Microsoft outlines end of support plans for Windows 10 Mobile

Microsoft has updated its FAQ page regarding the end of support date for Windows 10 Mobile, which has been known for sometime now as December 10, 2019. A few days ago, the company added further detail explaining why Windows 10 Mobile support is being ended, what customers can do, and what will happen to those who do not move from Windows 10 Mobile once support officially ends.

According to Microsoft, those who are planning on sticking with a Windows 10 Mobile device can continue to use their handset as normal, but after December 10, those devices will no longer be serviced by Microsoft with security updates and bug fixes. Users will still be able to create automatic or manual backups of apps and settings until March 10, 2020. After that, there is no guarantee that those features will continue to work.

In addition, features such as automatic photo upload and restoring from a backup may stop working within 12 months after March 10, 2020. In regards to app updates, Microsoft says app support may end at anytime, as it is up to the discretion of the developer building apps that still support Windows 10 Mobile. It sounds like the Microsoft Store will continue to function after the end of support date on December 10, but there's no guarantee as to how long that will last.

If you're a Windows 10 Mobile user currently, Microsoft says you should switch ton an iOS or Android device to continue using Microsoft's mobile software and services. Microsoft's says the reason it is ending support for Windows 10 Mobile is because other mobile platforms have evolved further, meaning Windows 10 Mobile no longer meets the expectations of many:

Technology has evolved along with the needs and expectations of your customers and partners who have already adopted Android or iOS platforms and devices. Microsoft's mission statement to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, compels us to support our Mobile apps on the supported Android and iOS devices.

Anyone who has been following Windows 10 Mobile over the last year should already been well accustomed to the end of support date, and what it means for Windows 10 Mobile as a whole. 2019 is the last year of official "support" for Microsoft's abandoned Mobile platform, as the company has focused its mobile efforts entirely over to iOS and Android, as well as Windows 10 on laptops and tablets.

via The Verge

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads