Windows 10 End of Support: What Happens on October 14, 2025
Everything you need to know about the end of Windows 10 support, what it means for your PC, and your options moving forward.
Quick Summary
- Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025
- No more security updates after this date (without ESU)
- Your PC will still work, but becomes vulnerable
- Options: Upgrade to Windows 11, buy ESU, or continue at risk
- ESU available for home users for the first time ($30/year)
Table of Contents
What Is End of Support?
End of support (EOS) is the date when Microsoft stops providing updates, security patches, and technical assistance for a product. For Windows 10, this date is October 14, 2025.
Security Updates Stop
No more patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities
No Technical Support
Microsoft will no longer assist with Windows 10 issues
Software Compatibility
New software may stop supporting Windows 10
Your PC Still Works
Windows 10 doesn't stop functioning—it just becomes unsupported
Windows 10 End of Support Date: Key Timeline
Here are the important dates in the Windows 10 lifecycle:
Windows 10 Released
Initial release of Windows 10
End of Support
Last day of free security updates
ESU Program Begins
Extended Security Updates available for purchase
ESU Program Ends (Expected)
Maximum 3 years of ESU based on historical patterns
Note: ESU end date is estimated based on Microsoft's typical 3-year ESU programs for previous Windows versions.
What Happens After October 2025?
After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will continue to function, but several important things will change:
What WILL Happen
- Your PC continues to work normally
- Existing software remains functional
- Internet access stays available
- Microsoft 365 apps continue working (for now)
- Antivirus software continues to provide some protection
What WON'T Happen
- No more security patches for Windows vulnerabilities
- No more bug fixes or quality updates
- No Microsoft technical support
- No new features or improvements
- Eventually, third-party software may drop support
Security Risks Without Updates
Running Windows 10 without security updates exposes your system to significant risks:
Unpatched Vulnerabilities
High RiskNew security flaws discovered after October 2025 won't be fixed, leaving your system vulnerable to exploits.
Malware & Ransomware
High RiskCybercriminals specifically target unsupported systems because they know vulnerabilities won't be patched.
Data Breaches
High RiskPersonal information, passwords, and financial data become more vulnerable to theft.
Compliance Issues
Medium RiskBusinesses may violate regulatory requirements (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR) by using unsupported software.
Software Incompatibility
Medium RiskOver time, browsers, apps, and services may stop supporting Windows 10.
Important: Antivirus software alone cannot fully protect an unsupported operating system. The OS itself needs security updates to remain secure.
Your Options After End of Support
You have several choices when Windows 10 support ends:
Upgrade to Windows 11
RecommendedThe recommended option if your PC meets the requirements. Windows 11 will receive security updates until at least 2027-2028.
Pros
- +Full security updates
- +New features
- +Long-term support
- +Better performance on compatible hardware
Cons
- -Requires TPM 2.0 & compatible CPU
- -May need new PC
- -Learning curve for new interface
Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Pay for continued security updates. For the first time, ESU is available to home users at $30/year.
Pros
- +Keep using Windows 10
- +Security updates continue
- +No hardware changes needed
Cons
- -Annual cost ($30/year, increasing)
- -Only security updates, no features
- -Maximum 3 years
Continue Without Updates
Keep using Windows 10 as-is. Not recommended for internet-connected PCs with sensitive data.
Pros
- +No cost
- +No changes needed
- +Familiar environment
Cons
- -Security vulnerabilities
- -No support
- -Increasing software incompatibility
Switch to Linux
A free alternative that runs on older hardware. Requires learning a new operating system.
Pros
- +Free
- +Runs on older hardware
- +Security updates continue
- +Many distros available
Cons
- -Learning curve
- -Software compatibility varies
- -Some hardware may not work
Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
For most users, upgrading to Windows 11 is the best long-term solution. Here's how to decide:
Your PC meets Windows 11 requirements
Upgrade to Windows 11. It's free and the best option for security and compatibility.
Check requirements and upgrade
Your PC doesn't meet requirements but works well
Consider ESU for 1-3 years while planning for new hardware, or explore Linux.
Purchase ESU or try Linux
Your PC is old and struggling
This is a good time to purchase a new Windows 11 PC with better performance.
Consider new hardware
You use specialized software
Check compatibility with Windows 11 first. ESU may be necessary during transition.
Test compatibility before upgrading
Ready to Upgrade?
Get a genuine Windows 11 license and ensure your PC stays protected with the latest security updates.
View Windows 11 LicensesFrequently Asked Questions
Will Windows 10 stop working on October 14, 2025?
No. Windows 10 will continue to function normally. End of support means no more updates, not that the OS stops working.
Is it safe to use Windows 10 after support ends?
It's riskier. Without security updates, your system becomes increasingly vulnerable to malware and exploits. The longer you wait, the greater the risk.
Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?
If you have a valid Windows 10 license and your PC meets Windows 11 requirements, the upgrade is free through Windows Update or the Installation Assistant.
What if my PC doesn't support Windows 11?
You can purchase ESU ($30/year for home users), continue using Windows 10 at your own risk, try Linux, or purchase new hardware with Windows 11.
How much does Windows 10 ESU cost?
For home users, ESU costs $30 for the first year. Business pricing varies. The price is expected to increase each year based on Microsoft's historical ESU programs.
Will Microsoft 365 work on Windows 10 after support ends?
Initially, yes. However, Microsoft may eventually require a supported OS. Check Microsoft's official documentation for current requirements.
Can I install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?
There are workarounds, but Microsoft doesn't recommend or support this. You may not receive all updates, and stability isn't guaranteed.
What's the difference between end of support and end of life?
They're often used interchangeably. Technically, end of support means no more updates, while end of life means the product is completely discontinued.
Related Windows 10 Guides
Official Microsoft Resources
Conclusion
Windows 10 end of support on October 14, 2025 is a significant milestone. While your PC won't stop working, continuing without security updates poses real risks. For most users, upgrading to Windows 11 is the best path forward. If that's not possible, the ESU program provides a bridge while you plan your next steps. Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your important data and make an informed choice based on your specific situation.