Windows 10 is ending support: what it means, who it affects and what you can do

The moment that many users feared has arrived: Windows 10 is ending support. This Tuesday, October 14, Microsoft’s operating system will reach the end of its life cycle, leaving millions of computers around the world that still use it to fend for themselves.

Ending support for Windows 10 isn’t something Redmond decided to do overnight. However, this incident caused a very negative reaction among the public. After all, the platform was extremely popular and for several years was favorite optioneven higher than the most modern Windows 11.

While Microsoft’s original plans called for Windows 10 support to last 10 years, which it achieved, there has been no shortage of criticism accusing the company of being too quick to end support. In 2023 it was the most used software version since more than 70% market sharewhen Windows 11 had been available for almost two years.

Windows 10 positions itself as a reliable, attractive solution that can run on a wide range of hardware specifications. In the case of Win11, everything was different: from the very beginning, it did not include a large number of computers that were not that old, but did not meet its strictest requirements. For example, support for secure boot and TPM 2.0.

Since the end of 2023, they warn that the end of support for Windows 10 will turn about 240 million PCs into trash. Although Microsoft itself has been recommending for some time that you change your computer to a Windows 11 machine if the one you have cannot be updated to the latest version of the OS.

With so much buzz surrounding the end of Windows 10’s life, below We will answer the most frequently asked questions about this:

What does it mean when Windows 10 ends support?

End of support for Windows 10 means that the operating system you will not receive new features or security updates. So after October 14, computers using this operating system will be formally unprotected from the emergence of new vulnerabilities.

This could be a big problem given that online threats are becoming more sophisticated. The situation is aggravated by the use of generative artificial intelligence to develop and distribute viruses and malware. Thus, if an unexploited security flaw is discovered in Windows 10, users will be at the mercy of its potential exploitation by attackers.

Many have wondered if their Windows 10 PC will still work after losing support, and the answer is yes. Computers can be used as normal, except that they will be exposed to new threats.. It’s important to emphasize that in addition to the fact that you won’t receive new security patches, this version of the OS will no longer support Windows Defender.

Which operating system versions does this affect?

All versions of Windows 10 related to the lines Home, Professional, Enterprise and Education They will no longer be supported on October 14, 2025. The only ones that won’t be affected on this day will be those that Microsoft offered as extended support options called LTSC or LTSB.

However, it is worth clarifying that the latter were not distributed openly and its deployment matches more specific use cases. In these revisions, the stipulated dates of 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2032 will be respected accordingly.

What can I do to avoid losing Windows 10 updates?

Microsoft recommends that anyone with Windows 11 compatible computers upgrade to this version. However, a large number of people will likely choose to extend their stay on Windows 10 for as long as possible. And there is a specific opportunity for this.

Redmond residents launched Extended Security Updates or ESUabbreviation in English. It is available in both versions for consumers as well as for companies or organizations. Although there are some differences to consider.

If you’re using Windows 10 Home or Pro, you can receive extended security updates for another year. That is, until October 13, 2026. Those using the Enterprise or Education editions will receive protection for at least three years. until October 2028.

Consumers will not be able to renew ESU after an additional year of support. In this case, organizations will be able to reconfirm coverage for some time longer, although in exchange for a higher price.

One final factor to consider: price. Windows 10 Extended Security Updates they have a priceif you do not meet certain requirements or conditions.

As for consumer versions, you can pay $30 to get an extra year of support. This allows you to cover up to 10 different computers associated with a single Microsoft account. If you don’t want to pay, you can redeem 1000 Microsoft Rewards points to get the same benefit.

How to get free ESUs

There is also the opportunity to enroll in the ESU program. at no costbut for this you need activate Windows Backup feature on your Windows 10 PC. But be careful as this feature works through OneDrive, which only provides 5GB of free cloud storage. If you exceed this limit, you will have to purchase more backup space.

Having said all this, it is important to make one final clarification. If you live in one of the countries European Economic Areayou can access advanced security updates for free and without tricks. This is due to a concession that Microsoft made to avoid problems associated with the Digital Markets Act.

To do this, the only requirement is to sign in with a Microsoft account on your PC. As mandated by Redmond, users must log in with these credentials at least once every 60 days to remain in the ESU program.

To sign up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates, you need to enter Settings > Security Updates > Windows Update.. There you will see a link to launch a wizard that will help you complete the process by following the on-screen instructions.

Goodbye Windows 10

With the end of support for Windows 10, Microsoft is taking another step to finally focus on Windows 11, the cloud, and Copilot AI. It is worth saying that on October 14 the company will release the latest monthly security patch for the operating system.. Thus, starting in November, the platform will essentially remain unprotected from new threats and vulnerabilities, with the exception of those who enroll in the ESU program.