Windows 10 end of support is already behind us: since 14 October 2025, Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates for Windows 10. This guide explains what that means in practice for your PC, which four routes are now open to you and which route suits whom.
Key points at a glance
- Regular support for Windows 10 Home and Pro ended on 14 October 2025. The final version is 22H2.
- Windows 10 still starts and runs, but without ESU it no longer receives security updates.
- Home users can enrol in Extended Security Updates (ESU) and receive security updates until 12 October 2027.
- Eligible PCs with an activated Windows 10 licence can be upgraded to Windows 11 free of charge.
What Windows 10 end of support means in practice
Microsoft manages Windows 10 Home and Pro under what is known as the Modern Lifecycle Policy. With the end of support on 14 October 2025, Microsoft stopped three things: security updates via Windows Update, bug fixes and technical support for the operating system.
Your PC will not switch itself off as a result, and Windows 10 remains activated. Programs, files and settings work as usual. The difference only becomes apparent over time: every newly discovered security vulnerability stays open on a system without updates.
This is exactly what makes unsupported systems attractive to attackers. Vulnerabilities become public as soon as Microsoft fixes them on supported systems. Anyone who does not receive the update remains exposed to these known flaws.
Which versions are affected
All editions typically used by home users and small businesses are affected: Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations. Version 22H2 is the final version of Windows 10; no further feature update will be released.
The only exceptions are the long-term servicing versions (LTSC) for specialist devices, for example in industry or medical technology. They follow their own lifecycles. You can find the official dates on Microsoft's lifecycle page for Windows 10 Home and Pro.
To see which version is installed on your PC, press the Windows key + R and enter the command winver. The window shows the edition and version number.
Your options at a glance
Essentially, there are four ways to carry on with a Windows 10 PC. The table shows the differences at a glance.
| Option | Security updates | Effort | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESU programme | until 12 October 2027 | low | PCs not eligible for Windows 11 |
| Upgrade to Windows 11 | ongoing | medium | compatible PCs |
| New PC or clean installation | ongoing | high | old or faulty hardware |
| Continue without updates | none | none | offline devices only |
Option 1: Security updates via ESU
With the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, home users continue to receive critical and important security updates for Windows 10 22H2 until 12 October 2027. In the European Economic Area, signing in with a Microsoft account is all it takes. ESU does not include new features or technical support.
To find out how enrolment works step by step and which requirements apply, read our guide on enrolling in Windows 10 ESU.
Option 2: Free upgrade to Windows 11
If your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, the upgrade is free of charge for devices with an activated Windows 10 licence. Windows 10 Home becomes Windows 11 Home, and Pro becomes Pro. Your files, settings and most programs are retained.
Three points are especially important: a processor from Microsoft's list of supported models, TPM 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot capability. Microsoft's free PC Health Check app shows whether your device is eligible. Our article on the Windows 11 system requirements explains all the details.
If the PC is eligible, Windows Update usually offers the upgrade directly. Alternatively, you can use the Installation Assistant or an ISO file. We describe all three routes in our guide Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Option 3: New PC or clean installation
If your computer is more than around seven years old, it often does not meet the Windows 11 requirements. In that case, a new device is usually more sensible than one stopgap solution after another. New PCs are almost always supplied with Windows 11.
The situation is different if you build a PC yourself, buy a device without an operating system or want to start afresh on a compatible computer without a valid Windows 10 licence. In these cases, you need your own product key for Windows 11. Which edition is right depends on whether you need features such as BitLocker or Remote Desktop. Our comparison Windows 11 Home or Pro helps you choose, and the guide Reinstalling Windows 11 describes the setup.
Matching licence
You will find all editions in our Windows 11 category. We send you the product key by email after purchase, together with activation instructions.
Option 4: Continue without updates
Technically, Windows 10 can still be used without any protection at all. This is only justifiable for devices that are never connected to the internet, such as a measurement computer or a PC controlling an older machine. If such a device needs a new licence, our guide Buying a Windows 10 key explains what to look out for.
For a PC you use to browse the web, read emails or do online banking, this route is risky. Antivirus software cannot replace missing operating system updates, because it does not close vulnerabilities in the system itself. For businesses, there is the added issue that unpatched systems may conflict with data protection and IT security requirements.
Guides that bypass the Windows 11 hardware check are not a real alternative either. Microsoft does not support such installations and makes no commitment to provide updates for them. Our article Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 explains what to bear in mind.
What happens to Office and other programs
Programs are affected differently by the operating system's end of support. According to Microsoft, the Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 until 10 October 2028. However, no new features will be added there.
The one-off purchase versions of Office each have their own lifecycle: Office 2016 and Office 2019 have not received updates since 14 October 2025, while Office 2021 will receive them until 13 October 2026. Our article on Office end of support provides an overview.
Other manufacturers decide for themselves how long they will continue to support Windows 10. Before switching, check whether Windows 11 drivers are available for important programs, printers and scanners.
Conclusion
Windows 10 still works after the end of support, but without updates it becomes less secure with every passing month. For compatible PCs, the free upgrade to Windows 11 is the obvious step. If your device does not meet the requirements, ESU gives you until October 2027 to plan the switch calmly.
Make deliberate use of this time: check your hardware, back up your data and decide in good time whether an upgrade, a clean installation or a new device is the right route.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows 10 still work after the end of support?
Yes. Windows 10 still starts, remains activated and all programs run as before. Without ESU, however, the system no longer receives security updates, so new vulnerabilities remain open.
Can I still install and activate Windows 10 after the end of support?
Yes. The end of support concerns updates and technical support, not installation or activation with a valid product key. Microsoft continues to offer the installation media for download.
Is the upgrade to Windows 11 still free?
According to Microsoft, the upgrade is free of charge for eligible devices with an activated Windows 10 licence. It is carried out via Windows Update, the Installation Assistant or installation media from Microsoft.
How long does ESU run for home users?
The ESU programme for home users ends on 12 October 2027. You can enrol at any time until then. After that, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, even via ESU.
Is antivirus software enough instead of updates?
No. Antivirus software detects known malware but does not close any security vulnerabilities in the operating system. That requires Microsoft's updates.