Table of Contents
Introduction
Microsoft has officially ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. And if you’re still running Windows 10, the most pressing question for you is no longer when Microsoft will end support. The more important questions are how to keep your device secure and what steps to take next.
Your device won’t stop working, but a PC without ongoing security updates is much more vulnerable to being compromised by new threats. The level of your PC’s protection depends on its enrollment in any applicable Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
This article will discuss what this means for you and your device, the factors you should consider when choosing between your options, and what to look out for in the transition to Windows 11 or another operating system.
📅 Good to know: Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is slated to deliver security updates to eligible and enrolled Windows 10 devices throughout October 12, 2027. Check out Microsoft’s ESU page for the latest time of end of support and eligibility, as this information can be subject to change.
Updated October 2026: reviewed against Microsoft’s published Windows 10 ESU guidance, including the 2026 extension of consumer ESU to October 12, 2027.
What Does Windows 10 End of Support Mean?
October 14, 2025, was the last day for receiving security updates, feature updates, and technical support for the typical Windows 10 support. This operating system is no longer supported; however, it is insecure not to have an applicable security-update program.
ESU is a limited support extension for eligible, enrolled devices, not the restoration of Windows 10 support. In addition, the extended security update does not include new features for the Windows 10 edition. Therefore, it is essential to check the PC edition and update status, and whether the machine is eligible for ESU support based on Microsoft’s advice.
This is what it means in layman’s terms:
- ✅ The PC can be turned on and run the programs it ran before
- ⚠️ No more regular security updates are available unless the device is enrolled in ESU
- 🚫 No new features are available, and standard Microsoft technical support is unavailable for Windows 10
- 🔍 A larger attack surface is exposed since new vulnerabilities will not be patched on devices that are not enrolled
Antivirus software can help reduce these risks, but it can’t protect against every possible attack.
Your Options After Windows 10
1. 🚀 Upgrade to Windows 11
If your PC can run Windows 11, that’s the simplest option. Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app will tell you if your PC can run Windows 11, and if not, the health check will report the problem.
2. 💻 Buy a New PC
If you can’t upgrade, consider buying a new PC that can run Windows 11. If your PC is already slow, you might want a newer PC anyway.
3. 🐧 Try Another Operating System
Which Option Should You Choose?
Check Windows 11 eligibility first. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check and its guidance for your PC. The most common compatibility issues involve TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and an unsupported processor. In some cases, a TPM or Secure Boot feature is simply turned off in the BIOS, so it is worth checking before you assume the hardware is the issue.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| The PC is eligible for Windows 11 | Back up important files, check application and peripheral compatibility, confirm that you have recovery options, and then plan the upgrade for a convenient time |
| The PC is not eligible | Weigh the cost and expected lifetime of replacement hardware against the limitations of Windows 10. If you need more time, check whether consumer ESU is available for your personal-use device. If you are considering another operating system, confirm that your essential applications, accessibility needs, and devices will be supported |
| You are temporarily relying on ESU | Verify your enrollment in Settings and create a dated plan for what you will do before coverage ends. Do not rely on antivirus alone to deliver the same protection as operating-system security updates |
| The PC belongs to your employer or school | Contact your IT administrator before changing the operating system or ESU enrollment |
Extended Security Updates: Buying Yourself a Little More Time
Microsoft’s consumer ESU program allows eligible Windows 10 personal-use devices to get extended security updates for a limited time. According to Microsoft, enrolled devices will be able to receive critical security updates until October 12, 2027 (the program was initially set to expire in October 2026 and was extended by one year) via Windows Update. It does not include new features or general technical support for Windows 10.
A few notes:
- 💻 Eligible Windows version: Your device must have Windows 10 version 22H2 installed on a supported edition
- 👤 Microsoft account: You must have a Microsoft account (the same one you use to purchase MS apps and services). Microsoft recommends that you switch to a Microsoft account if you’re currently using a local account.
- 🌍 Regional availability: Options may vary depending on your region.
- 🚫 Personal-use limitations: This program covers security updates only, so you’ll still need to plan for a move to another supported operating system before it ends.
- 📋 How to check if your PC is eligible: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for the enrollment status or option for consumer ESU.
Microsoft has outlined several enrollment methods in their documentation, including backup and recovery (your PC must be backed up using Windows Backup), and Microsoft Rewards points redemption (a paid product in some regions at launch). Available options and pricing may vary by region. Always check the Microsoft page for your region to see which consumer ESU enrollment method is available to you.
If your PC is managed by your organization, check with your IT administrator. Commercial ESU licensing and options are available in the Microsoft documentation for commercial users and should not be used on PCs managed by an organization.
Despite that, think of ESU as a stopgap rather than a long-term solution. The program covers security updates only, so you’ll need to plan a move to another supported operating system before it ends.
Will My Software and Devices Keep Working?
Frequently, yes, but not necessarily. Your software, browsers, and connected devices may continue to work on Windows 10, but it depends on the companies that develop or manufacture them. Some may continue supporting Windows 10, while others may eventually drop support. See this page for the official compatibility information on the specific applications, browser, printer, accessories, and PC you want to use.
Keep in mind: Just because something works today doesn’t mean it will keep working in the future.
Your Windows 10 Transition Checklist
- 💾 Back up documents, photos, browser data, and project files, and ensure that you can recover at least one test file
- 🔍 Check eligibility for Windows 11 against Microsoft’s criteria using the PC Health Check utility
- 📋 List what you depend on: Make a list of your essential applications, browsers, virtual private networks (VPNs), printers, audio devices, and other peripherals, and ensure that they are supported on your choice of operating system
- 🔐 Gather recovery essentials: Gather everything you might need to recover your system, including passwords, license keys, recovery codes, and installation media.
- 🩺 Check disk space and device health: Verify that there is enough free space on your drives and that your devices are in good working condition ahead of any upgrade, without deleting files unnecessarily
- 📅 Choose the date for the migration, allowing enough time to make adjustments and test new applications and systems, and remember to have an alternative plan
- 🏢 For a work device: If the device is used for work, consult the relevant authority in the company, such as the IT administrator, ahead of making any changes
If You Manage PCs for a Team
A Windows 10 migration across several machines is a small project, and it goes better when it is run like one. A short charter helps: which devices, who owns each decision, what the deadline is, and what counts as done.
I cover that approach in 5 Reasons Your Project Charter Gets Ignored. Tracking risk and status along the way, such as devices that fail the Windows 11 check or software with no confirmed vendor support, fits the same method used in 9 Slides Every Weekly Status Report Needs. And if the work competes with a delivery schedule, plan the capacity honestly, as in 7 Sprint Planning Templates That Save Teams From Chaos.
Conclusion
Windows 10 is still supported, but mainstream support has already been completed, and the next step is to consider what to do with your device, funds, and software.
First, you should check whether to upgrade to Windows 11 and whether your data can be recovered from the backup systems.
Furthermore, if you are going to use Extended Security Updates (ESU), make sure to enroll in the program and set a deadline for ESU termination.
Finally, remember that the most reliable choice is to keep your operating system up-to-date and maintain the required applications and devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my PC function properly?
Technically, yes, but the system will no longer receive any updates or protection from mainstream Windows support.
Is it safe to continue using Windows 10 if I have an antivirus?
Using antivirus software is a good way to secure your PC, but it cannot protect you against operating-system-level threats. This does not mean that a PC will get hacked immediately after Windows 10 expiration, but vulnerabilities tend to accumulate over time.
How long will my consumer Windows 10 be supported?
According to Microsoft, the end-of-life date for consumer Windows 10 is set to October 12, 2027. Thus, make sure to enroll in the ESU program before that date and remember to set the appropriate date for your Windows version, as well as the region of your client PC.
Are browsers, applications, and printers going to work?
Everything depends on the manufacturers and their policies regarding Windows 10 support. Be sure to check the guidelines for each application you use.
What if I am not able to use Windows 11?
It would be reasonable to compare the alternatives and see which operating system is more compatible with your apps and peripherals.
Sources
- Microsoft: Windows 10 support has ended
- Microsoft: Consumer Windows 10 ESU
- Microsoft: Windows 11 system requirements
- Microsoft: PC Health Check
