Don't be scared of the reaper, Windows 10.
With Windows 11 now available, you might be wondering how much longer you can use Windows 10 and still get security updates from Microsoft. We can provide you with that information.
Windows 10 Desktop Support Ends in October 2025
Microsoft plans to provide support for Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Education editions until October 14, 2025. After that date, these versions of Windows 10 won't get any more security updates from Microsoft, which is not good for their long-term use.
Support for older versions of Windows 10 like Windows 10 2019 LTSC and Windows 10 IoT 2019 LTSC will stop on January 9, 2029.
Once Windows 10 stops getting support, you should switch to Windows 11 so that your computer stays safe with security updates. These updates are really important to keep your personal stuff private and your data secure. And don't fret, there are ways to work around Microsoft's rules if your PC can't run Windows 11.
When will Windows 10 stop getting important safety updates?
As I mentioned earlier, Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise, and IoT Enterprise won't get any more security updates after October 14, 2025.
However, there's a special version of Windows called Windows LTSC that businesses use for a long time. This one will still get updates for a few more years after that. Specifically, Windows 10 2019 LTSC and Windows 10 IoT 2019 LTSC will stop getting security updates on January 9, 2029.
When Microsoft stops providing security updates for Windows 10, you won't get any more help from them. If they discover new problems with Windows 10 after those dates, they might not fix them (although sometimes they do, but that's not common). So, it's a good idea to switch to Windows 11 by October 2025. The good news is that Windows 11 comes with lots of handy new stuff, so upgrading shouldn't be too much trouble.
How long can I continue to use Windows 10?
Windows 10 won't suddenly stop functioning in October 2025, even if Microsoft stops giving it updates to keep it secure. So, you could technically continue using it, like some folks have done with older Windows versions before. However, it's generally not a smart choice.
Nowadays, there are tricky scams, computer hacks from afar, and those nasty ransom demands happening all the time. So, most folks wouldn't want to take the risk of using an unsupported operating system and possibly exposing their personal stuff to these troubles.
Whenever you're ready to update, feel free to do so. You have until 2025 to make the update safely. Keep in mind that technology is always changing, and time keeps moving forward. Someday, we might see Windows 10 on display in a museum and remember the good old days. Take care out there!
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