If you can't remember the last time you ran Windows Update, you may want to give it a quick run now. Microsoft is forcing users who are still on Windows 10 version 1903 to a more up-to-date version.

What Is Microsoft Doing With Older Versions of Windows?

Windows Latest broke down what Microsoft has planned for its operating system and who's affected by this forced update.

Microsoft announced that it was ending support for Windows 10 version 1903 on December 8, 2020. After this date, Microsoft will no longer bugfix version 1903 or accept support tickets for the operating system.

Instead, Microsoft will push users to update their operating system. In fact, the company will push so hard, its users won't have a choice in the matter. Microsoft will force an update that brings user's PCs as close to the current patch as possible.

Unfortunately for Microsoft, not every PC can run the latest patch, so a rollout of every update to date won't cut it. The company does, however, hope to bring everyone up to version 1909 at the very least. That version ends support in May, giving users time to upgrade.

Why Microsoft Is Forcing Users to Update

Microsoft's actions may seem draconian, but the company wants its users to stay secure. As Microsoft ends its support for specific services and programs, it also wants to give users the ability to upgrade and avoid being left out of the cold—even if they don't ask for it.

This isn't the first time Microsoft has forced an update. Recently, the company forced the new Chromium Microsoft Edge onto everyone's PCs. This is because Microsoft wants to kill off both Internet Explorer and Edge's legacy version, as they were far less secure.

Of course, this stance does feel like Microsoft believes it knows your interests and needs better than you do. However, Microsoft may instead be aiming for the group of users who don't really understand what updates do for their computer and how running an outdated version can be dangerous.

Keeping Your Windows PC Updated

If you're running an older version of Windows, you may find that it'll update itself soon, whether you want it to or not. Windows users should get accustomed to updates like this, as Microsoft wants to ensure that every user is on the same page.

If you keep putting off Windows Update because it always pops up at the worst time, you should give managing your updates a shot. While the early versions of Windows 10 were very brash with their updates, recent versions give you some control over how your PC updates itself.

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