Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. A year later, plenty of people are still using it, and that’s okay. You have options, and one of them just got better for home users. Here’s where things stand and what we recommend.
What end of support means
Your Windows 10 computer still turns on and runs your programs. What stops is maintenance. Microsoft no longer fixes problems, adds features or releases security updates, unless the computer is enrolled in its Extended Security Updates program. Without those updates, newly discovered security holes stay open, which makes the computer an easier target for viruses and scams.
Home computers: free security updates through October 2027
Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates program for home users by a full year. Enrolled computers now get security updates through October 12, 2027. If you already enrolled, you don’t need to do anything. Your coverage continues automatically.
If you haven’t enrolled yet, go to Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update, and look for Enroll now. You can choose one of three options:
- Free: turn on syncing of your PC settings to your Microsoft account.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Pay a one-time fee of $30.
One enrollment covers up to 10 computers that use the same Microsoft account. To qualify, the computer needs Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates installed, and you need to sign in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. If you don’t see the Enroll now option, one of those pieces is usually missing, and we can help you sort it out.
Business computers follow different rules
The free home program doesn’t cover computers that a business manages, such as computers joined to a company network or managed through Microsoft 365. Businesses need Microsoft’s paid Extended Security Updates instead. They’re sold one year at a time, the price goes up each year, and you have to pay for any years you skipped. The program ends for good in October 2028.
For most small businesses, upgrading or replacing Windows 10 computers is a better use of that money.
What about Microsoft 365 apps?
Word, Excel, Outlook and the other Microsoft 365 apps still run on Windows 10, and Microsoft will keep sending them security updates until October 10, 2028. Microsoft no longer offers support for them on Windows 10, though, so if something stops working, the fix may be a Windows upgrade. Office 2016 and Office 2019 are no longer supported at all.
Your best long-term options
- Upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your computer is eligible. To check, go to Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates.
- Replace the computer if it can’t run Windows 11. Most computers that can’t make the jump were made before 2018, and a new one will be faster and more secure.
- Use Extended Security Updates to buy time while you plan, not as a permanent answer.
We can help
We can check whether your computers can run Windows 11, handle the upgrade, move your files and settings to a new computer, or get you enrolled in Extended Security Updates in the meantime. If we manage your computers, we’ll plan this with you. Call us at (856) 566-1300 or send us a message to get started.