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Short answer: Windows 10 end of support was on 14 October 2025. Windows 10 still works, but Microsoft no longer gives it feature updates, technical help or regular security updates. You have three options: upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your PC is eligible, join the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for security updates until 12 October 2027, or move to a new PC with Windows 11.
This guide explains each option in plain words, how to check if your PC can run Windows 11, how to enroll in ESU and what it costs. Everything is based on Microsoft’s support pages, checked in October 2026.
- Windows 10 end of support: 14 October 2025
- Consumer ESU: security updates until 12 October 2027
- ESU price: free with Windows Backup sync, 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-time $30
- Windows 11 upgrade: free on eligible PCs (TPM 2.0 and other requirements)
- Windows 10 keeps working, but gets less safe without updates
Table of Contents
What Windows 10 end of support means for you
Since 14 October 2025, Microsoft no longer provides technical assistance, feature updates or security updates for Windows 10. Microsoft says the software will continue to function, so your PC does not stop working, and your files and apps stay where they are.
The risk is security. New weaknesses found in Windows 10 are no longer fixed for everyone, so a PC without updates becomes an easier target for malware over time. That matters most for PCs you use for banking, shopping or work.
Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 for free
If your PC meets the Windows 11 system requirements, the upgrade is free. Microsoft recommends this option first, and our guide on how to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 shows every step. To check:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your PC is eligible, Windows offers the Windows 11 upgrade there.
- Or install the free PC Health Check app from Microsoft, which tells you whether your PC can run Windows 11 and why not.
- Your PC must run Windows 10 version 2004 or later to upgrade through Windows Update.
The main requirement that stops older PCs is TPM 2.0, a security chip. On many PCs it exists but is switched off in the firmware settings (often called PTT on Intel or fTPM on AMD); turning it on can make the PC eligible. If your PC is managed by a company, ask your IT department first. Our guide to the Windows 11 requirements explains each check in plain words.
Back up your files before any upgrade. After upgrading, your Windows edition normally stays the same: Windows 10 Home becomes Windows 11 Home and Windows 10 Pro becomes Windows 11 Pro. If you want Pro features later, you can upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro with a product key without reinstalling.
Option 2: Enroll in Windows 10 ESU until 2027
If you are not ready to move, the consumer Extended Security Updates program keeps your Windows 10 PC protected with critical and important security updates until 12 October 2027 (Microsoft: Windows 10 ESU). How to enroll:
- Install the latest Windows 10 updates, so the PC runs Windows 10 version 22H2.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Enroll now if the link appears. If you use a local account, Windows asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Choose how to pay: free by syncing your PC settings with Windows Backup, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or with a one-time payment of $30 (or the local equivalent plus tax).
One ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices. The PC must run Windows 10 version 22H2 Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations, the Microsoft account must be an administrator, and it cannot be a child account. Options and timing can be different in some regions, such as the European Economic Area.
ESU only adds security updates. It does not bring new features, other fixes or technical support, so see it as extra time to plan your move to Windows 11.
How to check your Windows 10 version
Windows 10 ESU only works on Windows 10 version 22H2. To check your version, open Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications: you see the edition (Home or Pro) and the version number. If it shows an older version, run Windows Update until you reach 22H2, then enroll.
What happens after October 2027?
The consumer Windows 10 ESU program ends on 12 October 2027. After that date, Windows 10 PCs at home no longer get security updates, unless Microsoft announces something new. Treat ESU as a bridge: it gives you a year to save for a new PC or to make your current one ready for Windows 11.
A good plan is to enroll in ESU now if your PC is not eligible, and set a reminder for early 2027 to choose your next PC.
Option 3: Move to a new PC with Windows 11
If your PC cannot run Windows 11 and you need it for more than another year, a new PC is the long-term answer. Most new PCs come with Windows 11 Home. If you build a PC yourself or want the Pro features on a new machine, you need a Windows 11 license; our guide shows how to activate it.
Before you retire the old PC, copy your files to the new one or to cloud storage, and sign out of your accounts.
Which option is right for you?
| Option | Cost | Protected until | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to Windows 11 | Free on eligible PCs | Ongoing updates | PCs that meet the requirements |
| Windows 10 ESU | Free (Windows Backup), 1,000 Rewards points or $30 | 12 October 2027 | More time before you switch |
| New PC with Windows 11 | Price of the PC | Ongoing updates | Older PCs that cannot run Windows 11 |
For most people the order is simple: check if your PC can upgrade; if not, enroll in ESU now and plan a new PC before October 2027.
Should you install Windows 11 on a PC that is not eligible?
You may find guides that bypass the Windows 11 requirements. Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows 11 on devices that do not meet the requirements, because such PCs may run into problems and are not guaranteed to receive updates. If your PC is not eligible, ESU is the safer short-term choice.
3 myths about Windows 10 end of support
- “My PC will stop working.” No. After Windows 10 end of support your PC keeps working; it just stops getting updates.
- “I have to buy a new PC.” Not if your PC is eligible: the Windows 11 upgrade is free. And ESU gives older PCs security updates until October 2027.
- “My antivirus is enough.” Antivirus helps, but it cannot fix security holes in Windows itself. Only Windows updates do that.
Windows 10 end of support for businesses
Companies have a separate commercial ESU program with different prices and dates; for example, Microsoft lists the end of the first commercial ESU year as 13 October 2026 (Microsoft lifecycle FAQ). If your PC is managed by an employer or school, follow their plan instead of the consumer steps above.
Getting ready for Windows 11
- Back up your documents and photos to an external drive or OneDrive.
- Write down the apps you use and check they have Windows 11 versions.
- Make sure you know your Microsoft account password before you start.
- If you use Office, check your version: Office 2021 support ended in October 2026, while Microsoft 365 keeps getting updates.
Get a Windows 11 Pro key from IQSIX
Need Windows 11 Pro for an upgraded or new PC? IQSIX sells a Windows 11 Pro product key for one PC. You get the 25-character key by email after your payment is confirmed, and you activate it with our Windows 11 Pro activation guide.
- Delivery: by email after your payment is confirmed (or on WhatsApp if you ask).
- Payment: crypto, card, or a Remitly bank or mobile money transfer at checkout.
- One PC: each key is for a single device.
- Help: we help on WhatsApp or through our contact page.
See all our software keys.
Windows 10 end of support FAQ
When did Windows 10 support end?
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Since then there are no feature updates, no technical assistance and no regular security updates, but Windows 10 keeps working.
How long can I get security updates for Windows 10?
With the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, until 12 October 2027. You enroll in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
How much does Windows 10 ESU cost?
For consumers it is free if you sync your PC settings with Windows Backup, or you can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time $30 (or the local equivalent plus tax). One license covers up to 10 devices.
Is the Windows 11 upgrade still free?
Yes, on PCs that meet the Windows 11 requirements. Check in Windows Update or with the PC Health Check app. The key requirement on older PCs is TPM 2.0.
Can I keep using Windows 10 without ESU?
Yes, it still works, but it no longer gets security fixes, so it becomes less safe over time. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling in ESU.
Will I lose my files when I upgrade to Windows 11?
An in-place upgrade normally keeps your files and apps, but always back up important files first, just in case.
Sources, checked 17 October 2026: Microsoft Support: Windows 10 support has ended, Windows 10 Consumer ESU, Windows 11 system requirements and the Microsoft lifecycle ESU FAQ. Dates and prices can change; check Microsoft’s pages for the latest details.
