After more than a decade of service, Windows 10 has officially reached its end-of-support date as of October 14, 2025. This milestone marks the conclusion of monthly security updates for the over 1 billion PCs that have relied on this operating system. For users with older devices that do not meet the compatibility requirements for Windows 11, Microsoft will not permit upgrades through Windows Update, instead steering users toward purchasing new hardware.
However, there are several pathways available for those wishing to extend their Windows 10 experience, particularly for consumers looking to maintain security updates at no cost for an additional year, until October 2026. It’s crucial for users managing Windows 10 systems to act promptly, as the window for options is closing.
1. Sign up for extended security updates
Microsoft has announced that it will continue to develop security updates for Windows 10 for three years following the official end-of-support date, though these updates will not be free for all users. Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available on a subscription basis for both consumers and businesses.
For individuals, the cost for an additional year of updates is set at , but savvy users can utilize Microsoft Rewards points to cover this expense. Alternatively, those using the Windows Backup tool may qualify for free updates. It’s important to note that this consumer ESU subscription is non-renewable, meaning users must devise a long-term strategy before the year concludes.
Educational institutions have a more favorable deal, with extended updates available for just per machine in the first year, escalating to and in subsequent years. Conversely, businesses face significantly higher costs, with the ESU program priced at per device for the first year, doubling each subsequent year, culminating in a total of 7 for three years.
2. Buy a new PC (or rent a virtual PC)
Microsoft encourages users to consider replacing unsupported hardware with new PCs, which may include enticing options like Copilot+ PCs or high-performance gaming machines. However, for those with mission-critical software or specialized hardware that cannot transition to Windows 11, this may not be a viable solution.
An alternative is to rent a virtual PC through Windows 365, which enables remote access to a Windows 11 environment while still providing extended security updates for the host PC. While this option starts at per month, it may be more economical than purchasing new hardware.
3. Upgrade your ‘incompatible’ hardware to Windows 11
Despite the compatibility checker’s restrictions, there are documented methods to bypass these limitations and upgrade to Windows 11. For PCs designed for Windows 10, a simple registry edit and ensuring Secure Boot with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) enabled can facilitate the upgrade. This option is particularly appealing for users with machines less than a decade old.
For older systems, third-party tools like Rufus may assist in overcoming installation hurdles. However, it’s essential to note that certain hardware limitations, particularly regarding CPU support, may still prevent some upgrades.
4. Ditch Windows completely
Another option is to replace Windows 10 with a Linux distribution, provided users possess the technical skills to manage the transition. With the rise of web-based services, many tasks can be accomplished through a browser, potentially minimizing the impact of changing operating systems.
Alternatively, Google’s ChromeOS Flex offers another avenue, though users should verify compatibility with their hardware before proceeding.
5. Ignore the end-of-support deadline completely
While it is possible to continue using an unsupported operating system, this approach carries significant risks, particularly concerning security vulnerabilities. Some users may believe that third-party antivirus solutions will suffice, but relying on such measures is not advisable for critical business operations.
For those determined to proceed without updates, installing the 0patch agent could provide some level of protection against unaddressed vulnerabilities, though this is not a recommended strategy for business use.
What does ‘end of support’ mean?
Microsoft has adhered to a policy of supporting major operating system releases for a decade. With Windows 10’s release in 2015, its support lifecycle has now concluded, as outlined in Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy. Following the end-of-support date, Windows Update will cease delivering security and reliability fixes, leaving users to navigate their next steps.
As the landscape shifts, users are encouraged to explore their options thoughtfully, ensuring that their computing needs remain secure and efficient in the evolving technological environment.
