Windows 10 End of Life in 2025: What You Need to Know

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Windows 10 reached its end of life on October 14, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the most widely used operating systems of all time. Whether you’re a home user, a small business owner, or an IT manager overseeing thousands of machines, this shift affects you. In this guide, we’ll explain what Windows 10 end of life means, what your options are, and how to plan your next steps.

When Was Windows 10 End of Life?

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. From this date forward, Microsoft no longer provides:

• Security updates
• Bug fixes
• Technical support
• Feature updates

Your PC will continue to function, but the lack of updates makes it increasingly vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

Why Is Microsoft Ending Support?

Windows 10 was launched in July 2015. Microsoft supports operating systems for approximately 10 years. With Windows 11 now the flagship OS, Microsoft has ended support for Windows 10 in order to focus development and security resources on newer platforms.

Who Is Affected?

All users of Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, and Workstation editions are affected by this end-of-life deadline. As of late 2025, Windows 10 still powered roughly 40% of PCs worldwide, meaning millions are impacted by this change.

What Are Your Options for Windows 10 EoL?

1. Upgrade to Windows 11

If your PC meets the system requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is the best long-term move. Most users with a genuine Windows 10 license can upgrade for free. Use the PC Health Check tool or Windows Update to check compatibility.

2. Buy a New PC

If your current system is too old to support Windows 11, consider investing in a modern PC with Windows 11 pre-installed. New machines offer better performance, security, and compatibility with future updates.

3. Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft offers a one-year Extended Security Updates program through October 2026. For most users who log in with a Microsoft account, these updates are free. However, they only include critical security fixes and no new features. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to enroll if eligible.

4. Stay on Windows 10 (Not Recommended)

While your PC will still run Windows 10, this is not a safe long-term strategy. If you must delay your upgrade, use antivirus protection and consider disconnecting your PC from the internet to minimize exposure. But keep in mind that this is a temporary solution at best.

5. Install an Alternative OS

Tech-savvy users may opt to install Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint. These operating systems can extend the life of older hardware and remain secure without requiring a Microsoft license.

What Businesses and IT Departments Should Know

Enterprises running large fleets of Windows 10 machines face serious cybersecurity and compliance risks post-EOL. Because Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements, many existing systems will need to be replaced.

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for enterprise environments, but this is only a short-term fix. Most organizations will need to invest in new hardware and roll out a migration plan.

When replacing legacy hardware, secure IT asset disposition becomes critical. Improper disposal can expose your business to data breaches or environmental violations. exIT Technologies offers certified data center decommissioning services to help safely remove and recycle old equipment.

We also help you recapture value from retired systems. You can:

• Sell your used computers
• Sell laptops for cash
• Sell used servers
• Sell IT equipment in bulk

Need Help with an IT Refresh?

Whether you’re a small business with aging laptops or a Fortune 500 IT director planning a full refresh, exIT Technologies can help. Our team handles everything from secure data erasure and logistics to IT equipment buyback and sustainability reporting.

Contact us today for a free consultation or asset valuation quote.

Frequently Asked Windows 10 EoL Questions:

1. What exactly is Windows 10 End of Life (EoL)?

Windows 10 End of Life (EoL), also referred to as “end of support,” marks the official date after which Microsoft no longer provides support for the operating system. The official EoL date for Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions was October 14, 2025.  

After this date, devices running these editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive:

• Security Updates: Patches that protect your computer from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
• Non-Security Updates: Fixes for bugs or stability issues that are not related to security.
• Feature Updates: New features or improvements to the operating system.
• Assisted Technical Support: Access to Microsoft’s customer service for technical issues.

This is a standard part of the software lifecycle for Microsoft products. Windows 10 was launched in July 2015, and a 10-year support window is typical for its operating systems. Ending support allows Microsoft to focus its development and security resources on newer, more secure platforms, with Windows 11 being the current flagship OS.

2. Will my computer stop working after October 14, 2025?

No, your computer will not stop working. A PC running Windows 10 will continue to start up and function as it did before the EoL date. You can still use your applications and access your files. The critical change is not about immediate functionality but about ongoing security and stability. Continuing to use Windows 10 without updates is like driving a car that is no longer eligible for safety recalls or replacement parts; it still runs, but it becomes progressively more dangerous and unreliable over time.  

3. What are the real risks of continuing to use Windows 10 after the EoL date?

Using Windows 10 after the support deadline exposes you or your organization to significant and escalating risks. The lack of security updates is the most critical threat, making your system an increasingly easy target for cyberattacks .

The danger is not just from newly discovered threats. A substantial amount of code is shared between Windows 10 and Windows 11. When Microsoft releases a security patch for Windows 11, it publicly signals the existence of a specific vulnerability. Malicious actors can then reverse-engineer that patch to understand the flaw and immediately develop an exploit for it. Since Windows 10 is no longer receiving that same patch, it becomes a defenseless target for a now well-understood vulnerability. This process repeats with every monthly update cycle for Windows 11, causing the number of unpatched, known vulnerabilities on Windows 10 to accumulate rapidly.

Beyond direct cyber threats, other risks include:

• Software Incompatibility: Over time, developers of new applications and hardware drivers will stop testing and ensuring their products work on Windows 10. This can lead to performance problems, reduced functionality, or apps refusing to run altogether .
• Compliance Violations: For businesses, operating on an unsupported OS can violate regulatory compliance standards (such as HIPAA or PCI-DSS) that mandate the use of patched and secure systems. This can lead to failed audits, hefty fines, and loss of certifications .

4. Who is affected by the Windows 10 EoL?

The Windows 10 EoL affects all users of Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, and Workstation editions. The scale of this event is massive. As of late 2025, Windows 10 still powered a significant portion of PCs worldwide, with some estimates placing its market share above 50% . This means millions of individual users and a vast number of businesses, from small offices to large enterprises, are impacted by this transition and must take action to secure their systems.  

5. What is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program?

The ESU program is a service that provides continued security patches for Windows 10 after the official end-of-support date. It is crucial to understand that ESU is designed as a “temporary bridge” to give users more time to migrate to a modern OS like Windows 11, not as a long-term solution .

The program provides only critical and important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center . It explicitly does not include :

• New features or design changes.
• Non-security bug fixes or performance improvements.
• General technical support for the operating system.

6. What are the ESU options for home users (Windows 10 Home/Pro)?

For individual consumers, the ESU program is structured to be accessible but is strictly limited in duration.

• Duration: The consumer ESU program provides one additional year of security updates, extending protection until October 13, 2026. Microsoft is not offering a second or third year of ESU to consumers.  
• Cost and Enrollment Options: Home users have three ways to enroll :
  1. One-Time Purchase: Pay a one-time fee of $30 USD (or local equivalent).
  2. Free with Windows Backup: Enroll at no additional cost by using the Windows Backup feature to sync your PC settings with your Microsoft OneDrive account. However, since OneDrive only offers 5GB of free storage, users with more data to back up may need to purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription, representing a potential hidden cost .
  3. Free with Microsoft Rewards: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to cover the cost of the one-year ESU license .
• Eligibility: To enroll, your device must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 and have the latest updates installed. You must sign in with an administrator-level Microsoft account, and the device cannot be joined to an Active Directory domain or enrolled in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.  
• How to Enroll: For eligible devices, an option to enroll will appear in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. An enrollment wizard will then guide you through selecting one of the three options.  
• Coverage: A single consumer ESU license can be used on up to 10 different devices associated with the same Microsoft account.  

7. What are the ESU options for businesses and enterprises?

For commercial customers, the ESU program is more flexible in duration but significantly more expensive. The pricing structure is designed to strongly encourage migration to Windows 11 rather than long-term reliance on Windows 10.

• Duration: Businesses can purchase ESU licenses for up to three years, sold in one-year increments .
• Pricing Structure: The cost is calculated per device and doubles each consecutive year :
  • Year 1: $61 per device
  • Year 2: $122 per device
  • Year 3: $244 per device This results in a total three-year cost of $427 per PC. This escalating cost makes delaying a hardware refresh a financially punishing strategy. The cost of keeping an old PC secure for three years can quickly approach or even exceed the cost of purchasing a new, more powerful, and inherently more secure Windows 11 machine. This financial model serves as a clear signal that ESU is intended only for short-term, transitional use.
• Enrollment Rules: The program is cumulative. If an organization decides to skip the first year and enroll in the second, it must also purchase the license for the first year .
• Discounts: A discount is available for organizations that use Microsoft’s cloud-based update management services, such as Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch. This reduces the first-year cost from $61 to $45 per device .

8. Are there special ESU options for education customers?

Yes, customers in the education sector receive substantial discounts on ESU licenses. The pricing model also doubles annually, but the starting point is much lower, making it far more affordable for schools and universities to manage their transition :

• Year 1: $1 per device
• Year 2: $2 per device
• Year 3: $4 per device

This brings the total three-year cost to just $7 per PC for educational institutions .

Table 1: Windows 10 ESU Program at a Glance

Audience: Consumers (Home/Pro)

• Duration: 1 Year Max
• Year 1 Cost: $30 (or free with conditions)
• Year 2 Cost: Not Offered
• Year 3 Cost: Not Offered
• Key Conditions: Requires Windows 10 22H2 and a Microsoft account. License covers up to 10 devices.

Audience: Businesses (Commercial)

• Duration: Up to 3 Years
• Year 1 Cost: $61 per device
• Year 2 Cost: $122 per device
• Year 3 Cost: $244 per device
• Key Conditions: Price doubles annually. Must purchase previous years if enrolling late. Discount available with Intune/Autopatch.

Audience: Education

• Duration: Up to 3 Years
• Year 1 Cost: $1 per device
• Year 2 Cost: $2 per device
• Year 3 Cost: $4 per device
• Key Conditions: Deeply discounted pricing for educational institutions. Price doubles annually.

9. How do I check if my PC can run Windows 11?

The easiest way to determine if your computer is compatible with Windows 11 is by using Microsoft’s official PC Health Check app. This tool scans your system and provides a clear yes-or-no answer, highlighting any specific components that do not meet the requirements.  

Alternatively, you can navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your Windows 10 PC. If your machine is eligible and the update is ready for you, a notification will often appear there .

The key minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 include :

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. This is one of the most common requirements that older PCs fail to meet.

10. What is the official process to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

The official upgrade process is designed to be straightforward and is known as an “in-place upgrade,” which means it installs the new operating system while preserving your existing files, settings, and applications. The steps are as follows:  

1. Back Up Your Data: While the process is designed to be seamless, it is always a best practice to back up your important files to an external drive or a cloud service like OneDrive before starting a major OS upgrade.  
2. Use Windows Update: The simplest method is to go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” If your PC is eligible, the option to download and install Windows 11 will appear.  
3. Use the Installation Assistant: If the update is not offered via Windows Update, you can go to the official Microsoft software download page and use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. This tool will manage the download and installation process for you.  
4. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the process. Your PC will remain usable during the download phase, and the installation itself will require one or more restarts to complete .

11. Is the upgrade to Windows 11 free? What happens to my files?

Yes, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free for all users with a genuine, activated Windows 10 license. By default, the standard upgrade process is designed to carry over all of your personal files, data, and most of your installed applications. However, Microsoft strongly recommends that you back up your files as a precaution before beginning the installation .  

12. What if I don’t like Windows 11? Can I go back to Windows 10?

Yes, Microsoft provides a rollback window. For 10 days after you complete the upgrade to Windows 11, you can easily revert to your previous Windows 10 installation through the recovery options in the Settings menu. This process will restore your system to Windows 10 while keeping the files and data that were migrated during the upgrade.  

After this 10-day period expires, the option for an easy rollback is removed to free up disk space. To go back to Windows 10 after this point, you would need to perform a “clean install,” which involves erasing the hard drive and installing the operating system from scratch. This would delete all your data, so a backup is essential.  

13. My PC isn’t officially compatible with Windows 11. Am I stuck?

While Microsoft’s official recommendation for users with incompatible hardware is to purchase a new PC, there are unofficial workarounds that can allow Windows 11 to be installed on many older systems. These methods are unsupported and should be attempted only by technically confident users who understand the risks.  

It is important to recognize that while the compatibility barrier has been porous, it is not infinitely flexible. For a long time, workarounds could bypass the main blockers like the TPM 2.0 and CPU model checks, allowing PCs from the last 15 years to run the OS. However, beginning with Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft introduced a new, non-negotiable hardware requirement: the CPU must support the POPCNT and SSE4.2 instruction sets. This is a fundamental capability of the processor that cannot be bypassed with a simple software tweak. This creates a hard cutoff, making it effectively impossible to run the latest versions of Windows 11 on very old hardware (typically PCs manufactured before 2009).  

14. What are the methods for installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, and what are the risks?

Several well-documented methods exist for bypassing the Windows 11 installation checks. The most common include:

• Registry Edit: This is the simplest method for an in-place upgrade. By creating a specific registry key (AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU), you can instruct the Windows 11 installer to ignore the TPM 2.0 and CPU compatibility checks.  
• Using the Rufus Utility: Rufus is a popular free tool used to create bootable USB drives. It includes built-in options to create a Windows 11 installation USB that automatically removes the requirements for TPM, Secure Boot, and a compatible CPU, allowing for a clean install or upgrade on unsupported hardware.  
• Other Third-Party Tools: Other utilities, such as Flyby11, have been developed by the enthusiast community specifically to facilitate the upgrade process on incompatible machines.  

While these methods can be effective, they come with significant risks:

• No Official Support: Microsoft is not obligated to provide any technical support or assistance for systems running on unsupported hardware.
• Potential for Instability: The hardware requirements were put in place to ensure a stable and secure user experience. Bypassing them may lead to system crashes, driver issues, or other unpredictable behavior.
• Future Updates May Fail: This is the most significant risk. While you may be able to install the current version of Windows 11, there is no guarantee that future major feature updates will install correctly. A future update could re-enforce the hardware checks, leaving your unsupported PC stranded on an older, insecure version of Windows 11.

15. Should I choose the Windows 10 ESU program or upgrade to Windows 11?

The decision boils down to a trade-off between short-term convenience and long-term security and functionality. The best choice depends on your hardware’s capabilities and your specific needs.

• Choose to Upgrade to Windows 11 if: Your hardware is officially compatible. This is the most secure, stable, and future-proof path. It provides ongoing feature and security updates at no additional cost and ensures you are on a fully supported platform for years to come. This is the recommended choice for the vast majority of users.  
• Choose the Windows 10 ESU Program if: Your hardware is incompatible with Windows 11 and you are not ready to purchase a new PC, OR you rely on a critical piece of legacy software or hardware that you have confirmed is not compatible with Windows 11. In these cases, ESU acts as a crucial, one-year (for consumers) stopgap to maintain security while you plan for a hardware replacement or software update.  

Table 2: Decision Matrix: Windows 10 ESU vs. Windows 11 Upgrade

Criteria: Security

• Windows 10 with ESU: Receives only critical and important security updates. System is protected but does not benefit from broader security architecture improvements.
• Windows 11 Upgrade: Receives full security updates plus benefits from modern defaults like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. The most secure option.

Criteria: Features & Performance

• Windows 10 with ESU: No new features, bug fixes, or performance improvements. The OS is frozen in time. Potential for future app incompatibility.
• Windows 11 Upgrade: Receives ongoing feature updates, performance enhancements, and design improvements. Ensures compatibility with the latest software.

Criteria: Long-Term Viability

• Windows 10 with ESU: Poor. It is a temporary bridge, lasting only 1 year for consumers and up to 3 years (at high cost) for businesses.
• Windows 11 Upgrade: Excellent. It is the current, fully supported version of Windows with a long-term support roadmap.

Criteria: Cost (Consumer)

• Windows 10 with ESU: $30 one-time fee, or free if you use Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards.
• Windows 11 Upgrade: Free for eligible Windows 10 users.

Criteria: Cost (Business)

• Windows 10 with ESU: Expensive and escalating: starts at $61/device and doubles annually.
• Windows 11 Upgrade: Free for eligible Windows 10 users. The primary cost is any new hardware required.

Criteria: Best For…

• Windows 10 with ESU: Users with incompatible hardware who need more time to buy a new PC, or businesses with critical legacy dependencies.
• Windows 11 Upgrade: All users with compatible hardware who want a modern, secure, and fully supported operating system.

For businesses, the Windows 10 EoL is more than a simple update; it’s a major IT event that requires strategic planning, especially concerning hardware lifecycle management.

16. As a business, what is the best strategy for handling the Windows 10 EoL?

The most effective strategy for any business is a proactive and planned migration to Windows 11. The Windows 10 EoL should be viewed as a forcing function for IT modernization—an opportunity to not only improve security but also to refresh aging hardware and streamline asset management.  

A robust migration plan involves several key steps:

1. Audit Your Hardware Estate: The first step is to conduct a thorough inventory of all PCs in your organization to identify which machines meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11 and which do not.
2. Develop a Phased Rollout Plan: Based on the audit, create a hardware refresh and deployment schedule. Prioritize upgrading the most critical and compatible machines first.
3. Use ESU Strategically: The ESU program should not be a default plan but a tactical, short-term tool. Use it only for specific systems that cannot be upgraded immediately due to dependencies on incompatible legacy applications or to align with existing budget cycles. Relying on it fleet-wide is a financially unsustainable strategy .

17. We have to replace hundreds of old PCs. What should we do with the retired hardware?

The large-scale hardware replacement triggered by the Windows 10 EoL presents a significant logistical challenge: the proper disposal of retired assets. Simply discarding old computers is not a viable option due to major security and environmental risks. Hard drives on retired machines often contain sensitive company or customer data, and improper disposal can lead to costly data breaches. Furthermore, electronic waste is subject to strict environmental regulations, and non-compliance can result in significant fines.  

The solution is to partner with a certified IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider. Professional ITAD services ensure that your retired hardware is handled securely and responsibly. This includes:

• Certified Data Destruction: Securely wiping or physically destroying hard drives to guarantee that no sensitive data can be recovered.
• Environmentally Compliant Recycling: Disposing of electronic components in accordance with all local and federal environmental laws.
• Value Recapture: For equipment that still has residual value, an ITAD partner can help you sell used computers, laptops, servers, and other IT equipment in bulk, turning retired assets into a revenue stream for your business.  

Engaging a professional ITAD service like exIT Technologies is a critical final step in the migration process, protecting your business from liability and ensuring a smooth, secure, and financially sound transition away from Windows 10.