Overview

• As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 no longer receives security or feature updates or technical support, though devices will continue to operate.
• Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates offer one extra year for consumers (through October 2026) via paid enrollment ($30), Microsoft Rewards, or a free OneDrive‑backup path, with free enrollment in the EEA via a Microsoft account; enterprises can buy up to three years, with pricing that doubles annually (totaling $427 per device).
• Microsoft Defender will keep delivering antivirus security intelligence updates on Windows 10 through October 2028, and Defender protections will continue where possible, though legacy systems remain higher risk.
• Third‑party measurements vary, but reports place Windows 10 usage around one‑third of PCs worldwide—roughly 400 million devices—with Valve’s September survey showing 32.18% of Steam users still on Windows 10.
• Right‑to‑repair advocates protested at Microsoft’s Brussels office, warning that ending free updates risks software‑driven obsolescence and e‑waste, while Microsoft points users to upgrade paths including Windows 11 devices, ESU, Windows 365, or specialized LTSC editions that remain supported into 2027–2029.