Microsoft has announced the end of support for Windows 10. Here’s a summary of the key dates and details about the support plan.
Support End Date
October 14, 2025: This is the official end of support date for Windows 10. Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or extended support for Windows 10 after this date.
Impact After Support Ends
No more Security Updates After the end of support, Microsoft will no longer release security updates for Windows 10. This means any new vulnerabilities found in the system will not be fixed, potentially exposing users to security risks.
No Bug Fixes Bug fixes or other system improvements will no longer be provided. If users encounter issues, they will not receive official support or fixes from Microsoft.
No New Features New features or enhancements will not be added to Windows 10 after support ends. The OS will remain as is until it reaches its end of life.
Windows 10 Updates During Support Period
Regular Feature Updates Windows 10 has been receiving two major updates per year, which introduce new features, security fixes, and performance improvements. However, updates will stop as we approach the end of support in 2025.
End of Support for Specific Versions Each version of Windows 10 has its own end-of-support date, meaning some versions will lose support before the official end date of 2025.
Recommendation to Upgrade to Windows 11
Upgrade to Windows 11 Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 ahead of Windows 10’s support ending. Windows 11 includes newer security features, improved performance, and other updates that make it the focus of future support from Microsoft.
Windows 11 System Requirements Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. This means that some older devices running Windows 10 may not be eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade.
Post-Support Options
Extended Security Updates (ESU) Some businesses and educational institutions can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU), which provides security patches for a limited time after the official end of support. However, this is not available for general consumers.
Considering Alternative Operating Systems Continuing to use Windows 10 after the support ends is not recommended due to the increased security risks. It’s important to plan an upgrade to Windows 11 or consider other operating systems as soon as possible.
Summary
End of Support Date: October 14, 2025
No More Security Updates or Bug Fixes
Upgrade to Windows 11 Recommended It’s essential to upgrade to Windows 11 or another supported OS to avoid potential security risks after Windows 10’s support ends.