Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. What does this mean if you haven’t switched yet?
When does support for Windows 10 end? On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for the Windows 10 operating system. Therefore, Windows 11 is currently Microsoft’s latest operating system.
What does the end of Windows 10 mean? First of all, it only means the official support from Microsoft for Windows 10 ends. Your license for Windows 10 remains valid and you can continue to use your computer with Windows 10.
The end of Windows 10 also means that there will be no more free software updates, security updates, or technical support from Microsoft. Computers running Windows 10 will continue to function, but they will be significantly more susceptible to viruses, malware, and other security issues. For this reason, staying on Windows 10 is generally not recommended.
Systems with Windows 10 will receive updates only through a paid subscription starting in October
Can you still receive updates? Yes, there is indeed a way to extend Windows 10 support for 1 year. Microsoft refers to this as Extended Security Updates (ESU). The cost is expected to be 61 US Dollars for one year. You will receive security updates until October 13, 2026. However, it is important to note that you will only receive security fixes and no new features or other enhancements. Microsoft states regarding this:
The ESU program allows PCs to continue receiving critical and important security updates through an annual subscription service after support has ended.
Extended Security Updates will be available for private users for an entire year, while companies and public institutions will be able to extend ESU for a maximum of three years.
Can you still upgrade to Windows 11 for free? Yes, both at this current time (September 2025) and at a later time, it should still be possible to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. However, you must meet certain requirements for an upgrade. The system requirements for Windows 11 can be found on MeinMMO explained.
Windows 11 is the current operating system from Microsoft and is now running on many computers. However, some users are still hesitant about whether they should really upgrade from Windows 10 or an even older system to Windows 11. MeinMMO explains the advantages and disadvantages of an upgrade and lists reasons for and against an upgrade: 6 reasons why you should upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 and 4 reasons against it
