Windows 10 ends official support in 2025 with ESU security patches

Microsoft will stop providing security patches, feature updates and official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, closing a decade-long era for one of its most widely used operating systems. After that date, devices running Windows 10 will continue to operate but will no longer receive routine fixes from Microsoft unless owners take one of several limited pathways to remain protected, company officials and industry observers said.

To bridge the gap, Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates program that will deliver security-only patches through October 13, 2026 for enrolled devices. Microsoft said users can enroll in multiple ways: by paying a onetime fee of about $30, by enabling cloud backup to OneDrive, or by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. The company also said that, for users in the European Economic Area, it has modified the enrollment process to meet local expectations and will allow access to extended security updates without the payment or workaround requirements applied elsewhere.

Microsoft cautioned that the ESU program provides only security updates and not new features or quality of life improvements. Officials and independent advisers...