Are You Ready for the End of Windows 10 Support?
In just 10 months, Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14th, 2025, after a decade of service. Consequently, there has been a notable rise in Windows 11 adoption. Currently, however, 59.79% of Windows users still operate on Windows 10, and the deadline is approaching. Many businesses will need to take action in the upcoming months to either extend support or upgrade their client devices and servers. It is essential to begin planning and executing your migration or upgrade.
Windows 10 Lifecycle
Windows 10 follows Microsoft’s Modern lifecycle, meaning it is treated as a continuously supported product. However, the specific dates for when Windows 10 versions and editions will reach end-of-life are fixed by Microsoft. The final end-of-life date for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025, is fast approaching.
Are You Ready for the End of Windows 10 Support?
In just 10 months, Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14th, 2025, after a decade of service. Consequently, there has been a notable rise in Windows 11 adoption. Currently, however, 59.79% of Windows users still operate on Windows 10, and the deadline is approaching. Many businesses will need to take action in the upcoming months to either extend support or upgrade their client devices and servers. It is essential to begin planning and executing your migration or upgrade.
Windows 10 Lifecycle
Windows 10 follows Microsoft’s Modern lifecycle, meaning it is treated as a continuously supported product. However, the specific dates for when Windows 10 versions and editions will reach end-of-life are fixed by Microsoft. The final end-of-life date for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025, is fast approaching.
According to our internal data, Windows 11 has gained substantial ground over the past year and a half, primarily at the expense of Windows 10’s market share as organizations gear up for the end-of-life. Since September 2024, Windows 10's presence in businesses has decreased from 67.1% to 59.79% by January 2025. Conversely, Windows 11 has increased from 23.1% to 30.48%, corresponding to Windows 10’s decline (approximately 7.3%).
The rate at which Windows 10's market share in businesses is dropping matches the increase in Windows 11’s share, continuing the trend observed in September 2024. Meanwhile, older, end-of-life operating systems continue to decline gradually.
Our analysis also reveals that only 3.55% of Windows 10 devices are running Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) or Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) versions.
Are You Ready for the End of Windows 10 Support?
Are You Ready for the End of Windows 10 Support?
Transferring your data to a new PC is simple
With Windows Backup, you can easily save and move your files, photos, settings, apps, and log-in details, making your new computer feel familiar right away.
If your Windows 10 PC is not compatible with Windows 11 or if you're considering purchasing a new computer
We can assist you in selecting the perfect PC to meet your requirements.
If you plan to keep using your Windows 10 PC, we understand. Though the end of support date for Windows 10 won’t occur until October 2025, we recommend keeping your files backed up and easily accessible across devices using OneDrive.
What does Windows 10 end of life mean?
End of life and end of support refer to the cessation of technical support and security updates for Windows 10. After a decade, this older version of Windows will stop receiving free software updates, technical assistance, or security patches from Windows Update. For consumers, the end of support implies that Microsoft advises upgrading to the latest Windows version to receive crucial updates and support necessary for online security.
What are my options for my old computer?
As you prepare to buy a new Windows 11 PC, we recommend taking advantage of trade-in and recycling programs offered by many of our Windows ecosystem partners, including various retailers and PC manufacturers.
What will happen to my PC when Windows 10 support ends?
Starting on 14 October 2025, PCs with Windows 10 will continue to operate, but Microsoft will stop offering the following:
Will my Windows 10 PC stop working?
What options do I have for staying supported on a Windows operating system?
Check if your PC meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update.
If your PC can be upgraded from Windows 10 to 11, you will find a free upgrade option to Windows 11 in Windows Update.
If your PC cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 or if you're considering a replacement, you can switch to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Discover a PC that suits your needs here.
If you require additional time before transitioning to a Copilot+ PC or another new Windows 11 device, a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available for $30 USD to safeguard your Windows 10 device. Enrollment for this program will begin in 2025.
How can I obtain a supported version of Windows?
There are a few methods to acquire Windows 11:
Buy a new PC with Windows 11: Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows. If you own an older PC, you can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by purchasing a new PC. Both hardware and software have significantly advanced since the release of Windows 10, and today's devices offer enhanced capabilities.
To install Windows 11 on your current PC, check if it meets the minimum system requirements by going to Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC is eligible for the upgrade, you will see a free upgrade option to Windows 11 in Windows Update.
Is it possible to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost?
Upgrading from Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro to the corresponding edition of Windows 11 is free (such as from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro). To determine if this option is available for you, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC satisfies the minimum system requirements and can upgrade, you should find an option in Windows Update to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
For users in S mode, upgrading from Windows 10 Home edition in S mode and Windows 10 Pro edition in S mode to Windows 11 is free. If your PC meets the minimum system requirements, you can upgrade from Windows 10 Home edition in S mode to Windows 11 Home edition in S mode. However, if your Windows 10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you must switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, as Windows 11 Pro edition is not available in S mode. Learn more about S mode here.
How do I find the most suitable new PC for my needs?
We provide a website designed to help you make the right decision when selecting a new PC.
How does Windows 11's security surpass that of Windows 10?
Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows so far, delivering comprehensive protection that encompasses antivirus, firewall, internet security, and additional features. It offers improved security capabilities, dashboard views, and ongoing updates to guard against future threats—all at no extra cost. Internet access is required for updates, and service charges may apply. Discover more about Windows security.
Windows 11 Home is ideal for personal and family use, whereas Windows 11 Pro includes all the features of Windows 11 Home along with extra functionalities like BitLocker, remote desktop, and domain join, catering to professional needs. Compare the different versions of Windows 11.
Support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will conclude on 14 October 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10. While these apps will still function on Windows 10, we highly advise upgrading to Windows 11 to prevent potential performance and reliability problems over time.
What impact will the end of Windows 10 support have on my Microsoft Office applications?
Starting 14 October 2025, non-subscription editions of Office will experience two changes:
Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will cease on all operating systems.
Office 2024 and Office 2021 (including Office LTSC versions) will still function on Windows 10 but will no longer receive support.
To keep your setup supported, we suggest upgrading your device to Windows 11 and considering a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you use Office 2021, Office LTSC 2021, Office 2024, or Office LTSC 2024, you can transfer that license to a new Windows 11 device. As you explore your options, please be aware that support for Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 will conclude one year later, in October 2026.
Should I switch from a desktop computer to a laptop? What if I need to use a DVD or CD drive?
Laptops are often preferred over desktops due to their lighter weight and portability. By purchasing a laptop, you can connect it to a larger monitor, keyboard, and mouse, allowing you to use it similarly to your Windows 10 desktop. Then, you can disconnect it and use it as a laptop when traveling or working in a different environment. If you need to access CDs or DVDs, you can connect an external DVD drive, typically through a USB port on the laptop.
Is it possible to upgrade my hardware so that the device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11?
We suggest consulting your PC manufacturer or a local hardware specialist to explore your available options. Refer to this article for additional details.
According to our internal data, Windows 11 has gained substantial ground over the past year and a half, primarily at the expense of Windows 10’s market share as organizations gear up for the end-of-life. Since September 2024, Windows 10's presence in businesses has decreased from 67.1% to 59.79% by January 2025. Conversely, Windows 11 has increased from 23.1% to 30.48%, corresponding to Windows 10’s decline (approximately 7.3%).
The rate at which Windows 10's market share in businesses is dropping matches the increase in Windows 11’s share, continuing the trend observed in September 2024. Meanwhile, older, end-of-life operating systems continue to decline gradually.
Our analysis also reveals that only 3.55% of Windows 10 devices are running Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) or Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) versions.
Transferring your data to a new PC is simple
With Windows Backup, you can easily save and move your files, photos, settings, apps, and log-in details, making your new computer feel familiar right away.
If your Windows 10 PC is not compatible with Windows 11 or if you're considering purchasing a new computer
We can assist you in selecting the perfect PC to meet your requirements.
Keep your files safe with OneDrive
If you plan to keep using your Windows 10 PC, we understand. Though the end of support date for Windows 10 won’t occur until October 2025, we recommend keeping your files backed up and easily accessible across devices using OneDrive.
What does Windows 10 end of life mean?
End of life and end of support refer to the cessation of technical support and security updates for Windows 10. After a decade, this older version of Windows will stop receiving free software updates, technical assistance, or security patches from Windows Update. For consumers, the end of support implies that Microsoft advises upgrading to the latest Windows version to receive crucial updates and support necessary for online security.
What are my options for my old computer?
As you prepare to buy a new Windows 11 PC, we recommend taking advantage of trade-in and recycling programs offered by many of our Windows ecosystem partners, including various retailers and PC manufacturers.
What will happen to my PC when Windows 10 support ends?
Starting on 14 October 2025, PCs with Windows 10 will continue to operate, but Microsoft will stop offering the following:
Will my Windows 10 PC stop working?
What options do I have for staying supported on a Windows operating system?
Check if your PC meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update.
If your PC can be upgraded from Windows 10 to 11, you will find a free upgrade option to Windows 11 in Windows Update.
If your PC cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 or if you're considering a replacement, you can switch to Windows 11 by buying a new PC. Discover a PC that suits your needs here.
If you require additional time before transitioning to a Copilot+ PC or another new Windows 11 device, a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available for $30 USD to safeguard your Windows 10 device. Enrollment for this program will begin in 2025.
How can I obtain a supported version of Windows?
There are a few methods to acquire Windows 11:
Buy a new PC with Windows 11: Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows. If you own an older PC, you can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by purchasing a new PC. Both hardware and software have significantly advanced since the release of Windows 10, and today's devices offer enhanced capabilities.
To install Windows 11 on your current PC, check if it meets the minimum system requirements by going to Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC is eligible for the upgrade, you will see a free upgrade option to Windows 11 in Windows Update.
Is it possible to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost?
Upgrading from Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro to the corresponding edition of Windows 11 is free (such as from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro). To determine if this option is available for you, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. If your PC satisfies the minimum system requirements and can upgrade, you should find an option in Windows Update to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
For users in S mode, upgrading from Windows 10 Home edition in S mode and Windows 10 Pro edition in S mode to Windows 11 is free. If your PC meets the minimum system requirements, you can upgrade from Windows 10 Home edition in S mode to Windows 11 Home edition in S mode. However, if your Windows 10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you must switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, as Windows 11 Pro edition is not available in S mode. Learn more about S mode here.
How do I find the most suitable new PC for my needs?
We provide a website designed to help you make the right decision when selecting a new PC.
How does Windows 11's security surpass that of Windows 10?
Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows so far, delivering comprehensive protection that encompasses antivirus, firewall, internet security, and additional features. It offers improved security capabilities, dashboard views, and ongoing updates to guard against future threats—all at no extra cost. Internet access is required for updates, and service charges may apply. Discover more about Windows security.
Which edition of Windows 11 should I choose?
Windows 11 Home is ideal for personal and family use, whereas Windows 11 Pro includes all the features of Windows 11 Home along with extra functionalities like BitLocker, remote desktop, and domain join, catering to professional needs. Compare the different versions of Windows 11.
Will my Microsoft 365 apps still be supported after Windows 10 support ends?
Support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 will conclude on 14 October 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10. While these apps will still function on Windows 10, we highly advise upgrading to Windows 11 to prevent potential performance and reliability problems over time.
What impact will the end of Windows 10 support have on my Microsoft Office applications?
Starting 14 October 2025, non-subscription editions of Office will experience two changes:
Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 will cease on all operating systems.
Office 2024 and Office 2021 (including Office LTSC versions) will still function on Windows 10 but will no longer receive support.
To keep your setup supported, we suggest upgrading your device to Windows 11 and considering a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you use Office 2021, Office LTSC 2021, Office 2024, or Office LTSC 2024, you can transfer that license to a new Windows 11 device. As you explore your options, please be aware that support for Office 2021 and Office LTSC 2021 will conclude one year later, in October 2026.
Should I switch from a desktop computer to a laptop? What if I need to use a DVD or CD drive?
Laptops are often preferred over desktops due to their lighter weight and portability. By purchasing a laptop, you can connect it to a larger monitor, keyboard, and mouse, allowing you to use it similarly to your Windows 10 desktop. Then, you can disconnect it and use it as a laptop when traveling or working in a different environment. If you need to access CDs or DVDs, you can connect an external DVD drive, typically through a USB port on the laptop.
Is it possible to upgrade my hardware so that the device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11?
We suggest consulting your PC manufacturer or a local hardware specialist to explore your available options. Refer to this article for additional details.
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