This program does not support the version of Windows your computer is running Windows 10

Microsoft is encouraging some Windows 10 users to update their devices before support ends this May. Most versions of the 20H2 (late 2020) update and all currently supported versions of the 1909 (late 2019) update will not receive security patches and bug fixes after 10 May 2022. Continuing to use them after that date will leave your device vulnerable to any future security breaches.

The full list of versions affected are as follows:

  • Windows 10 Home – Version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Pro – Version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Pro Education – Version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Pro for Workstations – Version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Enterprise – Version 1909
  • Windows 10 Education – Version 1909
  • Windows 10 IoT Enterprise – Version 1909

Version 1909 for Windows 10 Home and Pro have already reached end of support. The only exceptions are Enterprise, Education and IoT Enterprise versions of the 20H2 update – these will continue getting updates until 9 May 2023.

However, updating your device is very straightforward. Just head to Settings > Update & Security and click ‘Check for updates’. Once all other necessary updates have been completed, version 21H2 (late 2021) should be available.

There are only a handful of minor changes in the 21H2 update, so it shouldn’t have any noticeable effect on your experience. Microsoft continued its tradition of a gradual rollout to manage demand, but the update should now be available for almost all eligible devices. If not, you can always install the 21H1 update instead.

Microsoft ending support for older versions of Windows 10 is nothing new. Each update usually receives security updates for two or three years, after which users are urged to get a more recent version. Indeed, Microsoft sometimes automatically updates devices running outdated software, as was the case last month.

Windows 10 will continue to be supported until October 2025, but you’ll have to keep updating your computer to stay protected. If you’d rather not worry about that, you could always install Windows 11 instead.

Despite Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements, most Windows 10 devices are eligible for a free upgrade to the new OS. Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 is entering its final phase of rollout, but all compatible devices can install it right now.

  • Should I still buy a Windows 10 laptop or PC?
  • How to make Windows 11 more like Windows 10
  • Windows 11: Everything you need to know

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How to Determine Your Operating System

Documentation

Content Type Product Information & Documentation

Article ID 000018246

Last Reviewed 02/11/2020

Follow these steps to determine which Windows* operating system is running on your computer.

Windows® 10

  1. Click the Start or Windows button (usually in the lower-left corner of your computer screen).
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Click About (usually in the lower left of the screen). The resulting screen shows the edition of Windows.

Windows 8* or Windows 8.1*

Option 1: From the desktop

  1. Swipe in from the upper-right corner of the screen while viewing the desktop to open the menu, and then touch Settings.
  2. Select PC Info. Under Windows edition, the Windows version is shown. 

Option 2: From the Start Screen

  1. While on the Start screen, type computer.
  2. Right-click the computer icon. If using touch, press and hold on computer icon.
  3. Click or tap Properties. Under Windows edition, the Windows version is shown. 

Windows 7*

  1. Click the Start or Windows button (usually in the lower-left corner of your computer screen).
  2. Right-click Computer and choose Properties from the menu. The resulting screen shows the Windows version.
Note Intel® WiDi isn't supported on Windows XP* or Windows Vista*.

See the Microsoft sites below for more details:

  • Which operating system am I running?
  • How to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

This article applies to 1 products.

Discontinued Products

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How do I run a program that is not compatible with Windows 10?

In the search box on the taskbar, type the name of the program or app you want to troubleshoot. Select and hold (or right-click) it, and then select Open file location. Select and hold (or right-click) the program file, select Properties, and then select the Compatibility tab. Select Run compatibility troubleshooter.

How do you fix this program is not supported by the operating system?

Replies (7) .
Locate and right-click on the software setup file on your PC and click on Properties..
Click on the compatibility tab, check the box Run this program in compatibility mode for, select Windows 10 operating system from the drop down menu and proceed with the installation..

How do you fix the version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running?

Use the following steps:.
1) Right click on the Program..
2) Click on Properties..
3) Click on Compatibility tab..
4) Select Run this program in compatibility mode and select Windows Vista or whatever operating system the program was running successfully..

What happens if Windows 10 is not supported?

An unsupported version of Windows will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update. These updates include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal your personal information.