The clock is ticking, and the end of Windows 10 is getting increasingly close. This week, Microsoft posted a new reminder on the Microsoft 365 Message Center, warning users that less than 60 days remain before the most widely used operating system of the past decade receives its final security update.
October 14, 2025, will mark the official end of Windows 10’s standard support. After this date, any vulnerabilities will remain unpatched unless users enroll in the Extended Support (ESU) program.
Support will be withdrawn globally. Microsoft confirmed that this cut-off applies not only to the Home and Pro editions but also to Enterprise, Education, IoT, and the widely used LTSB 2015 versions in industrial environments.
That same day, the company will release a final cumulative update to close the cycle before Windows 10 stops receiving official patches.
For those looking to extend their devices’ lifespan, Microsoft has offered several options:
| Method | Initial Cost | Target Audience | Requirements | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise ESU | Starting at $60 USD | Organizations and Education | Volume licenses | Up to 3 years (2028) |
| Individual ESU (paid) | ~30 USD | Private users | Windows 10 22H2 | 1 year (renewable, with increasing price) |
| Individual ESU (free) | Free | Private users | Microsoft account + OneDrive or 1,000 Rewards points | 1 year |
Microsoft insists that upgrading to Windows 11 is the best option, but the reality is that millions of computers don’t meet the hardware requirements, such as the TPM 2.0 chip or recent CPUs.
This has opened the door for more users to consider alternatives outside the Windows ecosystem. Solutions like Winux — a compatibility layer designed to ease the transition to Linux while maintaining access to key Windows programs — or distributions tailored for beginners are gaining popularity.
Experts suggest this could be a historic moment for the rise of Linux on desktops, given its long-term support, lower resource consumption, and the possibility of repurposing machines left behind by Windows 11.
Key Timeline for Windows 10’s End:
- August 10, 2025: Class action lawsuit filed in California against Microsoft (Case SC-1254).
- August 15, 2025: Official notice of “less than 60 days” until end of support.
- October 14, 2025: Official date for end of standard support.
- October 2026: One-year anniversary of the individual ESU.
Cybersecurity experts warn that continuing to use Windows 10 without support significantly increases the risk of massive cyberattacks. The system could become a prime target for ransomware and malware, similar to what happened with Windows XP after support ended.
“Attackers know there will be millions of unpatched computers. Staying on Windows 10 after October without a contingency plan is a critical risk,” industry experts warn.
FAQs about Windows 10’s End:
When does official support for Windows 10 end?
October 14, 2025. This leaves millions of computers worldwide unsupported and unpatched.Can support be extended?
Yes, through the ESU program, which offers paid options, free versions via Rewards, or enterprise licenses until 2028. However, if users do not update, they will have to pay for support, making it a lucrative opportunity for Microsoft if users are unable or unwilling to leave Windows 10.What are alternatives to Windows 11?
Besides ESU, users can migrate to Linux using projects like Winux or installer-friendly distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Fedora, all of which offer long-term support.Is it safe to continue using Windows 10 without support?
No. While the system will continue functioning, it will no longer receive security patches, leaving it extremely vulnerable to cyberattacks.Can I keep using my programs if I switch to Linux?
Yes, in many cases. Tools like Wine, Proton, or hybrid projects like Winux allow continued compatibility with Windows applications while operating in Linux.