Microsoft ends free support for Windows 10

Microsoft on Tuesday (October 14) ended free support for Windows 10, halting standard software updates, security patches and technical assistance for the operating system, which still runs on a large share of PCs worldwide. 

Devices will continue to work, but they will become increasingly vulnerable over time as newly discovered flaws remain unpatched, the company said. 

Consumer group Which? has warned that millions who stay on Windows 10 face an increased cyber risk. In the UK alone, roughly five million users are expected to keep using the OS despite the cutoff, exposing them to malware, data theft and online fraud, the group said. 

Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 where hardware permits. Minimum requirements include a compatible 64-bit CPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0; eligibility can be checked with Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool. 

For devices that cannot be upgraded, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU)—a paid option that delivers critical patches beyond the end-of-support date. ESU is sold yearly, with consumer pricing starting at $30 for the first year, according to company guidance and industry reporting. 

Users unwilling to pay for ESU or purchase new hardware may consider switching to free, secure alternatives, such as Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu) or installing ChromeOS Flex on supported machines. In all cases, experts advise backing up data before any migration. 

Retailers and refurbishers are also offering Windows 11 PCs—often with trade-in or recycling options—to ease the transition. Guidance pieces from consumer outlets and Microsoft echo these pathways.