What Do You Need to Know About Windows 10 EOL? – A couple of weeks ago, I received a notification from Microsoft telling me that their support for Windows 10 would be over soon. This means there’s no update whatsoever, no security update, no feature update, nothing.
TLDR: Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 from the 25th of October 2025
What is EOL?
In a simple way, EOL, or End of Life, is part of the software lifecycle, during which the developer stops providing support and improvement after a certain amount of time. So, what would happen if the software entered EOL? The developer will stop providing support, and if the developer still exists, they will force you to buy new software.
Microsoft is pretty generous when it comes to support. They usually provide active support up to 10 years after the product’s release date.
What Support does Microsoft Give?
Microsoft commit to provide support and servicing for their products over a specified timeframe. Microsoft has 2 policies regarding its lifecycle policy:
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Mainstream Support
Mainstream Support is the first phase in the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. During this period, Microsoft provides comprehensive support for its products. This includes incident support, security update support, and non-security updates. Mainstream support is typically 5 years from the date of the product’s general availability.
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Extended Support
Extended Support is the phase following Mainstream Support. During the extended support period, Microsoft continues to offer support for its products although with some limitations. This extended support includes paid support and free security updates but no new feature requests or warranty claims
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Beyond End of Support
No new security updates, non-security updates, or support (paid or free) are provided.
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When It Will Be?
Microsoft announce that Windows 10 will enter EOL in 25th of October 2025. This announcement provides you with the essential information on the lifecycle endpoints for Microsoft Windows and helping you to plan for updates, transitions, or replacements in a timely manner.
What to Do If I Want to Stick on Windows 10?
That’s not a good idea. As Windows enter EOL, Microsoft will completely stop support, which means you can’t have security updates or feature updates. For today’s standard it’s pretty bad since every day you’re connected to the internet which poses your system into threats.
Even if you have antivirus in your system, it won’t protect you from zero-day attacks. So, you are still advised to upgrade your system to the newest version of Windows to get the latest security update.
Your Options?
Fortunately you have some options to use Windows 11. This may bit costly at the beginning but in long term you will get better protection and feature.
Upgrade to Windows 11
The first option is to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. You may be eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Yes, free! Make sure your device (PC/laptop) meets the minimum system requirements before deciding to upgrade.
You can check your device compatibility by using the PC Health Check app. Just run this app, wait for sometime until this app finish analysing your device. If your device meets the minimum system requirements you can upgrade your device, if not you better plan to buy new hardware.
Buy New Hardware
Another option is to buy new hardware. Your copy of Windows 10 may eligible for upgrade to Windows 11 but if your hardware is not then you could buy new PC/laptop before moving your copy of Windows and run upgrade.
Many newer PC/laptop is shipped with Windows 11, so you will have a good chance to get newest Windows with just buying new PC/laptop.
Extended Support from Microsoft
Last option is to ask extended support from Microsoft. This work only for big enterprise which have no burden to pay more. You will need to pay more with less support just to get your system running.
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