Despite a series of acquisitions (Nokia) and tie-ups (Samsung), Windows Phones weren’t as profitable for Microsoft as planned, and thus the company stopped manufacturing and focusing on them. The major cause for its failure can be attributed to the lack of quality apps. However, the support continued for the devices, until Microsoft ceased support for Windows 8.1 Mobile in 2017.
In a recent announcement, the IT giant has now clarified that the support for Windows 10 Mobile would end as of December 10, 2019. This means Windows 10 Mobile users would not receive any updates or any assistance at all from Microsoft.
Windows 10 Mobile support ends – User advice
Microsoft has released an FAQ for users who may still be using the Windows 10 Mobile handsets.
With the Windows 10 Mobile OS end of support, we recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device, says Microsoft.
Why is Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 Mobile?
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.
What about the app support on Windows Mobile devices?
Both Microsoft and third-party apps on Windows Mobile devices have a different support system and are separate from the general operating system support. This makes sense because the same apps could be compatible with your PC, Xbox, or Hololens device.
Thus the apps would be supported by their provider the way it was intended to be and has nothing to do with this announcement in particular.
Can users use Windows Mobile devices after 10th December 2019?
Why not! While Microsoft is ramping down the support for its mobile devices, it doesn’t shut down the device itself. Users could continue using their Windows Mobile devices. However, since Microsoft wouldn’t roll out any security updates, you would need to understand that you would be using the device at your own risk.
What should Windows Mobile users do on such a situation?
It needs to be understood that Microsoft stopped manufacturing mobile devices quite some time ago and the current situation was anticipated. Thus, if you have a Windows Mobile device, you could consider buying a new Android or iOS mobile device.
If you wish to continue using your old Windows Mobile device, it would be advisable to backup your phone. To back up the data of a Windows 10 Mobile device, go to the following location Settings > Update & security > Backup > More Options. Select Back up now.
Will the phone work after December 10, 2019?
Yes. The Windows 10 Mobile device should continue to work after December 10, 2019, but there will be no updates after that date, and device backup functionality and other backend services will be phased out.
Exceptions
No Windows mobile device is an exception to this announcement, even if they were procured commercially. However, this announcement is for devices running on Windows update 1709. Support would cease for devices running on 1703 on June 11th, 2019.
For more information, please check the reference on Microsoft’s Support website.
