More than four years have passed since the debut of Windows 11, and now Microsoft is preparing to bid farewell to its predecessor, Windows 10. The official end of support is set for Tuesday, even as nearly 41% of Windows users continue to utilize the older operating system as of September 2025. For those whose devices meet the necessary criteria, a complimentary upgrade to Windows 11 awaits. However, options remain for users with ineligible devices or those who prefer to stick with their current setup.
What does Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 mean?
Windows 10 will officially reach the end of its support lifecycle on October 14, 2025. This signifies that Microsoft will cease to provide feature updates or technical assistance for the operating system. In a proactive move, Microsoft announced on October 31, 2024, that it would introduce an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users who choose to remain on Windows 10 post-support. This initiative will offer critical security updates, as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center, to those continuing to use the older OS.
What if my Windows 10 computer doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11?
To transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft stipulates that the computer must fulfill specific system requirements:
- 1 GHz or faster processor
- Two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC)
- 4GB or greater memory
- 64GB or greater disk space
- DirectX 12-compatible graphics card, with a WDDM 2.0 driver
- Trusted Platform Module 2.0 support
- Unified Extensible Firmware Interface that can support Secure Boot
- High-definition display (at least 720p) with a 9-inch or greater monitor and 8 bits per color channel
For users whose computers do not meet all these requirements, there may still be a path to upgrade to Windows 11. CNET expert Geoff Morrison suggests that adjusting certain settings could enable some Windows 10 users to make the leap without fully complying with the technical specifications.
How do I enroll in the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10?
If upgrading to Windows 11 is not an option or a preference, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program offers a lifeline for Windows 10 users, providing security upgrades until October 13, 2026. Enrollment in this program is available until the end date.
Users interested in the ESU program can either pay a fee of or enroll for free through one of two methods: syncing their PC settings to Microsoft OneDrive or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Notably, Windows 10 users located in the European Economic Area can enroll in the ESU program at no cost, without any additional requirements. This change follows feedback from the consumer rights organization Euroconsumers, which argued that tying free enrollment to other Microsoft services contravened the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
To facilitate enrollment, Microsoft has designed a user-friendly enrollment wizard within Windows 10. To get started:
- Open Settings.
- Select Update and Security, then Windows Update.
- Click on the Enroll now link under “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025.”
- In the pop-up window titled “Enroll in Extended Security Updates,” click the blue Next button.
- Choose to either pay the fee, sync your PC’s settings with OneDrive, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Complete the enrollment process and await a confirmation pop-up message indicating your enrollment until October 13, 2026.
To access the enrollment wizard, users must be signed into a Microsoft account and have installed Windows 10 Version 22H2, along with the update KB5046613 (i.e., Windows 10 build 19045.5131 or later).
