Windows 10 support ends Oct 14, 2025, leaving devices at risk

Microsoft will stop providing free security updates and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving hundreds of millions of devices worldwide without routine patches unless users take action, company notices and industry groups say. The end of servicing affects Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education and IoT editions and marks the last monthly security update for those versions, Microsoft reminded users in recent advisories.

Security firms and consumer advocates warn the deadline could expose large numbers of computers to new vulnerabilities. Estimates of how many devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 vary. Some reports put the figure between 200 million and 400 million, while others cite broader counts of up to 600 million Windows 10 users globally. Consumer Reports and advocacy groups such as the Public Interest Research Group have urged Microsoft to reconsider or extend support, saying many machines are still functional and that forcing replacements risks a surge in electronic waste.

Microsoft is pushing several paths for consumers who want to remain secure. The company is encouraging users with compatible hardware to upgrade to Windows 11. For devices...