Windows 10 End of Life: When Does Windows 10 Support End?

When does Windows 10 become obsolete?

October 14, 2025

Microsoft will keep at least one version of Windows 10 up to date until October 14, 2025.

• Commencement Date: July 29, 2015
• Date of Retirement: October 14, 2025

When does Windows 10 go out of support?

Windows users must remain informed about the end of support dates for various operating system versions from Microsoft. In this manner, you can be ready and update to a more recent version before it is too late. We will review when Windows 10 support expires in this blog post, along with some preparation tips.

Microsoft has said it will no longer support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security patches and other services to help with operating systems after this date. Most people, especially those still using Windows 10, should start planning their move to a new operating system as soon as possible.

In 2021, Microsoft started rolling out Windows 11 to compatible devices. This means that eventually, Windows 10 will join Windows 7 and Windows XP in Microsoft’s list of unsupported operating systems. This is the standard lifecycle for all Windows operating systems released by the company.

If you use Microsoft’s old operating system, there’s no need to worry. Microsoft will provide support for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. You have approximately four years to switch to a different operating system.

What Windows’ end-of-lifecycle means

Can a Windows operating system (Windows OS) run new programs when its lifecycle support ends?

No, in response

The operating system can still execute new programs.

However, consumers can no longer obtain security updates for Microsoft operating systems (OS) once they reach the end of service. Programs no longer sold or supported by the operating system will still function with hardware and software but will not receive security support from the OS.

However, the likelihood of new software and hardware being inoperable on an outdated OS is higher.

This often happens because new software and hardware producers decide how best to design their products to capitalize on the features and enhanced capability of updated operating systems. In other words, once Microsoft stops supporting older Windows operating systems, manufacturers may also stop supporting their products.

What is Windows’ Lifecycle Policy?

Windows products are supported under Modern and Fixed Lifecycle Policies. Check your Windows product’s lifecycle, lifetime policy, and end-of-support dates.

What distinguishes a Windows feature update from a Windows quality update?

An incremental update to Windows products that address security flaws, adds new features, and resolves bugs is called a Windows quality update.

Customers need to run a supported version of WindowsWindows-supported to receive quality updates. Furthermore, Windows quality updates are layered atop one another, with each update building upon the one before.

An update with new features for Windows is called a feature update. All prior quality enhancements are also included in a feature update when applicable.

Releases, lifecycles, and end of life of Windows 10

According to Microsoft, the start and finish dates of the Windows 10 home, pro, education, and workstation versions are as follows:

What Would Happen If Windows 11 Is Not Compatible by 2025?

When Windows 10 support ends, if your device is not ready for Windows 11, security updates will not be coming in. This implies that malware and other security risks could infect your device, among other things.

Beyond October 14, 2025, Microsoft has yet to state that it will support Windows 10 devices that are incompatible with Windows 11. Because of this, it is crucial to consider your options, make a strategy, and update to a new device or operating system before Windows 10 support expires.

Microsoft will eventually stop supporting Microsoft Office on Windows 10 computers as well. While it seems far off, it is possible that Windows 10 will not help the upcoming edition of Office. Read the first release announcement and the support document carefully.

Before you start making plans, you should do so because Microsoft has yet to say how long it will take for Windows 10 to become as useless as Windows 7 or 8.1. Will you make the change immediately, or will you wait to see how long Windows will still work?

How to Get Ready for Windows 10 Support to End

There are a few things you can do if you are still using Windows 10 to get ready for the end of support when it arrives in a few more years:

1. Verify whether Windows 11 is compatible with your device. To accomplish this, go to the Microsoft website.
2. Make plans to update to Windows 11 if your device is supported. This could entail removing programs, creating file backups, and more.
3. If Windows 11 is incompatible with your device, make plans to replace or upgrade it. This could entail looking for new electronics, computer components, etc.
4. Follow the most recent developments on Windows 10 and other Microsoft goods. This will assist you in being ready for any upcoming changes before the end of support in the second half of 2025.

Given that more extended support and security patches are anticipated for Windows 11, most users will probably migrate to the new operating system. You should expect the new system to receive support and updates for a very long time – possibly even longer than Windows 10 – as there is no official end-of-life date.

If you switch to the new setup, you will still get security updates for all versions of Windows 11, even the business and education editions. As was already said, maintenance for Windows 11 will continue for a while. Now, before Windows 10 goes away for good, is the best time to move.

In early 2021, Microsoft switched its attention from Windows 10 to Windows 11, an operating system. The name of the software is Windows 11. Microsoft has changed the standards for Windows 10, but people who already have a laptop with Windows 10 can get Windows 11 for free.

While there are ways to get around the requirements, doing so opens up other problems because some features might not function as intended, and some updates might not be able to be installed via Windows Update on devices that are not compatible.

What to Do When Windows 10 Support Ends

When support for Windows 10 expires, what should you do then?

Think about updating to Windows 11. Compared to Windows 10, it is the most recent iteration of Microsoft’s operating system and has many new features. You can keep using Windows 10 if you are not ready to transfer over immediately, but be aware that Microsoft will only support it after 2025.

If you are not ready for an upgrade or do not want to, you may still be secure when support expires by following a few easy steps.

First, make sure your machine has the most recent security patches installed. Start the Windows Update application and run a fresh update search to do this. If any are available, install them as quickly as feasible. You should always use the most recent version of Windows 10 to ensure you have the most current official updates. Remember that after the end of the support date, you will not get any more updates for Windows 10 or feature upgrades.

The second step is to install and keep up with an antivirus program. Even if Windows Defender stops getting updates, this will still help keep your computer safe from malware and other threats. You only need a little money because there are many free security apps. You can also get cutting-edge PC security software like Avast Antivirus on our site.

Antivirus programs may continue to produce updates and new versions to help you stay safe even if your system is no longer supported or feature updates are no longer available for your PC.

Thirdly, exercise caution while selecting files to download and install on your computer. Download programs and files only from reliable sources. Additionally, before installing any new program, check any user reviews. Even with Windows versions no longer supported, you can remain safe if you install applications carefully.

Lastly, never forget that SoftwareKeep is always available to you if you still have issues after support ends. Our organization maintains a specialized support staff that can assist you in resolving any problems you could encounter, even after your Windows version’s support has ended.

If you keep these points in mind, you can use Windows 10 when support expires!

How Can I Update Windows 10?

You must do a few things before you upgrade from Windows 10 to the most recent version of Windows.

Verify that your computer satisfies Windows 11’s minimal system requirements. Microsoft’s website has a list of them. You can only install the new operating system if it fulfils the criteria.

Look for upgrades that work with the software and devices you own. To check for updates or compatibility problems, visit the websites of the companies that made your software and gadgets.

You are prepared to upgrade after you have looked for updates and confirmed that your system satisfies the system requirements!

Launch the Windows Update application and search for updates to upgrade. Install them as soon as possible if any are available. You will be asked to restart your computer when the updates are installed. Your computer will boot up into the most recent version of Windows after that!

Update Windows 11 on Incompatible Systems

Some Windows customers may want to continue receiving extended support through the most recent system version but may need to learn how to do so. Should your machine fail to meet the minimum system requirements after you upgrade to Windows 11, you will still be able to receive updates.

Unfortunately, because older versions have fewer requirements to complete, the current version of Windows is limited in its general availability. Ensure your devices can be upgraded to continue receiving updates as the end of support for Windows 10 draws near.

Fortunately, you can still get the most recent feature update, regardless of what Microsoft claims. To get started, refer to our tutorial on installing Windows 11 on an unsupported device!

Last Words

That is it: on October 14, 2025, Windows 10 support will formally stop.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information if you have any queries or worries regarding the retirement date. Make sure to follow our Blog to read more articles similar to this one in the interim. I appreciate your reading!

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