Hundreds of Millions of Devices, Billions of Questions: What to Do When Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Updates
Windows 10 is nearing its 10th anniversary and its official end of life. Microsoft will cease support for the popular OS on October 14, 2025. While Windows 11 has taken the lead as the most widely used version, Windows 10 still powers hundreds of millions of PCs around the world. Soon, all of these devices will no longer receive security patches or system updates.
When Does Windows 10 Support End?
Final date: October 14, 2025.
After that, there will be no more patches, updates, or official protection from threats.
Can I Still Use My PC After That?
Yes your computer won’t shut down or crash into a blue screen the moment the clock strikes midnight.
However, running Windows 10 without updates in 2025 is like walking barefoot over broken glass technically possible, but extremely risky.
What’s the Solution?
Microsoft is offering a lifeline called the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides one more year of critical security fixes.
What About Apps and Games?
Most apps will continue working for a while, but support won’t last forever. Developers will gradually phase out compatibility with Windows 10, especially for newer versions.
- Microsoft 365 will receive feature updates until August 2026 and security patches until October 2028.
- Chrome, Adobe, and others haven’t announced their plans yet but expect support to end eventually.
What Is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program?
The ESU is Microsoft’s official program that extends access to security-only updates after standard support ends.
Read: Windows 11 Just Made It Easier to Delete Built-In Apps – Here’s How
How Long Does ESU Support Last?
- Home users get one additional year of updates until October 13, 2026.
- Business users can extend for up to three years, for a fee.
How Much Does It Cost?
For home users:
- Free if you back up your settings using OneDrive
- Or about $30 / 1,000 Microsoft Points
For businesses:
- A paid subscription per PC, renewed yearly.
You can connect up to 10 devices under a single Microsoft account, but each must be activated individually.
What Are the Requirements?
- Windows 10 Version 22H2 with the latest cumulative updates
- Editions: Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, or Pro Education
- A Microsoft account and admin rights
To check your version:
Go to Settings > System > About.
How Do I Enroll in ESU?
You can opt in right now or wait until after October 14, 2025.
Can I Still Upgrade to Windows 11?
Yes.
If your PC supports Windows 11, the upgrade is straightforward.
If it doesn’t, it’s still possible just be ready to follow some unofficial methods and video tutorials.
What Are My Other Options?
- Upgrade to Windows 11 officially or through workarounds
- Switch to an alternative OS like Linux
- Use third-party patch providers for example, 0patch offers up to 5 more years of updates, though at a cost
What Happens After October 2026?
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed plans beyond this point. Could they extend ESU again? Maybe but don’t count on it.
If your PC can’t run Windows 11, you have two main choices:
- Upgrade your hardware
- Install Windows 11 unofficially
Doing nothing is technically an option, but it leaves your system wide open to viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other digital threats.
Read: How to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware Like a Pro
