Windows 10 is approaching the end of its support lifecycle, with the end date set for October 14, 2025. After this date, PCs running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates through Windows Update unless owners purchase an Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription from Microsoft. This means that without an ESU subscription, these PCs will become increasingly vulnerable to online attacks as new security flaws are discovered.
Most editions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Pro Workstation, Enterprise, and Education, will reach their end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. However, there are exceptions such as PCs running Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions, which have different support end dates.
Despite Microsoft’s efforts to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, many Windows 10 users are still hesitant to make the switch. According to data from the United States Government’s Digital Analytics Program and StatCounter, a significant portion of Windows PCs worldwide are still running Windows 10.
The challenge for Microsoft lies in convincing these users to transition to Windows 11 before the end of support for Windows 10. While Microsoft recommends migrating to the latest version of the product once support ends, some users may not have the option to upgrade due to hardware compatibility issues. In such cases, users will need to explore other options to ensure the security and functionality of their PCs.