Why the deadline matters

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will exit servicing on October 14 2025. This end of servicing affects the Windows 10 22H2 family across Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education and IoT editions, as well as Windows 10 LTSB 2015 variants. After the deadline, monthly security updates and bug fixes will stop for these versions. While devices will continue to operate, they will become more exposed to new security threats without ongoing protections.

For organizations and individuals who rely on Windows 10, this is a turning point. Planning a transition now reduces the risk of disruption and ensures you continue to receive critical security protections and reliability improvements.

What changes after October 14 2025

End of servicing does not erase a device from the network or make it unusable. It does, however, remove the safety net that keeps operating systems protected against evolving threats. Without security updates, vulnerabilities can be exploited more easily. Microsoft recommends moving eligible devices to Windows 11 or leveraging Windows 11 in the cloud via Windows 365 to maintain ongoing security and feature updates.

There is a secondary option known as Extended Security Updates ESU. ESU extends security updates for Windows 10 for a limited period, giving organizations time to finish migrations. The standard pricing is 30 per year for home users and 61 per device per year for enterprise customers. Some programs or incentives may allow ESU to be available for free to certain home users, particularly those who enroll through Microsoft Rewards or enable cloud backup services that synchronize data to the cloud. In addition, Windows 10 virtual machines and Windows 11 cloud PCs enrolled in ESU may continue to receive updates without extra charges in specific configurations.

Upgrade options to stay protected

Choosing the right path depends on hardware, licensing, and your tolerance for risk and downtime. The main options include:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 on devices that meet the minimum hardware requirements. This is the most straightforward route for most households and small businesses, delivering ongoing security updates and newer features.
• Adopt Windows 365, a cloud PC that runs Windows 11 in the cloud. This option shifts updates and maintenance to the cloud provider while giving users a familiar Windows environment on a range of devices.
• Enroll in ESU to extend security updates for Windows 10 for a defined grace period. ESU provides a bridge to finish planning and completing the upgrade without exposing systems to unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Consider LTSC editions for specialized devices. Long-Term Servicing Channel releases are designed for devices with strict stability needs in industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. They continue receiving updates beyond the standard end of servicing, but are not intended for general consumer use.

For context, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 mainstream end date is in 2027, with IoT Enterprise variants following extended timelines. LTSC 2019 editions extend into 2029. These editions are targeted at specific setups and use cases rather than general consumer deployments.

Where to verify end-of-service dates

Accurate planning starts with official lifecycle data. Use the lifecycle policy search tool to locate end-of-support dates for Windows releases. The Windows Lifecycle FAQ provides practical guidance on how lifecycle timelines translate into upgrade planning. Additionally, Microsoft maintains a comprehensive list of products retiring or ending support in a given year, which is useful for larger organizations tracking multiple products across departments.

Market trends and what users are choosing

Industry data shows Windows 11 surpassing Windows 10 in overall installations. The latest reports indicate Windows 11 now leads in global share, with Windows 10 installations falling below half of all Windows systems. In gaming specifically, Steam surveys show a similar shift: around six in ten gamers run Windows 11, while roughly one third continue on Windows 10. These trends reflect growing adoption of Windows 11 and its ongoing security and feature improvements, reinforcing the case for upgrading where feasible.

Practical steps to prepare today

If you manage multiple devices, start with a thorough hardware inventory to determine which machines meet Windows 11 requirements. For devices that do not, evaluate LTSC options or plan an ESU-enabled migration timeline. Create a robust data backup plan and run a pilot deployment of Windows 11 to identify compatibility issues and user readiness. Communicate a migration roadmap to users, and coordinate licensing and device management strategies to minimize disruption. For organizations, cloud-based options like Windows 365 can simplify updates and security management across a dispersed workforce.

Security hygiene remains essential during this period of transition. Ensure device backups are current, enable bitlocker or drive encryption where available, and verify that security tools and software remain compatible on Windows 11 or in the cloud environment you choose.

Final takeaways

Windows 10 end of servicing is approaching, and proactive planning is critical. By evaluating upgrade paths, validating hardware readiness, and choosing a path that aligns with your home or business needs, you can maintain security and productivity beyond October 2025. ESU and LTSC can serve as bridging options, but for most users the cleanest long-term path involves a Windows 11 upgrade or a cloud-based Windows 365 deployment. Start today with an inventory, a migration plan, and a pilot to minimize disruption when the deadline arrives.