Windows 10 Support Ends: Update Options Explained

Microsoft will cease mainstream support for Windows 10 starting October 14. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, as maintaining security on Windows 10 post-support requires specific actions.

All Windows 10 users, including those on Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions, will be affected by this end-of-support date. To ensure device security beyond October 14, manual actions are necessary. Failing to act will leave PCs unsecured online.

For those unable to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, providing an additional year of security updates until October 2026. This program is free but requires certain enrollment steps.

Without enrolling in the ESU program, PCs will be vulnerable to security threats discovered after October 14. The ESU program is free, though enrollment involves some procedures. The article provides updates on Windows 10's end of support and safety measures.

If transitioning from Windows 10 isn't feasible, enrolling in the ESU program allows continued security updates beyond October 2025. In the European Economic Area, the program is free without cloud sync, requiring Microsoft account login every 60 days.

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A final security update will be released on this date, with the first missed update on November 11, marking the start of security vulnerabilities. ESU enrollees will receive updates until October 2026.