Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The computer will continue to function, but without an additional program, it will no longer receive security updates. This guide explains your options in October 2026, the costs in the USA and Europe, and how to choose the right solution for you.
In summary: if your computer meets the requirements, upgrade for free to Windows 11 via Windows Update. If not, enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. According to Microsoft, it lasts until October 12, 2027, and you can enroll until that date. In the USA, it may be free (with a synced settings copy), for 1000 Microsoft Rewards points, or for $30. Use this time to purchase a new computer or change the operating system.
What Does End of Support Mean
As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will not release software updates, security patches, or provide technical support for Windows 10. The last version of the system is 22H2. The computer will not shut down or stop booting. However, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to viruses and breaches each month, as new vulnerabilities are not patched.
An antivirus program alone will not suffice. Microsoft compares it to a door lock: a lock is ineffective if the door frame itself is weak, meaning the system is unpatched.
ESU Program: Security Updates Until October 12, 2027
Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a program for extended security updates for home computers running Windows 10. It provides only critical and important security patches. There are no new features or technical support, except for assistance with registration.
Status as of October 24, 2026: according to current Microsoft pages (US, UK, and Polish versions), the program for individual customers lasts until October 12, 2027. Those who have already enrolled do not need to do anything: protection continues automatically until that date. If you read somewhere that ESU ended in October 2026, check the Microsoft page linked in the sources.
Who Can Enroll
- A computer with Windows 10 version 22H2: Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Pro for Workstations.
- The latest updates installed, including the ESU license preparation package (KB5126256).
- A Microsoft account with administrator privileges; it cannot be a child account.
- A personal computer. The program does not cover company-managed computers, kiosk mode, or those connected to a domain.
How Much Does It Cost
| Where You Live | Options |
|---|---|
| USA, UK, and most countries | Free if the computer's settings copy is synced with a Microsoft account (Windows Backup app). Or 1000 Microsoft Rewards points. Or a one-time fee of $30 or the equivalent in local currency plus tax. |
| European Economic Area (including Poland, Germany) | Free if you log into Windows with a Microsoft account. If you stop logging in, ESU updates will be revoked no later than 60 days later, and you will need to enroll again. Those who want to keep a local account will pay a one-time fee of $30 or the equivalent plus tax. |
One license covers up to 10 computers. Microsoft notes that terms may vary by country, and the ESU page shows the version for the location from which you open it. In Canada and Australia, check the local version of the page.
How to Enroll
- Open Settings › Update & Security › Windows Update.
- If your computer meets the conditions, you will see a link to ESU. Click Enroll now.
- If you are logged in with a local account, Windows will prompt you to log in with a Microsoft account. Then select one of the options described above.
- On another computer, do the same and select Add device.
You can check your enrollment status in the same place. Enrolling in ESU does not block a later upgrade to Windows 11.
Upgrading to Windows 11
Upgrading from Windows 10 Home or Pro to the same version of Windows 11 is currently free. The easiest way to check is in Settings › Update & Security › Windows Update: if your computer is eligible, an upgrade proposal will appear along with a Download and install button. Microsoft recommends waiting for this proposal. With this upgrade, files, programs, and settings remain in place, but make sure to back up important files beforehand.
Windows 11 Requirements
- 64-bit processor from the compatible list, at least 1 GHz and 2 cores.
- 4 GB of RAM and at least 64 GB of disk space.
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot support.
- TPM version 2.0.
- HD (720p) display larger than 9 inches.
You do not need to check this manually. Search for the PC Health Check app in the Start menu (if it is not there, download it from the Microsoft website) and click Check now. The app will explain what is missing. Sometimes TPM or Secure Boot is just disabled in the computer settings; Microsoft describes how to check this, and if in doubt, it is worth asking the computer manufacturer.
Installing Windows 11 on a computer that does not meet the requirements is not recommended by Microsoft. Such a computer does not guarantee updates, including security, and damage due to incompatibility is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and a watermark will appear on the desktop.
How to Choose a Solution
Answer a few questions, and you will receive guidance on where to start.
What to Do with a Windows 10 Computer?
Does PC Health Check show that the computer can run Windows 11?
What do you use this computer for?
Is the computer already enrolled in ESU?
You can check this in Settings › Update & Security › Windows Update.
Upgrade to Windows 11
Back up important files and wait for the proposal in Windows Update. The upgrade is free, and files and programs remain. Details in the "Upgrading to Windows 11" section.
Check the computer first
Run the PC Health Check app and click "Check now". The result will indicate whether Windows 11 is possible. Then return to this flowchart.
You have until October 12, 2027.
Security patches come automatically. Plan to purchase a new computer or change the system during this time, as ESU ends after this date.
Enroll in ESU as soon as possible
Until you enroll, the computer is more vulnerable to attacks. Check free and paid options in the "How Much Does It Cost" section and start planning for a computer replacement.
Use it with limitations
It is best to keep a computer without updates offline and not log into banking or email on it. Transfer files using a trusted USB drive and keep a copy elsewhere.
Changing the system is a bigger operation
ChromeOS Flex or Linux can replace Windows. Before installation, make a full backup of files and, if possible, ask someone familiar with these systems for help. Details in the section "When the Computer Is Not Suitable for Windows 11".
When the Computer Is Not Suitable for Windows 11
New Computer. If the current one cannot be upgraded, Microsoft encourages purchasing a computer with Windows 11. You can transfer files, settings, and application lists using the Windows Backup app: save a copy on the old computer, and on the new one, log in with the same Microsoft account. According to Microsoft, transferring more than 5 GB of data requires a Microsoft subscription or trial version. For large photo collections, an external drive is a good supplement.
Another System on the Old Computer. Google offers ChromeOS Flex for free for regular PCs and Macs. It requires, among other things, a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of disk space, and booting from a USB drive. Google guarantees operation only on certified models, and processors from 2012 and older are usually unsuitable. Another option is Linux systems designed for home users. In both cases, it is a new system with different programs, so you will need to learn it a bit.
Computer Only for Simple Tasks Without Internet. If you stay with Windows 10 without ESU, limit the risk: do not use it for banking and email, and ideally, do not connect it to the network.
Microsoft 365 and Office on Windows 10
Microsoft 365 applications continue to work on Windows 10. Microsoft will release security patches for them on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, although it recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to avoid operational issues. Office 2024 is supported on Windows 11 until October 2029, while Office 2021 is only supported until October 2026.
Beware of Scammers
The end of support for Windows 10 is a convenient pretext for scammers. They call "from Microsoft," send emails, or display pop-ups with phone numbers and scare you with viruses. Microsoft does not call without your request, and its genuine communications never contain phone numbers. Do not call such numbers and do not let anyone onto your computer. In the USA, report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to Microsoft at microsoft.com/reportascam. More in the guide how to recognize the scam "Microsoft said you have a virus".
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Windows 10 stop booting?
No. The computer will continue to operate, just without security patches (unless enrolled in the ESU program) and without Microsoft technical support.
Can I still enroll in ESU?
Yes. According to Microsoft, enrollment is possible anytime until October 12, 2027. After enrolling, the computer receives all patches released since October 14, 2025, but protection still ends on October 12, 2027, regardless of the enrollment date.
Is ESU free in Poland?
In the European Economic Area, yes, if you log into Windows with a Microsoft account. With a local account, it costs $30 or the equivalent plus tax.
Can I get a refund for ESU?
Purchases made with money are subject to the digital purchase return policies in your country. Orders made with Rewards points cannot be refunded.
Is a good antivirus enough?
No. An antivirus helps, but it cannot replace system patches.
Sources
| Source | Type | Status / Credibility |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 end of support | Microsoft Page | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (USA) | Microsoft Page | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| ESU Program for Windows 10 (Poland, EEA) | Microsoft Page | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| Windows 10 ESU (UK) | Microsoft Page | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| Windows 10 Home and Pro: Lifecycle | Microsoft Learn Documentation | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| Windows 11 specifications | Microsoft Page | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| How to use the PC Health Check app | Microsoft Support | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| Ways to install Windows 11 | Microsoft Support | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| Windows 11 on devices that don't meet requirements | Microsoft Support | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| ChromeOS Flex installation guide | Google Support | Official manufacturer site, verified 10/24/2026 |
| Protect yourself from tech support scams | Microsoft Support | Official, verified 10/24/2026 |
| How to spot, avoid, and report tech support scams | Federal Trade Commission | Official (US government), verified 10/24/2026 |
Status as of October 24, 2026. Dates and conditions of the ESU program are set by Microsoft and may change; check the Microsoft page for your country before making a decision. Menu names may vary depending on the version of Windows and system language. This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace technical support from the computer manufacturer.
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