The clock is ticking for Windows 10 users! October 14, 2025, is the official end of support date, meaning Microsoft will no longer offer free monthly security updates. In a recent blog post, Microsoft outlined options for those who want to keep their Windows 10 devices secure a bit longer—but it will cost you.

Extended Security Updates: Your Path to Extra Protection

For $30($45AUD), Microsoft is offering individual users of Windows 10 Home or Pro an additional 12 months of security updates through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. This is a notable first for Microsoft, as the ESU programme has historically been available only to businesses and educational institutions. But with millions of devices likely staying on Windows 10, this change provides a way to stay secure on an ageing platform.

Why Pay for Extended Support?

The ESU programme is ideal if your Windows 10 PC isn’t compatible with Windows 11 or if you’re not ready to upgrade. The extra year of security patches can provide peace of mind if you prefer to avoid the risks of running an unsupported OS. However, this $30($45AUD) fee is a one-time offer: Microsoft won’t be extending it for individual users beyond 2026. Businesses and schools, however, can pay for two additional years of support, but this isn’t available for personal devices.

What If You Skip the ESU?

If you’d rather not pay for extended support, you can continue using Windows 10 without updates. Just be aware that without security patches, your PC could become vulnerable to new threats. Microsoft warns that any unpatched security flaws discovered after October 2025 could leave your device exposed to malware or viruses.

Microsoft’s advice? Upgrade to Windows 11 if possible. For now, Windows 10 users can continue using the OS securely until October 2025 at no additional cost.

What Does End of Support Mean for Windows 10?

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft won’t be required to provide free monthly security updates or bug fixes for Windows 10. The immediate impact won’t be drastic, though; the OS will still function as usual, and many in-box apps will continue to receive updates via the Microsoft Store.

However, as time goes on, you might face more compatibility issues as app developers and hardware manufacturers gradually move away from supporting Windows 10. Over several years, you may start encountering issues with newer apps or hardware.

The Security Risks of Using an Unsupported OS

Security should be a primary concern once support ends. Without regular updates, Windows 10 will be more vulnerable to newly discovered security flaws. Although Windows Defender will continue receiving malware definition updates until October 2028, it won’t fully protect against new exploits that take advantage of OS vulnerabilities.

For those prioritising security, the best options are to join the ESU programme for a final year of patches or upgrade to Windows 11, if possible. Although Windows 11 has strict system requirements, some users have managed to install it on older, unsupported PCs. This isn’t officially recommended, but it’s a potential route for those wanting the latest OS without purchasing a new device.

What Will Happen to Windows 10’s User Base?

Despite Windows 11’s release, Windows 10 is still the go-to for roughly 60% of Windows users worldwide—about 900 million active devices. Windows 11, meanwhile, has gradually climbed to about 30% of the market, with approximately 500 million users. Microsoft expects this balance to shift in the coming year as more users consider upgrading.

Last year, Microsoft reported that Windows 11 had surpassed 400 million active devices, and the company is preparing for another wave of upgrades as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 looms.

Preparing for What’s Next

With the end of Windows 10 support fast approaching, it’s time for users to weigh their options. Whether you choose to pay for a year of extended support or make the leap to Windows 11, staying informed about your choices can help keep your device secure. This transition may mark the end of an era for Windows 10, but it opens up new paths for users in the Windows ecosystem.

Whatever path you choose, the next few months are a great time to prepare for the next chapter in your Windows journey.