Windows 10 and Windows 11 22H2 will reach its end of life on October 14th 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide free monthly security update releases, technical support or bug fix patches for Windows 10 and Windows 11 22H2.
What does Windows 22H2 mean: Windows 22H2 refers to a feature update for Windows 10 and Windows 11 – it was a major release and was considered the final update for Windows 10.
- 22 = the year 2022
- H2 = the second half of the year
What Does ‘End of Life’ Mean?
- No More Updates: After October 14th, 2025, Windows 10 and Windows 11 22H2 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or performance improvements. This leaves users vulnerable to new security threats and software bugs.
- Software Compatibility Issues: Over time, new applications and services may no longer support Windows 10 and Windows 11 22H2. You’ll miss out on the latest software advancements, which can hinder productivity.
- Security Risks: As these two versions become obsolete, the lack of security patches makes your system an easy target for cyberattacks, malware, and viruses.
What Should You Do Now?
- Upgrade to Windows 11 23H2 or Later: If you’re using Windows 11 22H2, upgrading to a newer version of Windows 11 before the end of support date is the most straightforward solution. The current version which Microsoft recommends is currently 24H2 and it has already received a cumulative update for Q1 2025. This version was quite a major upgrade which is pretty much a substantial rewrite of Windows 11 to meet current security practices.
- Check for Hardware Compatibility: Make sure your hardware meets the requirements for the latest versions of Windows 11. If not, it might be time to consider a hardware upgrade. If your computer was made in 2018 or earlier there is a risk the hardware doesn’t quite meet the requirements. However, you can talk to us at Digital Planning, as sometimes updates to the firmware (code which controls the computer hardware) can update the system to meet requirement.
The Importance of Preparing Early.
The end of life for these operating systems isn’t an immediate crisis, but it’s certainly something you shouldn’t ignore. Here are a few steps to ensure you’re ready:
- Evaluate Your Devices: Assess whether your current hardware can support Windows 11 or if you’ll need to upgrade.
- Backup Your Data: Always back up your data before upgrading to a new OS. Losing files during an upgrade or migration is a common issue.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any announcements or updates from Microsoft regarding new features, release schedules, or changes to their support timelines.
- Consult IT Professionals: If you’re managing multiple devices or a business, working with IT professionals, such as ourselves can help ensure a smooth transition.
What does this mean for Cyber Essentials Certification?
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus requires organisations to manage vulnerabilities and risk – this includes addressing End Of Life software and hardware. This means that Windows 10 and Windows 11 22H2 will no longer be considered compliant. To maintain compliance, organisations must ensure all devices are running supported versions of Windows.
We are here to help you.
We understand these updates can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller teams. So please get in touch if you’d like us to review your current setup or prepare for the upcoming changes.
Digital Planning is an agnostic consultancy that provides advisory discussion on easing into a digital transformation. We can provide the discussion needed, along with the project planning to ensure a smooth transition from non-compliancy. Feel free to give us a call.
And here is a useful link to keep up to date with supported Windows versions: https://endoflife.date/windows
