Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more free security updates or official patches unless users opt into a paid program called Extended Security Updates (ESU). While Windows 10 won’t stop working on that date, running it without updates will gradually carry more risks, particularly with newer apps and online services.

The ESU program, previously used for Windows 7, is expected to offer three additional years of updates, but at a cost. Microsoft hasn’t yet disclosed pricing for individual consumers, raising concerns for those not ready or able to upgrade to Windows 11.

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Windows 11 adoption continues to be slow, largely because many PCs don’t meet its system requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs. That leaves millions of users facing a decision: upgrade their hardware, pay for extended updates, or continue using Windows 10 unsupported.

For casual users who stick to trusted software and safe browsing habits, continuing on Windows 10 might be manageable for a while. But as more apps drop support and vulnerabilities go unpatched, that choice becomes less practical. Planning ahead is critical, especially for anyone using their PC for work, finance, or anything security-sensitive.

https://mspoweruser.com/windows-10-support-ends-next-year-but-you-dont-have-to-upgrade-just-yet/