Windows 10’s support is going to end in a few months. That is a message that Windows 10 users will see in an ever increasing frequency in the coming months. Note that Microsoft plans to end support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 on the same day.
Just a few days ago, Microsoft added the information to the official Windows 10 known issues and notifications page.
There, Microsoft writes:
On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach end of support*. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive fixes for known issues, time zone updates, technical support, or monthly security and preview updates containing protection from the latest security threats.
While the information is not new, anyone who follows this blog or any other tech blog must have read about it a dozen times already, it marks the beginning of the final phase in Windows 10’s support lifecycle.
Up until now, Microsoft suggested two courses of action:
- Upgrade the Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, if the upgrade is supported officially.
- Buy a new Windows 11 PC, preferably a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC.
But with this new warning, Microsoft finally added the third official option to the list of recommendations: Extended Security Updates (ESU).
Businesses and end users may purchase a support extension. While end users are limited to a single year, businesses may extend support by up to three years.
Microsoft plans to chargeg $30 for the one-year extension from end users. This may be enough for some, for instance to continue using the Windows 10 PC for just another year before buying a new one or switching to Linux.
Unofficial options are available as well. 0Patch will support Windows 10 with security patches until at least 2030. This costs $30 per year as well and is limited to critical or exploited issues, but it improves security significantly for users who can’t or don’t want to switch to Windows 11 or Linux.
The second option applies a patch so that ESU-updates are installed, even if no ESU subscription is active on the device. If the Windows 7 ESU hack is anything to go by, it will extend support for Windows 10 for many years to come.
There you have it. Expect to see plenty of warnings and announcements in the coming months regarding Windows 10’s end. It is good that Microsoft is finally revealing the ESU option to Windows 10 customers, as it was abesent in previous warnings.
Now You: Do you still run Windows 10 on your devices? If so, what is your plan going forward? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
Don’t fall for the “fear factor.” Read some of Martin’s articles on how to solve the dilemma. There are at least three solid choices, none of which cost money, and none of which are beyond the capabilities of a first year high school student. Call the neighborhood “geek” if necessary. Read other tech sites. Staying with Windows 10 or moving forward to Windows 11 is easily done using the third party high quality tools that are available.
No need to purchase a new computer; no need to re-install all of your programs; no need to transfer files; no need to re-install a printer; etc.
Read, study, make an image backup, and be happy with whatever decision is made.
Windows 10 + LibreOffice for me. For as long as it takes.
MS can keep their W11’s, 365’s and AI-in-OS BS.
There’s also Windows 10 IOT LTSC, which isn’t easily obtainable for regular consumers. Security updates will continue until 2032.