Microsoft has confirmed that official support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, marking the conclusion of a decade-long run for one of the company’s most widely used operating systems. After this date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive feature updates, security patches, or technical support.
However, users don’t have to immediately replace their machines. There are several practical options to keep devices secure and functional beyond the end-of-life date:
1. Enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program
Microsoft’s ESU program provides an additional year of critical and security updates until October 13, 2026.
Enrollment options include:
Free: Available when users back up files to OneDrive.
Microsoft Rewards: Redeemable with 1,000 Rewards points.
Paid: One-time purchase for $30 (approximately ₹2,500).
Up to 10 devices can be registered under the same Microsoft account. Note that ESU covers only security updates, not new features.
2. Upgrade to Windows 11
For devices that meet the system requirements—TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4GB RAM or more—upgrading to Windows 11 is the recommended solution.
Upgrade options include:
Windows Update in Settings
Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Clean Installation using an ISO file
If your system uses BIOS with MBR partitions, Microsoft’s MBR2GPT tool can safely convert the drive to GPT for UEFI compatibility before upgrading.
3. Install Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware
For older PCs that don’t meet Microsoft’s requirements, third-party tools such as Rufus can bypass TPM and Secure Boot checks to install Windows 11.
While this keeps older hardware usable, Microsoft does not officially support this method. Updates may be inconsistent, and security protections may be incomplete.
Always Back Up First
Before making any changes—whether enrolling in ESU or upgrading—perform a full system backup to avoid data loss in case of installation errors or compatibility issues.
Bottom Line
Windows 10 systems will still run after October 2025, but without updates, they become increasingly vulnerable. The ESU program offers a short-term safety net, while upgrading to Windows 11 provides the most secure long-term path. Unsupported installations can extend the life of older machines, but with added risks to stability and protection.
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