Microsoft Extends Security Updates for Windows 10 Version 1709

Microsoft has decided to extend the support for Windows 10 version 1709 due to the coronavirus outbreak in an attempt to give system admins more time to prepare for the change. 

Version 1709 was originally supposed to be pulled on April 14, 2020 for Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions, but Microsoft is pushing back the date to October.

An imminent end of support for a Windows 10 version would require system admins to stay at work to upgrade their fleets to newer releases at a time when social distancing and home isolation are the recommended ways to avoid contracting the new coronavirus.

“Right now, we have a lot of concerns. For our families and colleagues. For our businesses and our customers. Many of us are now working remotely, and all of us have had our day-to-day lives impacted in unique ways. At Microsoft, our top priority is the health and safety of our employees, customers, partners, and communities,” Microsoft explains.

Security updates through the normal channels 

Going forward, devices still running Windows 10 version 1709 will continue to receive updates normally via Windows Update, the Microsoft Update Catalog (for manual installers) and the Windows Server Update Services.

“We have been evaluating the public health situation, and we understand the impact this is having on you, our valued customers. To ease one of the many burdens you are currently facing, and based on customer feedback, we have decided to delay the scheduled end of service date for the Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions of Windows 10, version 1709. This means devices will receive monthly security updates only from May to October. The final security update for these editions of Windows 10, version 1709 will be released on October 13, 2020 instead of April 14, 2020,” Microsoft says.

A new Windows 10 version, currently referred to as version 2004, is expected this spring, with the RTM build likely to be signed