Microsoft has extended the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program by one year, now ending on October 12, 2027, providing additional security updates for users who prefer Windows 10.
Users are upgrading to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life, with its market share dropping below 35%. Windows 11 requires specific minimum hardware requirements, which can be checked using the PC Health Check tool. If a device is not compatible, Microsoft suggests purchasing a new Windows 11 device. Microsoft offers a free 12-month security support extension for those unable to upgrade, with enrollment in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program open until October 2026. Users can enroll in the ESU for Windows 10 and later upgrade to Windows 11 within the next year if their hardware is eligible. Windows 11 has enhanced safety and security features, but around 500 million PCs still run Windows 10. There are reports of issues with the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, and users are advised to download the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) as a workaround. It is recommended to back up files during this transition period.
Microsoft concluded support for Windows 10 on October 14th, leaving users without security updates or patches. Many users are considering upgrading to a PC compatible with Windows 11, but not all machines meet the hardware requirements, particularly the need for a TPM 2.0 chip. To address user concerns, Microsoft introduced a one-year support extension. Users can secure this extension through two free methods: redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or activating the Windows Backup feature. However, the backup option is linked to OneDrive's 5 GB free storage limit, and exceeding this limit incurs costs. Nearly half of all Windows users are still on Windows 10, making this extension a vital safety net that allows users more time to explore their options without immediate pressure to upgrade.
Microsoft has extended Windows 10 support by an additional 12 months at no extra cost, impacting the dynamics of Windows 11 upgrades. Over 700 million users are either unable or unwilling to upgrade, relying on this extended support. To take advantage of the extension, users must click the “Enroll” button in the Windows 10 update panel, which is being rolled out in waves. The enrollment button will be accessible to all Windows 10 users before the deadline of October 13, ahead of Windows 10's end-of-life on October 14. The next Windows 10 update is expected within a week, and users should update promptly to check for the enrollment option. Claiming the Extended Security Update (ESU) is essential for continued protection for at least the next year.
Microsoft has extended security updates for Windows 10, allowing businesses more time to plan and manage migration without immediate disruptions. This extension helps IT teams mitigate short-term risks but may lead to complacency and delays in necessary upgrades. Organizations risk accumulating technical debt, becoming dependent on costly external partners, and missing out on innovations if they postpone migration. Maintaining outdated infrastructure can become more expensive than upgrading, and reliance on unsupported systems increases the risk of vendor lock-in. Continuous modernization is essential, and businesses should adopt strategies for migrating unsupported applications while ensuring operational continuity. The extension should be seen as a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution, emphasizing the need for ongoing modernization efforts.
Official mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Users without the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will not receive security updates after this date, while those enrolled in the ESU can receive critical updates until October 13, 2026. The KB5063709 update introduces an "Enroll now" button in the Windows Update section, allowing users to register for the ESU program. This update also fixes issues with the ESU logon wizard crashing and includes enhancements such as core file system optimizations, input method adjustments, secure boot improvements, and updates for mobile profile settings. KB5063709 upgrades Windows 10, version 22H2, to build number 19045.6216 and version 21H2 to build number 19044.6216. Users can register for the ESU program through a Microsoft account, Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-time fee, and those with local accounts must create a Microsoft account to enroll.
Approximately 700 million PC users are currently using Windows 10, which is set to end support in October. Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 by 12 months but warns that using an unsupported operating system may lead to performance issues. Microsoft 365 users can continue to use applications like Word after the end of support, but they are encouraged to transition to Windows 11. Security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will be provided for three years after support ends, until October 2028. Feature updates for Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 will cease by specific deadlines: August 2026 for Current Channel, October 13, 2026 for Monthly Enterprise Channel, and January 12, 2027 for Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel. Between 240 and 400 million PCs are not eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11, necessitating solutions for maintaining security for these users.
Microsoft has announced an extension of Windows 10 support until October 2026 at no additional cost, affecting approximately 400 million users. This extension was previously set to end in October 2025. Users with eligible PCs for an upgrade number around 400 million, while about 240 million are not eligible. The extension includes Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 through October 2028, but it is a one-year arrangement and not full security support. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through options like cloud backup, reward points, or a fee, and this feature will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
As of June 17, Windows 10's global market share has fallen below 50% for the first time, now at 48.9%, while Windows 11 is at 47.7%. This suggests that nearly 60 million users have switched from Windows 10 to Windows 11. In the United States, Windows 11 holds 55.2% of the market compared to Windows 10's 42.0%. In Asia, Windows 10's share has decreased from 59% to 49%, while Windows 11 has increased to over 46%. Approximately 700 million users remain on Windows 10, with over 240 million devices not meeting the upgrade requirements. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade and will introduce a migration tool to facilitate the transition. The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for compatible PCs, but unsupported systems may face security risks post-October 14.
Microsoft has extended support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, providing an additional three years of security updates. This change comes after the company had previously announced that support would end on October 14, 2025. The extension aims to assist the 240 million Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, allowing them to transition without immediate pressure to purchase new hardware. Microsoft has stated that while they will provide troubleshooting assistance for issues with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for optimal performance and reliability.
