Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025

What are my options for staying supported on a Windows operating system?

• Installing Windows 11 on your current PC - If your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and is eligible to upgrade directly to Windows 11, you might have already received a notification about upgrading. To check if your PC is eligible for the free upgrade go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
• New PC with Windows 11 - If your PC is not eligible, or if you want a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed, you might want to start by exploring the latest Windows 11 PCs.  This tool will help you find the right PC based on your unique needs. ​​​​​​​
• Extended Security Updates (ESU) program - If you need more time before moving to a Copilot+ PC or other new Windows 11 device, a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for $30 USD will help protect your Windows 10 device. ​​​​​​​More information about Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 is available in the frequently asked questions section of the End of support for Windows page.

Does an option exist for me to keep using Windows 10?

There’s both good news and bad news about the October 14, 2025 security update deadline mentioned above.

The good news is that you can continue getting security updates for your Windows 10 PC for another year up to October 2026. The bad news is that you have to pay for the privilege. Microsoft will charge $30 per device for one year of extended security updates (ESU).

Microsoft traditionally offers extended updates to businesses and organizations and not to individuals, so that’s a big change this time around. However, individuals only get so much. While businesses can pay for up to three extra years of security updates, individuals can only pay for one year. (Who knows if Microsoft will further extend that next year.)

Chris Hoffman / IDG

That said, businesses will have to pay more and more every year. The price will be $61 for the first year, doubling to $122 for the second year, then doubling again to $244 for the third year. It’s designed to apply pressure and push businesses to upgrade to Windows 11 sooner than later. (Thankfully, Microsoft offers a much-discounted deal to schools: $1 for the first year, $2 for the second, and $4 for the third.)

It’s not a long-term solution, but it’s a way for Microsoft to express that they don’t want to leave Windows 10 users high and dry while also nudging users to upgrade. Why pay that much for extended security when you can put that money towards a new PC?

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Source 1: Windows 10 will hit end of life in 2025. Here's what to expect | PCWorld

Source 2: Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025 - Microsoft Support

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