Microsoft is officially abolishing its support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. After this date, the company will no longer release security patch, technical improvements or new features for the operating system. This change is still running Windows 10 worldwide to millions of PCs. So how does it affect users? In a recent blog post, Joseph Mehdi, EVP and Consumer CMO at Microsoft expanded the infection and discovered what users of Windows 10 to do further.

In the official note, Mehdi assured users that Windows 10 would continue working even after the device support ends. However, the equipment will no longer receive safety updates. This means that the system will weaken rapidly for safety threats, malware and compatibility issues. Without the latest security updates, users will increase the risk against online dangers, using online browsing or using connected services.

He said, Microsoft is creating an exception: Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive security intelligence updates through October 2028, which will offer basic level security to users. Nevertheless, the company noted protection with antivirus, which would not be the same as comprehensive defense providing full operating system updates.

Extended Safety Update (ESU) option

To help users infection in the new OS updates, Microsoft has launched an extended security update (ESU) program for Windows 10. From October 15, 2025, users will be able to subscribe directly through their device settings.

For individual devices, Microsoft provides three ways to reach ESU: via Windows Backup (Free), Microsoft Rewards Points (Free), or cost $ 30 per device with annual membership.

For businesses, the cost is $ 61 per device per year, Akshay up to three years.

Cloud-based setup, Windows 11 Cloud PC and Windows 365 virtual machines, will automatically receive ESUs without any additional fee.

According to the company, this program is aimed at the purpose of users who cannot immediately upgrade and still have a safety trap, at least until they are ready for infection.

Why Microsoft Windows 10 is ending support

Microsoft’s decision to phase Windows 10 is part of its widespread push to encourage Windows 11 and new Copilot+ PC. The company claims that Windows 11 provides significant improvements, including 62 percent less security events, three times lower firmware attacks and 2.3x fast performance compared to Windows 10.

The upgrade also promises 50 percent fast workflow and better returns on investment for businesses. For consumers, Microsoft highlights its next generation of AI-operated experiences, which is exclusive to Copilot+ PC. These features include recall, cocreator in paint, restuition in photos, and Copilot vision – which are developed in partnerships with major hardware manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Microsoft’s own surface line of Microsoft.

So what do you need to do?

Windows 10 is not disappearing overnight, but October 14, 2025, is a difficult time frame that all users should prepare. For everyday users, the option is simple. Upgrade either Windows 11 (if your PC meets hardware requirements), buy a new copillot+ PC, or opt for the ESU scheme to expand the safety coverage of Windows 10.