With official support for Windows 10 now ended, many users are looking for ways to extend Windows 10 support and updates. Since October 14 2025, Microsoft has stopped providing regular updates for the system, leaving millions of devices without free security protection. Fortunately, the company has introduced several options to help users stay secure, including the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. So, let’s talk about what this means, how to stay protected, and what awaits.
What the end of support means
Microsoft officially ended Windows 10 support on October 14 2025. The move marked the completion of the operating system’s ten-year lifecycle. But having no support means:
- Free security updates for most users have stopped.
- No more feature improvements or bug fixes are released.
- Official Microsoft technical support for Windows 10 has ended.
- Although Windows 10 devices continue to function, they now face growing security risks and compatibility issues.
How to extend Windows 10 support and updates
Even though official support has ended, there are still ways to extend Windows 10 support and updates.
Join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program
- Microsoft now provides post-lifecycle protection through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
- The ESU program delivers critical and important security patches after October 14 2025.
- Home users in several regions can receive these updates until October 13 2026.
- Businesses and organisations can purchase ESU licences to extend protection for up to three years beyond that date.
- In some regions, Microsoft has made ESU free for personal users following regulatory decisions.
- ESU includes only security updates, meaning no new features, bug fixes, or full technical support.
Upgrade to Windows 11 or a newer system
Upgrading to Windows 11 remains the best long-term solution. It ensures continuous updates, enhanced performance, and access to new features that Windows 10 will no longer receive.
Prepare for hardware or software limitations
If your computer doesn’t meet Windows 11’s requirements (for example, lacking TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot), you can:
- Explore possible hardware upgrades or plan to replace your device.
- Stay on Windows 10 with ESU temporarily, but plan an eventual migration.
- Consider switching to supported alternatives such as Linux distributions or ChromeOS Flex.
The aftermath of Windows 10’s end
The official end of Windows 10 support has already created significant changes for users and businesses.
Security risks have increased
Without automatic security updates, vulnerabilities now accumulate faster. Attackers tend to exploit older, unpatched systems. Even users with ESU receive only essential fixes, leaving them exposed to other types of software and compatibility problems. Antivirus protection alone cannot compensate for missing OS-level updates.
Compatibility and software support are declining
Many software developers have begun phasing out Windows 10 compatibility. Microsoft 365 Apps, hardware drivers, and even browsers will gradually require Windows 11 or newer platforms. Users may soon encounter performance issues and installation blocks.
Economic and regulatory factors
Regulatory pressure, particularly in the European Economic Area, led Microsoft to provide a temporary free ESU extension for some users. However, businesses still face compliance and data-protection challenges if they continue using an unsupported system.
A limited grace period
Although ESU extends protection until October 13 2026 for most home users, that period is short. Once it ends, Windows 10 will no longer receive any updates. Planning ahead now is crucial to avoid security risks and operational disruptions.
Step-by-step: How to extend Windows 10 support and updates
Here’s what users should do now that support has ended:
- Verify that your device runs Windows 10 version 22H2, the final major update.
- Back up important files before making system changes.
- Check whether your PC meets Windows 11’s hardware requirements.
- If compatible, upgrade to Windows 11.
- If not compatible, enrol in the ESU program:
- Home users can subscribe online through their Microsoft account.
- Businesses can purchase ESU licences via authorised partners.
- Continue installing ESU security patches as they are released.
- Avoid installing outdated or unsupported drivers and software.
- Create a timeline to transition to a supported system before ESU expires.
Final Thoughts
Windows 10 served millions of users for more than a decade, but its era has ended. Extending support provides a brief safety net, not a permanent solution. Taking steps now, enrolling in ESU, upgrading devices, or switching systems, will ensure your data, productivity, and security remain intact in the post-Windows 10 world.
