Overview

• Microsoft stops free security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, with optional Extended Security Updates available through October 13, 2026.
• Consumers can enroll by paying about $30 or by opting into conditions such as backing up settings to OneDrive with a Microsoft account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• Enrollment is not automatic, and consumer groups stress users must opt in to receive patches or move to alternatives such as upgrading to Windows 11 or switching OS.
• A free ESU carve‑out applies in the European Economic Area for a limited period, which campaigners describe as a short pause that may still miss some users.
• Advocacy and security groups cite up to roughly 400 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements, warning of ransomware risks and increased e‑waste if many remain unpatched.