Microsoft Windows 10 approached its expiration date. What should you do?

Users who still use the operating system that was first launched in 2015 are encouraged to take action to ensure that their devices continue to receive technical assistance, features, and security updates from Windows.

October 14th, 2025, marks the end of Windows 10 support. While users can still work on the operating system, Microsoft warns that it will no longer provide new features, security updates, or technical support.

What should Windows users do next to maintain a secure and up-to-date operating system?

What happens when Windows 10 support ends?

While users will still be able to use their devices running on Windows 10, they will no longer receive software and security updates, bug fixes, or technical support in case of a problem.

The outdated operating system also puts users’ devices at risk of viruses and malware, notes Microsoft.

How to stay supported on a Windows operating system?

The company provides three ways how users can still receive important OS updates.

Installing Windows 11 on the current device

Users who have a device that “meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11” can upgrade their operating system to the latest version.

The technical PC requirements for Windows 11 include a 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores, 64GB or larger storage, 4GB of RAM, a UEFI BIOS with Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a 720p display.

Users can also verify a system’s compatibility through Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.

Getting a new device with Windows 11

Another way to ensure that the PC receives the latest security updates is to upgrade the hardware that already includes Windows 11.

The company has even created a site that can help users find a PC that meets their needs. Microsoft also encourages users to explore the trade-in and recycling program options before making a new purchase.

Enrolling in the ESU program

Starting October 14th, 2025, users who aren’t yet sure whether they want to upgrade their device or use the Windows operating system in the future can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This program protects the Windows 10-powered device for up to a year.

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The ESU program provides Windows 10 users with “critical and important security updates.” However, it doesn’t provide system upgrades, fixes, or technical support.

Users can enroll in Windows 10 ESU for free if they agree to sync their PC Settings. If they aren’t backing up their Windows Settings and don’t intend to do so, they can get into the ESU program by redeeming Microsoft Reward points or by making a one-time purchase of $30.

Security risks for organizations that still run on Windows 10

The expiration of Windows 10 can raise possible security issues for those who don’t act in time, especially for companies and organizations.

While users may think they still have time to figure out what to do next regarding the safety of their devices, Doug Ford, the vice president at All Covered, a provider of managed IT services and solutions, shares that the end of Windows 10 is what threat actors have been waiting for.

“Threat actors have been patiently waiting for millions of Windows 10 computers to enter ‘open season.’ At the speed threat actors can mobilize, Windows 10 could be repurposed for botnets, supply-chain insertion, and lateral movement attacks across enterprise networks in less than 24 hours,” says the expert.

Considering this issue could strongly affect companies and organizations, what should they do about it?

The expert proposes a “four-pillar strategy " that includes creating a migration plan, hardening the current system, being smart about using ESU, and preparing for possible safety incidents.

Ford proposes that the companies first make an “inventory” list of all the systems running Windows 10 and check whether their hardware meets the right requirements for Windows 11.

This would be a first step in creating a “migration plan,” which would include information on systems classified according to business criticality, data sensitivity, and user type. The organization should also include a “risk register listing each Windows 10 endpoint that will remain operational after the October 14th deadline.”

Organizations should also include goals to track migration progress, involving the their executives and department heads to ensure accountability.

Ford notes that “some systems will need to remain on Windows 10 until application or hardware compatibility issues are resolved, budget is available for hardware upgrades, or Windows 11 testing is completed.”

To minimize security risks, the expert suggests isolating devices that run on Windows 10 in separate VLANs to limit damage in case the system gets compromised.

He also suggests controlling applications by using AppLocker to allow only approved software, blocking most exploits, as well as removing admin rights from non-admin users, elevating apps only as needed.

The expert also suggests disabling common attack vectors such as AutoRun, SMBv1, and WinRM via Group Policy, while enabling auditing, session locks, and Windows Firewall to monitor and control activity.

While Microsoft is helping with the ESU program, Ford says companies shouldn’t overly rely on it.

“Extended Security Updates are a temporary bridge, not a destination. Think of it as life support for a dying operating system with no chance of recovery,” says the expert.

Running a device via ESU could be a costly outcome since Windows 10 won’t receive bug fixes, technical support, or new features. Still, users will be introduced to “increasing annual ESU subscription fees, shrinking vendor support, and increasing cybersecurity liability.”

Ford concludes by stating that the end of Windows 10 support “represents the single largest security vulnerability event in computing history."

Thus, organizations must take certain safety measures as soon as possible.

FAQ about Windows upgrade

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