Overview

• Security updates stop on October 14, 2025, and Microsoft says PCs will continue to run but without new patches.
• A one-year Extended Security Updates window runs October 15, 2025 to October 13, 2026, obtainable by paying about $30, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or opting to back up settings to OneDrive, and enrollment is not automatic.
• Users in the European Economic Area can access the ESU program for free under regional law.
• Advocacy groups estimate up to 400 million Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11, citing strict hardware requirements and urging Microsoft to extend free support globally.
• Which? estimates 21 million UK users still run Windows 10 and finds 26% plan to keep using it after support ends, prompting warnings about ransomware and other exploits.