support” alerts appearing on some Windows 10 machines are harmless but confusing. Your PC remains secure and supported until October 14, 2025. You can safely ignore the message and wait for Microsoft to roll out an official fix.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-10-update-bug-triggers-incorrect-end-of-support-alerts/
