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Windows 11 Surpasses Windows 10 Ahead of October Support Cutoff

Microsoft’s one-year Extended Security Updates program offers consumers a free option via Microsoft Rewards or backup alongside a $30 paid plan.

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An image about Windows 10 turns 10 years old, Microsoft celebrates by abandoning it
Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025.

Overview

  • Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 in global desktop market share, reaching 53.51% compared to 42.88% for its predecessor.
  • Microsoft’s consumer ESU program is now active, granting a free one-year extension through 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or Windows Backup alongside a $30 paid option.
  • Stringent hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0 exclude hundreds of millions of PCs from Windows 11 eligibility, leaving many systems dependent on ESU.
  • Enterprises contending with legacy applications and prolonged device refresh cycles view paid ESU as a temporary security buffer rather than a long-term migration strategy.
  • With under two months until Windows 10’s free support ends on October 14, users and organizations must choose between migrating to Windows 11, extending security updates or upgrading hardware.