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Home / News / Windows 10 Mobile is finally available for (some) older phones

Windows 10 Mobile is finally available for (some) older phones

It's mostly Lumia phones, unsurprisingly

Windows 10 released on desktops, laptops, and tablets last July, but smartphones? That’s been another story. The Lumia 950 and 950 XL launched with it in November, but it’s been a waiting game since for existing phone owners.

Finally, after months of delays, Microsoft has flipped the switch: Windows 10 Mobile is finally rolling out to Windows Phone devices. It’s mostly Lumia devices, and it’s not even all the Lumia phones currently running Windows 8.1, but there are a few other handsets on the list as well.

Here’s the list of Lumia phones that can upgrade to Windows 10: the Lumia 430, Lumia 435, Lumia 532, Lumia 535, Lumia 540, Lumia 635 (1GB RAM version), Lumia 636 (1GB), Lumia 638 (1GB), Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 730, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, Lumia 930, and Lumia 1520. Also, the BLU Win HD w510u, BLU Win HD LTE x150q, and MCJ Madosma Q501 are on the list.

Microsoft cautions that carrier testing could hold up some of the releases for those handsets, but luckily the company has an UpdateAdvisor app you can download for your phone. Once the Windows 10 Mobile update is live, you’ll get a notification and can begin the process.

As for other Windows Phone owners, you’ll need to hold tight for now – although given the slow decline of Windows on mobile and Microsoft’s shifting focus to other platforms (particularly Android), we aren’t too optimistic on the list getting significantly larger in the future. Keep your fingers crossed, though.

We loved Windows 10 for desktops and tablets when it launched, and it’s only been tweaked and enhanced since then. With universal apps that share code across devices, Windows 10 Mobile should make it easier than ever to manage your work and digital life across multiple screens, although cool new features like Continuum aren’t destined for older hardware.

[Source: Microsoft, Windows Blog]

Profile image of Andrew Hayward Andrew Hayward Freelance Writer

About

Andrew writes features, news stories, reviews, and other pieces, often when the UK home team is off-duty or asleep. I'm based in Chicago with my lovely wife, amazing son, and silly cats, and my writing about games, gadgets, esports, apps, and plenty more has appeared in more than 75 publications since 2006.

Areas of expertise

Video games, gadgets, apps, smart home