Considering that Windows 10 launched on July 29, 2015, it makes sense that Microsoft will be retiring Windows 10 Home and Pro versions on October 14th, 2025. Microsoft typically supports an OS version for 10 years, and CEO Satya Nadella made it clear that big changes are coming to Windows with the announcement of Windows 11 last month. It’s important to note that with the arrival of Windows 11, and its once-a-year update cadence, Microsoft is effectively turning its back on its Windows-as-a-service model that was introduced with the release of Windows 10.
Windows-as-a-service was meant to deliver smaller feature updates two times per year to avoid long waiting periods without new features. Prior to Windows 10, Microsoft released new versions of Windows every few years. This traditional deployment schedule imposed a training burden on users because the feature revisions were often significant— a scenario that doesn’t work in today’s rapidly changing world, a world in which new security, management, and deployment capabilities are necessary to address challenges.
However, with Windows 11 moving to a once-a-year release tempo, this aligns with other operating systems’ methods (macOS on the desktop, Android, and iOS on mobile). Like Windows 10, Windows 11 will receive monthly quality updates, but it will have a new feature update cadence – once per year. The Windows-as-a-service model was simply too great for most commercial customers to wrap their heads around. Windows 11 takes a different approach and is the most significant update to the Windows operating system since Windows 10. It offers many innovations focused on enhancing end-user productivity in a fresh experience that is flexible and fluid. Windows 11 is designed to support today's hybrid work environment, and intended to be the most reliable, secure, connected, and performant Windows operating system ever.
Windows 11 is built on the same foundation as Windows 10, so the investments you have made in tools for update and device management are carried forward. Typically, you can use the same tools and solutions you use today to deploy, manage, and secure Windows 11. Windows 11 will also be free for existing users, with the caveat that those wishing to upgrade must be running the latest variant of Windows 10, and must also meet the minimum hardware specifications. Since its recent announcement, users are anxiously anticipating the arrival of Windows 11; advertised with a heavy focus on security at the forefront, this latest Windows OS is expected to allow organizations to access workflow more reliably while securing their resources.
Lloyd is a proud partner of Microsoft and we have always believed in their vision. We’ve witnessed our client community flourish with the proper use of Microsoft’s tools and features. Chat with us today to see how we can provide your organization more comprehensive protection and effortless collaboration through Microsoft’s solutions.
