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2h ago

Windows 10 Support Ends in 72 Hours as Microsoft Urges ESU Enrollment

Eligible PCs can maintain security updates for one year by joining Microsoft's ESU, including a no-cost route that ties enrollment to cloud backup.

Windows 10 Reset feature
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Windows 10

Overview

  • On October 14, 2025, Microsoft stops free updates and technical support for Windows 10, and devices will continue to run without new security patches.
  • Opting into Extended Security Updates before the deadline prevents any gap in protections, though enrollment remains available until October 14, 2026, with missed fixes delivered after joining.
  • ESU provides security patches only and not new features or performance fixes, and users can enroll for free by backing up data to Microsoft's cloud or pay a fee instead.
  • Analysts and reporters warn that unsupported machines will quickly become attractive targets, with estimates suggesting roughly 200–240 million PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11.
  • Users are urged to back up data now and, if retiring a PC, use Reset this PC to wipe files—recognizing it is not an industry-standard erase—and consider specialized tools or removing the drive for sensitive data.