Microsoft has issued a crucial alert to over 700 million Windows 10 users, emphasizing the need for immediate action to safeguard against evolving security threats. This announcement follows the company’s recent resolution of more than 100 security vulnerabilities, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Critical Deadline Approaches
Users now have a narrow window of 60 days to either opt for an extended support option for Windows 10 or upgrade to Windows 11, should their systems allow it. The official retirement date for Windows 10 is set for October 14, marking a significant transition as home users are being offered an Extended Security Update (ESU) for the first time.
This impending change impacts a substantial portion of Windows 10 installations, specifically targeting “Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions),” along with “Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015.”
Microsoft has made it clear that the “October 2025 monthly security update will be the final update available for these versions.” Post this date, devices running these iterations will cease to receive monthly security and preview updates, leaving them vulnerable to the latest threats.
Options for Users
As of now, users have received August’s update, with two additional updates scheduled before the deadline. It is imperative to select one of the available options to ensure continued security support beyond October 14. For those willing to utilize a Microsoft account and OneDrive, this can be done at no cost. Alternatively, a fee of can cover up to 10 PCs under a single account.
Recent statistics reveal that approximately 47% of users are still operating on Windows 10, while 49% have transitioned to Windows 11. Interestingly, these figures reflect a shift from last month’s 43% and 53%, suggesting that the introduction of the ESU has sparked renewed interest in upgrading to the newer operating system.
Extended Security Update Options
For home users considering their ESU options, here are the available choices:
- Utilize Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud—at no additional cost.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points—at no additional cost.
- Pay USD (local pricing may vary).
An enrollment wizard has been introduced to simplify the process of enrolling in ESU directly from personal Windows 10 PCs. The latest update has expanded access, allowing millions more users to take advantage of this option directly from their settings.
