Windows 10 End of Life countdown: Will your pc be obsolete after October 2025?

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Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means you won’t receive free security updates, bug fixes, or technical help anymore. If you’re one of the many people still using Windows 10, you might be wondering: Should you upgrade your computer, or can you continue using it safely after support ends?

➡️ Read more about the end of Windows 10 support here

What the End of Life actually means

Okay, so everyone’s talking about Windows 10 support ending, but honestly, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Your computer won’t just *die* on that date. I’ll still be able to use it like normal, and all my files, apps, and everything else will still be there. It just means I won’t be getting those important security updates anymore, which is something to keep in mind.

As an analyst, I’ve seen this pattern repeatedly: when a Windows 10 device reaches the end of its update support, it stops getting security patches. This is a real concern because new threats emerge constantly. Without those updates, connecting the device to the internet – for anything from checking email to online banking – becomes progressively more dangerous. It significantly increases the risk of compromise.

As a researcher, I’ve been following the news and it’s clear Microsoft is ending active development for Windows 10. This means they won’t be releasing any more updates to fix problems, improve performance, or add new features. I anticipate that software and hardware companies will also start phasing out support for Windows 10 as they concentrate on Windows 11 and future operating systems. While it won’t stop working overnight, Windows 10 will slowly become outdated and increasingly vulnerable to security threats.

What happens after October 14, 2025

If you don’t make any changes, your computer will function normally. You’ll still be able to do everything you normally do, like open files, surf the internet, and use your programs.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to get virus updates for a while (until 2028) to offer some basic protection. However, the core program won’t receive important security updates if weaknesses are found. This is a key point: relying only on antivirus software isn’t enough to keep your device safe.

As time goes on, you’ll probably start running into problems with compatibility. Some of your apps or browsers might stop working, you may no longer get updates for your hardware, and new devices might not connect properly. Ultimately, without ongoing support, your computer will become harder to use for daily tasks.

Stay secure without replacing your PC

If you’re happy with your computer and it’s still working well, you can keep it secure beyond 2025. Microsoft now lets you sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU), which will provide important security fixes for another year, until October 13, 2026.

This program was originally created for businesses, but now we’re offering it to individual users as well. However, this version won’t receive any updates or improvements – it’s a short-term security solution to give you time to figure out what to do next.

Okay, so I just found out a cool way to keep getting security updates for my computer even after support ends! Apparently, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates for free if you back up your files to OneDrive using the Windows Backup app, or if you’ve been collecting Microsoft Rewards points – 1000 of them will get you covered. Pretty neat, right?

You can also buy it outright for $30, or the local equivalent price.

If you’re located in Europe, your data will automatically sync and your points will be applied without needing any action from you. However, like all users, you’ll still need to sign in with your Microsoft account to connect your device.

If you prefer not to use a Microsoft account, people in Europe can create a local account, but it costs $30.

You can sign up your device starting now, and you’ll have until October 13, 2026, to do so. After that date, we won’t be able to provide continued support.

Upgrading to Windows 11 as soon as possible

If you’re unsure about upgrading, keep in mind that Windows 11 is the better choice for the future, assuming your computer can handle it. Microsoft plans to continue adding new features and improvements to Windows 11 for a long time to come.

I’ve been exploring options for installing Windows 11 even on devices that don’t officially meet the system requirements. It appears you can bypass these requirements by creating a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus. This allows for a manual installation, even if your hardware isn’t listed as compatible.

Microsoft doesn’t offer support for modifications made outside of its official guidelines, which means your computer won’t be officially supported. You’ll still get updates, but they might not always function correctly.

You don’t have to buy a new PC

There’s no rush to get a new computer right after October 14, 2025. Your current Windows 10 computer will still work, and you can keep using it with the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program or by switching to a different operating system. But, if you depend on your computer for important daily tasks or online activities, upgrading to a computer that works with Windows 11 is the most reliable way to ensure it continues to meet your needs in the future.

Microsoft is giving you a full extra year to get ready for the change. Use this time to save your files, see if your computer can run Windows 11, and think about whether it’s better to keep using Windows 10 for a while longer or get a new computer. You’ll eventually need to move away from Windows 10, but for now, you can decide when and how.

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2025-10-11 17:13