Microsoft Really Wants You To Move To Android

Or iPhone, for that matter. We have known for a while now that Windows Phones are dead, but Microsoft has just moved a little further from its mobile platform.

In a recent update to its FAQ page, the company details its end of support plans for the mobile OS.

And in the process, recommending users to move to Android or iPhone handsets as soon as possible, as the last updates for the Windows 10 Mobile operating system will launch in December this year. After this date, the mobile OS will be on its own.

Sure, the devices and apps will continue to work after this deadline, but Redmond emphasizes that the vulnerabilities in the operating system will remain unfixed without patches.

Furthermore, beginning March 2020, Microsoft will no longer allow the creation of device backups.

For this reason, the company recommends a migration to Android or iOS powered handsets, emphasizing that all of its apps are available on these platforms too:

“With the Windows 10 Mobile OS end of support, we recommend that customers move to a supported Android or iOS device. 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 those platforms and devices.”

As clear as signal as any, this.

Microsoft also touched upon what customers who recently purchased Windows 10 Mobile devices should do. In this case, the firm suggests contacting the retailer for any information on returns or reimbursements.

Of course, Microsoft itself does not sell Windows phones, but a few models like the HP Elite x3 continue to be available for purchase. These may be pulled shortly, with the platform headed towards a clear dead end.

Speaking of dead stuff, Microsoft does not guarantee that the Microsoft Store would continue to run after the December 2019 end of support deadline —it may, it may not.

The developers can pull their apps any time before this date.

The end is near.