Microsoft to End Windows 10 Support by Mid-October 2025: What It Means for Users

Microsoft has officially announced the termination of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. From that day onward, users will cease to receive updates and new features, along with security patches, which makes the devices increasingly vulnerable in a cyber-enabled world. Yusuf Mehdi, EVPs and CMO for the Consumer Segment, explained that Windows 10 will, in fact, continue running; however, it will slowly become obsolete and unable to defend itself from potential security issues.

What Windows 10 Users Need to Know

Devices running Windows 10 will keep working even after support ends, but the lack of security updates means they could face higher risks from malware, viruses, and other vulnerabilities. To help users during this transition, Microsoft will continue to provide updates for Defender Antivirus until October 2028, offering some protection against low-level threats.

Starting October 15, 2025, the Extended Security Update (ESU) program will be available; under this program:

Individual users can opt for free Windows Back updates, Microsoft Rewards points, or an annual subscription at $30 per device.

The ESU, on the other hand, will set the business accounts back by $61 a year per device, renewable for up to three years.

Why Windows 10 Is Being Phased Out by Microsoft

Windows 10 support termination is another step in Microsoft's Windows 11 and Copilot-enabled PC legislation. Windows 11, says Microsoft, has seen 62% fewer security-related problems than Windows 10. The newer OS promises to get workflows done 50% faster, along with better security and features.

Experts recommend that Windows 10 users start shifting into Windows 11 so as to have smoother performance, data security, and access to the latest updates and features.