In a recent update on its support page, Microsoft has revealed that it will stop providing support for Windows 10 Mobile from December 10, 2019.
The support is ending even earlier for mobile devices running OS version 1703 of Windows 10. These devices include Lumia 640 and 640 XL phone models. Their support will reach end on June 11th, 2019.
“As of December 10, 2019, Windows 10 Mobile users are no longer eligible to receive new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft for free. Third parties or paid support programs may provide ongoing support, but it is important to recognize that Microsoft support will not publicly provide updates or patches for Windows 10 Mobile,” stated Microsoft in the FAQ of Windows 10 Mobile.
Windows Phone has been a failed venture for Microsoft. The company launched the first smartphone in 2010 with Windows Phone 7. Further, Microsoft joined hands with Nokia in 2011. Steve Ballmer was the CEO of Microsoft then. The partnership made Windows the primary operating system for Nokia smartphones, replacing Symbian.
Moving ahead, the Windows Phone 8.1 was released in 2014, and then the Windows 10 Mobile in 2015. However, the company couldn’t beat the competition of Android and iOS devices. App developers too had stopped showing interest in building app for the OS.
And finally, the end has come for the Windows Phone!
The end of support means that Microsoft won’t provide any product or security updates for the OS. Users will be able to create backups for settings and applications till March 10, 2020, whereas a number of services like photo uploads and restoring the device may continue for another year from end of support.
Also read: Microsoft to decouple Search and Cortana in Windows 10 taskbar
The Windows 10 Mobile customers will now need to switch to Android and iOS devices.
