After nearly a decade of service, Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. This milestone marks a major shift for over a billion users worldwide, with roughly 43% still relying on Windows 10 as of mid-2025.
Microsoft will no longer provide critical security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10. That means devices running the OS will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, software incompatibilities, and compliance risks.
Microsoft offers two paths forward:
- Upgrade to Windows 11: Free for eligible devices. This is the recommended route for most users.
- Extended Security Updates (ESU): For those unable or unwilling to upgrade, ESU provides critical security patches through October 2026. Personal users in the European Economic Area can register for free; others may pay $30 or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Commercial users face a $61 per-device fee.
Why it matters:
- Security: Without updates, systems are exposed to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
- Compliance: Businesses may struggle to meet regulatory requirements using unsupported software.
- Functionality: Developers will gradually stop supporting Windows 10, leading to degraded performance and feature loss.
Consumer advocates warn that the end of support could lead to unnecessary hardware waste. Many older devices still function well but are not eligible for Windows 11, pushing users toward premature upgrades.
What you should do now:
- Check if your device is eligible for Windows 11.
- Back up your files and settings.
- Decide whether to upgrade or enroll in ESU.
- For businesses, assess device fleets and budget for compliance and security continuity.
As a Microsoft Tier 1 Cloud Services Partner and Epicor Platinum Elite Partner, 2W Tech is uniquely positioned to guide businesses through the Windows 10 end-of-support transition. Whether you are upgrading to Windows 11, evaluating Extended Security Updates, or assessing hardware compatibility, our team offers strategic IT consulting, licensing support, and managed services tailored to your environment. We help minimize disruption, ensure compliance, and future-proof your infrastructure, so you can focus on innovation, not obsolescence.
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