Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, marking the conclusion of one of the company’s most widely-used operating systems[1]. While your Windows 10 PC will continue to function after this date, it will no longer receive critical security updates, software patches, or technical assistance from Microsoft. However, users can extend their Windows 10 security coverage for an additional year through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program—and in many cases, completely free[2].
What End of Life Means for Windows 10 Users
After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 PCs will stop receiving regular security updates through Windows Update[1]. This leaves devices increasingly vulnerable to malware, viruses, and security exploits as new threats emerge. Microsoft has warned that PCs may also experience slower performance and reduced functionality across applications over time without ongoing support[1].
Despite these limitations, the operating system itself will continue to work. Your files, programs, and daily computing tasks won’t suddenly stop functioning. The primary concern is security, as cybercriminals often target unsupported operating systems knowing that newly discovered vulnerabilities won’t be patched[1].
Three Paths Forward for Windows 10 Users
Microsoft is offering Windows 10 users three distinct options to maintain their computing security:
Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free: If your PC meets the hardware requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost through Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. This option provides the most long-term security and access to Microsoft’s latest features[1].
Purchase a New Windows 11 PC: Users with older hardware that cannot support Windows 11 may consider purchasing a new computer with the operating system pre-installed. This option ensures compatibility and takes advantage of modern hardware improvements[1].
Enroll in Extended Security Updates: For those who need more time to transition, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates that will provide critical security patches until October 13, 2026. This gives users an additional 12 months to decide their next move[1][2].
How to Enroll in Free Extended Security Updates
The ESU program was initially announced with a $30 fee, but Microsoft has since made a free enrollment path available for many users, particularly those in the United States[2]. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Update to the Latest Windows 10 Version: Navigate to Settings > System > About to verify you’re running the most recent version of Windows 10. Install all available updates before proceeding[2].
Verify Your Administrator Account: Ensure you’re signed in with an administrator account—typically the first account created on the computer. You can confirm this under Settings > Your Info[2].
Check Windows 11 Eligibility: Before enrolling in ESU, verify whether your PC can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. If the upgrade option appears, Microsoft recommends taking that route instead[2].
Access the Enrollment Option: Go to Settings > Update & Security and look for the “Enroll Now” link. If you don’t see this option, you may need to install pending Windows 10 updates first[2].
Complete the Enrollment Process: The free enrollment option requires backing up your PC settings, which takes some time but provides the simplest path to extended security coverage. Users in the United States should note that this free option requires linking their Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based services[2].
Important Considerations
While Extended Security Updates provide an additional year of protection, this is ultimately a temporary solution. The ESU program ends on October 13, 2026, after which Windows 10 users will need to transition to Windows 11 or alternative operating systems[1].
For U.S. users specifically, the free ESU enrollment comes with a trade-off: you must connect your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem[2]. Users who have deliberately maintained local-only accounts should weigh this requirement against the security benefits. European users, however, receive the free option without this requirement[2].
Microsoft’s push to retire Windows 10 has raised questions about the necessity of ending support for an operating system that functions well on older hardware. However, maintaining security in an increasingly hostile cyber environment requires ongoing updates that Microsoft is choosing to focus on its newer platform[2].
The Extended Security Updates program offers a valuable bridge for users who aren’t ready to upgrade immediately, whether due to hardware limitations, software compatibility concerns, or simply needing more time to plan their transition. By enrolling before the October 14 deadline, Windows 10 users can ensure their systems remain protected throughout 2026 while they evaluate their long-term computing needs.
Sources:
[1] Microsoft - End of support for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-of-support
[2] Engadget - Windows 10 support ends tomorrow, but here’s how to get an extra year for free: https://www.engadget.com/computing/windows-10-support-ends-tomorrow-but-heres-how-to-get-an-extra-year-for-free-125118505.html
[3] Microsoft Support - Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-support-ends-on-october-14-2025-2ca8b313-1946-43d3-b55c-2b95b107f281
[4] End of 10 Organization: https://endof10.org