What Windows 10 end of support means in practice, the risks of staying on it, and the options you have in 2026.
Quick answer: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates, feature updates or technical support for most Windows 10 PCs. Home users could extend security updates until October 13, 2026 through the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, for free via Windows Backup sync or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or for $30. After that, the safest option is to upgrade to Windows 11 or replace the PC.
Windows 10 was one of the most popular versions of Windows ever, and millions of PCs still run it. Its end of support does not mean your computer will stop working, but it does change how safe it is to use, especially online.
This guide explains what end of life means, the key dates, the Extended Security Updates option, and how to choose between upgrading, replacing your PC or moving to another system.
In this article
- What does Windows 10 end of life mean?
- What are the key dates?
- How do Extended Security Updates work for home users?
- How do you check if your PC can run Windows 11?
- What are your options now?
- What should small businesses do?
- What are the risks of staying on Windows 10?
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
What does Windows 10 end of life mean?
End of life, or end of support, means Microsoft stopped providing:
- Security updates: Fixes for newly found vulnerabilities.
- Feature and quality updates: Improvements and bug fixes.
- Technical support: Help from Microsoft for Windows 10 problems.
Your PC will still turn on and run apps. However, new security flaws will no longer be patched, so the risk of malware and attacks grows over time. Software makers will also gradually stop supporting Windows 10 in new versions of their apps.
What are the key dates?
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2025 | Windows 10 end of support for Home and Pro |
| October 13, 2026 | End of the consumer Extended Security Updates year |
| Through October 2028 | Microsoft Defender Antivirus definition updates continue on Windows 10, according to PCWorld |
The ESU program only covers critical and important security updates. It does not add new features or general technical support.
How do Extended Security Updates work for home users?
Microsoft offered a one-year consumer ESU program. According to PCWorld, home users could enroll in three ways:
- Free: Turn on Windows Backup to sync settings to OneDrive with a Microsoft account.
- Free: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Paid: Pay a one-time $30.
Enrollment is usually offered through Windows Update in Settings on eligible PCs running the latest Windows 10 version. Coverage for consumers runs only until October 13, 2026, so it is a short bridge, not a long-term solution.
Rashid’s family laptop runs Windows 10 and could not upgrade to Windows 11. He enrolled in ESU for free by turning on Windows Backup, which kept the laptop patched while he saved for a new computer before the October 2026 cut-off.
How do you check if your PC can run Windows 11?
- Download and open Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
- Click Check now under the Windows 11 section.
- Read the result. It tells you whether your PC meets the requirements or which part is missing, such as TPM 2.0 or a supported processor.
- If TPM is the only problem, check your BIOS settings. Many PCs have TPM, called Intel PTT or AMD fTPM, but it is switched off.
- If the processor is unsupported, the PC usually cannot get Windows 11 through official channels.
You can also go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on Windows 10. Eligible PCs often see an offer to upgrade to Windows 11 there.
Nadia’s three-year-old laptop failed the PC Health Check because TPM was off. She turned on AMD fTPM in the BIOS, ran the check again, and the laptop passed. She then upgraded to Windows 11 for free.
What are your options now?
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 for free
If your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, including TPM 2.0, a supported 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, you can usually upgrade for free. Our guide on how to update to Windows 11 explains each step.
2. Use ESU while you plan
If your PC cannot upgrade, ESU buys time until October 13, 2026.
3. Replace the PC
Older PCs that fail the requirements may be due for replacement. A new Windows 11 PC brings current security features and support.
4. Consider another operating system
Some users move older hardware to ChromeOS Flex or a Linux distribution. This can extend the life of a PC, but check that your apps and devices will work first.
Before you upgrade or replace a PC, back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage, and make a list of the apps you use with their licence keys. It makes moving to a new system far less stressful.
What should small businesses do?
- List every Windows 10 device: Include laptops, desktops and any PC connected to tills or machines.
- Check upgrade eligibility: Use PC Health Check or your IT provider’s tools.
- Budget for replacements: Spread the cost of new PCs across the year.
- Look at business ESU options: Commercial ESU pricing and terms differ from the consumer program, so check with Microsoft or your IT partner.
If you have no IT staff, a local IT provider can help. See our guide to starting a small IT business for what these services typically include.
What are the risks of staying on Windows 10?
- Unpatched vulnerabilities: Attackers target systems they know will not be fixed.
- App compatibility: Browsers and other apps will eventually stop supporting Windows 10.
- Business compliance: Some industries require supported software for security or data protection rules.
- Hardware drivers: New devices may stop providing Windows 10 drivers.
If you must keep a Windows 10 PC running for a while, keep it updated as far as possible, use a supported browser, avoid admin accounts for daily use, and keep sensitive work on a supported device. For businesses, our guide to zero trust security explains how to reduce risk.
Check your Windows version by pressing Windows + R, typing winver and pressing Enter. If it says Windows 10, run the PC Health Check app to see whether your computer can upgrade to Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
When did Windows 10 reach end of life?
Windows 10 Home and Pro reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
Will my Windows 10 PC stop working?
No. It will keep working, but it will not get regular security updates, which makes it riskier to use online.
How long can I get Windows 10 security updates?
Home users enrolled in consumer ESU get security updates until October 13, 2026.
Is the Windows 10 ESU free?
It can be. You can enroll for free with Windows Backup sync or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay $30.
Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?
Yes, if your PC meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
What if my PC cannot run Windows 11?
Use ESU while you plan, then replace the PC or consider another operating system.
Final Thoughts
- Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
- Consumer ESU extends security updates until October 13, 2026.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your PC meets the requirements.
- Back up your files and plan a move before ESU ends.
