As of October 15, 2025, Microsoft will officially discontinue support for Windows 10, marking the end of an era. The last major version to be phased out was Windows 8.1 in January 2023, which met relatively little fanfare due to its limited user base. Comparatively, the retirement of Windows 7 in 2020 was mitigated by a free upgrade path to Windows 10, but the current farewell to Windows 10 feels more significant given the stricter requirements for upgrading to Windows 11.
If your computer is among the hundreds of millions still running this now-unsupported OS, it’s essential to understand the implications of this change and your available options.
Immediate Implications of Windows 10’s End of Support
In the short term, the cessation of support for Windows 10 will not dramatically impact your daily operations. While you may begin to see notifications indicating that the OS has reached its end of life, functionality will remain intact for now.
All applications currently installed will remain operational, and day-to-day usage should feel unchanged for the foreseeable future. Most major applications are still fully compatible with Windows 10, which will likely remain steady for several months.
However, it’s important to note that Microsoft will halt any further feature updates, which means that users will not see new features or enhancements. The last version released, 22H2, came out in October 2022, and users have not missed substantial updates for quite some time.
Long-Term Consequences of Using an Unsupported OS
As support dwindles, the risks associated with continuing to use Windows 10 will inevitably escalate. Without security updates, any newly discovered vulnerabilities could be exploited by malicious actors without fear of a fix from Microsoft. With roughly 40% of Windows PCs still using Windows 10, cybercriminals have a substantial incentive to target this version.
It’s plausible that Microsoft might provide an emergency patch for a significant security breach, similar to how it handled the fallout from the WannaCry ransomware attack on Windows XP back in 2017, but relying on such an action can be risky.
In the coming months or years, expect to see numerous applications cease support for Windows 10. While some software might continue to be functional for a while, the writing is on the wall as companies pivot to support newer operating systems.
For context, browsers like Chrome maintained support for Windows 7 until January 2023, even three years post its end-of-life date. Dropbox, likewise, continued functioning on Windows 7 until October 2024. As software starts to drop support for Windows 10, users exacerbate their security vulnerabilities across the board.
How to Access Extended Security Updates
Amid these changes, there is a silver lining: Microsoft has introduced its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to receive additional security patches for Windows 10, typically at no cost. To enroll, navigate to Settings > Updates & Security > Windows Update and follow the on-screen instructions.
Those based outside Europe might need to take specific actions to sign up for the ESU program:
- Back up your device using OneDrive.
- Spend 1, 000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Purchase access for $30.
Backing up to OneDrive is straightforward but limited to 5GB. If you prefer not to use a Microsoft account, accumulating Microsoft Rewards points through various tasks, including a 500-point reward for installing the Bing app, can be an alternative. This funding method can help you secure those rewards efficiently.
Regardless of your plans for transitioning from Windows 10, it’s advisable to activate the Extended Updates program without delay. The longer you wait, the more susceptible your device becomes to security breaches.
Exploring Upgrade Options Beyond Windows 10
Even if you enroll in the extended updates program, your time with Windows 10 can be limited. If your hardware is compatible, you can upgrade to Windows 11, utilizing your existing Windows 10 license for a seamless transition. Alternatively, if your machine does not meet the requirements, unofficial methods exist to upgrade, though these carry their own risks, including potential loss of automatic updates.
If you’re open to alternatives outside of Windows, consider installing a Linux distribution on your computer. Many distributions, like Linux Mint, provide user-friendly interfaces familiar to Windows users, making for an easier transition process. You might even opt for dual-booting to explore Linux alongside your existing OS.
If your hardware is aging, consider investing in a new computer. This presents a chance to capitalize on the latest technology and functionalities. Keep in mind there are numerous ways to repurpose your old machine too.
Saying Goodbye to Windows 10
Microsoft once proclaimed that Windows 10 would be the final iteration of the OS, but as we observe its withdrawal, it’s evident that this vision has not materialized as intended. Just as Windows XP and Windows 7 have reached their conclusions, Windows 10 bids farewell as a cherished operating system.
Your path moving forward will depend on the age of your hardware and whether you’re inclined to stick with Windows or experiment with alternative systems. Regardless of your choice, ensure you enroll in the Extended Updates program to safeguard your PC from unnecessary risks. This is also an excellent opportunity to revisit some common misconceptions regarding Windows security.
With Windows 11 now having celebrated its fourth anniversary, it prompts speculation about future developments. Are we on the verge of Windows 12 in the near future? The reception of the next version could significantly influence how users reflect on Windows 11’s legacy.
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