Overview

• Microsoft will stop providing security, feature updates and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, urging upgrades to Windows 11 or enrollment in Extended Security Updates.
• Consumers can enroll in the one‑year ESU via Windows Update by paying about $30, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or syncing settings to OneDrive with a Microsoft account.
• The ESU window runs through October 13, 2026, and keeps critical security patches flowing, though devices will still lack new features and broader technical support.
• Security warnings have intensified as advocacy and consumer groups say unpatched PCs will be prime targets for malware and ransomware once updates cease.
• Surveys and estimates highlight the scale: Windows 10 still runs on a large share of PCs, up to roughly 400 million may be unable to upgrade, and about 21 million UK users remain on Windows 10 with many planning to keep using it.