Windows 10 will reach its end of support and life in October 2025. This means that users with the Windows 10 operating system will not get any feature and security updates from Microsoft after the said date. However, this will not mean that your computer with Windows 10 operating system will stop working. In this article, we will talk about Windows 10 end of support and what you can do after the end of support.
Windows 10 End of Support and Life
Microsoft will end the support for Windows 10. This is what Microsoft says:
After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Windows 11 offers a modern and efficient experience designed to meet current demands for heightened security.
What does Windows 10 end of support and life mean?
After 14th October 2025, Windows 10 will not receive any quality and feature updates from Microsoft. This does not mean that Windows 10 will stop working. Users can keep using Windows 10.
After the said date, Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes for issues, security fixes for vulnerabilities, time zone updates, and technical support for problems that users face.
Earlier, on the Windows 10 Release Information page, Microsoft mentioned that version 22H2 is the final version of Windows 10. All Windows 10 version 22H2 editions will get monthly security updates till 14th October 2025. Microsoft also mentioned that Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise will continue to receive updates based on their specific lifecycles.
Why is a Windows Update necessary?
Windows Updates are crucial for several reasons. Windows Updates are focused on increasing the device’s security and performance. These updates contain the latest security patches and bug fixes. Additionally, these updates also add new features to a Windows device. That’s why Microsoft suggests users to upgrade to Windows 11.
How to upgrade to Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 is easy. If your PC is eligible for Windows 11, you can install Windows 11 directly from the Windows Update page in your system settings.
Follow the instructions provided below:
- Open Windows 10 Settings.
- Go to the Windows Update page.
- Click on the Check for updates button.
If you see the following message, click on the Download and install button.
Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready – and it’s free.
All Windows 10 PCs cannot be upgraded to Windows 11, as Windows 11 has some specific hardware requirements. You cannot upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC does not have the required hardware. You can also use Microsoft’s official PC Health Check tool to check if your system supports Windows 11.
Installing Windows 11 on a PC with unsupported hardware is also possible. However, Microsoft does not recommend this because you may experience issues while running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. There are also a few things that you should know before upgrading to Windows 11.
Extended Security Update program for Windows 10
The Extended Security Update (ESU) is a program from Microsoft that gives customers an option to receive security updates after the end of support. It is a paid program and organizations and individuals can enroll in it. If you enroll in this program, you will get important security updates through an annual subscription service after the support ends.
Who can enroll in the Windows 10 ESU program?
To become eligible to get updates through the ESU program, your device should be running Windows 10 version 22H2. The ESU program has the following limitations:
- New features
- The customer requested nonsecurity updates
- Design change requests
What can you do after Windows 10 end of support?
Windows 10 computers will work flawlessly even after the end of support. However, they will not receive any security updates from Microsoft. This will make them vulnerable to malware and malicious attacks. To secure your Windows 10 computer after the end of support, you can take some measures, like installing a good antivirus or antimalware program, enrolling in the ESU program, keeping all your drivers and software up to date, etc.
What happens when Windows 10 goes end of life?
When Windows 10 goes end-of-life, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10. Your Windows 10 computer will not stop working after the end of support. If your computer is compatible with Windows 11, you should upgrade it to Windows 11.
Read: The risks of staying with Windows 10 after End Of Life
Is it safe to use Windows 10 after 2025?
Microsoft provides feature and security updates to Windows users through the Windows Update page in system settings. When support for a particular Windows version ends, it will not receive any feature and security updates from Microsoft, making users’ systems vulnerable to malicious attacks. However, by installing a good antivirus, updating drivers and installed software and restricting and moderating internet usage, you may be able to ‘secure’ Windows 10.
