Windows 10 Support Ends Today: What Happens if You Don't Upgrade

Windows 10 End of Life is Today. Upgrade to Windows 11 or Enroll in ESU to Stay Secure.

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The day many PC users hoped would never come has arrived. As of October 14, 2025, support for the beloved Windows 10 operating system has officially ended. Microsoft is bidding farewell to one of its most popular OS versions, marking the final day for users to receive standard support. This change leaves millions of users potentially exposed to significant security threats, including malware attacks.

Microsoft first introduced Windows 10 in 2015, and after a successful ten-year run, the company is concluding its lifecycle. This means your Windows 10 PC will no longer receive crucial security patches or new feature updates from Microsoft. If you continue to use Windows 10 after this date, your system and personal data are at a much higher risk of vulnerabilities from both known and unknown cyber threats. While there were faint hopes last year fueled by unofficial rumors of new features, these were dispelled when Microsoft confirmed the end-of-support timeline for both Windows 8 and 10, giving users a one-year grace period that has now concluded.

Can You Still Use Windows 10 Safely?

A pressing question on everyone's mind is whether it's possible to continue using Windows 10 without facing immediate malware attacks. The answer is yes, but with certain conditions. Microsoft is offering a path forward for those not ready to upgrade through its Extended Security Update (ESU) program. Enrolling in this program can provide you with one additional year of critical security updates, protecting your PC after the official support period ends.

However, this offer comes with a catch. To participate, you traditionally need to log in with a Microsoft account and back up your data, but the free tier only provides 5GB of cloud storage—a significant limitation in an era of large files. Since the backup is a prerequisite, you may need to purchase additional storage to qualify.

Exploring Your ESU and Upgrade Options

Microsoft has provided a few different ways to access the ESU program:

• Redeem Microsoft Rewards: You can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for free access to the ESU program for one year.
• Annual Subscription: You can pay a fee, which starts at around $61 for the first year, to receive the security patches for Windows 10.
• A Special Case for EU Users: In a recent development, Microsoft has made a concession for users in the European Union. Following a letter from a European consumer group, EU users can enroll in the ESU program without the mandatory data backup requirement. They simply need to sign in with their Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to continue receiving updates. This is a sigh of relief for EU users and offers a glimmer of hope for similar policies worldwide, though no such announcements have been made for other regions yet.

The Ultimate Solution: Upgrading to Windows 11

The most secure and long-term solution is to upgrade to Windows 11. You can check if your PC is eligible by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking "Check for updates." If your computer meets the minimum system requirements, the upgrade process is straightforward.

If your PC does not meet the requirements, your only remaining option is to upgrade your hardware. To continue receiving the latest features and the most robust security, you will need to purchase a new PC that is compatible with Windows 11.