With Windows 10 support set to expire on October 14, 2025, Microsoft is urging users to upgrade to Windows 11, adopt Copilot+ PCs, or leverage Windows 365 to ensure ongoing security and feature access.
Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted Microsoft’s enduring mission to deliver accessible, secure, and powerful technology to everyone.
Preparing for the End of Windows 10 Support
Windows 10, originally released in July 2015, will no longer receive security patches or new features after mid-October 2025. Although affected devices will continue operating, they will gradually become more susceptible to cyberattacks and software incompatibilities.
Key points include:
- Microsoft 365 Apps will keep receiving security patches until October 10, 2028, with feature updates available until August 2026.
- Until October 2028, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will get regular security intelligence updates.
Users can verify if their PCs qualify for a Windows 11 upgrade by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update or by using the PC Health Check tool. To aid data transfer, Microsoft recommends using the built-in Windows Backup feature.
Benefits of Moving to Windows 11
Windows 11 is designed with security as a default setting, enhanced speed, and integrated AI-driven tools to support modern work styles. Highlights include:
- Robust Security: Hardware-based protections like TPM 2.0 and virtualization-based security come enabled by default. Reports show new Windows 11 machines experience 62% fewer security breaches and a threefold decline in firmware attacks.
- Improved Efficiency: Windows 11 offers faster system updates, quicker resume from sleep, and up to 2.3 times the performance of Windows 10 PCs.
- Updated User Interface: The OS refines familiar workflows with features such as Snap Layouts, multiple desktops, and a cleaner Start menu for easier navigation.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Tools like Focus Sessions, live captions, Voice Access, and advanced Narrator voices improve usability for diverse users.
- AI-Enhanced Productivity: Windows 11 Copilot, available on Copilot+ PCs, delivers intelligent assistance with capabilities such as Recall, Cocreator in Paint, and Restyle in Photos.
- Increased Work Efficiency: Businesses benefit from faster task completion—up to 50% quicker—with an estimated 250% return on investment.
OEM partners including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface offer a wide selection of Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs tailored to various needs.
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)
To assist users needing extra time, Microsoft provides Windows 10 Extended Security Updates from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. The enrollment options are:
Individual Users
- Users can enroll for free by syncing settings with Windows Backup or by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Paid option at $30 USD (pricing varies by region).
- Enrollment through an upcoming wizard in Settings, debuting for Windows Insiders in July 2025.
Business Users
- Annual subscription at $61 per device, renewable up to three years with incremental pricing increases.
- Offered now via Volume Licensing and set to launch with Cloud Service Providers on September 1, 2025.
Cloud and Virtual Environment Users
- Complimentary Extended Security Updates are available for Windows 10 devices accessed through Windows 365 Cloud PCs or virtual machines running Windows 11.
| Product | End of Extended Support / ESU Start Date | ESU End Date Year 1 | ESU End Date Year 2 | ESU End Date Year 3 | Type of Security Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Embedded POSReady 7 | October 12, 2021 | October 11, 2022 | October 10, 2023 | October 8, 2024 | Critical, Important |
| SQL Server 2012 | July 12, 2022 | July 11, 2023 | July 9, 2024 | July 8, 2025 | Critical |
| Windows Server 2012/R2 | October 10, 2023 | October 8, 2024 | October 14, 2025 | October 13, 2026 | Critical, Important |
| SQL Server 2014 | July 9, 2024 | July 8, 2025 | July 14, 2026 | July 12, 2027 | Critical |
| Windows 10 | November 11, 2025 | October 13, 2026 | October 12, 2027 | October 10, 2028 | Critical, Important |
Windows 365: Delivering Windows 11 from the Cloud
Windows 365 offers a cloud-hosted Windows 11 environment accessible from nearly any internet-connected device, enabling secure remote work without immediate hardware upgrades. New subscribers receive a 20% discount on plans during the first year.
Looking Ahead
Yusuf Mehdi stressed Microsoft’s dedication to supporting all users during this significant transition—whether upgrading to Windows 11, utilizing ESU, or adopting Windows 365. He described 2025 as the “year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” driven by advancements in AI and hardware innovation.
Users are encouraged to visit Microsoft’s official website or use the PC Health Check app to explore upgrade options and start the transition.