Microsoft Ends Windows 10 Support, Urges Upgrade or Paid Security Updates

Overview

• As of Oct. 14, 2025, Windows 10 no longer receives updates, with all editions including Home, Pro and Enterprise reaching end of support.
• Microsoft is selling Extended Security Updates for home users for one year at US$30, while organizations can buy up to three years of ESU with fees that increase each renewal.
• Microsoft has not disclosed how many users are affected, but Consumer Reports estimated about 650 million people were still on Windows 10 in August 2025.
• PIRG estimates up to 400 million devices cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0 and restricted CPUs.
• Security analysts warn unsupported systems will be prime targets and that antivirus is only a temporary safeguard, with some apps likely to degrade without OS updates; consumer groups, including a 22‑association coalition in France, are pressing for free updates until 2030.