From October 14, 2025 Microsoft will halt publishing free updates for Windows 10, including safety amendments. This means that users of this most popular operating strategy may be more susceptible to cyber attacks if they do not take appropriate action. What can you do to keep safety and what options do Windows 10 users have? Here are the detailed explanations.
Windows 10 – the most popular operating strategy in the world
Windows 10, launched in 2015, is inactive the world's dominant operating system. Data from December 2024 show that the strategy has occupied until 62.73% of the market, while the newer Windows 11, introduced in 2021, obtained only 34.1% share. The popularity of Windows 10 is due to its stability, availability and compatibility with a wide scope of hardware.
Despite these successes, Microsoft has decided to end support for this system. How does the company explain its actions? It is about the request to concentrate resources on newer technologies and systems, specified as Windows 11, which, in Microsoft's opinion, is expected to meet modern user requirements.
What does not support Windows 10 mean?
From October 14, 2025 Windows 10 will no longer receive:
- Safeguard amendmentswhich defend against fresh threats,
- System updateswhich improve the functioning of the system,
- Technical support Microsoft.
Users who do not choose to change the strategy or buy out additional services can become an easy mark for cyber criminals. Threats specified as ransomware, phishing, or another attacks are peculiarly dangerous on systems without ongoing corrections.
Option to extend ESU support
Microsoft gives Windows 10 users the chance to extend support under the program Extended safety Updates (ESU). This service allows you to get additional safety corrections for 3 years after completion of standard support. However, ESU is not available to all users.
Conditions and costs of ESU
- The price for the first year of support is $30 (approx. PLN 125).
- Each next year is more costly – it is estimated that support for 2026 can be up to $50.
- ESU is only available for version Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise and Education. The Home version, popular among individual users, does not qualify for this service.
In addition, the installation of ESU is more complex as it requires the acquisition of a licence by a collective licensing program or Azure platform. This means that the solution is aimed mainly at companies and institutions.
Switching to Windows 11 – is it possible?
Installation will be a natural step for many users Windows 11. However, this strategy has higher hardware requirements, which may be an obstacle for older device holders.
Hardware Requirements Windows 11
- Processor: at least 1 GHz with 2 cores and 64-bit architecture,
- RAM: minimum 4 GB,
- Disk: at least 64 GB of free space,
- TPM 2.0 Support (Trusted Platform Module).
To check if your computer meets your requirements, just usage the tool available in the Windows Update section. The strategy itself will indicate whether the device is ready to install Windows 11. If the computer does not meet the requirements, it remains to consider upgrading the equipment or buying a fresh device.
Buying fresh equipment – is it necessary?
For users who cannot install Windows 11 on their current equipment, the only solution can be to buy a fresh computer. However, this is an costly solution, especially erstwhile the existing device inactive works.
Note that the computer marketplace presently offers a wide scope of devices that meet Windows 11 requirements. Prices of laptops compatible with this strategy start from around 2000 PLN, although more advanced models can cost even respective 1000 zlotys.
Why should we act now?
Waiting with the decision until the last minute can exposure users to serious problems. Before 14 October 2025 it is worth:
- See if the current computer meets Windows 11,
- Consider buying ESU if we usage the version of the strategy covered by this program,
- Secure data and regularly back up,
- Think about upgrading equipment to adjust it to fresh standards.
The deficiency of updates in the operating strategy is simply a real threat to data security, especially in a increasing number of cyber attacks.
More here:
Microsoft announced the end. See if your computer works
