Overview

• Microsoft ended mainstream updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, with only Extended Security Updates available going forward.
• In the European Economic Area, private users get one year of free ESU through October 13, 2026 if they register and sign in on their PC with a Microsoft account, and updates can pause after up to 60 days of account inactivity.
• Users relying on local accounts may face a $30 fee for ESU, while businesses can purchase up to three additional paid years.
• The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool version 26100.6584 fails on Windows 10 by closing without error, which Microsoft has confirmed while preparing a fix.
• Microsoft directs users to upgrade using the Windows 11 ISO or the Installation Assistant, with tools like Rufus or Flyoobe as workarounds, and security authorities advise against keeping unpatched Windows 10 systems online.