Will my Windows 10 computer stop working in 2025?

We have received multiple queries from our readers about Windows 10 and whether the old Windows 10 computers will cease to work after October 2025.

We look at the user query below and try to answer this for your ready reference.

When is the Windows 10 end-of-life date?

Windows 10 becomes end-of-life on 14 October 2025. So, people must consider upgrading to Windows 11 on compatible PCs or systems before 14 October 2025.

What does end-of-life date mean for Windows?

The end-of-life date reflects the date date when Microsoft will no longer provide official support, updates, or security patches for that version of the operating system. So, after Windows 10 attains end-of-life status on 14 October 2025, users will no longer receive:

1. Security updates – Patches for vulnerabilities or exploits that could pose a security risk.
2. Bug fixes – Resolution for any software-related issues or bugs.
3. Feature updates – New features, improvements, or enhancements to the operating system.

This means that, after the EOL date, Windows 10 users might become more vulnerable to cyber threats, as the system will not receive patches to fix any new vulnerabilities discovered after the support ends.

Users are encouraged to upgrade to a newer version of Windows (such as Windows 11) to continue receiving support and be on top of cyber threats and vulnerabilities detected in the operating system.

Will my Windows 10 computer stop working after October 2025?

Your Windows 10 computer will continue to work even after October 2025. But, your computer will not get any security updates or patches to resolve security vulnerabilities detected or uncovered in Windows 10 systems.

It may be pertinent to mention that Microsoft releases a monthly security bulletin every month. This security bulletin addresses security vulnerabilities detected in all Windows operating systems, including the Windows 10 operating system.

After Windows 10 become EOL or end-of-life, your access to security updates will stop. But, your computer would continue to work.

What is the downside of running Windows 10 after October 2025?

This is an interesting question. Should you continue to use Windows 10 after the operating system becomes EOL or end-of-life, you are likely to be prone to security issues.

1. You will not have access to security updates for new security vulnerabilities detected in Windows operating system after 14 October 2025.
2. Your system will not be supported by Microsoft.
3. You will not have access to any feature updates for Windows 10.

The issue with security vulnerabilities is the one that can pose maximum concern, damage and risk. Unpatched computers are prone to be exploited by hackers. This could result in:

• Identity theft
• Data theft or data breach wherein your personal and sensitive business data may be accessed by hackers or threat actors
• Your computer may be compromised and hackers may install malicious software on the computer.
• Your computer may become a part of network used for launching global DDoS or Denial of Service attacks. In other words, your computer may end up becoming a botnet.

The risks, therefore, are high of the Windows 10 computer (post EOL) being used for fraudulent purposes by hackers.

Is there a way to continue using Windows 10 safely after October 2025?

Yes, you can still continue to Windows 10 computers after October 2025 with security backing of Microsoft. For this, you would need to enroll in the ESU program for Windows 10.

ESU program refers to the Extended Security Update program offered by Microsoft. For Windows 10, the ESU program will start from October 2025. We list the main features of the ESU program for Windows 10 below:

1. The ESU program for Windows 10 will give you access to Extended Security Updates released by Microsoft.
2. The Extended Security Updates can be bought for a minimum duration of 1 year and maximum duration of 3 years. It is an annual subscription.
3. Every month, your Windows 10 computer will automatically download and apply the ESU or Extended Security Update released by Microsoft.
4. The ESU program for Windows 10 will focus on security updates to address security vulnerabilities uncovered in Windows 10 after 14 October 2025.
5. This is a paid program.
6. The charges and other terms for the ESU program for Windows 10 will be announced by Microsoft sometime next year,