Windows 10 support ends in 2025; Windows 11 SE ends in 2026

Microsoft has set clear deadlines for the expiration of support on its Windows line, signaling a significant shift for individuals and organizations still running older software. Beginning on October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or technical assistance. A further milestone follows in October 2026, when support for Windows 11 SE, the education-focused edition designed to run cloud-based apps rather than traditional software, will end. Together these dates outline a transition path toward newer Windows configurations and, for some users, new hardware investments.

The move comes as Windows 10 still accounts for a substantial share of the market, particularly among businesses that have not yet completed upgrades to Windows 11. Industry observers note that the path forward for many organizations is not simply turning off machines but navigating a staged withdrawal from official support with options to maintain security through extended updates or to accelerate migration to Windows 11 or newer devices. For IT departments, that means balancing downtime, security, and budget while planning long-term IT strategy.

When Windows 10 reaches end of life, users...