.
Image: Microsoft
Microsoft has officially set the date: on October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of support.
For millions of users still running the decade-old operating system, this marks a turning point, not just a deadline.
After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, software patches, or technical support. The operating system won’t suddenly stop working, but continuing to use it will mean greater exposure to viruses, malware, and compatibility issues.
The announcement pushes users toward Windows 11, which Microsoft positions as a more secure, efficient, and AI-ready environment.
But the transition isn’t just about an upgrade; it’s about ushering in a new era of Copilot+ PCs and devices built with AI at the centre.
Windows 10 still powers more than a billion devices globally. Many of those are in homes and businesses that rely on them for daily productivity.
For Microsoft, moving users off Windows 10 is both a security imperative and a strategic move to consolidate its customer base around Windows 11 and the company’s growing suite of AI-driven tools.
For consumers and businesses, the shift means deciding whether to:
Upgrade existing PCs to Windows 11 if they meet the minimum system requirements. Microsoft offers the upgrade for free, and eligible users may have already received prompts to update.
Buy a new Windows 11 device, particularly if your current hardware can’t handle the upgrade. Microsoft is pushing its own Surface lineup as a showcase for Windows 11’s AI integration and design efficiency.
Enrol in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, a stopgap measure that buys up to three extra years of security updates for Windows 10 machines. It’s not a permanent solution, but it gives businesses and cautious consumers time to plan their migration.
This isn’t just a routine end-of-life announcement. Microsoft is signalling its commitment to push customers toward next-generation devices optimised for AI features like Copilot.
That means hardware with faster chips, longer battery life, and integrated machine learning capabilities designed to change how people work and interact with their PCs.
In other words, Windows 11 isn’t just the next version of Windows; it’s the foundation of Microsoft’s AI-driven strategy.
Check upgrade eligibility: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Evaluate hardware needs: If your PC can’t handle Windows 11, start considering a replacement.
Don’t delay security: If you need more time, enrol in the Windows 10 Consumer ESU program—but treat it as a temporary solution.
Plan for Microsoft 365 apps: Support for these apps on Windows 10 will also end in October 2025, with security updates extended only until 2028.
For businesses, IT pros, and consumers alike, the countdown has begun.
The real story isn’t just the end of Windows 10, it’s the beginning of Microsoft’s push toward an AI-first computing era.