Microsoft has officially stopped supporting Windows 10, marking a major change for millions of users worldwide. After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, technical fixes, or official assistance for the operating system.
While computers running Windows 10 will still function, they will gradually become more exposed to cyber risks. Without new security patches, these systems could be more vulnerable to malware, data breaches, and other online attacks.
Who Will Be Affected
Windows remains the world’s most widely used operating system, powering over 1.4 billion devices globally. According to Statcounter, around 43 percent of those devices were still using Windows 10 as of July 2025.
In the United Kingdom, consumer group Which? estimated that around 21 million users continue to rely on Windows 10. A recent survey found that about a quarter of them intend to keep using the old version despite the end of official support, while roughly one in seven are planning to purchase new computers.
Consumer advocates have voiced concerns that ending Windows 10 support will lead to unnecessary hardware waste and higher expenses. Nathan Proctor, senior director at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), argued that people should not be forced to discard working devices simply because they no longer receive software updates. He stated that consumers “deserve technology that lasts.”
What Are the Options for Users
Microsoft has provided two main paths for personal users. Those with newer devices that meet the technical requirements can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. However, many older computers do not meet those standards and cannot install the newer operating system.
For those users, Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which continues delivering essential security patches until October 2026. The ESU program does not include technical support or feature improvements.
Individuals in the European Economic Area can access ESU for free after registering with Microsoft. Users outside that region can either pay a $30 (approximately £22) annual fee or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to receive the updates. Businesses and commercial organizations face higher costs, paying around $61 per device.
What’s at Stake
Microsoft has kept Windows 10 active since its release in 2015, providing regular updates and new features for nearly a decade. The decision to end support means that new vulnerabilities will no longer be fixed, putting unpatched systems at greater risk.
The company warns that organizations running outdated systems may also face compliance challenges under data protection and cybersecurity regulations. Additionally, software developers may stop updating their applications for Windows 10, causing reduced compatibility or performance issues in the future.
Microsoft continues to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, stressing that newer systems offer stronger protection and more modern features.
