- Yes, you can continue using Windows 10 after support ends on October 14, 2025, but it will no longer receive free updates or security patches.
- To stay protected, you can enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers one additional year of security updates through October 13, 2026, available via paid, Microsoft Rewards, or Windows Backup options.
After a decade of service, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. While this marks the time to upgrade to Windows 11, many users are still holding off, often because their current hardware doesn’t meet the system requirements for the newer operating system.
What does end of support for Windows 10 mean?
The end of support means Microsoft will stop releasing security updates, bug fixes, new features, and providing technical assistance for Windows 10 after the deadline. Once support ends, systems running Windows 10 will be left unprotected against new security threats, increasing the risk of malware, data breaches, and system instability over time.
Can you keep using Windows 10 after support ends?
Yes, you can continue using the operating system without extra steps, but only as a short-term solution. Technically, Windows 10 is expected to receive the last security updates on October 14, 2025, meaning that you may continue to use your computer as you would normally do without significant risks (for a brief period).
Having said that. If you’re not ready to transition to Windows 11 or your computer doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for the upgrade, Microsoft is offering several options to keep using Windows 10 after October 2025, for one more year, using the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
What is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10?
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is a paid service from Microsoft that provides critical security updates for Windows 10 after its official end of support on October 14, 2025.
While the operating system will no longer receive free updates after this date, the ESU program allows eligible devices to continue receiving monthly security patches for up to three years.
The program is primarily designed for businesses and organizations, but this time around, the company will allow regular consumers to receive one additional year of security updates, through October 13, 2026. (The three-year term is only for businesses and organizations.)
It’s important to note that your device will only receive critical and important security updates to maintain your computer’s security from malware and other threats. The operating system won’t receive new features or changes after October 2025.
In this guide, I’ll explain the approach to continue using Windows 10 at least until October 2026.
Keep using Windows 10 after support ends on October 14, 2025
The only official option to maintain your computer after the support for Windows 10 ends is to enroll your computer in the Extended Security Updates program, and you have at least three ways to enroll.
The program costs $30 (or equivalent), but you can also get it for free (sort of), depending on the option you choose.
Windows Backup option
If spending the extra $30 for the program isn’t a suitable path, you can choose the option to back up your settings and files to OneDrive using the “Windows Backup” app, and this will make the ESU program free.
In the case that you are already a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriber, this is perhaps the best option since you’re also probably already backing up your data to the cloud.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a subscription, you will quickly realize that 5GB of free space may not be enough, and here is where the program pays off for Microsoft, as the company hopes that making the extended support free, it may help to bring more Microsoft 365 customers.
If you want to use this option, you can simply choose a folder that doesn’t contain many files while preventing the sync client from uploading your documents and pictures.
Microsoft Rewards option
If you’re enrolled in the Microsoft Rewards program and you have 1000 points to spare, you can redeem those points to enroll in the ESU program. (Technically, it won’t be free, because you’ll have to spend the points that you could have redeemed for something else. However, the money won’t come from your wallet.)
The rewards program is also an option, and it may be better than the Windows Backup option if you don’t have a subscription. You only need to sign in with your Microsoft account to the Microsoft Rewards program and then complete some of the quests until you reach 1000 points.
Usually, it doesn’t take long to reach the required points, and sometimes, the company offers additional rewards for taking actions, such as downloading the mobile app onto your phone. (After getting the points, you can always uninstall the app.)
Paid ESU program option
Finally, if you don’t want to upload your files and settings to the cloud and are not part of the Microsoft Rewards program, then you’ll have to pay the $30 USD (or the equivalent in your region).
Of course, if your computer meets the minimum requirements, the best approach is to upgrade to Windows 11.
After the enrollment, your computer will receive security updates and will continue to be supported from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026.
Enroll PC in the ESU program
Once the program is ready for your computer, you will notice an “Enroll now” option in the “Windows Update” settings, and you will have to choose the best option for you.
The option is available for any device running Windows 10 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation edition with the latest security update.
You must also be signed in with an administrator account connected using a Microsoft account. If you’re using a local account, you’ll be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account as the ESU product key is tied to your online account.
On June 24, 2025, Microsoft opened the Extended Security Updates enrollment for Windows 10 through the Windows Insider Program.
In July 2025, the software giant is expected to expand the enrollment to consumers outside of the Insider Program. Finally, in mid-August 2025, the program will be available more broadly to every device.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].