Microsoft has issued an advisory recommending upgrading to Windows 10 22H2 for all PCs running version 21H1 (and earlier) as it approaches end of service (EOS) December 13, 2022.

This means that this version and previous versions will not receive security updates and this is a critical issue in Windowsthe most vulnerable desktop platform that must be updated with security patches to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities.

“To protect you and keep you productive, Windows Update automatically starts updating features for Windows 10 consumer devices and commercial unmanaged devices that are at the end of life or within the last few months.”Microsoft explained. “That way, your device will still be compatible and you’ll receive monthly updates that are critical to the safety and health of the ecosystem. For these devices, you will be able to choose a convenient time for the device to reboot and complete the update..

EOS will affect all editions of Windows 10 21H1 next month, including Home and Pro consumer editions, Education edition for education system, Enterprise edition for companies and special workstations for professional workstations.

How to upgrade to Windows 10 22H2

If you are one of the users running version 21H1 or earlier, it’s time to update to keep your computer protected. The latest version released, Windows 10 22H2 (also known as Windows 10 2022 Update), is recommended and without previous versions. The Home and Pro editions of this version will have 18 months of servicewhile for Enterprise and Education editions it will be 30 months of service.

If you follow us regularly, you should know by heart the version update options:

Update from Windows Update:

• Open Settings > Update & Security.
• Check if any updates are available.
• You will see “Feature update to Windows 10 version 22H2”. Click “Download and Install” to start a wizard to guide you.

Update via web:

Another way to install if your particular computer did not receive the version in Windows Update is to activate it from the Microsoft web portal:

• Go to the official Windows 10 download page.
• Click the “Update Now” button.

Installation / Media / ISO

If you want to update 3rd party computers or use the version to do “clean” installations from scratch or load them into virtual machines, there’s nothing better than using a media creation tool to create an installation DVD/USB or download an ISO image disc. In the following way:

• Enter the Windows 10 download portal.
• Click “Download Tool Now”.
• Run the downloaded file “MediaCreationTool22H2.exe”.
• Accept the license terms.
• Select “create installation media”. (This tool also allows you to update your device, where it is done in the same way we saw in the previous section).
• If you choose the first option, the same Microsoft tool will create an installation media that requires a USB with at least 8 GB capacity.
• Select language, architecture and version.
• You can also create media using your own application. For Windows ISO images, we recommend the infallible Rufus.

Another option for whatever version of Windows 10 you have installed is to upgrade to Windows 11, although remember that Microsoft will support at least one version of Windows 10. until October 14, 2025. If you’re comfortable with the system, there’s plenty of time to upgrade to Windows 11, which will get more new features but a higher share of annoying bugs. And with Windows 12 on the horizon, staying with Windows 10 is a great option, at least for production teams.