If you use Windows 10, then there is big news for you.
Highlights
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10.
There will be no security patches, technical improvements, or new features for Windows 10.
Windows 10 devices will continue to work even after support ends.
If you use Windows 10, there's some big news for you. Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this, the company will no longer release security patches, technical improvements, or new features for the operating system. This will affect millions of computers worldwide running Windows 10. Let's explore the impact of this change on Windows 10 users and what they need to do.
In a post, Microsoft EVP and Consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi assured users that Windows 10 devices will continue to function even after support ends. However, devices will no longer receive security updates. This means systems will be more vulnerable to security threats, malware, and compatibility issues. Without the latest security updates, users will be at greater risk from online threats while browsing online or using connected services.
Additionally, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive security intelligence updates until October 2028, providing users with a basic level of security. However, the company stated that the security provided by the antivirus will not be equivalent to that provided by a full operating system update.
Extended Security Update (ESU) option
To help users transition to new operating system updates, Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. Starting October 15, 2025, users will be able to subscribe directly through their device settings. For personal devices, Microsoft offers three ways to access ESU: through Windows Backup (free), through Microsoft Rewards points (free), or through an annual membership costing $30 (approximately Rs. 2,661) per device.
For businesses, the charge is $61 (approximately Rs. 5,412) per device per year, renewable for up to 3 years. Cloud-based setups, including Windows 11 Cloud PCs and Windows 365 virtual machines, will receive automatic ESU at no additional charge. According to the company, this program is for users who cannot upgrade immediately and still have security until they are ready to make the switch.
Why is Windows 10 support ending?
Microsoft's decision to discontinue Windows 10 was made to accelerate user adoption of Windows 11 and new Copilot+ PCs. Windows 11 features significant improvements, resulting in 62 percent fewer security threats, three times fewer firmware attacks, and up to 2.3 times faster performance. Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025, and users should be prepared. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 or a new Copilot+ PC or an ESU plan to improve Windows 10 security.
