Windows 10 was first launched in 2015, and it’s been a reliable choice for nearly a decade, but big changes are on the horizon. Microsoft announced the Windows 10 end-of-life (EOL) on October 14, 2025. This adds up to the 2016 and 1019 MS Office suites reaching their EOL around the same timeframe.
This transition will have far-reaching implications, particularly as Windows 10 remains the dominant operating system, installed on over 62% of computers, compared to Windows 11's nearly 30% share.
After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, feature updates, or technical support for the operating system. Although it will still function, using an unsupported system introduces several risks.
Join us to learn more about the next steps you need to take after this announcement.
What does Windows 10 end-of-life mean?
First of all, let’s cover what an EOL means. It’s not just about Microsoft halting updates; it carries other implications:
- No security updates: One of the most significant consequences is the absence of future security patches. When vulnerabilities in Windows 10 are discovered after the EOL date, they won’t be fixed, making systems more susceptible to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
- No technical support: If users run into issues or need assistance with Windows 10, they won’t be able to rely on Microsoft for help. Businesses, especially those without in-house IT teams, will need to consider how to handle any technical problems that may arise.
- Continued usability, but with risk: While Windows 10 won’t stop working immediately after October 2025, its usage will become increasingly risky. Without security patches, it becomes easier for attackers to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, and the system itself may start to experience compatibility problems over time.
- Increased compatibility issues: As new hardware and software are developed, there may be compatibility problems with Windows 10 over time. Running an unsupported system could lead to decreased performance or software not working as intended.
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Why it matters
The end of the Modern Lifecycle Policy means that users will no longer receive updates or technical support after 2025. For businesses, failing to upgrade could lead to increased security risks, compliance issues, and operational disruptions. This is particularly important for organizations that handle sensitive data or rely on their IT systems to be secure and reliable.
For individuals, the risk of staying on an unsupported version may not seem as immediate, but over time, security vulnerabilities and software compatibility issues will accumulate, making it essential to plan an upgrade before the deadline.
Options after Windows 10 EOL
As Windows 10 reaches EOL, users and organizations must consider their next steps:
Upgrade to Windows 11
The most straightforward solution is upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system. Windows 11 brings improvements in security, performance, and usability, making it a natural successor to Windows 10.
However, not all hardware is compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft has set stricter system requirements, such as needing a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip, which may require users to replace older devices.
Before upgrading, it's essential to check your device's compatibility using tools like Microsoft’s PC Health Check. Businesses should also plan for the transition, ensuring that any specialized software or systems will run smoothly on Windows 11.
Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For organizations that can’t immediately upgrade all their systems, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10. This paid service will allow companies to continue receiving critical security patches for up to three years after the EOL date. While this is not a long-term solution, it gives businesses time to transition without sacrificing security.
It’s important to note that ESU only covers security updates—not feature updates—so it won’t solve any potential compatibility issues. It’s an option for industries that rely on legacy systems or specialized hardware that can’t be easily replaced or upgraded and need to buy time to plan and implement a complete migration to a supported operating system.
Here’s the pricing for the Microsoft ESU program (doubles its price annually):
- $61 per device for the first year (October 2025 - October 2026)
- $122 per device for the second year
- $244 per device for the third and final year
Limitations: Only devices running Windows 10, version 22H2 are eligible for ESUs. General support for Windows 10 after the end-of-life date will not be available. You must have an active support plan with Microsoft to resolve issues related to the ESU updates.
Alternative operating systems
Some may choose to switch away from Windows entirely. Linux-based systems, for instance, offer strong security and broad compatibility for various workloads.
This might make sense for certain organizations or users looking to break away from Microsoft’s ecosystem altogether. However, this is a more complex solution that requires significant planning and migration efforts, particularly if you're deeply integrated into the Windows environment.
Transitioning to a new OS can present other challenges, especially in terms of hardware and software compatibility and user adaptation.
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Other cases: Windows 10 LTSC and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC
While the home, pro, and enterprise Windows 10 editions reach their end of support in 2025, Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) editions have a longer lifecycle due to their design for specialized industries.
The LTSC editions are intended for use in controlled environments where feature updates could cause disruption, such as healthcare, industrial systems, and embedded systems. They fall under the Microsoft Fixed Lifecycle Policy.
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021
For organizations using Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, the mainstream support lasts until January 2027. Unlike regular editions, the LTSC versions do not receive feature updates during their support period, making them more stable for critical systems.
Without extended support, organizations relying on Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC should start planning their transition to another supported version before the mainstream support ends.
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021
The Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 version benefits from extended support under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Mainstream support for this version will also end in January 2027, but it will continue to receive security updates under extended support until January 13, 2032.
Organizations using the IoT edition can expect an additional five years of critical security updates, allowing them to maintain their infrastructure without needing to make immediate changes.
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How to find the computers running Windows 10 and prepare for the transition
Planning ahead will help minimize disruption when Windows 10 reaches its EOL. Here are some practical steps for organizations to prepare:
Inventory IT assets
Businesses should assess the equipment running Windows 10 and create a strategy for replacing or upgrading them. This includes evaluating which devices need to upgrade to Windows 11, which can rely on LTSC, and whether any systems should be retired or transitioned to different operating systems altogether.
Using InvGate Asset Management, you can quickly and easily identify all the devices currently running Windows 10 in your environment.
Just open InvGate Asset Management and navigate to the Software tab. In the search bar, type: “OS name.contains: Microsoft Windows 10.”
Assess hardware compatibility
Not all existing devices will meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Using tools like the Microsoft PC Health Check app can help determine whether an upgrade or hardware replacement is feasible.
The minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 include:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
- Memory: At least 4 GB of RAM.
- Storage: A minimum of 64 GB available disk space.
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver
Planning for upgrades:
Once you have identified eligible devices, you can plan your upgrade strategy in batches. You should also schedule upgrades during off-peak hours to minimize disruption. After upgrading, monitor systems for any issues that arise, and don’t forget to provide support to users as they adjust to Windows 11.
With InvGate, IT administrators can execute software deployment plans that target specific groups of devices based on predefined criteria. This capability allows you to ensure that only eligible machines are upgraded after the necessary hardware checks.
Moreover, it allows for a phased deployment strategy starting with less critical devices. This approach allows for monitoring the upgrade process and addressing any potential issues before rolling out the update to more vital systems.
What is Software Deployment? Definition, Scope, and Best Practices
Conclusion
As we approach the end of support for various Windows 10 editions, evaluating your next steps is essential.
Whether you upgrade to Windows 11, subscribe to ESU, or explore alternative operating systems, careful planning will ensure that your devices remain secure and functional. For those using LTSC versions, a bit more time is available, but a long-term strategy should still be considered. Prepare early and choose the path that best fits your needs.
With InvGate Asset Management, you can easily detect outdated software in your environment! Sign up for a 30-day free trial and see for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Windows 10 after 2025?
Yes, you can continue to use Windows 10 after the End of Life date on October 14, 2025. However, it is not recommended as the operating system will no longer receive security updates or technical support, making it more vulnerable to security threats.
How to keep using Windows 10 after end of life?
To keep using Windows 10 after the end of support, you can consider enrolling in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will provide critical security updates for a fee. Alternatively, you can continue using the OS at your own risk but should implement strong security measures.
Is Windows 10 now obsolete?
While Windows 10 will not be officially obsolete until it reaches its end of support, it will become increasingly outdated after October 2025 due to the lack of updates and support. Users are encouraged to transition to newer operating systems like Windows 11 for better security and features.
How long will Windows 10 be supported?
Windows 10 will be supported until October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will cease all updates and technical support for most versions. Some enterprise editions may have extended support available through ESU until 2027.
