Microsoft may be eager to transition users to Windows 11, and from there, whatever the next version of the desktop operating system may be, but it looks like Windows 10 isn’t quite on the shelf yet.
In fact, quite the opposite, as Microsoft recently published a blog post announcing that it is reopening the Windows 10 Beta channel.
The Beta Channel is the penultimate testing route of the Windows Insider program, prior to the final Release Preview channel. Users sign up to test the latest features for Windows 10, which will eventually be released to all users of the operating system.
Considering that support for Windows 10 is expected to end in October 2025, which isn’t that far away now, it’s a bit surprising that Microsoft has taken this step. It certainly shows that we can expect new features in the future, features that need to be tested – although in fairness Microsoft has made a number of additions to Windows 10 in recent times. (After briefly stating that the operating system would only get security updates, and nothing else).
So Microsoft isn’t quite done with Windows 10 yet, and this is perhaps some kind of admission that it is still the most popular Windows operating system (by a decent margin over Windows 11).
What does this mean for Windows 10 users?
I wouldn’t blame people for being a little confused by this step. It may seem strange that Microsoft is still dedicating resources to further develop Windows 10 even though it will no longer receive support next year.
Windows Last Examined Microsoft on whether this beta channel reactivation could even be an indication that Windows 10 support may be extended beyond October 2025, but that is not the case. All updates will still be halted when that month rolls around next year.
Microsoft has indicated that it will offer a consumer version of its Extended Security Updates program, but the subscription price has yet to be announced. This gives users the option to continue receiving security updates after the Windows 10 end date, but again, only for a limited time and for a fee.
We recently saw Microsoft bring the Mobile Devices page from Windows 11 to Windows 10, allowing users to directly access, view and edit photos from their Android device on their PC. It is unknown what other features Windows 10 will get in the future, but I imagine these will be existing Windows 11 features as they have already been developed.
Overall, I think Windows 10 users will welcome this news and we’ll have to see how Microsoft fares when the big end of life date arrives.