After over a decade of service, Finally Microsoft ends windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. It’s a significant milestone for millions of users across the globe who have counted on the operating system for personal and business use. If you’re still using Windows 10, what does this shift mean—and how do you get ready for what comes next?
The End of an Era
Windows 10 was released in 2015 and was soon one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems. Famous for its stability, ease of use, and frequent updates, it was the backbone for millions of PCs. However, as technology changes, so must the platforms we consume it on. Microsoft has now moved on to Windows 11 and beyond, officially ending support for Windows 10 at no charge.
What Does “End of Support” Mean?
When Microsoft cuts off support for an operating system, it no longer offers free security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. This doesn’t make your computer crash immediately, but it does make it more susceptible to cyber attacks. Lacking routine patches, old systems become sitting ducks for malware, ransomware, and other threats.
Extended Security Updates (ESU): A Temporary Lifeline
To make the transition smoother, Microsoft is providing a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This enables qualified users to keep receiving important security patches through October 2026. It’s free for most, but it’s a temporary stopgap measure. ESU is not covered by feature updates or customer support, and it’s meant to provide time to upgrade, pursuing a permanent extension of Windows 10 is not the goal.
Read this: Microsoft Ends Movies & TV Store on Xbox and Windows
Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
If your device supports the system requirements, the simplest option is to upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 provides a fresh new interface, better performance, and ongoing Microsoft support. You can verify whether your device is compatible by navigating to Settings > System > About and checking the specs.
If your PC is not compatible, you could consider buying a new one or trying out other operating systems such as Linux Mint or ChromeOS Flex, both of which are lightweight and secure to run on older hardware.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Using an unsupported operating system is dangerous. Hackers attack old systems because they don’t have the most up-to-date protection. If you have sensitive information, do online banking, or work on your computer, an update is not something you should do—it’s something you must do.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 10 end-of-life is a reminder that technology continually advances. While change is inconvenient, it’s also a chance to adopt newer, quicker, and more secure platforms. Whether you get upgraded to Windows 11 or choose another route, the imperative is to act now—before vulnerabilities become an issue.