Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Despite millions of Windows users still on Windows 10, that date has come and gone, with all of those PCs now over the security cliff. Some users will receive updates for a little longer, but Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or, even better, purchasing a new computer that runs Windows 11. However, not every existing computer is compatible with Windows 11, and with rising RAM prices and tariffs complicating things, “just buy a new computer” is a pretty out-of-touch suggestion. How long can you safely run Windows 10, and what are the associated risks? Can good security software fill the gap? Let’s find out.
Windows 10 Didn’t Break Overnight—But Its Safety Net Did
As you’ve surely noticed, Windows 10 computers didn’t simply shut down on October 14, 2025. There’s no immediately visible evidence that the operating system isn’t supported. So, what difference does the end of support make?
(Credit: Microsoft/PCMag)
If you have a Windows 10 issue and attempt to get tech support from Microsoft, you’ll quickly discover that support is no longer available. Similarly, if you try to run Windows Update, you’ll see a warning, “Your device is no longer receiving security updates.”
Simply put, there will be no further updates for Windows 10, including security updates, which is the most significant impact of the end of support. No more patches, no more security updates. You’re on your own.
Is Staying on Windows 10 Risky?
For many users, Windows Update is an annoyance, often occurring at an inconvenient time. Some of those updates just provide enhanced operating system functions, but others serve to patch security holes. As noted, Microsoft won’t issue any further updates for Windows 10. If researchers on the Dark Side discover a security vulnerability, it won’t get patched unless it’s so severe that Microsoft has to take action.
There’s a continuous tug of war between malware coders and antivirus developers. For each new attack vector, a defense quickly arises. But you can picture what happens when one side in a tug of war stops pulling hard and trying to win. They may hold out by sheer inertia for a while, but sooner or later, the other team will claim the prize.
As time passes, you may also discover that new software only supports Windows 11. Even hardware devices typically require a driver to communicate with your PC. You might find you can’t use your new 3D printer because it doesn’t include drivers for Windows 10. High-end tools, such as Visual Studio and the latest Microsoft Teams, already require Windows 11. That’s a problem with no solution, other than sticking to apps and devices that continue to support Windows 10.
Extended Security Updates: Windows 10’s Last Lifeline
If you look closely at the Windows Update screenshot a few paragraphs above, you’ll notice an apparent contradiction. Despite the warning about no more security updates, the app offers an update for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, as well as a security update for Windows 10. Indeed, Microsoft has announced it will continue to update Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 through October 2028.
Below the suggested updates, the app suggests that you enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10. That’s right. Microsoft started warning us years ago about the eventual demise of Windows 10, but for consumers, it’s still willing to stretch support for one more year, until October 13, 2026.
Get Our Best Stories!
Stay Safe With the Latest Security News and Updates
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy
Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
(Credit: Microsoft/PCMag)
To access the ESU, you must meet some simple requirements. Only consumer-side Windows editions qualify, and your Windows 10 must be fully up to date. The Windows account you use to sign up must have Administrator privileges. Additionally, you must have Windows Backup enabled to sync the essentials of your Windows account to online backup.
If you don’t already use Windows Backup and don’t want to start, there are a couple of other ways to qualify for ESU. Have you been accumulating Microsoft Rewards points and wondering what the heck to do with them? For 1,000 rewards points, you can buy into ESU without the Windows Backup requirement. And then there’s the plain, simple cash option. A one-time $30 fee gets you access to the ESU.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft provides a separate ESU for businesses and organizations. Businesses pay $61 per PC, more than twice the cost for consumers. Businesses can also extend ESU protection for a second and third year, though the price doubles each year. Sorry, consumers only get that first year of extended security.
How to Protect a Windows 10 PC After Microsoft Walks Away
According to StatCounter, the number of Windows 11 installations surpassed that of Windows 10 in June 2025. The latest figures show that Windows 11 is at 53.7% and Windows 10 is at 42.7%. That’s a lot of PCs still running Windows 10. If the PC Health Check utility reports that your PC isn’t capable of running Windows 11, or if you just plain don’t want to upgrade, you can continue with Windows 10.
Recommended by Our Editors
Signing up for the extended updates doesn’t truly reanimate Windows 10—you receive security updates only. Per Microsoft’s documentation, signing up “does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support.” Additionally, you’re not addressing the security issues. You’re just kicking them down the road until next year.
If you plan to continue using your Windows 10 PC, be extra vigilant. Make sure that you have third-party security actively protecting your PC to compensate for the built-in security that Microsoft removed. The most important thing you can do is install a powerful antivirus utility and keep it up to date. Check in periodically to ensure the antivirus is working.
Once a hacking crew devises a malicious app that exploits a Windows security vulnerability, they still must somehow install that app on your PC and execute its harmful code. Chances are good the antivirus will recognize and quarantine the malicious app before it even executes. If the malware does manage to launch, behavior-based detection should catch and quash the exploit attempt.
You can enhance your protection by upgrading from an antivirus to a full security suite. Many suites include a firewall, and many firewalls are built with specific protection against exploits that attack system vulnerabilities. Exploits are the big problem when security patches aren’t available, so this feature can seriously enhance your security. Using a VPN can also help, as it creates a barrier (the VPN server) between you and any malicious websites.
Ultimately, with Microsoft withdrawing its security support for Windows 10, it’s up to you to take a more proactive approach, but it’s definitely something you can accomplish.
About Our Expert
Neil J. Rubenking
Principal Writer, Security
Experience
When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that fateful meeting, I’ve become PCMag’s expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces.
Before my current security gig, I supplied PCMag readers with tips and solutions on using popular applications, operating systems, and programming languages in my “User to User” and “Ask Neil” columns, which began in 1990 and ran for almost 20 years. Along the way, I wrote more than 40 utility articles, as well as Delphi Programming for Dummies and six other books covering DOS, Windows, and programming. I also reviewed thousands of products of all kinds, ranging from early Sierra Online adventure games to AOL’s precursor Q-Link.
In the early 2000s, I turned my focus to security and the growing antivirus industry. After years of working with antivirus, I’m known throughout the security industry as an expert on evaluating antivirus tools. I serve as an advisory board member for the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), an international nonprofit group dedicated to coordinating and improving testing of anti-malware solutions.
Latest By Neil J. Rubenking
Read Full Bio
