Windows 10 Extended Support Through October 2026: What You Need to Know
Microsoft is formally ending standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 machines will no longer receive feature updates, bug fixes, or non-critical updates in the usual way.
But there is an option for those who aren’t ready to upgrade to Windows 11 just yet: the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Under ESU, eligible Windows 10 PCs can continue to receive security patches and fixes through October 13, 2026.
What the ESU Covers — And What It Doesn’t
The ESU is not a continuation of full support. Here’s what to expect:
What you get:
- Monthly security updates (“Critical” and “Important”) to protect your device from known security vulnerabilities.
- A grace period to prepare for transition to Windows 11 without leaving your PC exposed.
What you won’t get:
- No more new features or feature updates.
- No technical support from Microsoft for ESU beyond the security updates.
- No non-security fixes or enhancements.
Who Qualifies & What You Need to Do
To take advantage of the ESU, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and take specific actions. Here are key points:
- Your PC must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstation editions) with the latest updates installed.
- You must use a Microsoft account to enrol. Local accounts are not sufficient.
- Sync your PC settings (via your Microsoft account / OneDrive) — free in many cases.
- Enrolment is open until October 13, 2026, the end of the ESU period.
Why It Matters & What You Should Do Next
Why It Matters
- After October 14, 2025, unprotected Windows 10 systems become more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other threats.
- Some browsers and apps will still work, but over time security risk increases and compatibility with new software/hardware may decline.
- The ESU gives you breathing room to plan an upgrade strategy while keeping your system safe.
What You Should Do
- Check system version – ensure you’re on Windows 10 version 22H2 and up to date with all patches.
- Decide if you’ll use ESU – if you can’t yet migrate to Windows 11, ESU is a viable stopgap.
- Enrol in ESU if needed – we can assist with this process, often the ESU does not display as expected in Windows 10 Updates.
- Plan migration to Windows 11 (or whatever your long-term OS strategy is) — check hardware compatibility, cost, and timing.
- Back up your data – always make sure you have good backups regardless of OS status.
Bottom Line
Windows 10’s official “end of free support” date is coming up: October 14, 2025. After that, for one additional year, Microsoft’s ESU program offers security updates until October 13, 2026. This doesn’t extend everything – no new features, no full support, but it helps protect your PC during the transition.
If you can, move to Windows 11 or newer systems; but if you’re not ready yet, take the ESU route to ensure you stay secure. Get in touch if you are unsure about any of the information on this page, equally if you are unable to see the option for ESU.
