Bad news for the few people still using Windows 10 mobile. Support for the mobile OS is ending later this year. For everybody else, here’s your reminder that it exists, but also that it is dying.
Microsoft quietly announced [via The Verge] that it will stop releasing security and software updates on December 10. That will also be the date that Windows 10 mobile tech support will end. Device backups will be available through March 10, 2020. Photo uploads and restoring from backups should work for up to a year after formal support ends in December.
If you somehow find yourself still using a Windows 10 mobile device, expect more disappointment. Unless your phone is running version 1709, the latest OS release, support is ending June 11. Microsoft mentioned Lumia 640 and 640 XL phones as two that do not support the latest OS release and as such will lose support on June 11, 2019.
Of course, you are welcome to continue using Windows 10 mobile devices after Microsoft ends support, but Microsoft itself suggests switching. The company has a number of apps for both Android and iOS, including some with Windows 10 PC integration on Android. Android appears to be receiving the bulk of Microsoft’s support, with a launcher and more apps available there.
Microsoft said that it would no longer develop new features or hardware for Windows Mobile back in 2017. It was at this time that the company released its most recent update for Windows Mobile, which was released in October 2017. Windows mobile never stood a chance against Android and iOS, reaching a peak market share of 3.6 percent back in 2013.
Windows 8.1 mobile support ended in July 2017, and 10 mobile has been on its deathbed for years. It’s only been a matter of time for this announcement to come. Now it’s time for those of you still using Windows mobile to choose: Android or iOS.
