Microsoft will stop Windows 10 support in 2025: What to do
Heads up: Microsoft will stop all updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
After that, your device will still work, but you won't get new features or security patches—so things could get risky over time.
The good news? Microsoft Defender Antivirus will keep getting security intelligence updates until October 2028.
How to get ESU access
To make the switch easier, Microsoft's rolling out an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program starting October 15, 2025.
You can access ESU for free using Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards points, or pay $30 a year per device for access. If you're running a business, it's $61 per device annually.
Microsoft is also nudging everyone to upgrade to Windows 11 or grab a Copilot+ PC for better performance and fewer headaches down the line.